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Affordable pricestelephonethey are better than ever. Sure, you can still find plenty of flimsy devices with out-of-date software, but if you do some digging, there are plenty of great foldables and smartphones out there that perform much better than their low prices suggest. If you're shopping on a budget, we're here to help.
We've rounded up the best phones you can typically buy for $300 or less at carrier stores, and we've broken down all the key features to look for when shopping. We've put these phones through the same rigorous testing process as much more expensive flagships, so you can rest easy knowing one of the following is worth owning. Read our top tips followed by what to consider when buying a cheap phone.
This week's best phone deals *
- Unlocked Google Pixel 6 5G 256GB Phone (Opens in a new window)—$ 631,31(list price $699)
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Opens in a new window)—$ 399,99(List Price $449.99)
- Motorola Moto G Power 64GB Unlocked Phone (Opens in a new window)—$ 129,95(List Price $249.99)
- Apple Phone iPhone 12 Pro Max 256 GB Unlocked (Refurbished)(Opens in a new window)—$ 679,00(list price $1,099)
- OnePlus 10 Pro 5G 128GB Unlocked AMOLED Phone (Opens in a new window)—$ 599,99(List Price $799.99)
*Offers are selected by our commercial team
Galaxia A32 5G
The best affordable 5G phone
4.5 Excellent
why we chose it
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers excellent battery life and a stunning design that should win over anyone looking for an affordable smartphone. It has surprisingly strong specs and a better than you might expect camera setup; You get a 48MP primary sensor, along with an 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor.
who is that for
If you're happy with how Samsung looks and don't want to spend a lot of money on a flagship Android phone, this is probably your best bet. You won't find a better option under $300 with the same imaging capabilities. And 5G connectivity means the A32 can take advantage of some of the fastest network speeds around.
BENEFITS
- nice design
- Durable Gorilla Glass 5 display
- Compatible cameras
- Long duration battery
- Impressive performance for the price.
- Excellent software update policy
OPPOSITE
- low resolution screen
- mediocre speaker
- The back panel is easily scratched
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | $279,99 | $279,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our Samsung Galaxy A32 5G review
motorola motorola e
Best smartphone for less than €150
4.0 Excellent
why we chose it
The Motorola Moto e dominates the sub-$150 space with its 32GB of expandable storage. Aside from so-so camera performance and a less vibrant display, we don't have any major complaints. That's really all you could want from a phone that costs so little.
who is that for
If you need a smartphone with basic functionality and don't mind all the bells and whistles you get with more expensive phones, then look no further. At $150 (or even less on sale), the Moto e is a no-brainer.
BENEFITS
- solid performance
- Long duration battery
- surprisingly good sound
- durable construction
OPPOSITE
- mediocre camera performance
- Screen could be sharper
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazonas | $ 149,99 | $ 119,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
| walmart | $ 149,99 | $ 119,00 | Check Inventory (Opens in a new window) |
| motorola mobility | $ 149,99 | $ 149,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our Motorola Moto review and
Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
Best for battery life
4.0 Excellent
why we chose it
We put every phone we test through an intense battery drain test to see how long it lasts compared to the competition. In the affordable range, no phone beats the Moto G Power's 16 hours and 7 minutes. That alone would be reason enough for this sub-$200 phone to make the cut, but its 90Hz display and other features make it stand out.
who is that for
If you're worried about your phone running out before the end of the day, this is the device for you. Even high-end phones rarely offer the incredible battery life of the Moto G Power, making it ideal for anyone who needs to extend the time between charges.
BENEFITS
- Long duration battery
- solid performance
- 90 Hz Bildwiederholfrequenz
OPPOSITE
- Comes with Android 11
- Noticeable pixelation on 720p screen
- Audio below expectations
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazonas | $ 199,99 | $ 169,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our Motorola Moto G Power (2022) review
OnePlus norte N20
The best cheap phone with fast charging
4.0 Excellent
why we chose it
OnePlus has had some issues of late, but the company still makes some fantastic phones with some of the fastest charging speeds around. We like the Nord N20 because it comes with 33W charging, which is faster than most other budget smartphones.
who is that for
If you often find yourself with a dead phone battery at the end of the day and don't want to be slowed down by a charger, the Nord N20 is a worthwhile option. In our tests, we managed to get the phone to charge to 14% in seven minutes and to 50% in just 27 minutes. Those are impressive results for the price.
