Don't let ultra-premium flagships distract you: budget phones offer the best value for the average user. To simplify your search, we break our guide down into 'affordable' devices (under $500) and 'cheap' devices ($300 or less).
I’ve completely refreshed this lineup to include TechRadar’s latest top-rated arrivals: the iPhone 17e, Google Pixel 10a, and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. We’ve also kept a few stellar legacy picks from our former US Phones Editor, Philip Berne, that still deserve your consideration.
For the Apple crowd, options remain limited next to the endless sea of Androids. Aside from the new iPhone 17e, you’re stuck looking at older generations, which don't offer the best longevity for your investment. Check out our full, reviewed-and-tested list below to find the best cheap phone for your needs.
The best cheap phone
✅ Most generic phones bore you: The (4a) Pro’s well-built aluminum unibody and customizable Glyph Matrix make it one of the most distinctive and personalizable phones in its class.
✅ You're looking for flagship style for less: The immersive 6.83-inch OLED screen and nearly bezel-free design offer a premium look and feel without breaking the bank. A 144Hz refresh rate sweetens the display package.
❌ You want class-leading cameras: While good, Nothing Phone (4a) Pro's cameras don't reach the same photography highs as the Pixel 10a and iPhone 17e. The phone produces nicely detailed photos but can oversaturate and serve up pale colors.
❌ Extreme battery longevity is a must: While battery life is decent, the (4a) Pro can’t keep up with endurance leaders like the OnePlus 13R or CMF Phone 2 Pro.
With the CMF Phone by Nothing line seemingly coming to and ned, we've replaced the CMF Phone 2 Pro with the more expensive but still value-conscious Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.
It's a heck of a looke, with it standing out instantly with its aluminum unibody build and the signature Glyph Matrix on the back, a look and feel that set it apart from the crowd. The Glyph Matrix isn’t just a visual flourish; it doubles as a customizable notification system, letting you assign unique patterns and light shows for calls, messages, or app alerts.
This is all very nice, but thankfully the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro doesn't just offer a surface-level appeal. It's 6.83-inch LTPS flexible AMOLED display really impressed our review Josh Russell. And the use of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 gives the Phone (4a) Pro enough performance for most tasks and gaming, even outpacing the Samsung Galaxy A56.
While the camera systems is well-specced, especially with a 3.5x telephoto lens, Russell found that in his testing the cameras did deliver some overexposed photos with pale colors, noting the Phone (4a) Pro produced "weirdly divergent shots from the exact same lighting conditions". The cameras aren't bad by any means, but you might want to look at the Pixel 10a for a better photography experience at this price range.
Battery life was similarly underwhelming, with the 5,080mAh capacity lasting a decent time but well below Nothing's estimates of 17 hours of combined usage. Putting this claim to the test, Russell set the Phone (4a) Pro to streaming 2K video for hours on end, and after six hours found the battery level had dropped to 56%, which means he expected the phone to last around 13 hours 40 minutes in total.
Other minor wrinkles is the slightly weak IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as the need for US buyers need to be mindful that some of the fasted 5G bands won't be supported by every carrier.
However, great minimalist software with some unique features, a desing that feel fresh, and plenty of performance for a sub-$500 price, means the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a worthy entry on this list, especially for people looking for an alternative affordable Android phone.
Read our full Nothing Phone (4a) Pro review
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
Design |
Both stylishly understated and utterly singular, huge yet perfectly ergonomic, slim yet robustly built. |
5/5 |
Display |
Absolutely enormous and wonderfully bright, crisp even if it’s not quite as high resolution as some flagships. Colors less vibrant than the best phones though. |
4/5 |
Software |
OS is simple to use, feeling slick and streamlined. Can engage with AI tools as much or as little as you like. Glyph Matrix tools both fun and surprisingly useful. |
4.5/5 |
Cameras |
Crisp detail, decent black levels and impressive night photography. But inconsistent exposure levels and muted hues hold it back from greatness. |
3.5/5 |
Performance |
Strong chipset and RAM options for a mid-range phone, handles multi-tasking and gaming without noticeable issues, and stays impressively chill under heavy workloads. |
4/5 |
Battery life |
With its 5,080mAh capacity, the battery lasts a good long while, although it fell a little short of Nothing’s estimates. 50W fast-charging topped it up super fast though. |
4/5 |
The best cheap iPhone
✅ You want affordable access to Apple's ecosystem: iPhone 17e comes with iOS 26 out of the box and all the features it offers, including compatibility with all the products iOS supports at a non-premium price. And unlike its predecessor, the iPhone 17e also comes with MagSafe.
