5 Best Cheap Phones For Every Budget
The best cheap phones for every budget deliver premium features without overspending. Models like Google Pixel 8A, Apple iPhone 14, OnePlus 12R, Motorola Edge 2024, and Samsung Galaxy A35 offer exceptional value for money. These devices redefine what budget-friendly smartphones can achieve. With flagship-level displays, cameras, and 5G connectivity, they combine quality and affordability.
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Our Top Picks Of Best Cheap Phones Under $500
Best Cheap Android Phone for 2025
Google Pixel 8A
Best Budget iPhone for 2025
Apple iPhone 14
Best Smartphone for Battery Life
OnePlus 12R
Best Cheap Phone Design
Motorola Moto Edge (2024)
The Best Cheap Samsung Phone
Samsung Galaxy A35
Google Pixel 8A: The Best Cheap Android Phone for 2025
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on features, the Google Pixel 8A is the clear winner for 2025 , this midrange device delivers an incredible mix of value, performance, and longevity that puts it miles ahead of the competition. From cutting-edge AI capabilities to flagship-level cameras, the Pixel 8A ensures you get top-tier features without breaking the bank.
Key Specifications and Features
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G3
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Cameras: 64MP (wide), 13MP (ultrawide), 13MP (selfie)
- Battery: 4,492mAh
- Operating System: Android 14 with 7 years of OS updates
- Other Features: NFC, IP67 water resistance, wireless charging, Magic Editor, and Best Take AI tools
The Pixel 8A has been designed to appeal to users looking for a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich phone at an affordable price. It comes in gorgeous colors like Aloe, Bay, and Obsidian, adding a touch of elegance to its durable matte finish.
Why Choose the Google Pixel 8A?
- Cameras: 64MP main and 13MP ultrawide lenses with AI tools like Magic Editor and Best Take for vibrant and enhanced photos.
- Software Support: Seven years of Android updates and security patches, making it a reliable long-term choice.
- AI Features: Includes generative writing tools, Call Screen, and Assistant Voice Typing for productivity and convenience.
- Design: Compact, stylish 6.1-inch OLED display with IP67 water resistance and a durable matte finish.
- Performance: Powered by the Tensor G3 processor for smooth multitasking and efficient performance.
- Battery: A 4,492mAh battery ensures all-day usage for average needs.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable access to the Pixel ecosystem: With features inherited from the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the 8A offers outstanding value.
- Best-in-class camera capabilities for its range: Capture stunning photos with advanced AI enhancements.
- Longevity: Seven years of OS and security updates ensure your phone remains usable and secure.
- AI-driven tools: Exclusive features like Circle to Search and Magic Editor enhance productivity and creativity.
Apple iPhone 14: The Best Budget iPhone for 2025
The Apple iPhone 14 offers an unbeatable combination of premium features and affordability, making it the best value choice for those seeking a reliable iPhone experience. With a starting price of $599, the iPhone 14 and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 14 Plus, continue to stand out as exceptional options for 2025. Both models deliver long-lasting battery life, outstanding camera performance, and safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite, ensuring they remain relevant and dependable even in challenging situations.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.1-inch (14) / 6.7-inch (14 Plus) OLED, Super Retina XDR, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM/Storage: 6GB / 128GB, 256GB, 512GB options
- Cameras: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
- Battery: 3,279mAh (14) / 4,325mAh (14 Plus)
- Other Features: MagSafe, NFC, IP68 water resistance, Face ID
Why Choose the iPhone 14?
- Solid Performance: Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 delivers fast, smooth performance suitable for both everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Impressive Camera System: Equipped with 12MP main and ultrawide cameras, the iPhone 14 captures vibrant and sharp photos. The front camera’s autofocus significantly improves selfie quality, while Action Mode ensures smooth video stabilization.
- Durability and Longevity: The iPhone 14 features IP68 water resistance, a durable design, and Apple’s commitment to five years of iOS updates, ensuring the phone stays functional and secure.
- Safety Features: Innovative tools like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite provide added peace of mind during emergencies or when traveling in remote areas.
- Enhanced User Experience: The OLED display offers rich colors and sharp details, while features like Face ID and MagSafe enhance usability and convenience.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable entry to the iPhone lineup: The best choice for budget-conscious Apple enthusiasts.
- Strong battery life: The iPhone 14 lasts a full day of medium-to-heavy use, with the 14 Plus extending even further.
- Great camera quality: A versatile setup that excels in bright conditions and video stabilization.