BENEFITS
- Smooth and elegant software
- clear design
- Excellent battery life
- Supports fast charging
- Has a headphone jack and a microSD card slot
OPPOSITE
- Limited camera features
- No upgrade path for OxygenOS 13
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazonas | $229,99 | $229,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
| mobile tee | $ 282,00 | $ 282,00 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our OnePlus Nord N20 review
Nokia 6300 4G
The Best Affordable Dual SIM Phone
4.0 Excellent
why we chose it
The Nokia 6300 blurs the line between a smartphone and a basic voice phone. However, one thing is for sure; It's incredibly affordable and its dual SIM capability makes it ideal for world travelers.
who is that for
If you prefer real-world experiences to fancy smartphones, but still want to stay connected on the go, the Nokia 6300 is the phone for you. It gives you access to some smartphone apps, but more importantly it allows you to use two SIM cards at the same time. That means you can hit the road and get cell service (albeit 4G) anywhere.
BENEFITS
- Doble SIM
- Extensive carrier support for 4G and Wi-Fi calling
- Speech to text support
- Native WhatsApp Client
OPPOSITE
- No popular US music streaming services
- Poor group text support
- KaiOS is slow
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| walmart | $ 79,00 | $ 64,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
| nokia | $ 69,99 | $ 64,99 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our Nokia 6300 4G review
Nokia 225 4G
The best ultra cheap voice phone
3.5 birth
why we chose it
Not everyone wants apps and distractions on their phone. Some people want a device that can only make calls and not much else. We chose the Nokia 225 4G because it handles calls very well for around $50. It has a familiar layout that should be comfortable for anyone who remembers using a basic feature phone years ago, and it has a few modern updates to keep it fresh.
who is that for
This phone is perfect for seniors or anyone else who doesn't need a smartphone. It's the best choice for anyone who wants to carry a device with them in an emergency or wants to keep in touch with friends and loved ones through voice messages.
BENEFITS
- small and light
- Easy to use
- Sync Android Contacts
OPPOSITE
- no wifi
- Although it's technically on, it only works on the T-Mobile network
- No Band 71 support
- Group messages are a disaster.
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazonas | $49,97 | $49,97 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our Nokia 225 4G review
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The best affordable new iPhone
3.5 birth
why we chose it
You can't reasonably talk about the best phones in any category without including an iPhone. Yes, the iPhone SE is over the $300 mark so we think it's affordable, but that's the price you have to pay for a new iPhone. Still, it's a fantastic phone for Apple fans who aren't willing to shell out $800 or more for the latest iPhone models.
who is that for
If you like Apple products but don't want to spend a lot of money on a high-end iPhone, you should be happy with the iPhone SE. Sure, it doesn't come with the latest chip or camera system, but it's still a reasonably priced iPhone. And when you factor in carrier incentives, you can often find this phone for under $200 (as long as you don't mind paying for it monthly over time).
BENEFITS
- The cheapest new iPhone
- fast performance
- Supports 5G mid-band from T-Mobile and Verizon
- Longer battery life than the previous model
OPPOSITE
- outdated body design
- No night mode on the camera
- Lacks support for AT&T's 3.45GHz mid-band 5G
- The shortest battery life of any current iPhone model
| Sold by | List price | Preis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazonas | $429,00 | $429,00 | View (opens in a new window) |
| Apple.com | $429,00 | $429,00 | View (opens in a new window) |
Read our review of the Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Buyer's Guide: The best cheap phones for 2023
What do you need in a cheap smartphone?
While budget phones don't have all the benefits that flagship or mid-range models offer, that doesn't mean you can't find a perfectly capable device to suit your needs. Let's start with the features that we consider absolutely essential. Please note that most of these recommendations apply to smartphones; If you're looking for a foldable phone, a lot of these tips don't apply.
Battery duration:There are a lot of variables to consider when it comes to battery life, but ultimately you want your phone to last at least until the end of the day. If you're buying a phone with a screen smaller than 6 inches, look for a battery capacity of 3500 mAh or more. For phones with larger screens, look for a battery with a minimum capacity of 4500 mAh.
chipset:In Qualcomm's busy lineup of processors, avoid anything below a Snapdragon 480 unless it's a foldable or voice phone. Mediatek's Dimensity 700 range is also good, though the company's Helio range is a bit less appealing.
