8 Best Cheap Phones (2025), Tested and Reviewed
Forget the allure of exorbitant flagship smartphones. Every year, I meticulously test a multitude of devices to unearth the best cheap phones that genuinely deliver where it counts, without the frustrating lag or compromises that often plague budget-friendly options. In the US, wireless carriers frequently employ clever tactics to make premium smartphones appear affordable. An AT&T advertisement might showcase a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for a seemingly modest $36 a month. However, this is a common trap; spread over 36 monthly installments, you’re still committing to over a thousand dollars for a device that might also lock you into a specific network until it’s fully paid off, severely limiting your freedom to switch carriers.
Instead, consider investing in a truly excellent, affordable smartphone. This decision is particularly pertinent in today’s tariff-rich economic climate, which can drive up electronics prices. Our top recommendation, the Google Pixel 9a, priced at a highly competitive $499, offers a user experience that rivals many flagship devices. Our other curated selections expertly balance cost-effectiveness with desirable features, proving that quality doesn’t always demand a premium. Remarkably, this guide even features a folding phone, making cutting-edge form factors more accessible. For those exploring other mobile options, our comprehensive guides cover everything from the Best Android Phones and Best Samsung Phones to Best Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Google Pixel, Best Moto Phones, and Best iPhones.
Updated November 2025: We’ve incorporated the Motorola Moto G Play 2026, Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, and provided insights on the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite.
Should You Buy a Cheap Phone Now?
The timing for purchasing a cheap phone in 2025 depends on your urgency. While many excellent budget models released this year offer great value, a significant number of "cheap" phones typically debut in the first half of the year. This means that 2026 models for several popular options are just around the corner. For instance, the iPhone 16e launched in February 2025, suggesting an iPhone 17e might follow a similar timeline in early 2026. Motorola has already begun rolling out its 2026 Moto G lineup, starting with the Moto G Play 2026. If you’re not in an immediate rush and prioritize having the absolute latest model, waiting a few months could be a wise decision to see what new innovations and improvements the next wave of affordable smartphones brings.
Consider Last Year’s Flagship Phones (or Used)
If the features or performance of current cheap phones don’t quite meet your expectations, exploring previous-generation flagship smartphones, often available at steep discounts, presents an excellent alternative. While manufacturers might eventually discontinue selling these older flagships, they can sometimes be easily found through various retailers. Keep in mind that opting for an older model typically means sacrificing a year of software support. However, even with this reduction, the software support for a past flagship often surpasses what’s available on many brand-new cheap phones. For example, the Google Pixel 9, a former flagship, has seen its price drop to around $499, offering premium features at a mid-range cost. Prices are dynamic, so monitoring for optimal purchase times is key.
Another viable strategy is to buy a used smartphone. Reputable platforms like Swappa, Gazelle, and Back Market are excellent resources for finding quality used or refurbished devices. When considering this route, research the current top Android and iPhone models from the last one to two years and assess their pricing in "mint" or "good" condition. This approach can unlock significantly more powerful devices with superior cameras and features for a fraction of their original cost.
5G Smartphones, Explained
5G represents the current generation of cellular networks and has achieved widespread coverage, making it a crucial feature to prioritize in a new phone. While it doesn’t entirely supersede 4G LTE—you’ll still see 4G indicators in many areas—5G offers enhanced capabilities. There are primarily two types of 5G: sub-6 and millimeter wave (mmWave). Millimeter wave, typically found in higher-end flagship phones, delivers ultra-fast speeds but is limited to specific, dense urban areas, stadiums, and airports. Sub-6 5G, on the other hand, offers speeds that are marginally faster than 4G LTE but boasts a much broader range and is far more accessible across wider geographical areas. The majority of affordable smartphones recommended in this guide, even those priced as low as $180, are equipped with sub-6 5G support, ensuring you’re ready for the current network standard.
Check Network Compatibility
Purchasing an unlocked phone from this list and attempting to activate it at a wireless carrier’s retail store might lead to a representative incorrectly claiming it’s incompatible with their network. In most cases, it is. The simplest solution is often to use a paper clip or SIM ejection tool to transfer the SIM card from your old phone into your new, unlocked device. If it doesn’t immediately connect, a quick reboot usually resolves the issue.
