Getting a stable Android cellphone doesn’t necessitate spending a small fortune. The most effective finances fashions strike an ideal steadiness between value and efficiency, supplying you with easy on a regular basis use with out slicing too many corners. Whether or not you’re scrolling social media, streaming your favourite reveals or snapping pictures of an evening out, there’s an inexpensive Android cellphone that may deal with all of it.
Cheaper telephones have come a great distance lately. Many now function vibrant, quick shows, dependable cameras and battery life that lasts properly into the subsequent day. You would possibly miss out on top-tier extras like the most recent processor or ultra-high-resolution zoom, however what you get as a substitute is worth that is sensible. Some fashions even shock with cameras that rival far pricier flagships, making them excellent for informal photographers or anybody who simply desires to seize an ideal shot on the go.
We’ve examined finances Android telephones from manufacturers like Google, Samsung and OnePlus to seek out those that ship essentially the most for much less. These are the fashions that show you don’t want a flagship price ticket to get a reliable Android cellphone.
Finest finances Android telephones for 2026
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy A17 5G review
Constructing a superb finances cellphone is difficult as producers have a really onerous restrict on what they’ll embrace whereas staying below value. Samsung has balanced this properly on the Galaxy A17 5G by equipping it with a big 6.7-inch OLED show with stable brightness (as much as 800 nits) and a 90Hz refresh price. The cellphone’s design additionally defies its value as a result of whereas it’s comprised of polycarbonate (aka plastic), it doesn’t really feel low cost. You even get a microSD card slot for expandable storage and three cameras in again. Nonetheless, since a type of is a 2MP macro, it in all probability gained’t see almost as a lot use because the 50MP foremost or 5MP ultra-wide.
The one factor I want Samsung splurged a bit extra on is the cellphone’s Exynos 1330 chip, because it’s a little bit dated and typically struggles with issues like multitasking or working extra demanding apps. That stated, beginning at simply $200 (or much less relying on reductions), the Galaxy A17 delivers loads of worth for not a ton of cash. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Stable construct
- Massive and comparatively vibrant display
- microSD card slot
- Very inexpensive
- Lackluster efficiency
- Mono speaker
- Battery life might be a contact longer
OnePlus
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally every part you might need in a cellphone that value $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers robust efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s appropriate with all the large US carriers, to not point out good specs together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a worthy improve. It additionally has a giant 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh price, which is uncommon on a finances cellphone as most rivals function slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you possibly can prime it up shortly, too. It additionally gives software program updates for an honest interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 just lately received a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime choose on this area.
- Good efficiency for the value
- 120Hz show
- 50W wired charging
Motorola
For these on a extremely tight finances, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases properly. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor together with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And whereas that final quantity might sound small, the cellphone has a microSD card slot so you possibly can add extra space if and if you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh price. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 ranking for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, however it’s ok to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Certain, the G Play is primary, however it’s primary in a great way, particularly if you happen to’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply need a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.
- 90Hz show
- IP52 ranking
- Expandable storage by way of a microSD card slot
- Solely 64GB of onboard storage
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review
In order for you one thing completely different out of your subsequent cellphone, there are few if any gadgets on the market just like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass again that evokes the design of outdated Sport Boys, permitting you to see a few of its inside elements, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally probably the greatest offers within the business, because of a compelling mixture of options. The Cellphone 3a sports activities a vibrant 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh price. It additionally comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto digital camera. That final function is one thing that’s tough to seek out within the 3a Professional’s value vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter
- Enjoyable design
- Giant 120Hz AMOLED display
- Clear however customizable Android pores and skin
- Restricted US guarantee
- No wi-fi charging
- Tinny audio system
How low cost must you go for an Android cellphone?
We are likely to outline a finances smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the danger of affected by too many compromises in perform, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if you happen to’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favourite flagship telephones on the very finish of this information).
However for these with a little bit wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s meant primarily for emergencies, WiFi shopping or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a great distance because of improved efficiency, higher cellphone cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable different to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even when you have the flexibleness to spend extra.
What to search for in an inexpensive Android cellphone
In relation to low cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this value vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a particular mannequin can differ quite a bit primarily based on value. A vibrant display can be essential. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price, however some telephones might have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated coloration saturation. Lengthy battery life is vital as properly, so we are likely to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can differ quite a bit, so search for gadgets with at the least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally essential to think about help size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program help can lengthen the longevity of your gadget, which can prevent cash in the long term.
Android cellphone FAQs
What is the value distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an inexpensive iPhone?
iPhones are typically dearer in comparison with Android telephones — even the most cost effective iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a tougher capsule to swallow in comparison with an inexpensive Android cellphone. In distinction, you will get your arms on an inexpensive Android gadget for as little as $100.
