Top 5 Best Cheap SmartPhones For 2025

Hey everyone! Looking for the best cheap phones today? You’re in the right place.

I’ve picked out the top five budget smartphones that offer great features without breaking the bank.

We’ll explore phones with amazing battery life, smooth displays, and even some with standout cameras.

One of them might just be the perfect phone for you.

Let’s jump right in!

Number 5. Moto G Play (2024)

Motorola Moto G Play (2024), is a cheap smartphone that’s punching above its weight.

First off, the design has seen a nice upgrade. The camera housing is now seamlessly integrated into the back, giving it a cleaner look. They’ve moved the fingerprint sensor to the power button on the side, which feels more natural. The phone also has a more squared-off design with flat sides, making it comfortable to hold.

The display is a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s not the brightest at 500 nits, it’s smooth and works well indoors. However, it can be a struggle to see in direct sunlight.

Under the hood, it features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD. This is a significant improvement over last year’s model, which had less RAM and a weaker processor. Daily tasks run smoothly, and light gaming is doable. Just don’t expect it to handle heavy games without some lag.

Now, let’s address the absence of 5G. At this price point, it’s a bit of a downer, especially when competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offer 5G connectivity for about $50 more. But if 5G isn’t a must-have for you, this might not be a deal-breaker.

Battery life is solid with a 5000mAh battery. You can easily get through a full day of use and still have some charge left. Charging speeds have improved to 15W, but you’ll still need some patience when recharging.

The camera setup includes a single 50MP rear camera, which is a step up from last year’s triple-camera system that didn’t perform well. In good lighting, the camera does a decent job. However, it struggles in low light and doesn’t capture fine details as well as some competitors. The 8MP front camera is serviceable for selfies.

On the software side, it runs a clean version of Android 13. Unfortunately, Motorola promises only one major OS upgrade to Android 14 and three years of security updates. Compared to Samsung’s Galaxy A15, which offers four OS upgrades and five years of security updates, this is less impressive.

So, how does it stack up against the competition? The OnePlus Nord N30 5G offers better performance and 5G connectivity but it costs a bit more. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G also provides 5G, better cameras, and longer software support but again it costs more. If you’re on a tight budget and can live without 5G and top-tier cameras, the Moto G Play (2024) offers great value for around $150.

In summary, the Moto G Play (2024) is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable smartphone that covers the basics well. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.

In short the pros are the…

Affordable price
Solid battery life
Decent performance for everyday tasks
Expandable storage
Improved design with better ergonomics

On the downside

No 5G connectivity
Mediocre camera performance in low light
Limited software support with only one promised OS upgrade
Display struggles under bright sunlight

Number 4. OnePlus Nord N200 5G

The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is a budget smartphone, offering a mix of features that are typical for its category but with a few standout elements. While it delivers in some areas like display quality and battery life, it falls short in others, such as camera performance and software support. Let’s take a closer look at where this phone shines and where it struggles compared to similar budget options.

First off, the design. You wouldn’t guess this phone costs under $200 by just looking at it. The Nord N200 5G sports a sleek and modern look with a matte plastic back that has a blue gradient sheen, giving it an air of elegance. It feels comfortable in the hand, thanks to its narrow frame, and the fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed on the side power button for easy access.

Now, the display is where this phone truly shines. It features a 6.49-inch Full HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. That means smoother scrolling and a more responsive experience, which is something you don’t often see in this price range. Whether you’re watching videos or playing games, the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp details.

Speaking of performance, the Nord N200 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. It handles everyday tasks fairly well, and even some gaming isn’t out of the question. However, if you’re someone who multitasks a lot or uses heavy apps, you might notice some slowdowns and stutters. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

One area where the Nord N200 5G could improve is the camera department. It comes with a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. In good lighting conditions, you can get some decent shots, but overall, the photo quality is just okay. There’s a lack of detail, and low-light performance isn’t great. If photography is a priority for you, you might want to look elsewhere.

On the flip side, the battery life is exceptional. With a hefty 5,000mAh battery, you can easily get through two full days on a single charge. That’s perfect for those who are always on the go and don’t want to worry about finding an outlet. Plus, it comes with an 18W charger that gets you back up to around 40% in just 30 minutes.

As for software, the phone runs on OxygenOS over Android 11, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. One downside is that OnePlus promises only one major Android update, which means you’ll get Android 12 and that’s it. However, you do get three years of security updates, which is decent for a phone in this price bracket.

Now, let’s talk about 5G connectivity. The Nord N200 5G supports sub-6 5G networks, but it’s only compatible with T-Mobile’s network in the US. If you’re on AT&T or Verizon, you’ll be limited to 4G, which is a bit of a letdown if you’re looking to future-proof your device.