✅ You're tired of paying for storage upgrades: With 256GB as standard, the iPhone 17e doubles last year’s starting storage —meaning more room for apps, photos, and videos without paying for upgrades.
❌ You regularly take ultra-wide photos: The single rear camera means you miss out on ultra-wide and telephoto options, limiting versatility compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 10a.
❌ You want a high-refresh rate display: Unlike rival affordable Android phones, Apple has left the iPhone 17e with a 60Hz display, which can feel sluggish by today's standards.
The iPhone 17e is Apple’s latest go-to choice for people who want Phone flagship features on a budget. The latest affordable iPhone comes with a chip upgrade in the form of the speedy A19, which should offer plenty of power for all manner of mobile tasks.
In our Geekbench 6.5 testing, the iPhone 17e got a single-core score of 3,606 and a multi-core score of 9,292, which nearly matches that of the standard iPhone 17. In daily use, the iPhone 17e feels equally snappy whether juggling social apps, games, or streaming.
MagSafe compatibility is also on offer, which means access to a suite of magnetic accessories. And with the starting storage amount now doubled to 256GB without a boost in starting price, the iPhone 17e is a more attractive proposition than the iPhone 16e was.
Apple claims up to 26 hours of battery life, and our real-world use backs that up: the iPhone 17e easily lasts through a full day of use, even with busy tasks, with power to spare.
There is an obvious trade-off in the overall iPhone 17e package: the single rear-camera means you miss out on the ultra-wide and telephoto options found on pricier iPhones and many Android competitors. For buyers who rely on versatile photography, this is the one clear compromise in an otherwise solidly featured package.
Stacked against rivals like the Pixel 10a, Samsung Galaxy A56, and OnePlus 13R, the iPhone 17e stands with the iOS ecosystem, MagSafe, and high-performance chip. The Pixel and Samsung phones offer more camera flexibility, while the OnePlus 13R wins on battery life.
But if Apple’s ecosystem and MagSafe are must-haves, the 17e is the clear choice for people on a budget.
Read our full Apple iPhone 17e review
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
Design |
Identical design to the iPhone 16e, with a new Soft Pink color option. |
4 / 5 |
Display |
A great display, even with a notch and 60Hz refresh rate. |
4 / 5 |
Camera |
While there's just one lens, the 48-megapixel camera is plenty capable for 1x and 2x shots, plus you can add depth effects after the fact. |
4 / 5 |
Software |
iOS 26 feels plenty fresh on the iPhone 17e, and the budget iPhone can take full advantage of the software. |
4 / 5 |
Performance |
The A19 chip offers stellar performance, and gives us no concerns about longevity. |
4.5 / 5 |
Battery |
Still lasts all day, but no improvement here. |
5 / 5 |
Value |
Apple's budget iPhone is better than even before, and keeps the same price |
5 / 5 |
The best cheap Samsung phone
✅ You want a large display without spending top dollar
The Samsung Galaxy A56's has a 6.7-inch display that is expansive and rivals itsflagship siblings, producing a vibrant, immersive experience.
✅ You want a jack-of-all-trades phone
The A56 is an all-around winner, with a great design, stellar display, solid cameras and long battery life. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile phone.
❌ You're a serious mobile gamer
While the Galaxy A56 can handle most gaming, it’s not made for heavy sessions or the most intense games. If you need high frame rates, look elsewhere.
