Technology Elevation
The best cheap phones are a smart way to save money without giving up too many features or quality. There are so many smartphones on the market in 2024, though, that some cheap ones aren’t worth your time. We’re here to help you tell the good ones from the bad ones. Today, it would have been impossible just a few years ago, but you can easily find a cheap phone that will work well and last for a couple of years.
Some of these phones are so good that they make our list of the best phones in general. Even better, cheap phones have grown so much that there is now something for almost every need at a reasonable price, from styluses for taking notes to high-tech cameras and even foldable phones.
But for most people, cheaper phones are a better deal. Companies usually only make one or two top phones, but they usually come out with a lot of cheaper phones as well, so there are a lot of good models to choose from. You might even be able to find a cheap device with flagship features like a 120Hz refresh rate, great cameras, and a modern style that doesn’t cost as much as a flagship device.
Top Best Cheap Phones in 2024
1. Apple iPhone 13
The standard iPhone 13 is still for sale at Apple, even though it’s more than two years old. The release of the iPhone 15 has lowered its price to a very acceptable level, and you can probably find it cheaper elsewhere as well.
The iPhone 13 wasn’t a huge step forward for Apple’s smartphone line, but it is still an important model that has better battery life, a faster processor, and better cameras than its predecessors. If you don’t need the extra features of a more expensive Pro model but still want a fast and capable smartphone, the iPhone 13 is still the best choice.
What makes the iPhone 13 stand out is how long its charge lasts. It wasn’t always the case with iPhones that they had long battery lives, but the iPhone 13 was very hard to drain. In contrast, the A15 Bionic chipset in the phone is very strong, and when combined with 4GB of RAM, it can quickly and efficiently handle many apps and chores.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Camera: Dual 12MP camera system (Ultra Wide and Wide)
- Front-facing Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera
- Face ID or Touch ID: Face ID
- Chip: A15 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores), 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
- Water and Dust Resistance: Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
- Wireless Charging: Compatible with MagSafe accessories and Qi wireless chargers
Reason To Buy
+ Battery life that is long
+ Strong Insides
Reason To Avoid
– There is no 120Hz screen
– Not a Ceramic Shield on the back
2. Google Pixel 6A 5G
The Pixel 6A maintains its value exceptionally well, as seen by the fact that it is ranked as the “best Android phone under $500″ a distinction that it maintains. The phone has a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a 6.1-inch OLED display. It is somewhat smaller than the Pixel 6, which has a display as large as that. It also has a camera system that is comparable to that of the Pixel 5A, which consists of a main camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels and an ultrawide camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels.
However, the Tensor chip offers additional advantages that are not available with the Pixel 5A. These advantages include Real Tone, which helps to create more even skin tones, Face Unblur, Night Sight, which is designed for shooting in low-light conditions; and Magic Eraser, which helps to remove undesired aspects from a shot.
Specifications:
- Brand: Google
- Model Name: Google Pixel 6A 5G
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked for All Carriers
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Screen Size: 6.1 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM, Wi-Fi, CDMA, LTE
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 6 GB
- Battery Capacity: 4410 Milliamp Hours
- Item Weight: 178 Grams
Reasons To Buy
+ Very good camera
+ A reasonable price
+ A middle-level phone with a high-end look
+ One of the first to get new builds for Android
Reasons To Avoid
– A little dim picture
– There won’t be as many years of free Android patches as Samsung
– Pictures look better than videos
3. Samsung Galaxy A13 A135M
Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A13 if you want a good smartphone that won’t break the bank. It’s “good enough” in most of the smartphone-related areas that matter, like the camera and the battery life. Plus, it’s very cheap and will keep going down, making it a tempting deal.
The Samsung Galaxy A13 looks and feels like a phone that will last. It has a 6.6-inch LCD screen with 2408 x 1080 resolution that works well for websites, pictures, videos, and games. It’s bright, clear, and colorful enough, and even though it doesn’t support HDR or refresh rates above 60Hz, we didn’t have any major issues with it.