Compatibility:Before you buy, decide if you are readyGet on the 5G trainor if you prefer to stick with LTE. Whichever you choose, make sure your phone has the proper band support for your carrier. Search for 5G and LTE bands by phone model number, not name. Once you have a list of bands, you can check out this helpful articleWith a phone jack(Opens in a new window)to make sure the phone works with your carrier. You should also find out if your phone supports the bands that best suit your needs. For example, T-Mobile customers in rural areas should opt for a phone withLTE-Band 71Support while Verizon customers need to searchC band coverageon 5G phones.
Connectivity:Connectivity has a huge impact on call quality and data speed. Most of the time, you should choose a phone with Qualcomm X12 or higher Modem. If you're looking for flip phones, make sure the modem has Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWIFI), and Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) for the best call quality. You should also look for 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 or higher.
Work system:The current version of Android isandroid 12, but few budget phones have that. Do not go beyond Android 10 for security and compatibility reasons. Don't assume a cheap phone eitherforeverGet an Android version update no matter what the manufacturer says.
TO DEFEAT:Simply put, the more RAM the better. For phones under $200, look for at least 4GB of RAM. If you're willing to spend more, make sure you get at least 6 GB.
Save to computer:Just like RAM, you can't have too much memory. Look for at least 32GB of storage on phones under $200, and make sure your phone has a microSD slot. If you're going to spend more, go for a phone with at least 64GB of storage, preferably with a microSD slot.
Moto G PowerSteven Winkelman
After reviewing the essential features, look for additional benefits. Keep in mind that you won't find many of these features on most budget phones, but we expect some to disappear over time.
Cameras with multiple lenses:Most affordable phones come with loads of multi-lens cameras that let you capture wide-angle and macro shots. For the most part, these phones can take solid photos with their main and wide-angle cameras if you have a steady hand and good light. Macro lenses are almost always terrible.
NFC:NFC is slowly making its way into the affordable phone market. It's a great feature as contactless payments are becoming more and more popular.
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Stereo speakers:A handful of budget phones come with stereo speakers and even advanced features like custom tuning and Dolby audio. While no phone sounds as good as oneAlt-Falante Bluetooth Barato, it's definitely a single driver update.
Splash resistance:We haven't seen an offer with an employee yetIP protection), a handful of affordable phones are now spill resistant. They are usually treated with a nano coating like P2i and will hold up to rain and other small splashes, but not a drop in the pool.
Reinforced glass:If you're spending more than $100 on a phone, it should have reinforced glass to protect the screen from cracks and scratches. Gorilla Glass 3 seems to be the standard for most budget models, but we've seen a few with Gorilla Glass 5. In general, each generation of Gorilla Glass is smoother than the last; Phones with Gorilla Glass 5 screens are less likely to shatter if dropped, but they're also more likely to pick up fine scratches.
What is the cheapest iPhone?
You may notice that we made a price exception here for the $429iPhone SE. If you're looking for an affordable new iPhone, this is what you need. If you only have $200, buy a used oneiPhone 8. Don't go ahead; Older models may lose compatibility with newer onesiOSReleases in the next year or two. For more information, check out our detailed tourwhich iphone to buy.
The iPhone SE starts at $429, but it's the cheapest new iPhone you can buy (Image credit: Molly Flores)
Finally, check out our stories.best cheap phone plansmihow to get the best price for a new cell phone. We also have a few other options available in our story about thebest cell phones for seniors. And we're adding new phones to this roundup as we review them, so check back soon.
FAQs
Which phone is best and low price? ›
- Best budget camera: Google Pixel 6a – check price.
- Best design: Nothing Phone (1) – check price.
- Best for fast charging: Realme 9 Pro Plus – check price.
- Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE (2022) – check price.
- Best big screen: Poco X5 Pro 5G – check price.
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Xiaomi 13 Pro.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 5G.
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
- vivo X80 Pro 5G.
- OnePlus 11.
The Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart3 are two of the easiest phones to use, due to their simple menus, voice commands, and accessibility features. Additionally, the Alcatel GO FLIP 4 has a simple design that anyone could pick up and use.
Which phone is best with price? ›- ₹ 119,900. Croma. ₹119,900 ❯ ...
- ₹ 33,165. ₹33,165 ❯ OnePlus 8T. ...