Should you require a new SIM card, consider ordering one online directly from your carrier. Alternatively, inquire if they can provide a SIM when activating a new line in-store, explicitly stating that you already possess a phone. Retail associates sometimes push for device sales, which can influence their advice. However, it is paramount to independently verify that any phone you buy is compatible with your specific wireless network. Product listings on platforms like Amazon typically clearly indicate network compatibility. Always confirm that the phone is being sold as "unlocked."
Within this guide, we specify compatibility with major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). If you use a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) like Metro By T-Mobile or Mint Mobile, which utilize larger carrier networks, a phone compatible with the parent network (e.g., T-Mobile) will likely work. For peace of mind, consult the detailed specifications of your chosen phone model to ensure it supports the necessary LTE or 5G bands for your carrier.
Warning for Verizon users: Unlocked phones have a higher chance of encountering compatibility issues with Verizon’s network. Always confirm that the device is explicitly labeled as working with Verizon or states it is CDMA-capable. If you experience issues like a lack of text messages, contacting customer service to enable "CDMA-less roaming" might be necessary. AT&T and T-Mobile operate on GSM, the global standard, making most unlocked phones readily compatible with their networks.
Best Cheap Phone Overall
Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a (9/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out as the best smartphone you can acquire for its price point. At $499—roughly half the cost of an iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus—it offers a comprehensive suite of features. This includes convenient Qi wireless charging and impressive, top-of-the-line performance, courtesy of Google’s Tensor G4 processor. This is the same powerful chip found in the flagship Pixel 9 series, a remarkable inclusion for a mid-range phone that also guarantees an industry-leading seven years of software support—a truly exceptional benefit at this price.
The Pixel 9a boasts a larger and brighter 6.3-inch OLED screen than its predecessors, featuring a smooth 120-Hz refresh rate that ensures all on-screen animations and scrolling are incredibly fluid. While the bezels surrounding the display are a bit thick, this aesthetic detail hardly detracts from the overall user experience. Google has introduced a refreshed, more streamlined design for the back, replacing the iconic Pixel camera bar with a sleek, floating dual-camera module that sits perfectly flush with the phone’s rear. Though it may lack some of the previous design’s distinctiveness, the phone retains a sophisticated appeal, especially in its vibrant iris or peony color options.
During my extensive testing, the Pixel 9a exhibited flawless performance, even under demanding conditions. I recall live-posting for an hour on Bluesky during the Nintendo Direct announcing the Switch 2, and the phone handled it all without a hitch. The only minor trade-off is that, with 8 GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a omits two features present in the flagship Pixel 9 series: Call Notes and the Pixel Screenshots app. While useful, these omissions are not significant enough to impact the overall excellent value.
Battery life has seen a substantial improvement. The generous 5,100-mAh cell comfortably powers the device through a full day of average use, consistently leaving me with 30 to 40 percent charge by bedtime. However, on days with particularly heavy usage, involving six to seven hours of screen time or more, the battery will drain faster, making a portable charger a sensible companion for such scenarios.
The cameras are consistently a highlight of the Pixel series, and the Pixel 9a proudly upholds this legacy, featuring arguably the finest camera system available in the sub-$500 category. It sports a 48-megapixel main camera that captures remarkably detailed, vibrant, and sharp photos across a wide range of lighting conditions. Complementing this is a capable 13-MP ultrawide lens, and the 13-MP selfie camera also delivers solid results. Even video clips shot in challenging dim light at 4K 60 frames per second appeared impressive.
The most compelling reason for my strong endorsement of Pixel phones lies in their intelligent software features, which are largely absent from other sub-$500 smartphones. I’ve detailed many of these capabilities elsewhere, but highlights include "Add Me," which intelligently ensures everyone, including the photographer, is seamlessly integrated into group photos. "Audio Magic Eraser" allows users to effortlessly remove unwanted sounds, like sirens, from videos. Furthermore, Google’s "Call Screen" technology effectively identifies and blocks spam calls, providing invaluable peace of mind.
Additional perks enhance the Pixel 9a’s appeal, such as highly secure face unlock and a reliable fingerprint scanner. Both biometric authentication methods are compatible with sensitive applications, offering users flexible and robust unlocking options—a secure face unlock feature is virtually unheard of in other Android phones at this price. The phone also supports NFC for convenient contactless payments and boasts an improved IP68 rating, ensuring excellent protection against dust and water ingress.