❌ You want the best AI tools
The Galaxy A56 has Samsung's basic AI features, but if you’re looking for a cutting-edge AI phone, you’ll need to shell out more for the Galaxy S26 or the Pixel 10 phones.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the rare budget phone that feels like a full-blown flagship. It exudes class with a premium metal and glass design. It's also impressively durable, with an IP67 rating for water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the screen.
That premium feeling continues when you turn it on. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is simply fantastic for this price, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This is a phone built for the real world, and its battery delivers. The huge 5,000mAh battery easily lasted a full day of heavy use in our testing.
The software is one of the most impressive aspects, offering an exceptionally clean, user-friendly experience without the bloatware that plagues other budget phones. It’s packed with useful customizations and even inherits flagship features like the "Now Bar." This complements the impressive camera system, which produces sharp, natural, and well-balanced photos from its 50MP main lens. It's a feature-rich and reliable shooter that performs admirably, even in low light.
While the A56 isn't built for high-end mobile gamers, it’s the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. But the single best reason this is a top pick is the incredible long-term value. Samsung promises six years of software and security updates, a commitment almost unheard of at this price. It’s a well-balanced, premium-feeling phone that will last you for years to come.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy A56 review
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
Value |
The Samsung Galaxy A series is consistently one of the best cheap phones on the market and the A56 is no different. Offering excellence across the board on a budget, it's easy to recommend – though the upcoming Pixel 9a is the same price in the US and UK. |
4.5 / 5 |
Display |
The Samsung Galaxy A56’s display is bright, vibrant and smooth – rivalling even flagship screens. While it isn't the brightest display at a 1,900-nit peak, it’s a very high-quality panel for a budget device. |
4.5 / 5 |
Design |
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is frankly a beautiful, well-built device. It's also durable against accidental drops, water and dust, which is impressive at this price. |
5 / 5 |
Software |
Running Samsung’s One UI, the A56 offers a clean, user-friendly experience packed with useful features. There's no bloatware that plagues many other budget phones, and there's even a helpful suite of AI tools. |
4.5 / 5 |
Camera |
The A56 delivers excellent photos with natural colors and sharp details, excelling in both daylight and low-light conditions. Its feature-rich camera app offers plenty of options, making it a strong choice for casual photographers. |
4 / 5 |
Performance |
The A56 is a solid all-rounder, handling everyday tasks with ease. However, it falls short of similarly priced competition, and is simply not an option for mobile gamers – struggling on even the lowest settings. |
3.5 / 5 |
Battery |
With a 5,000mAh battery, the A56 easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. While its 45W charging isn’t the fastest, it’s a big step up from its predecessor, making for a reliable all-day companion. |
4 / 5 |
The best cheap Pixel
✅ You a smart smartphone for under $500: I'd argue the Pixel 10a offers some of the most compelling AI feature in the current crop of phones for a price that's hard to beat. This is a proper AI phone for under $500.
✅ You want a durable phone that will last a while: The Pixel 10a looks simple but is built well, and with seven years of major Android OS and security updates it's designed to last on the software side.
❌ You want the best in phone design: The Pixel 10a isn't ugly, but it's pretty uninspiring on the design front. Hardly a deal-breaker but the Pixel 10a isn't going to win any phone design awards in my opinion.
❌ You have a Pixel 9a: Unlike some prior generations, the Pixel 10a offers very little in the way proper, needle-shifting upgrades over the 9a. So if you have the latter phone, hold fire on snapping up the 10a.
The Google Pixel 10a proves you don't really need to spend a lot to get most of the flagship Pixel experience. While the 10a lacks a telephoto camera, its combination of a main and ultra-wide camera array, with all the smart processing and balanced color science Google uses, makes for one of the best camera phones for under $500.
Add in the Tensor G4 to power a whole host of AI and Gemini features, and you've got a phone that snaps at a lot of what high-end phones offer for a compelling price. It won't monster benchmarks or make for the best gaming phone, but the Pixel 10a is no slouch.
