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Title: The best cheap Android phones to buy in 2025

Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:01:28 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/b...

Getting a solid Android phone doesnΓÇÖt necessitate spending a small fortune.
The best budget models strike a great balance between price and performance,
giving you smooth everyday use without cutting too many corners. Whether
youΓÇÖre scrolling social media, streaming your favorite shows or snapping
photos of a night out, thereΓÇÖs an affordable Android phone that can handle
it all.

Cheaper 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
next day. You might miss out on top-tier extras like the latest processor or
ultra-high-resolution zoom, but what you get instead is value that makes
sense. Some models even surprise with cameras that rival far pricier
flagships, making them ideal for casual photographers or anyone who just
wants to capture a great shot on the go.

WeΓÇÖve tested budget Android phones from brands like Google, Samsung and
OnePlus to find the ones that deliver the most for less. These are the models
that prove you donΓÇÖt need a flagship price tag to get a dependable Android
phone.

Table of contents

Best budget Android phones for 2025

How cheap should you go for an Android phone?

What to look for in a cheap phone

Android phone FAQs

Best budget Android phones for 2025

How cheap should you go for an Android phone?

We tend to define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any
lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises in
function, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if
you're open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorite
flagship phones at the very end of this guide).

But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider.
For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if
itΓÇÖs intended mainly for emergencies, WiFi browsing or texting parents (and
not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung
phones and other Android devices have come a long way thanks to improved
performance, better phone cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging,
and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them 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 out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a
specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also
important. Typically youΓÇÖll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh
rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color
saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor
devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range,
performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and
processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. ItΓÇÖs also important to
consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software
support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in
the long run.

Android phone FAQs What's the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap
iPhone?

iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones ΓÇö even the
cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to
swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your
hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/b...
160029703.html?src=rss

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