Best Cheap iPhone
iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e (7/10, WIRED Review) serves as Apple’s most affordable iPhone. However, the term "cheap" is relative here, as its $599 price tag makes it $170 more expensive than the iPhone SE it replaced. While this guide primarily focuses on sub-$500 smartphones, the 16e is currently the only new iPhone from Apple available at the lowest possible price point.
Functionally, it’s a perfectly capable handset, delivering strong performance thanks to its A18 chipset. This makes it the cheapest iPhone to offer Apple Intelligence, though it’s important to note that the 16e’s A18 lacks one graphics core compared to the version in the standard iPhone 16. This translates to slightly reduced gaming performance, but in my testing, I rarely encountered significant issues even with demanding titles like Genshin Impact.
The standout feature of the iPhone 16e is its exceptional battery life. Despite its relatively compact 6.1-inch screen, it offers a longer run time than the similarly sized iPhone 16, and even approaches the endurance of Apple’s larger iPhones. On a particularly intensive day, I achieved nine hours of screen-on time, with 15 percent battery remaining by bedtime—a truly impressive feat. This extended longevity is largely due to the new C1 chip, Apple’s first custom modem in an iPhone, which provides robust sub-6 5G cellular performance while being significantly more power-efficient than older modems.
Beyond its impressive battery, this iPhone doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking features. Its 48-megapixel camera is competent, producing pleasant images even in low light, but it is the only camera on the device. Unlike its pricier siblings, there’s no Dynamic Island; instead, the traditional notch makes a return. Apple also omitted MagSafe from this model, meaning magnetic accessories cannot be attached without a compatible MagSafe case, and even then, you won’t benefit from faster wireless charging speeds. Furthermore, the absence of an ultra-wideband chip means you cannot precisely track AirTags; this iPhone will only provide a general vicinity for the tag’s location.
Even if these omissions aren’t deal-breakers, the iPhone 16e, at $599, doesn’t quite feel like it offers the best value. Other phones in this price bracket, particularly Android devices, provide a more extensive array of capabilities and features. While the 16e will certainly get the job done for Apple enthusiasts, it’s not the most cost-effective choice. For those seeking better value, I recommend considering a used iPhone 15 Pro, which can often be found for around $650 in good condition on sites like Swappa, Gazelle, or Back Market. It supports Apple Intelligence and boasts a far richer feature set. If a new device is a must, the iPhone 15, available directly from Apple for $699, includes all the features missing from the 16e, though it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence—a minor concern given that Apple’s AI features are still in their nascent stages of utility.
Best Cheap Samsung Phone
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
For those craving a Samsung smartphone without the hefty flagship price tag, the Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) offers a compelling solution. Positioned as a "lite" version of the premium Galaxy S25 series, it shares many core characteristics but with a few carefully chosen compromises to keep the cost down. For instance, while its screen is excellent, it doesn’t achieve the same peak brightness as flagships and lacks an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically scale from 1 to 120 Hz. Although its official MSRP is $650, the Galaxy S25 FE frequently dips to attractive sale prices as low as $475, at which point it becomes an exceptionally worthwhile contender in this guide.
Despite the cost savings, you still get a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a smooth 120-Hz refresh rate, ensuring a fluid visual experience. The 4,900-mAh battery reliably lasts a full day with average use, providing dependable power for most users. A standout feature for a phone in this segment is its versatile triple-camera system, which includes a 3X optical zoom lens. The camera produces surprisingly strong results, capturing detailed and colorful images. However, it’s worth noting that the autofocus can occasionally struggle in low-light conditions, leading to slightly blurry nighttime photos if there’s significant movement. Crucially, like the Pixel and iPhone recommendations, this Android phone is backed by one of the industry’s longest software support policies, offering extended security and feature updates.
During my testing period of over a week, the Exynos 2400 chipset proved its mettle, delivering a generally smooth and responsive experience. Even when pushing the device with the graphically demanding mobile game Genshin Impact at maximum settings, while I observed some stutters during intense gameplay, the experience remained entirely playable. Furthermore, almost all of Samsung’s advanced Galaxy AI features are available on this phone, appealing to users who value intelligent software enhancements.
The Galaxy S25 FE retains other desirable flagship-level perks, including Qi wireless charging (and Qi2 Ready if paired with a magnetic case) and a robust IP68 water resistance rating, offering protection against submersion. While its design might be perceived as a little understated, its comprehensive feature set and strong all-around performance make it an excellent choice for a budget-conscious Samsung fan – provided you can snatch it up during one of its frequent sales.
