Among the best issues in regards to the Android ecosystem is the provision of really reasonably priced telephones for as little as $150. By comparability, the most cost-effective iPhone is predicated on a dated design and begins at $429. Nonetheless, selecting the correct one could be a bit tough, as lowering the value of a telephone can generally end in too many trade-offs. So to provide you a hand, we examined a bunch of the most well-liked choices and put collectively an inventory of our favourite low cost Android telephones.
Editor’s notice (5/9/24): Google has introduced the Pixel 8a, its newest midrange smartphone. The 6.1-inch handset begins at $499 and, as anticipated, takes a lot of its cues from final yr’s flagship Pixel 8 collection. We’ll have a full evaluate within the coming days and can replace this information accordingly. For now, you’ll be able to try our hands-on preview for extra particulars on what to anticipate. Google says it’ll proceed to promote the Pixel 7a, our present splurge choose, at a lowered worth, so it could proceed to be worthwhile. Most ought to maintain off till we put the brand new Pixel by way of its paces, although.
How low must you go?
We are inclined to outline a finances telephone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the chance of affected by too many compromises, 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 favorites on the very finish of this information).
However for these with just a little wiggle room, there are some issues to contemplate. For instance, a toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s supposed primarily for emergencies or texting mother and father (and never social media). On the upper finish of this worth spectrum, sub-$350 telephones have come a good distance because of improved efficiency, higher cameras and nicer shows. This makes them a viable various to premium flagships, even when you have the liberty to spend extra.
What to search for in a finances Android telephone
In terms of reasonably priced units, you get what you pay for. Most telephones on this worth vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a particular mannequin can range so much primarily based on worth. A vibrant display can be necessary. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price, however some telephones could have OLED screens with elevated coloration saturation. Lengthy battery life is vital as nicely, so we are inclined to favor units with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can range so much, so search for units with at the very least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally necessary to contemplate assist size, as periodic working system and safety updates can lengthen the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.
OnePlus
Display measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 16MP | Rear digital camera decision: 108MP primary, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had mainly every part you may need in a telephone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chip delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s appropriate with all the massive US carriers, to not point out good specs together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It additionally has a giant 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh price, which is uncommon on a finances telephone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired charging, you’ll be able to high it up shortly, too. However most significantly, the Nord 30 just lately obtained a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot.
SAMSUNG
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP primary, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a fairly outstanding gadget. It has a 6.5-inch show with a barely slower 90Hz refresh price the Nord N30. Nonetheless, as a result of it options an OLED panel as a substitute of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than mainly all of its rivals. It can be configured with as much as 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and its 5,000 mAh battery delivers a ton of longevity. And whereas its design isn’t too thrilling, the polycarbonate Samsung makes use of on the again has a pleasant matte end that feels extra like glass than low cost plastic. Lastly, the A15 comes with 4 years of safety updates and three years of OS upgrades, which is longer than most handsets on this worth vary.
Motorola
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 64GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 8MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For these on a very tight finances, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases nicely. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor together with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And whereas that final quantity may appear small, the telephone has a microSD card slot so you’ll be able to 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 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, but it surely’s adequate to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Certain, the G Play is fundamental, but it surely’s fundamental in a great way.
Display measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage capability: 128GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 64MP primary, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.84 oz
For folks keen to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the finances bracket, there are another candidates value trying out. The Pixel 7a is our favourite midrange telephone and whereas it price $500 at launch, just lately we’ve seen offers that introduced it right down to as little as $375. That’s simply $25 above our typical vary, so if you happen to’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced handset with good efficiency, useful bonuses like wi-fi charging and one of the best cameras on any gadget on this worth vary, you’d be silly to not take into account Google’s most reasonably priced handset.
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Display measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 32MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 oz
One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Cellphone 2a, which gives nice specs, a novel design and a ton of persona for simply $349. The principle motive it didn’t make our listing is as a result of within the US, it’s solely out there as a part of Nothing’s developer program, which requires you to enroll (without cost) earlier than with the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Cellphone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cell (by way of the N41 band), which implies it’s not an ideal alternative for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.
