Spending a lot of money on a smartphone isn’t necessary. These Android and iPhone gadgets ranged in price from $150 to $500 and held up well during WIRED’s tests.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the US, wireless carriers concerted efforts to make high-end smartphones appear more accessible. Don’t be duped by AT&T’s promotion of a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for only $36 per month. You’re still spending more than $1,000 for a phone with 36 monthly installments. Additionally, until you pay off your expensive phone, you might be unable to move wireless carriers, locking you onto the network.
Get a really fantastic, reasonably priced smartphone instead of the expensive one. I evaluate at least a dozen handsets annually to identify the finest low-cost phones that aren’t terribly slow and perform well where it matters. Our other options offer a fantastic balance between affordability and luxury, while our top pick, the Google Pixel 8A, retails for $499 and is on par with nearly any smartphone. This guide even includes a foldable phone!
We offer the best Android Phones, Best Affordable Phones with a Headphone Jack, Best Samsung Phones, Best Google Pixel phones, Best Motorola Phones, and Best iPhones, as well as numerous other mobile recommendations.
Best Affordable Phone
Google Pixel 8A
Google’s Pixel 8A is the most affordable smartphone available. You get a little bit of everything for just $499, including wireless charging and excellent performance. This midrange smartphone will get seven years of software support, which is uncommon at this price, thanks to Google’s Tensor G3 processor, which powers the premium Pixel 8 series. This implies that you will continue to receive Android OS updates that include security patches and new features for a very long time.
The improved OLED screen on this Pixel over its predecessor makes it even brighter and more visible on the brightest days, and the 120-Hz refresh rate ensures that every interaction feels seamless. If you’re looking for a little phone, the 6.1-inch screen is ideal because it’s quite compact. The Pixel 8A has a clever design with a matte back texture, and it just looks nice. Budget and midrange phones usually seem really uninteresting. In addition, the new Aloe hue is stunning. In addition to being personal, phones must to be attractive!
During my testing, I used this as my primary device to cover Google I/O, snapping pictures, navigating, using the Google Recorder app, and sharing to social media. The performance was perfect. Battery life is a drawback. With normal use, the 4,492-mAh battery cell can last a day, but heavy users will probably need to recharge it before bed. Always have a portable power bank on hand.
The Pixel 8A is unquestionably the best camera phone available at a reasonable price, continuing the tradition of the Pixel series, which is known for its cameras. Its 64-megapixel primary camera produces crisp, vibrant, and detailed images in any kind of lighting. A competent 13-MP ultrawide camera joins it, and the 13-MP selfie camera is good, though your face is never absolutely crisp due to its fixed focus. The one problem I’ve encountered is that, particularly on brown skin, Google’s Real Tone image-processing algorithm hasn’t been as accurate as it was on previous Pixels. (Google claims to be investigating.)
But the main reason I highly suggest Pixel phones is due of its clever software features, which aren’t found in any other smartphone that costs less than $500. You can utilize Magic Editor to relocate a subject slightly to the left of the frame and remove an unwanted object from the picture; I’ve covered a lot of them here. If you were in a group photo with your eyes closed, you can repair it with Best Take. My favorite voice-to-text feature is still Assistant Voice Typing, which I miss every time I switch phones. Google’s Call Screen technology also stops spam calls in their tracks. Secure face unlock and fingerprint unlock are additional benefits; both function with sensitive apps that need biometric identification, giving you extra unlocking choices. Additionally, it has an IP67 rating that shields it from the weather and NFC for contactless payments.
Best Affordable SmartPhone
Iphone SE 2022
Do you want affordable iPhone? Even if it’s becoming a little outdated, the third-generation iPhone SE 2022 is the best option. The current model is much the same as its predecessor, with large bezels on the top and bottom and a 4.7-inch LCD that is difficult to text on. Since it’s the only iPhone that Apple offers with a home button and Touch ID, you might prefer its outdated appearance.
Note: According to rumors, Apple will release a new iPhone SE in the spring of 2025. I advise waiting.
The iPhone SE 2022 is a fast small phone that can handle whatever you throw at it since Apple packed the same chip, the A15 Bionic, that powers the iPhone 13 series from 2021 into it. Although the battery life of this small phone is also improved by this chip, it will still only last for roughly a day, possibly less if you use it frequently. Wireless charging and 5G support are available. (MagSafe is not supported by it.)
Although Apple still hasn’t included Night mode, which is available on its more expensive iPhones, the single camera on the rear shoots excellent pictures during the day and manages high contrast situations effectively. This implies that you may anticipate murky, grainy, and blurry photos in low light that pale in comparison to the images you’ll get with our top choice.
Given that Apple has been supporting its gadgets for years, this iPhone will, at the very least, survive a long time. To keep it looking new, I would suggest applying a screen protector on the front and a case to the glass back. These are some of our favorite iPhone SE accessories.