Best Value
Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro
Nothing’s Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) represent some of the most compelling cheap phones currently available. They are distinctively stylish, offer a unique aesthetic, and tick nearly all the boxes for a satisfying smartphone experience.
The two devices are largely identical in most aspects, with the primary differences residing in their camera systems. The Phone (3a) Pro features a 50-megapixel main sensor with slightly larger pixels than its counterpart in the standard Phone (3a), enabling it to capture more light for superior nighttime photography. Additionally, the Pro model includes a 3X periscope telephoto sensor for enhanced optical zoom, whereas the more affordable 3a is equipped with a 2X optical camera. For users who prioritize camera capabilities, especially zoom and low-light performance, the (3a) Pro is the clear choice, despite its slightly higher price and a bulky camera module that can make the phone feel a bit top-heavy and unwieldy. The standard Phone (3a) offers a more balanced design, and its cameras still deliver image quality that comes reasonably close to the Pro.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, both phones offer speedy and fluid performance, handling everyday tasks and most applications with ease. The substantial 5,000-mAh battery cell is capable of lasting a full day of heavy use and can even stretch to two days with lighter activity. The display on both models is smooth, sharp, and sufficiently bright for comfortable viewing. Both phones carry an IP64 rating, meaning they offer protection against dust and splashes, but users should exercise caution around water, particularly pools, as they are not fully waterproof.
The main caveats, similar to their predecessors, relate to connectivity in the US. Nothing sells these phones through a beta program, which can result in less-than-optimal network performance. While the Phone (3a) series generally performs best on T-Mobile, 4G connectivity is usually available on AT&T and Verizon. However, to access 5G on these networks, users typically need to contact the carriers to whitelist their device, a process that can be cumbersome and, at times, unsuccessful.
Despite this specific flaw, it’s challenging to find better value at these price points. Nothing’s custom software layer, Nothing OS, built on Android, is visually appealing, slick, and thoughtfully designed, notably free of bloatware. The innovative "Essential Key" introduces a more intuitive approach to artificial intelligence. This physical button allows users to record notes via voice or text, which are then summarized by AI, even automatically generating tasks. Nothing also commits to a commendable software update policy, providing three Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, making these devices a smart long-term investment.
Best Under $400
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025
While Nothing’s Phone (3a) series offers compelling value, for users prioritizing guaranteed network compatibility across all US carriers without any hassle, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 stands as the superior choice under $400. This Motorola device is arguably the best Moto G smartphone, primarily due to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, which delivers remarkably smooth performance. In my testing, I rarely observed any choppy animations, even when engaging with games like Kingshot.
The phone features a large and sharp 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a responsive 120-Hz refresh rate. I found its peak brightness to be more than adequate, even on sunny days, eliminating the need to squint. Despite its slim profile, the Moto G Stylus houses a robust 5,000-mAh battery cell. With average use, I consistently ended my day with around 35 percent battery remaining, easily lasting a full day.
Aesthetically, the phone impresses with a beautiful blue color on its back, complemented by a vegan leather texture that gives it a smart and premium look. A unique selling point is its integrated stylus, a feature almost exclusively found in the high-end $1,300 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This stylus is incredibly handy for quick doodles, signing digital documents, or jotting down notes if you prefer handwriting input.
Further enhancing its appeal, the Moto G Stylus includes a headphone jack—an increasingly rare find in 2025—and a microSD card slot, allowing for expansion beyond its already generous 256 GB of internal storage. Motorola has also significantly improved its water resistance, now boasting an IP68 rating, which means the device can withstand submersion in water. Wireless charging is another welcome inclusion, making overnight power-ups more convenient than fumbling with a USB-C cable.
The primary camera delivers solid results, even in low-light conditions, capturing images that most users will be pleased with. However, like many budget phones, achieving clear nighttime shots requires keeping the phone very still to avoid blur.
Finally, Motorola has addressed its historical shortcomings in software support with an improved update policy. For the first time, all 2025 Moto G devices will receive two Android OS upgrades, alongside three years of security updates. While this might not match the extensive support offered by some competitors, it marks a significant step forward for the company. Given that Motorola phones frequently go on sale, with this model often dipping to as low as $285, it represents exceptional value as a budget-friendly option, making it even more sensible when purchased during a promotion.
