Our pick for the best bargain phone just dropped to its lowest-ever price on Amazon

You don't need to pay $1,000 or more for a top-rated smartphone these days. Right now, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that hold their own, including this Google Pixel 10a at Amazon for $449 (was $499).

The Google Pixel 10a is our pick for the top bargain phone in our guide to the best phones you can buy right now. A saving of $50 may not look like much of a price cut upfront, but it's the lowest price we've seen so far for the Android smartphone.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a similarly feature-packed phone for less than $500, so it's nice to see deals even outside of the holiday season. If you need the extra storage, you can also get $50 off on the 256GB version and pick it up for $549 (was $599).

Today's best budget phone deal

Google Pixel 10a: was $499 now $449 at Amazon

The Google Pixel 10a is our pick for the best bargain phone for its balance between affordability and functionality. It features a Tensor G4 processor and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which offers solid performance at this price point. You also get a Gorilla Glass 7i screen for better drop protection and scratch resistance. The flat back, a technological marvel, also lets you lay it flush against a table and take pictures just as well as (if not better than) any other "bumpy" budget phone. For $50 off, you can get this smooth and affordable smartphone for its lowest price yet, or even upgrade to 256GB of storage for $549 (was $599).

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As our reviewer puts it, the Google Pixel 10a proves that "you don't need big upgrades to make a great phone." The most noticeable difference between it and the Pixel 9a is the flat back, removing the camera bump entirely so it can lie completely flush against surfaces.

Even without significant upgrades to the hardware, it brings back effective and cost-effective components from the 9a, too. The Tensor G4 processor and 120Hz screen performed well with speedy, lag-free navigation during testing. As a bonus, the 10a upgrades from Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 7i for better drop protection and scratch resistance.

We also highlight the two cameras, long battery life, and "fun colors" like Berry and Lavender, among other strengths, in our Google Pixel 10a review.

The Google Pixel 10a is mentioned in many of our best-of lists, including our best Android phones and best cheap phones. If you're curious about similar options, you can read about the differences between the Google Pixel 10a and Google Pixel 9a or even compare between the best Pixel phones.