★ Alternative: iPhone 14 ($599)
If you can justify the price, the iPhone 14 will last you many years. It has the MagSafe attachment system and is Apple’s flagship device for 2022. It comes with an OLED screen, 128 GB of storage, and Apple’s Crash Detection and Emergency SOS functions. Compared to the SE, it features thinner bezels and Face ID rather than Touch ID. However, you can definitely get a newer model in decent shape for less money if you look at a used iPhone.
For the Best Battery Life
One Plus 12R
The OnePlus 12R may be your preferred midrange smartphone for a number of reasons, but the Pixel 8A is the more well-rounded model. Although the interactions with the display are equally seamless, the larger 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 120-Hz screen resolution makes it an excellent choice for entertainment. Its 5,500-mAh cell capacity allows it to outlast the Pixel in terms of battery life; with typical use, it lasted for almost two full days on a single charge. If its battery is dying, you can use the cord and charging adaptor that come with it to recharge it in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not supported.
It can easily defeat hard games because it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is the flagship CPU of 2023. But compared to the Pixel, the software isn’t as intelligent. It still has a sleek appearance and minimal bloatware, and OnePlus guarantees four years of security patches along with three Android OS upgrades. Although it isn’t seven years old, it is still superior than the majority of Android phones in this price range.
The 12R takes certain shortcuts. Because it only has an IP64 water resistance rating, it will work OK in the rain but not in a swimming pool. I thought the ultrawide and macro cameras were pointless, but the main camera is good and can compete with the Pixel 8A’s camera. It would be preferable if OnePlus removed those and reduced the cost of the phone instead.
The OnePlus 12R is an obvious choice if you’re not a shutterbug and want a phone with a strong chipset and a battery that lasts more than a day.
Note: We may anticipate the release of the OnePlus 13 and its follow-up, the OnePlus 13R, around January or February 2025, as OnePlus just released the OnePlus 13 in China. I advise you to wait.
★ Alternative: Motorola Edge 2024 ($430)
Although the Motorola Edge is theoretically more expensive than the OnePlus 12R, the price is frequently reduced during discounts. Because my hand was obstructing my touch interactions, the glass that curves toward the edges made using the phone uncomfortable. It offers a 144-Hz refresh rate, quick performance, a one-day battery life, and a passable camera, assuming you can overlook that. It will only receive three years of security patches and two OS upgrades.
Looking for an Affordable Folding Phone?
Motorola Razr 2023 Model
Eventually, the Razr( 2023) Model has dropped to $350, which is, to be honest, a fantastic bargain for a folding phone. The little display on this model is only useful for checking the time, a many announcements, and the rainfall; it does n’t come with a huge external screen. also, the hinge medium is a little noisy and not as affable to film open and close. still, when completely opened, you still get a 6.9- inch smartphone with an OLED 144- Hz panel and excellent performance thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 CPU. This phone can fit in virtually any fund when closed. It’s so small!
With moderate use, the 4,200- mAh battery then will last a day, but heavier druggies will want to pack a power bank. At least you get conveniences like NFC for contactless payments and wireless charging. Be apprehensive that Motorola will only give three further times of security patches and two further zilches upgrades( to Android 16), and that the cameras are medium.
Keep an eye on the pricing because it’ll last you indeed longer. It’s worth noting that the Razr 2024 model has dropped as low as$ 449 on Amazon.
Top Picks Under $200
Nothing CMF Phone 1
Since the CMF Phone 1 offers about everything you could conceivably need in a phone at an incredibly low price of$ 239, I nearly awarded it the top spot in this companion. Unfortunately, availability is hampered by two factors. First out, like the Nothing Phone( 2a), which is asub-brand of Nothing, this phone is simply accessible in the US through a beta. This implies that you must register for the beta before you may buy the device after being accepted.
I nearly gave the CMF Phone 1 the top spot in my roundup because it provides nearly everything you could conceivably need in a phone at an absurdly low price of$ 239. Unfortunately, there are two effects that make availability delicate. First out, this phone is only available in the US through a beta, just as the Nothing Phone( 2a), asub-brand of Nothing. This suggests that after being accepted, you have to subscribe up for the beta before you can buy the contrivance.
I explosively advise you to try the CMF Phone 1 if you’re on T- Mobile or AT&T and do not mind the beta process. For under$ 200, this is the most seductive phone you will find. It has a clever medium that allows you to attach different accessories, like as a portmanteau, rope, or kickstand, using the Accessory Point, which is the indirect screw on the nethermost edge. Although it’s amusing, this system is not really what makes this phone so great. No, the performance would be that. In my testing, I hardly noticed any pause or retardations thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and 8 gigabytes of RAM. It performs better than more precious phones and is the topmost phone for the plutocrat.
