Top-of-the-line issues concerning the Android ecosystem is the provision of actually reasonably priced telephones for as little as $150. By comparability, the most affordable iPhone is predicated on a dated design and begins at $429. Nevertheless, selecting the correct low cost Android cellphone is usually a bit tough, as decreasing the worth of a cellphone can typically lead to too many trade-offs when in comparison with flagship telephones. So to provide you a hand, we examined a bunch of the most well-liked choices and put collectively a listing of one of the best price range Android telephones you should purchase.
How low do you have to go?
We are likely to outline a price range cellphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the danger 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 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 or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this worth spectrum, sub-$350 telephones have come a good distance due to improved efficiency, higher cameras, quick charging, and nicer shows. This makes them a viable different to premium flagships, even you probably have the liberty to spend extra.
What to search for in a price range Android cellphone
In terms of 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 particular mannequin can range lots primarily based on worth. A shiny display can also be essential. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price, however some telephones could have OLED screens with elevated colour saturation. Lengthy battery life is crucial as properly, so we are likely to favor units with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can range lots, so search for units with no less than 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally essential to think about assist size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program assist can prolong the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.
Finest price range Android telephones for 2024
OnePlus
Display measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 16MP | Rear digicam decision: 108MP most important, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had mainly all the pieces you could possibly need in a cellphone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s suitable with all the massive 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 price, which is uncommon on a price range cellphone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you’ll be able to high it up rapidly, too. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately bought a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our high choose on this area.
- Good efficiency for the worth
- 120Hz show
- 50W wired charging
$290 at Amazon
SAMSUNG
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP most important, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a fairly exceptional gadget. It has a 6.5-inch show with a barely slower 90Hz refresh price 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 mainly all of its rivals. On high of that, you’re getting a 50MP most important digicam in a remarkably reasonably priced package deal. 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. 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
- May be configured with as much as 256GB of storage
- 5,000mAh battery
$200 at Amazon
Motorola
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 64GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 8MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For these on a very 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 cellphone has a microSD card slot so you’ll be able to add more room if and if you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can also 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, nevertheless it’s ok to guard towards an errant splash or two. Certain, the G Play is primary, nevertheless 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 through a microSD card slot
- Solely 64GB of onboard storage
$150 at Amazon
Display measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage capability: 128GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 64MP most important, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.84 oz
Learn our full Google Pixel 7a assessment
For folks keen to have a look at telephones on the upper finish of the price range bracket, there are another candidates value trying out. The Pixel 7a usually prices $499, however we have seen it discounted to as little as $349. So if you happen to’re in search of an reasonably priced handset with good efficiency, helpful bonuses like wi-fi charging and the most effective most important cameras on any gadget on this worth vary, you’d be silly to not take into account this Pixel cellphone if you may get a superb deal on it. And whereas Google lately launched the Pixel 8a at $499, Google has confirmed it would proceed to promote the Pixel 7a.
- 90Hz OLED display
- Lengthy battery life
- Now has wi-fi charging
- Wonderful cameras
- Similar nice Pixel-specific software program
- Wi-fi charging is type of gradual
- No devoted zoom lens
- Audio system sound a bit shallow
$388 at Amazon
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Display measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 32MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP most important, 50MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 oz
Learn our full assessment of the Nothing Telephone 2a
One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Telephone 2a, which offers nice specs, a novel design and a ton of persona for simply $349. The primary motive it didn’t make our record 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 spending a dime) earlier than with the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Telephone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cellular (through the N41 band), which suggests it’s not a terrific 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
$349 at Nothing
Android cellphone FAQs
What is the worth distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an inexpensive iPhone?
iPhones are typically costlier in comparison with Android telephones — even the most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a more durable tablet to swallow in comparison with an inexpensive Android cellphone. In distinction, you may get your palms on an inexpensive Android gadget for as little as $100.