OnePlus 12R: Best Smartphone for Battery Life
The OnePlus 12R is a standout in the midrange smartphone market, offering unbeatable battery performance, a stunning display, and flagship-level capabilities at a competitive price. With a massive 5,500mAh battery, the phone lasts nearly two full days on a single charge with average use and can be fully recharged in just 30 minutes, thanks to its 100W fast charging support. While it lacks wireless charging and full water resistance, the 12R remains a powerful choice for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264 x 2780 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM/Storage: 8GB / 16GB; 128GB / 256GB
- Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2MP macro (f/2.4), 16MP front (f/2.4)
- Battery: 5,500mAh
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14
- Other Features: IP64 water resistance, NFC, fast charging
Why Choose the OnePlus 12R?
- Epic Battery Life: The 5,500mAh battery provides unparalleled longevity, lasting nearly two days with typical usage and 18 hours in rigorous battery tests.
- Blazing Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the 12R delivers flagship-level speed for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Vibrant AMOLED Display: The 6.78-inch screen features stunning brightness, rich colors, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.
- Durable Build: While it offers IP64 water resistance for basic protection, the phone’s sleek design ensures a premium feel.
- Efficient Software: OxygenOS 14 is streamlined and bloat-free, with a promise of three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates.
Reasons to Buy
- Best-in-class battery performance: Ideal for users needing long-lasting power.
- Powerful processor: Handles demanding apps and games effortlessly.
- Large and bright display: Perfect for entertainment and productivity.
Motorola Moto Edge (2024): Best Cheap Phone Design
The Motorola Moto Edge (2024) combines affordability with thoughtful design improvements, making it a top contender for those seeking a stylish and functional budget smartphone. Priced at just $200, this phone introduces a vegan leather back for a premium look and feel, while retaining practical features like dual speakers and NFC for seamless contactless payments. The 120Hz refresh rate screen ensures smooth scrolling and a pleasant viewing experience, and its cameras deliver decent color accuracy despite some softness in details.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.5-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- RAM/Storage: 4GB / 256GB (expandable)
- Cameras: 50MP main, 2MP macro, 8MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Operating System: Android 13
- Other Features: Dual speakers, NFC, vegan leather back
Why Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024)?
- Enhanced Design: The vegan leather finish elevates the phone’s look and feel, making it stand out in its price range.
- Smooth Display: A 120Hz refresh rate provides fluid interactions, perfect for browsing and casual gaming.
- Expandable Storage: With 256GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards, the phone easily accommodates all your apps and media.
- Practical Features: NFC for contactless payments and dual speakers enhance everyday usability.
- Reliable Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery ensures the device lasts all day, even with heavy usage.
Reasons to Buy
- Budget-friendly: Offers great features at an exceptionally low price.
- Premium design: Vegan leather back adds a touch of sophistication.
- Good storage capacity: Expandable storage makes it versatile for various needs.
Samsung Galaxy A35: The Best Cheap Samsung Phone
The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers exceptional value, delivering premium features and Samsung’s signature quality at a price under $400. With a vibrant display, versatile camera setup, and solid performance, this phone is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable smartphone. While it lacks the power of flagship Galaxy S devices, the A35 strikes a fine balance between price and performance.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 resolution
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380
- RAM/Storage: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB; 128GB / 256GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 13MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Operating System: Android 14 with OneUI 6.1
- Other Features: NFC, 5G support
Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35?
- Stunning Display: The 6.6-inch AMOLED screen delivers vivid colors and excellent brightness, rivaling premium models at a fraction of the cost.
- Versatile Camera System: With a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro lens, the A35 provides a range of shooting options for casual photography.
- Long-Lasting Battery: A 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day performance, perfect for users who need their phone to last.
- Feature-Rich Software: Samsung’s OneUI 6.1 offers useful tools, customizations, and seamless hardware integration for a user-friendly experience.
Reasons to Buy
- Great display for the price: Ideal for streaming and media consumption.
- Good battery life: Reliable performance for all-day use.
- Samsung quality: Trusted design and software enhancements.
What to Look for in the Best Affordable Phones
When choosing an affordable refurbished phones, consider features and compromises for the price. Devices like the Pixel 8A, iPhone 14, OnePlus 12R, Moto G 5G (2024), and Galaxy A35 excel in battery life, cameras, displays, or software updates. The OnePlus 12R stands out for its battery, while the Pixel 8A offers advanced AI and long-term support. However, some models may use plastic builds or offer fewer software updates.
