There have been mindblowing changes lately to Android phones thanks to some seriously powerful new chips. Remember when you had to pick between shelling out big bucks for a best-value phone or settling for midrange phones or something slower on a budget? Those days are fading fast. We’ve also seen sweeping changes to Google’s mobile OS—the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
Even the less affordable Android phones now pack a punch. It’s like everyone’s getting a taste of the good stuff without breaking the bank – suddenly, everyone’s in.
We’ll check out what these best budget Android phones can do, so we can help you find the cheapest phones no matter the budget.
What Should I Look for in a Good Budget Android Phone?
Most expensive phones are designed with high-quality gaming and advanced photography in mind, while more affordable Android phones are carefully engineered with powerful mid-range processors to handle daily tasks with ease and stay up-to-date with Android updates.
Even more surprising is the fact that these budget smartphones between $150 to $500 offer great user experiences and can last for years.
Choosing an affordable Android phone that suits your needs and wallet is important for most of us. You don’t want to end up with a phone that feels outdated and sluggish shortly after purchasing it. So, before diving into specs like processor and camera quality, start by considering connectivity. Ensure the phone supports your network and other basics like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
When it comes to the processor, look for an Android phone with a decent chipset to avoid a slow performance. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are common, but not all are equal. Aim for at least a Snapdragon 400-series or higher for better performance. MediaTek’s Dimensity series is also worth considering for speedier performance.
RAM is another thing you need to look out for; phones with at least 6GB of RAM allow for better multitasking.
Storage isn’t a major concern nowadays thanks to cloud services like Google Photos and Apple iCloud. These services can store your media securely, freeing up space on your phone.
Camera quality matters too, especially if you enjoy capturing moments. While cheaper phones may not have great image quality like iPhones, you can still take good pictures with some Android models.
Battery life is one thing many users overlook. While most phones on the list below have decent battery life, some are built to last longer. They might not be the most expensive phones today, but they sure do perform better than most of the high-end phones. All you need to do is consider your priorities and budget before making a decision.
Best Budget Android Phones: Cheap Android Phones 2024
Here are the cheapest Android phones to buy this 2024
Google Pixel 7a
Google’s phones are favored by Android lovers; from the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 6a. The Google Pixel 7a is known as the best budget Android phone in the market, and it’s easy to see why. With a bright 6.1-inch AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, and a powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset, this phone delivers top-notch performance.
Its 64MP primary camera captures stunning photos, and you get access to exclusive Pixel features straight out of the box. Plus, it’s the first A-series Pixel with wireless charging support. Despite minor drawbacks like a 90Hz refresh rate and average battery life, the Pixel 7a is one of the cheapest phones under $500.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R is dubbed one of the most affordable and best-value Android phones, and for good reason. Packed with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a superb AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive camera capabilities, this phone offers flagship-level performance. The sleek design and 100W wired charging are impressive and ideal for anyone in the market for a high-quality smartphone.
Nothing Phone 2a
Next up, we have the Nothing Phone 2a, praised for its exquisite design. With features like a transparent back panel and unique Glyph lights, this phone is impressive. Other specs, including a 6.7-inch Flexible AMOLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, make it a great choice in the budget Android phone market.
Samsung Galaxy A54
Another Samsung phone to buy if you’re looking for the best budget Android phone is the Galaxy A54 5G, sold for $325. It has a Pixel alternative with a fast display and premium design, though lacking wireless charging and slow charging speeds.
With a Super AMOLED display, flagship-level camera features, and a large 5,000mAh battery, this phone offers solid performance at a reasonable price. Samsung promises users four OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G delivers exceptional value for its price. With features like a Snapdragon 695 processor, an AMOLED display, and impressive camera capabilities, this phone is one of the cheapest Android phones to buy. Plus, its 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth user experience.
Although the OnePlus Nord N30 priced at $250 maintains strong performance, it loses the AMOLED display and premium design of its predecessor.
Moto G Stylus 5G
The Moto G Stylus 5G has been termed as the best stylus phone. Alongside solid specs like a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and a large 6.6-inch FHD+ display, it comes with a built-in stylus for writing and drawing. With its combination of features, performance, and value, it’s an ideal choice for a mid-range smartphone.
Other Budget Android Smartphones
- The $350 Motorola Edge has a cool OLED display, solid battery life, and improved cameras and is one of the best budget Android phones.
- For Galaxy fans, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, priced at $200 is a top pick. It features a fast display and great design, though lacking in speaker quality.
- Motorola Razr sold for about $500 is a budget foldable smartphone with decent performance, good battery life, and a large display, despite limitations in the cover screen and camera quality.
- You can also get the Samsung Galaxy A04 under $120, which offers good budget specs with Samsung’s One UI software, though limited by its plastic build and low resolution.
- The $230 T-Mobile REVVL 6x Pro with wireless charging, and long battery life is a great choice for a budget phone if you can handle a large screen, but it has poor display quality and weak performance.
While these budget Android smartphones might not meet the features of the cheapest iPhones by comparison, they still offer decent performance and features at affordable prices.