The very best price range Android telephones are nice methods to get all of the necessities you need in a handset with out breaking the financial institution. Whereas flagship telephones usually steal the highlight with their flashy options and excessive worth tags, there’s no scarcity of Android telephones that ship nice efficiency at a fraction of the fee. In actual fact, Android’s huge ecosystem gives one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a high-end gadget or probably the greatest low-cost telephones available on the market.
If you happen to’re not eager on shelling out for an Apple iPhone or one of many newest flagship telephones, price range Android choices can supply every little thing you want from stable cameras to spectacular battery life and snappy efficiency. These telephones could not have all of the bells and whistles you’ll discover on telephones that value lots of extra, however for most individuals, they’re greater than sufficient to deal with day by day duties, stream movies and keep linked.
How low-cost do you have to go?
We are likely to outline a price range 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 (should you’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favorites on the very finish of this information).
However for these with a bit wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a baby 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 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 pliability to spend extra.
What to search for in an affordable telephone
In relation to low-cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this worth vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a selected mannequin can differ quite a bit primarily based on worth. A vivid display screen can be vital. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh charge, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated shade saturation. Lengthy battery life is important as properly, so we are likely to favor units with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can differ quite a bit, so search for units with no less than 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally vital to think about help size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program help can prolong the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.
Greatest price range Android telephones for 2024
OnePlus
Display measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 16MP | Rear digicam decision: 108MP principal, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally every little thing you would need in a telephone that value $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy 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 an enormous 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh charge, which is uncommon on a price range telephone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And due to its 50-watt wired quick charging, you may high it up rapidly, too. It additionally gives software program updates for an honest interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately received a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our high decide on this house.
- Good efficiency for the value
- 120Hz show
- 50W wired charging
SAMSUNG
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP principal, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a reasonably outstanding gadget. It has a 6.5-inch show with a barely slower 90Hz refresh charge the Nord N30. Nevertheless, as a result of it options an OLED panel as an alternative of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally all of its rivals. On high of that, you’re getting a 50MP principal digicam with stable low-light efficiency in a remarkably inexpensive bundle. It may also 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, giving it the looks of a extra premium design. Lastly, the A15 comes with 4 years of safety updates and three years of OS updates, which is longer than most handsets on this worth vary.
- OLED show with good brightness and colours
- Could be configured with as much as 256GB of storage
- 5,000mAh battery
Motorola
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 64GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 8MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For these on a extremely tight price range, 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 telephone has a microSD card slot so you may add extra space if and whenever you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display screen can be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh charge. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, however it’s ok to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Positive, the G Play is primary, however it’s primary in a great way, particularly should you’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply desire a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.
- 90Hz show
- IP52 score
- Expandable storage through a microSD card slot
- Solely 64GB of onboard storage
Display measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage capability: 128GB | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 64MP principal, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.84 oz
Learn our full Google Pixel 7a evaluation
For folks prepared to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the price range bracket, there are another candidates price trying out. The Pixel 7a usually prices $499, however we have seen it discounted to as little as $349. So should you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive handset with good efficiency, useful bonuses like wi-fi charging and probably the greatest principal cameras on any gadget on this worth vary, you’d be silly to not contemplate this Pixel telephone if you will get deal on it. And whereas Google lately launched the Pixel 8a at $499, Google has confirmed it is going to proceed to promote the Pixel 7a.
- 90Hz OLED display screen
- Lengthy battery life
- Now has wi-fi charging
- Glorious cameras
- Identical nice Pixel-specific software program
- Wi-fi charging is form of gradual
- No devoted zoom lens
- Audio system sound a bit shallow
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Display measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 32MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP principal, 50MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 oz
Learn our full evaluation of the Nothing Cellphone 2a
One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Cellphone 2a, which gives nice specs, a singular premium design and a ton of character for simply $349. The principle motive it didn’t make our checklist is as a result of within the US, it’s solely obtainable as a part of Nothing’s developer program, which requires you to enroll (at no cost) earlier than having the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Cellphone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cell (through the N41 band), which implies it’s not an amazing alternative for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.
- Distinctive design
- Nice worth
- Light-weight
- Surprisingly good efficiency
- No 5G on AT&T or Verizon
- No wi-fi charging
- Storage caps out at 256GB
Android telephone FAQs
What is the worth distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an affordable 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 tablet to swallow in comparison with an affordable Android telephone. In distinction, you will get your arms on an affordable Android gadget for as little as $100.