Best Under $300
CMF Phone 2 Pro
CMF, Nothing’s low-cost sub-brand, makes a triumphant return with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends), which, at $279, once again sets a new standard for value in its price bracket. This handset proudly displays Nothing’s playful and distinctive design aesthetic, making it stand out from the crowd.
Performance is a major highlight, driven by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset. It delivers fantastic speed, significantly outperforming the somewhat sluggish Moto G Power 2025. In fact, my benchmark tests often placed it ahead of even Motorola’s pricier Moto G Stylus. CMF has managed to pack a substantial 5,000-mAh battery cell into the phone’s slim frame, ensuring it lasts well over a day, and potentially two with lighter usage. Users also benefit from a generous 256 gigabytes of internal storage, with the added flexibility of a microSD card slot for further expansion.
The 6.77-inch screen is a genuine bright spot. Finding an AMOLED panel on a sub-$300 phone is rare, but here it offers deep blacks and vibrant, punchy colors that truly enhance the viewing experience. With a 120-Hz screen refresh rate, animations are buttery smooth, and the display gets sufficiently bright, eliminating any need to squint on sunny days.
Another feature uncommon in this budget segment is a "real" triple-camera system. By "real," I mean the third camera isn’t a token 2-megapixel macro lens or depth sensor. Instead, you get a capable 50-MP main camera, a 50-MP 2X optical zoom camera, and an 8-MP ultrawide lens. The overall results are quite satisfactory, producing detailed and colorful images. However, the cameras can sometimes struggle with properly exposing high-contrast scenes, and achieving sharp images in low light requires maintaining extreme stillness to avoid blur.
CMF utilizes Nothing OS, the same sleek and well-designed Android layer found on Nothing’s premium smartphones. It’s a gorgeous, fluid interface completely free of bloatware. I particularly appreciate the physical "Essential Key" button, which offers a thoughtful approach to AI. Pressing and holding it activates a voice memo function, with the Essential Space app then transcribing the memo, extracting helpful information, and even creating tasks automatically. A single press takes a screenshot, and the app intelligently suggests relevant details about the on-screen content. Even better, CMF promises three Android OS upgrades and an impressive six years of security updates, far surpassing its main competitor, the Moto G Power.
Despite its many strengths, the CMF Phone 2 Pro does have a few peculiar quirks. CMF boasts an intriguing accessory system, including modular camera lenses, different colored back plates, and a magnetic wallet/kickstand combo. However, none of these accessories are sold in the US, and they are only available in limited quantities in Europe and the UK. This decision to design a phone for accessorization without making those accessories widely available is perplexing.
More critically, 5G connectivity might be inconsistent for some users. While I experienced zero issues using the phone on Google Fi (which leverages T-Mobile’s network), similar to the Nothing Phone (3a) series, users on AT&T and Verizon may need to contact their carriers to whitelist the Phone 2 Pro for 5G coverage, and even then, results can vary. It’s also worth noting that stock levels for the Phone 2 Pro have been fluctuating significantly.
For Great Battery Life
OnePlus 13R
Note: OnePlus has recently teased the OnePlus 15R, slated for a December launch. It might be prudent to hold off on purchasing the OnePlus 13R unless you encounter an exceptionally good sale.
The OnePlus 13R (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has seen a slight price increase compared to its excellent predecessor, which somewhat diminishes its value proposition. Nevertheless, it remains a highly capable smartphone. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is near perfection, offering a sharp resolution, ample brightness, and a smooth 120-Hz refresh rate that ensures a premium visual experience. Powering the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the same flagship processor found in many top-tier phones of 2024. This means the 13R can effortlessly handle the latest and most demanding games and applications without a hitch.
What truly distinguishes this device is its massive 6,000-mAh silicon-carbon battery cell. This relatively new technology allows manufacturers to integrate higher-density batteries without increasing the phone’s thickness. Impressively, the 13R is slightly thinner than its predecessor despite a 500-mAh increase in battery capacity. In typical usage, I consistently achieved an average of two days on a single charge. On more demanding days, I comfortably reached the end of the day with approximately 25 percent battery remaining. When power does run low, the included cable and charging adapter can rapidly replenish the battery from zero to 100 percent in roughly 54 minutes. It is, however, a missed opportunity
