The very best price range Android telephones are nice methods to get all of the necessities you need in a handset with out breaking the financial institution. Whereas flagship telephones usually steal the highlight with their flashy options and excessive value tags, there’s no scarcity of Android telephones that ship nice efficiency at a fraction of the fee. The truth is, Android’s huge ecosystem provides one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a high-end gadget or among the finest low-cost telephones available on the market.
In case you’re not eager on shelling out for an Apple iPhone or one of many newest flagship telephones, price range Android choices can supply all the pieces you want from stable cameras to spectacular battery life and snappy efficiency. These telephones might not have all of the bells and whistles you’ll discover on telephones that price a whole bunch extra, however for most individuals, they’re greater than sufficient to deal with every day duties, stream movies and keep related.
How low-cost do you have to go?
We are inclined to outline a price range cellphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the danger of affected by too many compromises, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (in the event you’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favorites on the very finish of this information).
However for these with somewhat wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a baby could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s supposed primarily for emergencies or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 telephones have come a great distance due to improved efficiency, higher cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable different 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 affordable cellphone
With regards to low-cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this value vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a particular mannequin can range quite a bit based mostly on value. A vibrant display screen can be necessary. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh fee, however some telephones might have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated coloration saturation. Lengthy battery life is important as properly, so we are inclined to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can range quite a bit, so search for gadgets with at the very least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally necessary to think about assist size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program assist can lengthen the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.
Finest price range Android telephones for 2024
OnePlus
Display screen measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 16MP | Rear digital camera decision: 108MP major, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally all the pieces you may need in a cellphone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers robust efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s appropriate 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 price range cellphone as most rivals function slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you may prime it up shortly, too. It additionally provides software program updates for a good interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately received a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime decide on this house.
- Good efficiency for the worth
- 120Hz show
- 50W wired charging
SAMSUNG
Display screen measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP major, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a fairly outstanding gadget. It has a 6.5-inch show with a barely slower 90Hz refresh fee the Nord N30. Nonetheless, as a result of it options an OLED panel as a substitute of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally all of its rivals. On prime of that, you’re getting a 50MP major digital camera with stable low-light efficiency in a remarkably reasonably priced bundle. It will also 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, giving it the looks of a extra premium design. Lastly, the A15 comes with 4 years of safety updates and three years of OS updates, which is longer than most handsets on this value vary.
- OLED show with good brightness and colours
- May be configured with as much as 256GB of storage
- 5,000mAh battery
Motorola
Display screen measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 64GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 8MP | Rear digital camera 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 may add extra space if and whenever you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display screen can 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, nevertheless it’s adequate to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Certain, the G Play is primary, nevertheless it’s primary in a great way, particularly in the event you’re not too fussed about operating a number of apps and simply desire a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.
- 90Hz show
- IP52 ranking
- Expandable storage through a microSD card slot
- Solely 64GB of onboard storage
Display screen measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage capability: 128GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 64MP major, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.84 oz
Learn our full Google Pixel 7a overview
For individuals prepared to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the price range bracket, there are another candidates value testing. The Pixel 7a usually prices $499, however we have seen it discounted to as little as $349. So in the event you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced handset with good efficiency, useful bonuses like wi-fi charging and among the finest major cameras on any gadget on this value vary, you’d be silly to not think about this Pixel cellphone if you will get an excellent deal on it. And whereas Google lately launched the Pixel 8a at $499, Google has confirmed it’s going to proceed to promote the Pixel 7a.
- 90Hz OLED display screen
- Lengthy battery life
- Now has wi-fi charging
- Glorious cameras
- Similar nice Pixel-specific software program
- Wi-fi charging is form of sluggish
- No devoted zoom lens
- Audio system sound a bit shallow
Picture by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 32MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP major, 50MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 oz
Learn our full overview of the Nothing Telephone 2a
One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Telephone 2a, which gives nice specs, a novel premium design and a ton of character for simply $349. The principle cause 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 (without spending a dime) earlier than having the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Telephone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cellular (through the N41 band), which implies it’s not an incredible alternative for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.
- Distinctive design
- Nice worth
- Light-weight
- Surprisingly good efficiency
- No 5G on AT&T or Verizon
- No wi-fi charging
- Storage caps out at 256GB
Android cellphone FAQs
What is the value distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an affordable iPhone?
iPhones are typically costlier in comparison with Android telephones — even the most cost effective iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a more durable tablet to swallow in comparison with an affordable Android cellphone. In distinction, you will get your arms on an affordable Android gadget for as little as $100.
