There’s a fierce battle for the best cheap phones title, and who you pick comes down to how much you want to pay for your phone. The Google Pixel 8a delivers premium features in a sub-$500 phone, costing just the same as its predecessor. And with the OnePlus 12R also offering a top experience for under $500 as well, it’s hard to deny that phone’s appeal to budget-minded shoppers. There are also other recently announced phones, like the $200 priced CMF Phone 1 by Nothing, that could be in the running after it’s properly tested.
After testing multiple phones that cost less than $500, I believe that most shoppers can find everything they need in these lower-cost devices, whether you’re looking for an affordable iPhone or an inexpensive Android handset. No matter the model, no one needs to spend upwards of $800 on a flagship device when you can easily find a handset that delivers comparable features while costing hundreds of dollars less.
You’ll need to make some trade-offs to get a cheap phone — forget about the most powerful processors or versatile zoom cameras — but in many cases, you’ll find cameras that are good enough to get the job done and even big displays with adaptive refresh rates. And 5G connectivity is basically a given these days.
Even though I reviewed my fair share of affordable phones, my other colleagues also contribute collectively as a group for our picks for the best cheap phones under $500. If that’s still too much to pay, check out our guide on the best cheap phones under $300.
THE QUICK LIST
1. Google Pixel 8a
Best for most people
No other phone can match the performance and features that accompany the Pixel 8a, with big improvement like a brighter screen, longer battery life, charming design, and AI features that no other cheap phone can match.
2. OnePlus 12R
Long-lasting phone
The OnePlus 12R makes the most of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset powering the phone. Not only does this model outperform others in its price range, it also lasts longer than all but one phone that we’ve tested.
3. Nothing Phone 2a
Best-looking cheap phone
Cheap phones don’t normally look as good as the Nothing Phone 2a, which retains the distinctive design and Glyph interface of its more expensive siblings. Display and battery life are also strengths.
4. Google Pixel 6a
Save More
It may be over a couple years old, but you’ll appreciate the additional savings by choosing Google’s former top contender in the Google Pixel 6a.
5. iPhone SE (2022)
Best cheap iPhone
Don’t let its small size fool you because the iPhone SE (2022) packs a punch for what it can do. It’s responsive, has good camera, and packs a lot of savings.
6. Moto G 5G (2024)
Best under $200
Just because it’s ultra affordable doesn’t mean there are huge compromises with the Moto G 5G (2024). It improves in nearly every category versus its predecessor.
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7. OnePlus Nord N30
Best under $300
Impressively, it delivers outstanding battery life that rivals bigger phones with larger batteries. It also doesn’t take long to charge either.
8. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Best for note-taking
For that traditional paper meets pen experience, you won’t have to spend a fortune on getting it with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
9. Samsung Galaxy A55
Also Consider
Even though it’s not getting a proper release in the U.S., the Galaxy A55 is a fantastic follow up to last year’s Galaxy A54 — complete with outstanding cameras and battery life.
Source
tomsguide.com
