One of the best low-cost Android telephones to purchase in 2025

You don’t have to lay our a fortune to get a brand new telephone that handles your day by day duties with ease. One of the best low-cost Android telephones pack spectacular options into reasonably priced value tags, making them nice choices for anybody who needs 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.

Whilst you may not get all of the bells and whistles of flagship fashions, a lot of at this time’s reasonably priced telephones nonetheless supply surprisingly good construct high quality, clean shows and succesful digital camera methods. 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 needs to seize nice moments on the go.

Desk of contents

Finest finances Android telephones for 2025

SAMSUNG

Display screen dimension: 6.7 inches | Storage capability: 256GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP most important, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz

For $200, the Galaxy A16 5G gives great worth. I haven’t had an opportunity to check it, however really feel assured recommending it since Samsung took an already nice telephone within the A15 5G and made it even higher. In comparison with its predecessor, the A16 incorporates a thinner design, slimmer bezels and an excellent 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 in regards to the A16 is that Samsung didn’t replace the telephone’s digital camera package deal, however contemplating how a lot telephone you’re getting for $200, it’s onerous to fault the corporate. Oh, and the A16 doesn’t include a headphone jack, so finances for wi-fi earbuds. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Professionals

Inexpensive
Upgraded processor
Good 6.7-inch display
Thinner design

Cons

Digital camera 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 possibly can need in a telephone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s suitable with all the large 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 a giant 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh charge, which is uncommon on a finances telephone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And due to its 50-watt wired quick charging, you may prime it up shortly, too. It additionally gives software program updates for a good interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately obtained a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime decide on this area.

Professionals

Good efficiency for the worth
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 properly. 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 telephone has a microSD card slot so you may add extra space if and whenever you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh charge. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, however it’s ok to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Certain, the G Play is primary, however it’s primary in a great way, particularly should you’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply desire a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.

Professionals

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

Cons

Solely 64GB of onboard storage

$110 at Amazon

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

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

Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review

If you would like one thing completely different out of your subsequent telephone, 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 elements, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally the most effective offers within the business, due to a compelling mixture of options. The Telephone 3a sports activities a vibrant 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh charge. 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 characteristic is one thing that’s troublesome to seek out within the 3a Professional’s value vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Professionals

Enjoyable design
Giant 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 telephone?

We are inclined to outline a finances smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the machine runs the danger of affected by too many compromises in operate, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (should 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 just a little wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a baby could also be higher off with a less expensive machine, particularly if it’s supposed primarily for emergencies, WiFi shopping or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a good distance due to improved efficiency, higher telephone 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 inexpensive Android telephone

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 selected mannequin can fluctuate quite a bit primarily based on value. A vibrant display can be essential. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh charge, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated colour saturation. Lengthy battery life is crucial as properly, so we are inclined to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can fluctuate quite a bit, so search for gadgets with a minimum of 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 machine, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.

Android telephone FAQs

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

iPhones are usually dearer in comparison with Android telephones — even the most cost effective iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a tougher capsule to swallow in comparison with an inexpensive Android telephone. In distinction, you may get your palms on an inexpensive Android machine for as little as $100.

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