Here are some top picks for the best cheap cell phones, with a focus on value and affordability.
Amazon links are also included below:
Table of Contents
1. Samsung Galaxy A03S
- Price: Around $160
- Why it’s great: Excellent value for the price, long-lasting battery, simple and easy to use.
2. Moto G Play
- Price: Around $170
- Why it’s great: Impressive battery life, decent performance, water-repellent design.
3. Nokia G10
- Price: Around $150
- Why it’s great: Large display, long battery life, stock Android experience (no bloatware)
4. TCL 40 SE
- Price: Around $165
- Why it’s great: Good balance of features for the price, large display, decent camera performance
5. Google Pixel 6a
- Price: Around $350 (can be found cheaper during sales)
- Why it’s great: Flagship-level camera, unique design, excellent software support from Google. While a bit more expensive, it’s the best overall if your budget can stretch.
Important Considerations
- Carrier Compatibility: Ensure the phone is compatible with your desired carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
- Storage: Consider how much storage you need (photos, videos, apps). Many budget phones offer expandable storage via microSD card.
- Updates: Look into the manufacturer’s track record with software updates for long-term usability.
Q&A – Best Cheap, Inexpensive Cell Phones
General Questions
Which of these phones has the best camera?
The Google Pixel 6a offers the best camera of the bunch. Its flagship-level sensor and Google’s advanced image processing lead to excellent photos in various lighting conditions.
Do any of these phones offer expandable storage?
Yes! All of the phones mentioned, except for the Google Pixel 6a, allow you to expand storage using a microSD card. This is useful if you take a lot of photos/videos or want to store music locally.
Which phone will get the longest software support?
The Google Pixel 6a wins in this category. Google generally provides excellent software updates for its Pixel devices, often for 3-5 years.
Are all of these phones compatible with my carrier?
This depends entirely on your specific carrier. It’s vital to check with your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and make sure the unlocked phone you choose is supported on their network.
Are these phones waterproof?
Unfortunately, none of the listed phones have an official IP waterproof rating. The Moto G Play (2023) does have a water-repellent design, offering some basic protection against light splashes.
Samsung Galaxy A03S Specific
How long does the Galaxy A03S battery last on a single charge?
The Galaxy A03S has a large battery that can easily last a full day with moderate usage and potentially even longer with lighter use.
Does the Galaxy A03S support fast charging?
No, the Galaxy A03S does not feature fast charging capabilities.
Moto G Play Specific
Does the Moto G Play (2023) have a headphone jack?
Yes! The Moto G Play (2023) includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
What is the screen refresh rate on the Moto G Play (2023)?
The Moto G Play (2023) has a 90Hz refresh rate display, which offers smoother scrolling and slightly improved responsiveness compared to standard 60Hz displays.
Nokia G10 Specific
Does the Nokia G10 come with a lot of pre-installed apps?
Thankfully, the Nokia G10 runs a near-stock version of Android. This means there’s minimal bloatware (unwanted pre-installed apps).
How many years of software updates does the Nokia G10 receive?
Nokia typically offers around 2 years of major Android updates and up to 3 years of security updates for its phones.
TCL 40 SE Specific
How large is the screen on the TCL 40 SE?
The TCL 40 SE features a 6.75-inch display, providing ample screen real estate for videos and browsing.
Does the TCL 40 SE support wireless charging?
No, the TCL 40 SE does not have wireless charging capabilities.
