The very best low cost Android telephones to purchase in 2025

You don’t have to lay our a fortune to get a brand new cellphone that handles your every day duties with ease. The very best low cost Android telephones pack spectacular options into reasonably priced worth tags, making them nice choices for anybody who desires strong efficiency with out stretching their pockets. Whether or not you are scrolling social media, streaming movies or snapping images, there are many budget-friendly Android gadgets that may sustain with every part you do.

When you won’t get all of the bells and whistles of flagship fashions, a lot of at present’s reasonably priced telephones nonetheless provide surprisingly good construct high quality, clean shows and succesful digital camera programs. Some even boast spectacular digital camera high quality that may go toe-to-toe with far dearer choices — good for informal photographers or anybody who simply desires to seize nice moments on the go.

Desk of contents

Finest finances Android telephones for 2025

SAMSUNG

For $200, the Galaxy A16 5G provides great worth. I haven’t had an opportunity to check it, however really feel assured recommending it since Samsung took an already nice cellphone within the A15 5G and made it even higher. In comparison with its predecessor, the A16 contains a thinner design, slimmer bezels and a good bigger 6.7-inch display. It additionally features a new, sooner and extra environment friendly Exynos 1330, alongside an unbelievable six years of promised software program help.

The one disappointing factor concerning the A16 is that Samsung didn’t replace the cellphone’s digital camera package deal, however contemplating how a lot cellphone you’re getting for $200, it’s exhausting to fault the corporate. Oh, and the A16 doesn’t include a headphone jack, so finances for wi-fi earbuds. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Execs

Reasonably priced
Upgraded processor
Good 6.7-inch display
Thinner design

Cons

Digicam array is a bit stale
No headphone jack

$200 at Amazon

OnePlus

When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally every part 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 fee, which is uncommon on a finances cellphone as most rivals function slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you may prime it up rapidly, too. It additionally provides software program updates for a good interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately bought a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime decide on this house.

Execs

Good efficiency for the value
120Hz show
50W wired charging

$300 at Amazon

Motorola

For these on a extremely tight finances, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases effectively. 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 may add more room if and while you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can also be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh fee. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 ranking 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 in case you’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply need a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.

Execs

90Hz show
IP52 ranking
Expandable storage by way of a microSD card slot

Cons

Solely 64GB of onboard storage

$110 at Amazon

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Display measurement: 6.77 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM sort: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 50MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP principal, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | Weight: 7.44 ounces

Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review

If you would like one thing totally different out of your subsequent cellphone, there are few if any gadgets on the market just like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass again that evokes the design of outdated Sport Boys, permitting you to see a few of its inner parts, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally among the best offers within the trade, because of a compelling mixture of options. The Cellphone 3a sports activities a shiny 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee. It additionally comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto digital camera. That final function is one thing that’s tough to search out within the 3a Professional’s worth vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Execs

Enjoyable design
Massive 120Hz AMOLED display
Clear however customizable Android pores and skin

Cons

Restricted US guarantee
No wi-fi charging
Tinny audio system

$459 at Amazon

How low cost do you have to go for an Android cellphone?

We are likely to outline a finances smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the chance of affected by too many compromises in operate, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (in case you’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favourite flagship telephones 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 toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s supposed primarily for emergencies, WiFi searching or texting mother and father (and never social media). On the upper finish of this worth spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a great distance because of improved efficiency, higher cellphone cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable various to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if in case you have the flexibleness to spend extra.

What to search for in an inexpensive Android cellphone

On the subject 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 selected mannequin can range lots primarily based on worth. A shiny display can also be essential. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh fee, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated shade saturation. Lengthy battery life is vital as effectively, so we are likely to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can range lots, so search for gadgets with at the very least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally essential 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.

Android cellphone FAQs

What is the worth distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an inexpensive iPhone?

iPhones are usually dearer in comparison with Android telephones — even the most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a more durable capsule to swallow in comparison with an inexpensive Android cellphone. In distinction, you will get your palms on an inexpensive Android gadget for as little as $100.

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