With a 5,000- mAh cell that constantly lasted me two days of ordinary use, the battery life is also remarkable. Indeed heavy druggies should be suitable to finish a day with about 30 of the battery remaining. And the screen! Although it may use a little brilliance boost on extremely sunny days, this Full HD 6.67- inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz worked impeccably utmost of the time. At this price, the camera system is delicate to beat, and CMF guarantees three times of security patches in addition to two OS upgrades.
To make contactless payments, I wish it had NFC. I carry my portmanteau with me far and wide, so it’s not a big problem that I use it a lot then in New York City. also, it has an IP52 water resistant standing, so keep it out of the water( rain is fine!). This is a fantastic smartphone at an inconceivable price if you do not mind these failings and you have a limited budget.
Limited 5G content is available on AT&T and T- Mobile. Verizon does n’t officially support it.
★ Alternative: Motorola Moto G Play 2024 ($110)
Three years of biweekly security updates and a single OS upgrade (to Android 14) are all that the Moto G Play 2024 will receive. It only supports 4G LTE, not 5G, and it lacks an NFC sensor for contactless payments. But given the cost, you might be willing to make those compromises. It sports a 6.5-inch screen that is crisp, a 5,000-mAh battery that lasts for two days between charges, and good performance.
Remarkable Remarks
We strongly advise you to continue using the phones listed above, but here are some other options to think about.
HMD Skyline for $500: The HMD Skyline is the first Android phone to support Qi2, which means that, like Apple’s MagSafe iPhones, it has magnets built into the rear. Unfortunately, it didn’t attach very well to several magnetic accessories I had on hand, thus the execution isn’t particularly good. The nicest thing about this phone is that it is user-repairable, meaning that even if you lack technical expertise, you can replace parts like the battery and display on your own. It also boasts good performance and a long battery life. The short software update policy is unfortunate.
The $268 OnePlus Nord 4: Among the drab phone designs in this price range, the Nord 4 shines out thanks to its metal unibody. It has a great screen, a battery that lasts a long time, fast charging, and enough computing power for most people, however it doesn’t come with a charger. Although it is combined with a mediocre ultrawide sensor, the primary camera functions well. Wireless charging is not available, although that’s a small trade-off. This phone, which is only available in the UK, EU, and India, is excellent value for the money.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G for $200: The Galaxy A15 this year was disappointing because I was pleasantly surprised by the Galaxy A14 last year. Performance is its biggest flaw; it was more slower and more sluggish than the less expensive Moto G Play. Because it has extended software support and NFC, which allows contactless payments, this phone is a better bargain than the Motorola phone if you’re more patient than I am. Additionally, the camera captures images that you want to share.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G for $400:The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a good smartphone under $400. It has a microSD card slot to increase storage space, a bright 120-Hz AMOLED screen, and a day-long battery life. With five years of security updates and four OS upgrades, software support is exceptional. But I would have preferred a less stuttering performance. The cameras are reliable, at least.
Xiaomi Poco X6 and X6 Pro for $289and $294: Not in the United States? When it comes to low-cost phones, you typically have more options. Take Xiaomi’s Poco range, for example. The X6 and X6 Pro offer good performance, nice screens, and a respectable battery life. There is even a headphone jack on the X6! Sadly, the cameras perform poorly in low light, and the software interface isn’t very good.
Nuu B30 Pro 5G for $299: I’ve tested this Nuu phone for the first time, and I’m pleased with how well it works. With 12 GB of RAM, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 CPU inside runs smoothly and manages games effectively. Also impressive is the 120-Hz AMOLED screen. Compared to many other phones under $300, it is superior. Nevertheless, Nuu will only offer software updates for two years, and this phone is already outdated—it comes pre-installed with Android 13. Additionally, the phone only functions on T-Mobile’s network, and the cameras are not very good. This will work if your primary focus is gaming and you don’t mind the other drawbacks.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $722: Although the price varies, I have already seen this new gadget go on sale for as little as $475, which makes it deserving of our advice. It’s a much better deal if you can find it for $500 or less, but the MSRP is too close to the flagship S24 series (which is typically on sale these days). Along with a 120-Hz OLED screen, wireless charging, a 3X optical telephoto camera, and even access to Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, you get a triple-camera configuration.
Take careful of these phones.
The most recent phone that I do not suggest is the HMD Vibe. It will not receive any Android OS improvements, and while the performance is passable, everything else is drab. The Moto G Play 2024 is the superior choice and provides more value for the money.
Since Motorola’s Moto G series phones from 2023 and after won’t receive any software updates and the newer models aren’t significantly more expensive, I don’t suggest them. Unless specifically stated above, try to avoid purchasing a low-cost phone from the previous year as they may be outdated and have short software policies.
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