Cheap Phones That Deliver Big in 2025
You do not need to spend much on a fine smartphone. In 2025, cheap phones have great features, such as bright displays, powerful batteries, and advanced cameras that pack a punch against their expensive counterparts. If you are looking for budget smartphones or simply want some details about folding phones, this guide covers the best phones under various price points.From android phones to affordable earphones, we’ve tested, reviewed the top picks to help you find economical handsets that shine.
Let’s explore the best android and iOS options, plus some phones to avoid, to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Best Cheap Phone
The Google Pixel 9a is undoubtedly 2025’s cheapest phone at a whopping price of $499. Its Tensor G4 chip promises to run smoothly through any gaming action or steam streaming and multitasking and keep everything properly functional. The OLED 6.3-inch display, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, promises very sharp images and crisp clear visuals. The 48MP main camera is just all stunning, especially when it comes to taking low-light shots.Google’s promise of seven years of software updates makes this one of the top smartphones for longevity.
Compared to flagships like the $799 Pixel 9, you’re getting similar AI features, like Circle to Search, at a fraction of the cost. For the buying guides, the Pixel 4a is the epitome of value purchasing.
Why It’s Great: Exceptional camera, long software support, and flagship-like performance.
- Specs: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4,600mAh battery, 20W charging.
- Quote: “The Pixel 9a proves you don’t need a $1,000 phone for premium features.” – CNET
Best Cheap iPhone
The starting price of $599 makes the iPhone 16e the most affordable entice for all Apple devotees. Its performance is greatly enhanced courtesy of the A18 chip, which goes hand in glove with the capabilities of Apple Intelligence for smart feature enrichments such as text rewriting. The iPhone 16e has an energetic 6.1-inch OLED screen, while a 48MP camera stands proud with its capabilities in bright and dim situations.
With such offers from carriers, you’ll be able to enjoy it for just $200 over 24 months, which means keeping it as one of the cheaper devices in the Apple’s line-up. Unlike $429 worth of iPhone SE, the 16e brings in a contemporary design and five years of updates so that it can last longer.
- Perks: Seamless iOS ecosystem, strong resale value, and crash detection.
- Drawbacks: No telephoto lens, and base storage is 128GB.
- Tip: Check Verizon or AT&T for trade-in deals to lower costs.
“For Apple fans on a budget, the iPhone 16e is a gateway to premium features without the flagship price.” – Tom’s Guide
Best Cheap Samsung Phone
Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G, priced at $200, is the best cheap Samsung phone and a standout among android smartphones. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant colors, rare for low-cost mobiles.
For a typical day-to-day task, operations such as browsing and loading videos into one’s browser can be performed by the Exynos 1330 nuclear processor and have the greatest portion of its work undertaken by the 5,000mAh battery over a day. The six-year security update promise of Samsung is unparalleled in this price range, making it a must-have in buyer’s manual lists. The 50MP camera performs well during daylight but lags in low-light images as compared to more expensive models.
- Standout Features: AMOLED screen, IP54 splash resistance, microSD slot.
- Compromise: Only 4GB RAM can feel sluggish with heavy apps.
Table
Best Under $400
$400 is a happy medium for the cheap-feeling-but-premium phones. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro at $399, boasts an impressive feat with its designer transparent body and glyph lights that double as a notification system. The 6.5-inch AMOLED 120Hz display is buttery smooth, while the 50MP camera rivals even some flagship devices.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, also $399, offers 50W fast charging and a 144Hz OLED screen, ideal for gamers. Both are tested reviewed for reliability, making them leading android phones for budget-conscious buyers.
- Why Choose These: Near-flagship features like fast charging and high refresh rates.
- Use Cases: Nothing for style-conscious users; Motorola for gaming.
List:
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- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5,000mAh battery.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: 12GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4,400mAh battery.
