The very best low cost Android telephones to purchase in 2025

Getting a stable Android cellphone doesn’t necessitate spending a small fortune. The very best funds fashions strike an ideal stability between worth and efficiency, supplying you with clean on a regular basis use with out reducing too many corners. Whether or not you’re scrolling social media, streaming your favourite reveals or snapping pictures of an evening out, there’s an inexpensive Android cellphone that may deal with all of it.

Cheaper telephones have come a good distance lately. Many now characteristic shiny, quick shows, dependable cameras and battery life that lasts properly into the following day. You may miss out on top-tier extras like the most recent processor or ultra-high-resolution zoom, however what you get as a substitute is worth that is smart. Some fashions even shock with cameras that rival far pricier flagships, making them best for informal photographers or anybody who simply needs to seize an ideal shot on the go.

We’ve examined funds Android telephones from manufacturers like Google, Samsung and OnePlus to seek out those that ship essentially the most for much less. These are the fashions that show you don’t want a flagship price ticket to get a reliable Android cellphone.

Desk of contents

Greatest funds Android telephones for 2025

SAMSUNG

For $200, the Galaxy A16 5G provides super worth. I haven’t had an opportunity to check it, however really feel assured recommending it since Samsung took an already nice cellphone within the A15 5G and made it even higher. In comparison with its predecessor, the A16 contains a thinner design, slimmer bezels and an excellent bigger 6.7-inch display screen. It additionally features a new, quicker and extra environment friendly Exynos 1330, alongside an unbelievable six years of promised software program assist.

The one disappointing factor concerning the A16 is that Samsung didn’t replace the cellphone’s digicam bundle, however contemplating how a lot cellphone you’re getting for $200, it’s laborious to fault the corporate. Oh, and the A16 doesn’t include a headphone jack, so funds for wi-fi earbuds. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Execs

Reasonably priced
Upgraded processor
Good 6.7-inch display screen
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 little thing you can need in a cellphone that value $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s appropriate 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 fee, which is uncommon on a funds cellphone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you may prime it up rapidly, too. It additionally provides software program updates for a good interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 just lately obtained a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime decide on this area.

Execs

Good efficiency for the value
120Hz show
50W wired charging

$290 at Amazon

Motorola

For these on a extremely tight funds, 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 if you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display screen can also be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh fee. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, nevertheless it’s adequate to guard towards an errant splash or two. Positive, the G Play is primary, nevertheless it’s primary in a great way, particularly for those who’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply need a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.

Execs

90Hz show
IP52 score
Expandable storage through a microSD card slot

Cons

Solely 64GB of onboard storage

$126 at Amazon

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review

If you’d like one thing totally different out of your subsequent cellphone, 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 previous Sport Boys, permitting you to see a few of its inner parts, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally top-of-the-line offers within the business, because of a compelling mixture of options. The Telephone 3a sports activities a shiny 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee. It additionally comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto digicam. That final characteristic is one thing that’s tough to seek out within the 3a Professional’s worth vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Execs

Enjoyable design
Giant 120Hz AMOLED display screen
Clear however customizable Android pores and skin

Cons

Restricted US guarantee
No wi-fi charging
Tinny audio system

$459 at Amazon

How low cost must you go for an Android cellphone?

We are inclined to outline a funds smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the machine runs the chance of affected by too many compromises in perform, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (for those who’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 a bit of 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 mother and father (and never social media). On the upper finish of this worth spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a good distance because of improved efficiency, higher cellphone cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable various to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even you probably have the pliability to spend extra.

What to search for in an affordable Android cellphone

In terms of low cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this worth vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a selected mannequin can fluctuate so much primarily based on worth. A shiny display screen can also be necessary. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh fee, however some telephones might have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated shade saturation. Lengthy battery life is essential as properly, so we are inclined to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can fluctuate so much, so search for gadgets with not less than 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 machine, which can prevent cash in the long term.

Android cellphone FAQs

What is the worth distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an affordable iPhone?

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

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