A few nips and tucks over the Pixel 9a now means the cameras sit flush to the back of the phone, which we found to be a nice design change. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i helps boost the scratch-resistance of the Pixel 10a over its predecessors, but we never found that to be much of a scratch-magnet either. But a lack of other meaningful changes means you don't need to rush out and get this cheaper Pixel if you have the Pixel 9a.
If the Pixel 10a was a little cheaper it would be my (Roland Moore-Colyer) pick for the best cheap phone overall, but as it stands it's still very much a great choice for an Android phone that won't break the bank.
Read our full Google Pixel 10a review
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
Design |
An ergonomic, premium feeling phone with a fully flush design. |
4.5 / 5 |
Display |
The 6.3-inch Actua display here definetly punches above the price point, and was great indoors or outdoors. |
4 / 5 |
Camera |
It's unchanged, but the 10a still offers a flexible main and ultra-wide camera system. |
4 / 5 |
Software |
Out of the box, the 10a provides a simple Android 16 expereince that still puts AI features at the center. |
4 / 5 |
Performance |
The Tensor G4 isn't brand new, but you likely won't notice it with daily use. |
4 / 5 |
Battery |
No PixelSnap is a disappointment, but the 10a lasts even longer than the 9a. |
4 / 5 |
Value |
With an excellent feature, and the same starting price, the 10a remains one of the best value options. |
5 / 5 |
Best foldable you can get for a 'budget' price
✅ You want affordable foldable phone: Foldable phones aren't cheap at the moment, but the Motorola Razr 2026 represents the most affordable yet quality foldable phone around.
✅ You want great design: Motorola has rarely failed in recent years when it comes to making attractive foldable phones; the Motorola Razr 2026 is no exception.
❌ You regularly take telephoto shots: Move on, the Motorola Razr 2026 hasn't got a telephoto camera.
❌ You want the best specs: A MediaTek Dimensity 7450X won't let most people down, but if you're after the fastest of phones performance, you'll need to look further up the flagship phone chain.
Okay, while $799.99 blitzes past our definition of budget phone, having spoken to Phones Editor Axel Metz, we've decided to include the latest Motorola Razr on this list as the most affordable foldable phone we feel is worth your attention.
I's got a great display, decent performance, solid cameras, and an attractive design, Sure, it won't blow the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 out of the water for power and slick design, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper and comes with a very clean take on Android. Plus Motorola has a reputation for making great mid-range phones; something that's lived up in our testing.
Over to reviewer and former TechRadar luminary to conclude: luminary John McCann conclude, with the caveat that it doesn't add much on its predecessor, so if you have that phone don't rush to upgrade: "The Motorola Razr 2026 is a great flip phone when compared to rival foldables of a similar price. The design is lovely, the cover screen is wonderfully intuitive across a wide range of apps, and the battery comfortably lasts a day."
Read our full Motorola Razr 2026 review
Attribute |
Notes |
Score |
Value |
This is the most affordable current-gen flip phone. If you love the form factor, it’s a great introductory model at this price. |
4/5 |
Design |
Lovely compact design that looks smart and feels great in the hand. You also get a protective case in the box. |
4.5/5 |
Display |
The exterior display is genuinely usable, while the large foldable display provides plenty of real estate. |
4/5 |
Cameras |
Reasonable camera performance and clever use of the flip design for crisp selfies, but not best-in-class photography. |
3.5/5 |
Performance |
Performance is good enough for most tasks, but there are signs of slow down with more intensive use. |
3.5/5 |
Software |
As close to stock Android as you’ll get outside of Google’s Pixel devices, and fantastic cover screen integration makes it a joy to use. |
4.5/5 |
Battery |
The sizable battery gives you over a day of use between chargers, but overall performance is similar to that of its predecessor. |
4.5/5 |
FAQs
When does the iPhone (or Galaxy) get cheaper?
Different phone makers drop prices at different times. Apple almost never drops the price of the iPhone before the next edition is launched. It doesn't get the discount sales that the iPad and Macbook might get before the next big thing arrives. Instead, you have to wait for the new iPhone, and then the older iPhone comes down in price. It's still worth buying then, because iPhone devices last a long time.
