Among the finest issues in regards to the Android ecosystem is the supply of actually inexpensive telephones for as little as $150. By comparability, the cheapest iPhone is predicated on a dated design and begins at $429. Nonetheless, selecting the correct one could be a bit difficult, as decreasing the worth of a cellphone can typically end in too many trade-offs. So to present you a hand, we examined a bunch of the most well-liked choices and put collectively a listing of our favourite low-cost Android telephones.
Editor’s word (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 lots of its cues from final yr’s flagship Pixel 8 series. We’ll have a full evaluation within the coming days and can replace this information accordingly. For now, you possibly can 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 decide, at a lowered worth, so it could proceed to be worthwhile. Most ought to maintain off till we put the brand new Pixel by its paces, although.
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 machine 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 little bit wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive machine, particularly if it’s meant 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 due to improved efficiency, higher cameras and nicer shows. This makes them a viable various to premium flagships, even you probably have the liberty to spend extra.
What to search for in a price range Android cellphone
Relating to inexpensive 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 fluctuate quite a bit primarily based on worth. A vibrant display can also be necessary. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price, however some telephones could have OLED screens with elevated shade 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 fluctuate quite a bit, so search for units with at the least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally necessary to think about help size, as periodic working system and safety updates can lengthen the longevity of your machine, which can prevent cash in the long term.
OnePlus
Display measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 16MP | Rear digicam decision: 108MP essential, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally the whole lot you would need in a cellphone that value $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chip 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. 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 due to its 50-watt wired charging, you possibly can 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.
SAMSUNG
Display measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP essential, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a fairly exceptional machine. 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 an alternative of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally 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 sort: 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 may appear small, the cellphone has a microSD card slot so you possibly can add extra space if and while 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, but it surely’s ok 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 sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 64MP essential, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.84 oz
For folks prepared 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 is our favorite midrange phone and whereas it value $500 at launch, lately we’ve seen offers that introduced it right down to as little as $375. That’s simply $25 above our typical vary, so should you’re in search of an inexpensive handset with good efficiency, useful bonuses like wi-fi charging and one of the best cameras on any machine on this worth vary, you’d be silly to not contemplate Google’s most affordable handset.
Picture 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 essential, 50MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 oz
One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Phone 2a, which supplies nice specs, a singular design and a ton of character for simply $349. The principle purpose it didn’t make our record is as a result of within the US, it’s solely accessible as a part of Nothing’s developer program, which requires you to enroll (free of charge) earlier than with the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Phone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cellular (through the N41 band), which implies it’s not an excellent alternative for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.
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