- ₹ 116,990. Croma. ₹116,990 ❯ ...
- ₹ 44,999. ₹44,999 ❯ Croma. ...
- ₹ 104,999. ₹104,999 ❯ Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G. ...
- ₹ 42,499. ₹42,499 ❯ Google Pixel 6. Google Tensor Processor. ...
- ₹ 36,460. ₹36,460 ❯ OnePlus 9. Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Processor. ...
- ₹ 30,994.
Samsung and OnePlus have launched new devices, but we're still expecting new phones from Apple, Google and others. Lisa Eadicicco is a senior editor for CNET covering mobile devices. She has been writing about technology for almost a decade.
Which cell phones will stop working next year? ›All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you're with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, this may affect your phone, your home alarm system, or even your car.
Which is the best Android phone? ›The Pixel 7 offers the best version of Android, with guaranteed security updates through fall 2027—plus the best Android smartphone camera we've ever tested. It also has excellent build quality and costs half as much as Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra.
What is the simplest Android phone? ›Doro 8050: Best simple smartphone for ease of use
The Doro 8050 uses the Android operating system, meaning you can download apps from the Google Play Store if you want to. The phone includes a very simple and straightforward setup process, and Doro's action-based interface is big, bold and easy to navigate.
Best Android phone overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Considering that Samsung's Galaxy S21 and S22 Ultra held this spot for almost all of 2021 and 2022, Samsung didn't need to do much for the Galaxy S23 Ultra to claim this spot immediately upon release, particularly in the U.S. market.
- itel A17 (₦16,200)
- itel A14 (₦16,200)
- TECNO POP 5C (₦30,000)
- Blackview BV5500 (₦30,000)
- TECNO POP 2F (₦26,000)
- Itel A58 (₦40,000)
- Infinix Smart 5A (₦36,000)
- Nokia C10 (₦36,000)
What type of cell phone is best for seniors? ›
- Samsung Galaxy A14 from T-Mobile - Best Battery Life.
- Consumer Cellular Link II - Cheapest Senior-Friendly Cell Phone.
- Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively - Best Smartphone for Seniors.
- Consumer Cellular GrandPad - Best Tablet for Seniors.
- Best Smartphones for Seniors of 2023.
- OnePlus Nord N10 5G.
- OnePlus 8T 5G.
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
- Apple iPhone 13.
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini.
- Nokia G20.
- Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively - Best smartphone for seniors overall.
- Moto G Power - Best smartphone battery life for seniors.
- REVVL V from T-Mobile - Most affordable smartphone for seniors.
- iPhone 13 Pro from Verizon - Best Apple smartphone for seniors.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra - Best Android smartphone for seniors.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is now our top phone, beating out Apple in our Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max face-off. In addition, Apple has announced a new yellow color for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, though the features remain the same.
Which cell phones are most reliable? ›Best for Predicted Reliability
Apple and Samsung not only dominate the smartphone market but they're also the only brands in our ratings that earn top marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
The undisputed king of the smartphone world is Samsung- unquestionably, it is world no 1 mobile company 2023.
What is the price of best Android phone? ›- ₹ 7,999. OPPO F1s. MediaTek MT6750 Processor. ...
- ₹ 67,000. ₹67,000 ❯ Ulefone Power Armor 18T. ...
- ₹ 7,448. Samsung Galaxy J2 (2015) Samsung Exynos 3 Quad 3475 Processor. ...
- ₹ 32,490. Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro. ...
- ₹ 1,940. ₹1,940 ❯ ...
- ₹ 4,899. ₹4,899 ❯ ...
- ₹ 997. Samsung Galaxy Fame Duos S6812. ...
- ₹ 9,696. ₹9,696 ❯
- What size do you want?
- What do you find important about the camera?
- Which operating system do you want?
- How long should your battery last?
- Do you need a fast and powerful device?
- Do you want to receive regular updates?
Top 14 Most Purchased And Popular Phones In The World. 1. Apple iPhone 12: The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen of the iPhone 12 features a 60Hz refresh rate and a 1170 x 2532 pixel resolution. The Apple A14 Bionic 5nm chip powers this smartphone.
Should I buy a new phone now or wait? ›Long story short, you should definitely wait. There are more downsides to buying a phone immediately at launch compared to waiting. Waiting translates to getting the device at a slightly discounted price, especially considering the overall uptrend in the price of smartphones.