Display technology and software longevity are key. The Galaxy A35’s AMOLED screen enhances visuals, while Apple and Samsung excel in software support. Identify your priorities—battery, display, or updates—to find a budget phone that meets your needs without sacrificing quality.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cheap Phone
Try it before you buy it: Seeing a phone online is different from experiencing it firsthand. Visit a store to hold it, check its design, and test its features before committing.
Decide on Android or iPhone: Stick with your current ecosystem if you’ve invested in apps or subscriptions. Otherwise, switching platforms is manageable if you’re open to change.
Pick the most important feature: Prioritize screen size, camera quality, or battery life based on your needs. This focus will simplify your decision-making process.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Phone
Start by deciding your price range. While budget phones typically cost less than $500, there are plenty of reliable options at even lower prices. Next, prioritize the features you value most and identify areas where you’re willing to compromise. For example, you can find a budget phone with standout battery life, excellent software, or impressive durability, but rarely all three in one device.
If battery life is your top priority, OnePlus offers long-lasting power but sacrifices Samsung’s durability. For durability, Samsung devices shine, though they lack the faster charging and power of OnePlus. If cutting-edge features are essential, Google’s Pixel phones deliver but don’t match the battery life of OnePlus or the display quality of Samsung.
When Do Phones Like the iPhone or Galaxy Get Cheaper?
Apple rarely discounts its iPhones before the next edition launches. Unlike iPads or MacBooks, iPhones don’t see pre-release sales. Instead, prices drop after a new iPhone is released, making it a great time to buy an older model, especially since iPhones are built to last and maintain value.
Samsung Galaxy phones often go on sale periodically throughout the year, with the best discounts typically happening at launch or shortly after. While some discounts appear a month before the next Galaxy release, prices don’t always drop significantly when new models arrive, so grab a deal when you find one.
Google’s Pixel phones are most affordable during the November holiday shopping season. Once prices hit their holiday low, that’s usually the best deal you’ll find for a while, so it’s worth buying during that time unless you find an even better offer.
How We Test Budget Phones
We evaluate budget phones like the Pixel 8A, iPhone 14, OnePlus 12R, Moto G 5G (2024), and Galaxy A35 with the same rigor as flagship devices. Real-world usage forms the cornerstone of our tests, including messaging, gaming, streaming, photography, and daily navigation. These devices serve as our primary phone for weeks to ensure they deliver value for their price. For quantitative analysis, we use tools like Geekbench for speed, 3DMark for graphics, and battery benchmarks under controlled conditions, such as continuous web surfing at 150 nits of brightness. We also assess marketing claims to ensure the features match real-world expectations.
Camera evaluations involve taking multiple shots in varied lighting conditions—outdoor, indoor, and low light—and comparing them with similarly priced models. Features like 5G connectivity, battery performance, and software support are scrutinized. For instance, the OnePlus 12R excels with its 18-hour battery life and rapid charging, while the Galaxy A35 offers a vibrant AMOLED display but slower charging speeds. These tests ensure our recommendations strike the perfect balance between performance, features, and cost-effectiveness.
Best Cheap Phones FAQs
Can you find these phones on sale? Yes, phones like the Pixel 8A, OnePlus 12R, and Galaxy A35 often go on sale during events like Black Friday. Waiting for these discounts can save you a significant amount.
Are these phones available unlocked? Yes, most models, including the Moto G 5G (2024) and iPhone 14, are sold unlocked, allowing you to use them with various carriers by simply inserting your SIM card.
Are these phones good for kids? Yes, these budget phones are great for kids or teens. However, parental controls and restrictions should be set up to ensure a safe and appropriate experience.
Conclusion: Best Cheap Phones for All Budgets
After exploring and using models like the Pixel 8A, iPhone 14, OnePlus 12R, Moto G 5G (2024), and Galaxy A35, it’s clear that budget phones now offer impressive features without compromising quality. From long-lasting batteries in the OnePlus 12R to the advanced AI tools in the Pixel 8A and vibrant displays of Samsung devices, there’s something for every need and price point. Each phone strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making them excellent choices for their respective price ranges.
While these phones cater to different priorities, they all deliver exceptional value for their cost. Whether you’re looking for a kid’s first phone, a device with strong software support, or one with standout cameras, these models fit the bill. Testing each device highlighted how far budget smartphones have come, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable, feature-packed phone.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and reflects personal opinions on popular cheap phones. It may contain affiliate links that generate commissions if purchases are made. Always research thoroughly before making any luxury or investment purchase.