Comparing it to other budget phones, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers smoother performance with 6GB of RAM but comes at a much higher price. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G includes an ultra-wide camera and longer software support, and its price has dropped significantly, making it a strong competitor. However, the Nord N200 5G stands out with its premium design and superior display quality.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G offers a lot of value for its price. If you’re in need of a budget-friendly phone with a great display, long battery life, and a sleek design, it’s definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations in performance and camera quality.

To sum up what I like are the…

Excellent 90Hz display
Sleek, premium design
Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery 
Affordable price point

On the downside

Average camera performance
Limited to one major Android update
Performance hiccups during multitasking 

Number 3. Moto G Power (2023)

Looking at the budget smartphone market, the Moto G Power 5G (2023) brings some noteworthy features to the table. It offers solid performance, a fast screen, and impressive battery life, all at an affordable price point.

One of the standout features is its battery life. With a hefty 5,000mAh battery, it can easily last two full days on a single charge under average use. This is a significant advantage for those who don’t want to worry about recharging their phone constantly.

The Moto G Power 5G also sports a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate isn’t common in budget phones, making scrolling and animations feel smooth and responsive. The screen is sharp and bright enough for most situations, although it may struggle a bit under direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 930 processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This setup delivers solid performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking social media, and streaming videos. It even handles multitasking without much trouble. However, if you’re into heavy gaming, you might experience some slowdowns with more demanding titles.

The camera system is decent but not outstanding. The main 50MP camera takes good photos in well-lit conditions, capturing plenty of detail and vibrant colors. However, it struggles in low light and with fast-moving subjects. The secondary cameras—a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens—don’t add much to the experience. The macro shots lack detail, and the depth sensor doesn’t significantly improve portrait shots.

One area where the Moto G Power 5G falls short is software support. Motorola promises only one major Android update and three years of security updates. This is less than what some competitors offer, like the Google Pixel 6a, which provides at least three years of major updates and five years of security patches.

Speaking of competitors, let’s compare the Moto G Power 5G to some other budget phones. The Pixel 6a, for instance, has a better camera system, more robust software support, and stronger performance, especially in gaming. However, it usually costs a bit more, although prices can fluctuate.

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is another option at a similar price point. It offers a more appealing design, better secondary cameras, and similar performance. However, the Moto G Power 5G edges ahead in battery life, which could be a deciding factor for some users.

If having features like NFC for contactless payments is important to you, you might consider the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. It includes NFC, better software support, and also offers good battery life. On the downside, its performance might not be as snappy as the Moto G Power 5G.

In terms of design, the Moto G Power 5G is simple and functional. It’s made of plastic, which keeps it lightweight but doesn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass alternatives. It does include a headphone jack and a microSD card slot, which are becoming rarer features these days.

Overall, the Moto G Power 5G (2023) is a solid choice for those who prioritize battery life and a smooth display in a budget phone. It handles daily tasks well and offers features that are practical for everyday use. While it has its shortcomings, especially in camera performance and software updates, it still stands as a competitive option in the budget smartphone market.

To sum up what I like is the…

Excellent battery life lasting up to two days
Smooth 120Hz display 
Solid performance for everyday tasks 
Affordable price point
Includes headphone jack and microSD card slot 

On the downside…

Weak secondary cameras and average main camera in low light 
Limited software support with only one promised OS update
Plastic build lacks premium feel

Number 2. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is another budget-friendly smartphone that comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers and how it compares to other affordable phones on the market.

Starting with the design, the Galaxy A15 5G comes with a plastic build, which keeps it lightweight and comfortable to hold. It might not have that premium feel, but the new Light Blue color option adds a subtle, appealing hue that makes it stand out a bit.

The phone features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen is bright and clear, making it good for watching videos and browsing the web. However, it’s worth noting that some competitors, like the Moto G 5G and TCL 50 XL 5G, offer smoother 120Hz displays, which provide a slightly better experience when scrolling or playing games.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A15 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor and 4GB of RAM. For everyday tasks like texting, web browsing, and streaming, it performs adequately. But you might notice some lag when opening apps or playing more demanding games. Even typing can feel a bit less responsive, so you might need to slow down just a tad to avoid mistakes.

One area where this phone really shines is battery life. With a hefty 5,000mAh battery, you can easily get through a full day, and with moderate use, possibly two days before needing to recharge. Plus, it supports 25-watt wired charging, allowing you to go from 0% to about 54% in just 30 minutes, which is quicker than some other phones in this price range.

