Cheapest android phones to buy in 2025
Getting a solid Android phone doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Good budget models strike a great balance between price and performance, carefully offering you daily use without cutting too many corners. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, streaming your favorite shows or snapping photos of a night out, there’s a cheap Android phone that can handle it all.
Cheap phones have come a long way in recent years. Many now feature bright, fast displays, reliable cameras and battery life that lasts well into the day. You might miss out on top-tier extras like the latest processor or ultra-high-resolution zoom, but what you get instead is a reasonable price. Some models are even surprisingly compact cameras that rival competitors in difficulty, making them ideal for amateur photographers or anyone who wants to capture a great shot on the go.
We’ve tested budget android phones from brands like google, samsung and one to find the ones that deliver the most under the hood. These models prove that you don’t need a flagship price tag to get a reliable Android phone.
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The best Android phones of 2025
It is one
Screen size: 6.7 inches | Storage capacity: 256GB + MicroSD | SIM card type: Nano-sim | Front camera configuration: 13MP | Rear camera setup: 50MPA MAIN, 5MP Ultrawide, 2MP Macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For $200, the Galaxy A16 5G offers great value. I didn’t get a chance to test it, but I feel confident that it’s good as Samsung took a great phone from the A15 5g and made it even better. Compared to its predecessor, the A16 features a slimmer design, slimmer bezels and a larger 6.7-inch screen. It includes the new, faster and more efficient Exynos, and an incredible six years of software support.
The only disappointing thing about the A16 is that Samsung hasn’t updated the phone’s camera package, but considering how much of a phone you want for $200, it’s hard to fault the company. Oh, and the A16 doesn’t come with a cellphone jack, so it’s a budget wireless headset. – Igor Bonifacic, senior journalist
- – Call me
- Advanced processor
- A beautiful 6.7-inch screen
- Small design
- Camera Array is a little gay
- There is no headphone jack
$200 on Amazon
It is possible
Screen size: 6.72 Inches | Storage capacity: 128GB + MicroSD | SIM card type: Nano-sim | Front camera configuration: 16MP | Rear camera setup: 108MP Main, 2MP Macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first came out, the Nord N30 had basically everything you could want in a $300 phone. Its Snapdragon 695 5g Chipset delivers solid performance and fast wireless connectivity compatible with all the major US carriers, not to mention good RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a decent deal. It also has a large 6.7-inch display with a refresh rate of 120hz, which is rare for a budget phone as many rivals feature slower 60hz or 90hz panels. And thanks to its 50-watt fast charging, you can reach it quickly, too. It also provides timely software updates, ensuring its longevity. But most importantly, the Nord 30 has recently been available at a price from $300 to $250, making it a good deal without confidence and our top choice in this space.
- Good performance for the price
- 120HZ Display
- 50W charging cable
$290 on Amazon
Motorola
Screen size: 6.5 cm | Storage capacity: 64GB + MicroSD | SIM card type: Nano-sim | Front camera configuration: 8MP | Rear camera setup: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For those on a really tight budget, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all the bases. It has a fast Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And while the storage number may seem small, the phone has a microSD card slot to add more space if and when you need it. Its 6.5-Inch LCD screen is also surprisingly sharp with a 90hz refresh rate. The Moto G Play has an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. That’s not much, but it’s good enough to protect against a spill or two. Sure, the G Play is basic, but basic in a good way, especially if you’re not too picky about using a lot of apps and just want a handset for everyday tasks.
- 90HZ Display
- IP52 rating
- Expandable storage with microSD card slot
- Only 64GB of onboard storage
$126 on Amazon
Igor bonifacic for Engadget
Screen size: 6.77 Inches | Storage capacity: 256GB | SIM type: Nano-SIM + ESIM | Front camera configuration: 50MP | Rear camera setup: 50MPA Main, 8MP Ultrawide, 50mp Perscope telephoto | Weight: 7.44 Ounces
Read our No Phone 3A Pro Review
If you’re looking for something different for your next phone, there are few if any devices out there like the 3A Pro. It has a glass back that harks back to the design of the old game boys, allowing you to see some of their internal components, including the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s also one of the best deals in the industry, thanks to its compelling mix of features. The phone 3A sports a 6.77-inch LED display with a refresh rate of 120hz. It also comes with a 5,000mah battery, a faster Snapdragon 7s 7s Chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto camera. That last feature is something hard to find in the 3A Pro’s price range, especially in North America. – Igor Bonifacic, senior journalist
- Nice design
- 120hz Rotten Big Screen
- A clean yet stylish Android skin
- US guarantee
- No wireless charging
- Tinny speakers
$459 at Amazon
How cheap can you go to get an Android phone?
We usually define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too much planning in operation, and above that, you cross the perrange of our favorite perranges, we shout out our lovely phones at the end of this guide).
But for those with less room to win, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it is intended mainly for emergencies, wifi browsing or texting (not social media). At the upper end of this price range, Samsung’s subs phones are a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more.
What to look for in a cheap Android phone
When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made of plastic, although the fit and finish of a specific model can vary greatly based on the price. The screen is bright and important. Usually you will find LCD panels with a 60hz or 90hz refresh rate, but some phones can have OLED or refined screens with increased color saturation. The long life of the battery is also critical, so we tend to prefer devices with large cells with a capacity of around 5,000. In this price range, performance can vary greatly, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver free visuals. It is also important to consider the length of support: since timely security updates and long software support can extend the life of your device, which will save you money in the long run.
Faqs for Android
What is the price difference for cheap Android vs cheap iPhone?
Phones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones – even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone Se, which starts at $429, is a tough pill to swallow compared to a cheap android phone. On the contrary, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as dos $100.



