You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good phone these days. The best budget Android phones offer impressive performance, long battery life and capable phone cameras — all at a price that won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re looking for a reliable everyday device, a backup phone or something for a younger family member, there’s a growing list of budget smartphones that deliver solid function without the high cost of flagship phones.
From Samsung phones with slick designs to models packed with smart AI features for improved performance and photos, Android’s budget lineup is better than ever. Some offer surprisingly decent Wi-Fi connectivity, while others aim to have the best camera in their price range. Whatever your needs, there’s a wallet-friendly Android option that doesn’t compromise where it counts.
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Best budget Android phones for 2025
Screen size: 6.72 inches | Storage capacity: 128GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 16MP | Rear camera resolution: 108MP main, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first came out, the Nord N30 had basically everything you could want in a phone that cost $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers strong performance along with speedy wireless connectivity that’s compatible with all the big US carriers, not to mention good specs including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a worthy upgrade. It also has a big 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare on a budget phone as most rivals feature slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And thanks to its 50-watt wired fast charging, you can top it up quickly, too. It also offers software updates for a decent period, ensuring its longevity. But most importantly, the Nord 30 recently got a price drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably good deal and our top pick in this space.
- Good performance for the price
- 120Hz display
- 50W wired charging
SAMSUNG
Screen size: 6.5 inches | Storage capacity: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For just $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a pretty remarkable device. It has a 6.5-inch display with a slightly slower 90Hz refresh rate the Nord N30. However, because it features an OLED panel instead of an LCD display, it boasts better brightness and richer colors than basically all of its rivals. On top of that, you’re getting a 50MP main camera with solid low-light performance in a remarkably affordable package. It can also be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and its 5,000 mAh battery delivers a ton of longevity. And while its design isn’t too exciting, the polycarbonate Samsung uses on the back has a nice matte finish that feels more like glass than cheap plastic, giving it the appearance of a more premium design. Finally, the A15 comes with four years of security updates and three years of OS updates, which is longer than most handsets in this price range.
- OLED display with good brightness and colors
- Can be configured with up to 256GB of storage
- 5,000mAh battery
Motorola
Screen size: 6.5 inches | Storage capacity: 64GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 8MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For those on a really tight budget, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all the bases well. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And while that last number might seem small, the phone has a microSD card slot so you can add more space if and when you need it. Its 6.5-inch LCD screen is also surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. That isn’t much, but it’s good enough to protect against an errant splash or two. Sure, the G Play is basic, but it’s basic in a good way, especially if you’re not too fussed about running multiple apps and just want a handset to perform everyday tasks.
- 90Hz display
- IP52 rating
- Expandable storage via a microSD card slot
- Only 64GB of onboard storage
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Screen size: 6.1 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM card type: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Rear camera resolution: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.63 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 8a review
For people willing to look at phones on the higher end of the budget bracket, there are some other candidates worth checking out. The Pixel 8a normally costs $499, but we’ve seen it discounted to as low as $399. So if you’re looking for an affordable handset with good performance, handy bonuses like wireless charging and one of the best main cameras on any device in this price range, you’d be foolish not to consider this Pixel phone if you can get a good deal on it. Google’s Pixel 9a is forthcoming; it’s unclear if the Pixel 8a will stay in the lineup, but considering the 7a stuck around after the 8a came out, we think you’ll be able to find this model for a little while longer.
- Colorful 120Hz OLED display
- Strong battery life
- Excellent cameras
- Great value
- Slow wireless charging
- Thick bezels
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
Screen size: 6.77 inches | Storage capacity: 256GB | SIM type: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Front camera resolution: 50MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | Weight: 7.44 ounces
Read our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review
If you want something different from your next phone, there are few if any devices out there like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass back that evokes the design of old Game Boys, allowing you to see some of its internal components, including the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s also one of the best deals in the industry, thanks to a compelling mix of features. The Phone 3a sports a bright 6.77-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto camera. That last feature is something that’s difficult to find in the 3a Pro’s price range, especially in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter
- Fun design
- Large 120Hz AMOLED screen
- Clean but customizable Android skin
- Limited US warranty
- No wireless charging
- Tinny speakers
How cheap should you go for an Android phone?
We tend to define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises in function, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if you’re open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorite flagship phones at the very end of this guide).
But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it’s intended mainly for emergencies, WiFi browsing or texting parents (and not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung phones and other Android devices have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better phone cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging, and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more.
What to look for in a cheap Android phone
When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also important. Typically you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range, performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. It’s also important to consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in the long run.
Android phone FAQs
What’s the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap iPhone?
iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones — even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100.