When it comes to the camera setup, the Galaxy A15 5G includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. In good lighting, the main camera takes decent photos with vibrant colors—perfect for social media. However, in low-light conditions, the camera struggles, resulting in images that are a bit grainy and lack detail. The selfie camera does the job but doesn’t particularly impress, especially when compared to phones like the Moto G 5G, which offers clearer selfies.

A standout feature of the Galaxy A15 is Samsung’s commitment to software and security updates. The phone comes with Android 14 out of the box and samsung promises four years of software updates and five years of security patches. This kind of long-term support is rare in budget smartphones and means you won’t have to worry about your phone becoming outdated anytime soon.

Now, how does it stack up against other budget options? The Moto G 5G and TCL 50 XL 5G both offer smoother 120Hz displays and dual speakers, which enhance the media experience. If you’re big on watching videos or playing games, these might be better choices. However, they don’t match the Galaxy A15’s long-term software support, so if longevity is important to you, the Samsung is the better option.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a reliable and affordable smartphone that excels in battery life and software support. It’s not the fastest performer, and the camera isn’t the best in low light, but it handles everyday tasks well. If you’re looking for a phone that will last you several years without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice to consider.

To sum up what I like is the…

Excellent software and security support
Long battery life with fast charging
Eye-catching Light Blue color option
Affordable price point 

On the downside…

Slower performance compared to competitors
Single audio speaker limits media experience
Mediocre camera performance in low light 

Number 1. Google Pixel 6a

If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t skimp on features, the Google Pixel 6a might just be the one for you.

First off, the design. The Pixel 6a brings the sleek look of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro into a more compact form. With its 6.1-inch OLED display, it’s not too big or too small—just right for comfortable one-handed use. The phone feels premium, even though the back is made of glossy plastic that looks like glass. Plus, it’s lightweight at 178 grams and has IP67 water and dust resistance.

The display is sharp and vibrant, thanks to the 1080p resolution and OLED technology. Colors pop, and it’s bright enough to use outdoors. However, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a bit disappointing when competitors are offering smoother 90Hz or even 120Hz screens at similar prices. But for everyday use, most people might not notice the difference.

Under the hood, the Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s first-generation Tensor processor, paired with 6GB of RAM. This means you’re getting solid performance that can handle apps, games, and multitasking with ease. In benchmarks, it scores impressively, rivaling even some higher-end phones. So, for the price, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Speaking of price, the Pixel 6a has become even more affordable lately. You can find it for under $200 on amazon. That puts it firmly in the budget category, making it an attractive option for those who want great features without breaking the bank.

Now, let’s talk cameras—one of the Pixel 6a’s standout features. It has a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Even though it uses the same sensor as previous Pixel models, Google’s excellent image processing makes the photos shine. The pictures are crisp, with great dynamic range and vibrant colors. In low light, the Night Sight feature works wonders. Selfies with the 8-megapixel front camera are also top-notch. Compared to other budget phones, the Pixel 6a’s camera performance is hard to beat.

Battery life is respectable with a 4,410 mAh battery, getting you through a full day with ease. It supports 18W fast charging, which isn’t the fastest out there, but it’s acceptable for the price range. Just keep in mind that there’s no charger included in the box, so you’ll need to use your own.

On the software side, the Pixel 6a runs Android 14, and since it’s a Pixel, you’ll get timely updates directly from Google for years to come. Exclusive features like Call Screen, Live Caption, and Assistant Voice Typing add to the experience.

There are a few drawbacks to consider however. The phone doesn’t have a headphone jack, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Also, there’s no wireless charging, and the base model comes with 128GB of storage without microSD expansion. But for most users, 128GB should be plenty.

When compared to other budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G or the Nothing Phone (1), the Pixel 6a holds its own. While the Galaxy A53 offers a higher refresh rate display and a bigger battery, its performance and camera aren’t quite up to the Pixel’s standards. The Nothing Phone (1) has a unique design and a higher refresh rate screen, but the Pixel 6a’s camera and software experience give it an edge. Also both these phones are more expensive.

In summary, the Google Pixel 6a is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget phone with flagship-level features. It combines great performance, an excellent camera, and timely software updates—all at an affordable price. Despite a few minor shortcomings, it’s a device that has aged well and continues to offer great value.

In short what I like is the…

Compact and premium design
Excellent camera performance
Solid performance with Google Tensor chip
Timely software updates and exclusive features
Affordable price

On the downside..

60Hz display might disappoint some
No headphone jack
No charger included in the box
No microSD card expansion