Samsung's Galaxy phones usually see periodic sales throughout the year. The best discounts happen at launch or soon after, but you may see a discount a month or so before the next Galaxy launches. Samsung keeps its phones around when the next big thing arrives, but they don't always drop in price then, so take advantage of a discount when you see one.
Google's Pixel phones fluctuate in price throughout the year, but they usually hit a low price around the November holiday shopping season, and that's the lowest price we'll see for a while. Once that bottom is established, that's the price you should pay (unless you find it cheaper).
What is the best cheap phone, whether iPhone or Android?
The best cheap iPhone is the iPhone 17e, which we feel offers just about enought specs and modernity for its price; it's not a slam-dunk bargain but it's a way to get a new but affordable iphone.
The best cheap Android is the Pixel 10a, because it gives you all of Google's Pixel AI features, plus great photos, on a phone for less than $500. The OnePlus 13R is also a great option with incredible battery life, and it's especially cheap if you also have a phone to trade.
How to choose the best cheap phone
If you are looking for a cheap phone, you'll need to first decide on your price range. Our bargain phones cost less than $500, but there are plenty of options that are even cheaper. Then you need to decide what is most important, and what you can sacrifice. You can find a cheap phone with top-notch software features, extra-long battery life, or impressive durability, but usually not all three.
If battery life is the most important thing, choose OnePlus and give up on Samsung's features and durability. If durability is key, choose a Samsung phone, but know that OnePlus charges faster and is more powerful. If the latest features are important, look at the Google Pixel, but it won't have the impressive display of the Samsung devices.
Do I need a name brand phone from Apple, Samsung or Google?
You can find a good device cheap from an unfamiliar phone maker, but the question is what happens when something goes wrong? No matter which iPhone, Galaxy or Pixel you buy, you know who to call if you have questions or if it breaks. Apple, Samsung and Google, respectively, all have a reliable track record, and they operate locally so you won't have to ship a broken phone internationally for repairs.
Before you buy an off-brand phone, see if they have a customer service number you can call, and check what the warranty covers and how they handle repairs. That's the worst case scenario, so it's best to be aware in advance.
The other advantage is software updates. Google offers seven years of updates on the Pixel 9a, starting from 2025, and Apple will support each iPhone for at least five years from when it launched. Samsung supports its Galaxy S phones for seven years, but not the Galaxy A phones.
Should I buy a used phone?
I would personally avoid used phones right now, unless you are buying from the most trustworthy source. While you might find an iPhone 15 cheap on Swappa or eBay, you can't be sure that the phone you get is what it claims. If that iPhone broke, was it repaired by Apple, or was it repaired by a company like uBreakiFix, which might swap premium parts, like the display, with sub-par tech for cheap? I would rather get a cheap new phone I can rely upon than buy a used phone and hope I don't encounter shenanigans.
How we test
- Review period: At least one week, usually 2-4 weeks or longer
- Testing includes: web browsing, photo editing, social media, photography, gaming, streaming video, audio playback, writing documents, being creative
- Tools used: 3D Mark: Original, 3D Mark:Extreme, 3D Mark: Slingshot Extreme (unlimited), Geekbench 6.2.2, Geekbench, Crossmark, proprietary tests
We test cheap phones the same way we test all smartphones, by using them as our primary device over a period of weeks. We judge these phones based on what they deliver for the price, so we aren't expecting top performance and professional photographs, but we do expect high quality, because even a cheap phone is an expensive investment.
We use these phones for messaging, phone calls, listening to music and audio, and browsing the web. We watch videos, play games, and use these phones in our cars for navigation and music. We use these phones for work and personal business.
We also test these phones in Future Labs, where they undergo rigorous and scientific testing for performance, display quality, battery life, and much more. We use colorimeter equipment to understand display quality, electrical testing gear to understand charging and battery performance, and other quantitative tools. All phones are given the same benchmark testing and real world expectations.
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