Which phone will last for 4 years? ›
Of course, sometimes that's unavoidable, since phones wear out -- especially the battery. But what if you had a phone that was guaranteed to last for four years, and you could get any repair for a flat fee of just $39? That's the Teracube, a phone that wants you to use it for at least four years.
What will be the price of iPhone in 2023? ›The Apple Iphone 12 is set to available in India in 2023 with a staggering price tag of Rs. 48,999 This phone is sure to impress with its unique design and features.
What phones will not work in 2023? ›Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down.
How long should I keep my cell phone? ›From physical durability to a smooth operating system, a phone can reach its peak usage anywhere between two and three years. After this, and sometimes before, users consider the switch to a new model.
Will 4G phones work in 2023? ›The plan is for existing 4G LTE networks to be used by carriers well into 2030. 5G networks are not being designed to replace 4G, rather they are designed to work in conjunction with 4G networks.
What Android is most popular? ›...
Absolute Popularity.
| Model | Market share |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | 1.9 % |
| SM-A136U | 1.8 % |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | 1.8 % |
| Samsung Galaxy S10+ | 1.7 % |
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is one of the best Samsung mobile phones in India. Although the smartphone is expensive, the price stands true for the kind of specifications you get here.
Why is Samsung better than other Android phones? ›Multitasking. Samsung loyalists have long placed multitasking capabilities at the top of the list of reasons they prefer Galaxy devices. Galaxy devices leverage crisp, expansive screens to give users a variety of options for working across multiple apps.
What is the best Android phone for old person? ›The Samsung Galaxy A11 isn't just our No. 1 Android pick for older adults who want the freedom to choose their own apps — it's one of our top cell phone picks of 2023. The $180 A11 also has a very large screen, in case you want to magnify your text, and all modern accessibility features.
How do I simplify my Android phone for seniors? ›- Make text more readable.
- Enlarge the on-screen keyboard.
- Configure the lock screen.
- Organize the Home screen.
- Set up favorites.
- Set up custom ringtones for special callers.
- Make it easy to find emergency and medical information.
Is there a phone that only texts and calls? ›
The Light Phone II is a premium, minimal phone. It will never have social media, clickbait news, email, an internet browser, or any other anxiety-inducing infinite feed. It's an experience we call going light. It's a phone, it calls and texts.
Is An iPhone better than an Android phone? ›The iPhones have a series of processors that reportedly deliver better performance than most Android phones. In addition, Apple blends hardware and software well, making the iPhone more efficient and effective.
Which mobile is king of Android? ›Samsung has raised the bar even higher this year and made a clear statement: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the king of Android phones in 2023, and if you come for the king, you best not miss. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Hands On - The BEST Note EVER?!
What does it mean when a phone is unlocked? ›A carrier-imposed “lock” is a software code that prevents your phone from working on another cellular network. With an “unlocked” phone, on the other hand, you can get service with any carrier on a compatible network — and that's just one of the benefits of an unlocked phone.
Is Samsung Galaxy A13 worth buying? ›The Galaxy A13 5G doesn't offer much in the way of surprises, good or bad. For $249, it's a reliable device with good performance, healthy battery life, and a decent camera. None of this comes as a surprise because Samsung makes a lot of these kinds of phones, and it's something the company is very good at.
How to get a phone for free? ›Through the government's Lifeline program, eligible low-income people can acquire a free Android phone and phone plan. Anyone enrolled in one of the following programs is eligible to get a free phone from the government: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What carrier is giving free iPhones? ›Switch to Verizon on any one of the One Unlimited, Get More, Do More, or Start plans and get the Apple iPhone 13 free. Plus, you can also get a $200 Verizon gift card. This full deal is available online only.
Is it better to buy an iPhone or pay monthly? ›Nowadays, most mobile carriers don't offer subsidized prices on phones if you pay in installments over the course of a few years. That means that if it's financially viable for you, buying your iPhone in full and upfront is advantageous, particularly when purchased from Apple.
Is iPhone XR worth buying in 2023? ›TL;DR: If you're shopping for cheap used iPhones and you want an affordable iPhone with a huge display, and a great camera — a used iPhone XR is perfect for you. As one of Swappa's top-selling phones, there are lots of people who feel that the iPhone XR is still worth it in 2023.