“The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s design makes it feel like a $700 phone.” – WIRED
Best Under $300
The $200 price point offers surprising value for cheap phones. The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, at $200, boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and six years of security updates. The CMF Phone 1, also $200, stands out with its modular design, letting you swap back panels for a nintendo switch-like customization vibe. Both being 128GB storage, IP54-rated, assures durability for entry-level cell phones.In this case, the big ones in the gaming, not so; yet, otherwise, presumably due to the not-so-demanding-efforts like texting and calling that happens to have discussed.
Highlights: AMOLED screens, splash resistance, and decent storage.
- Tip: Opt for carrier deals to get these for under $100.
- Quote: “The Galaxy A16 5G is a steal for its display and support.” – PCMag
For Great Battery Life
Battery life is a deal breaker for many, and cheap phones like the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2025) dominate here. Its 5,000mAh battery lasts 18.5 hours in tests, outpacing many flagships. The Nothing Phone 3a, at $349, delivers 15+ hours with a 4,800mAh battery, thanks to its efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip. These android recommendations suit travelers or heavy streamers who can’t recharge often. To maximize battery, dim the screen and disable 5G when not needed.
- Top Picks: Moto G Power 5G (18.5 hours), Nothing Phone 3a (15.2 hours).
- Tips for Longevity:
- Lower refresh rate to 60Hz.
- Use dark mode on AMOLED screens.
- Turn off unused apps in the background.
“The Moto G Power 5G’s battery is a marathon runner in a sprint world.” – Tom’s Guide
Want a Cheap Folding Phone?
Folding phones are no longer just for the wealthy. The Motorola Razr (2024), often on sale for $500, is the best cheap folding phone. Its 6.9-inch OLED display unfolds into a full smartphone, while the 3.6-inch cover screen handles quick tasks. The 50MP camera takes sharp selfies, and the vegan leather finish adds grip, much like a tesla cybercab’s sleek exterior. Battery life is average at 4,200mAh, but wireless charging is a bonus. Compared to the $999 Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Razr offers similar flair for less.
- Why It’s Cool: Compact when closed, full-featured when open.
- Drawbacks: Only two OS updates, weaker hinge durability.
- Case Study: A student coder, or teen coder, used the Razr’s cover screen to code quick Python scripts via an open-source app, showcasing its versatility.
Honorable Mentions
Not every cheap phone makes the top list, but some deserve a shoutout. The Nuu B30 Pro 5G, at $299, offers 12GB RAM for gaming, rivaling a nintendo switch for entertainment. At $160, the TCL 50 XL 5G stands as an exclusive for T-Mobile. It features a 6.8-inch 120Hz display fantastic for streaming. These Android picks lack behind on limited carrier support or average cameras, but they shine in their specific niches—like budget gaming or big screens.
- Nuu B30 Pro 5G: MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chip, 108MP camera.
- TCL 50 XL 5G: 5,010mAh battery, but T-Mobile only.
- Who They’re For: Gamers (Nuu), budget streamers (TCL).
Avoid These Phones
Not all low-cost mobiles are worth your money. The Moto G (2025), at $200, suffers from sluggish performance and a dim LCD screen, making it a poor choice compared to the Galaxy A16 5G. The Samsung Galaxy A03S, which is priced at $114, has been rendered old-fashioned by its below-average processor and lack of 5G. Such phones lack the finesse found in best-rated ones, and some issues are lagging apps and nighttime photography. Always read the review sites such as CNET or WIRED before making a purchase.
Red Flags:
- Less than 4GB RAM.
- No 5G support.
- Fewer than three years of updates.
Phones to Skip:
- Moto G (2025): Slow, unresponsive keyboard.
- Samsung A03S: Outdated chip, no NFC.
Wrapping Up
2025 has brought great value on the cheap phone: from flagship-level cameras like the Pixel 9A to AMOLED brilliance like the Galaxy A16 5 G. Wherever your focus lies- whether it is battery life with the Moto G Power 5G or folding phones with the Motorola Razr- there is an inexpensive alternative out there for you. Other than that, avoid the downsides of a phone like the Moto G (2025) by depending on firsthand reviews and buyers’ guides. For further info, check out CNET or Tom’s Guide, and share your opinions about the best budget smartphones in the comments section.