If you spend a little more money, you can get a phone camera that takes much better shots. But if you’re not expecting the world, the Samsung Galaxy A13 will perfectly meet your needs. In the same way, you’ll be able to run everything you want to run, but at slower speeds than you’d get from a more expensive phone.
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy A13
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked for All Carriers
- Operating System: Android 12.0
- Cellular Technology: 2G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 6.6 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM, LTE
Reasons To Buy
+ Cheap good quality phone
+ Software update up to 4 years by Samsung
Reasons To Avoid
– LCD Display
– Weight
4. SAMSUNG Galaxy A14 5G
But if you only have $200 to spend on a phone, this is the best one. Samsung’s Galaxy A14 5G might not be at the top of this list. Compared to the one that came before it, the A14 is a bit of a strange duck. Instead of improving all of its specs, Samsung kept the internals of the A13 pretty much the same. It has the same MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and the same camera setup on the back. It’s hard to tell a big difference between the two generations on paper.
What’s new then? The first thing that stands out is that it looks more like other Samsung phones. It has the same “camera island” design as the Galaxy S23 series. The whole phone feels a little stronger in your hand, and for this price, the pattern that’s been pressed into the back is eye-catching.
Even better, the screen got a big improvement by going from 720p to 1080p while keeping its 90Hz refresh rate. Get the A54 for an AMOLED screen, but this one is still an LCD. For $200, it’s hard to complain about the quality of the screen.
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy A14 5G
- Wireless: Carrier Unlocked for All Carriers
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 6.6 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM
Reasons To Buy
+ A fast screen with a lot of pixels for only $200
+ Better design than its peers
+ Jack for headphones!
Reasons To Avoid
– There is no IP rating, so don’t let it get wet
– The sound of a mono speaker is bad
– Build quality that feels cheap
5. OnePlus 10T | Moonstone Black
The OnePlus 10T is a good mid-range Android phone that could be right for you if you want a fast phone with good pictures that doesn’t cost a lot. This phone used to have an unreasonable starting price, but now it’s a lot less expensive. The screen on the OnePlus 10T looks good, it has a powerful chipset, and it charges quickly. On the back, there is a 50MP Sony IMX766 camera.
We’ve already said great things about this sensor because it works well in low light. The OnePlus 10T also has an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. Unfortunately, there is no Zoom. Since there is no telephoto lens, you have to use the digital zoom, which can only go up to 10x when you need to close the gap. The OnePlus 10T, on the other hand, is one of the best cheap camera phones because it costs so little.
Specifications:
- Brand: OnePlus
- Model Name: 10T 5G
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked for All Carriers
- Operating System: Android 12.0
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
- Color Moonstone Black
- Screen Size: 6.7 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM, CDMA, LTE
Reasons To Buy
+ A lot of power to process
+ Quick to charge
+ The price is right for the cams.
Reasons To Avoid
– Battery life is bad
– Not easy to hold
6. SAMSUNG Galaxy A03s
People who want a cheap phone that can do basic things might like Samsung’s Galaxy A03S. It has a lot of great features. The 720p screen on the 6.5-inch phone is great for reading news, watching movies, and playing games. The phone can do a lot of things at once, even though it slowed down a bit during our study. But with only 32GB of storage, it could get full quickly. If you’re thinking about getting this phone, you might want to add a microSD card to make more room.
Samsung also says that this phone will get security improvements for at least four years. For this price, this is the best that can be done. It’s not clear how many software updates for Android are planned, but the phone comes with Android 11 out of the box.
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy A03s
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked
- Operating System: Android 11.0
- Cellular Technology: LTE, GSM, UMTS, WCDMA, HSPA
- Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 6.5 Inches
- Wireless network technology: Wi-Fi
Reasons To Buy
+ 3GB of RAM lets the phone do more than one thing at once
+ Blue color choice
+ Contains a fingerprint sensor
Reasons To Avoid
– Not much storage space on board
– Some lag that can be seen
– It’s hard to take pictures inside
7. OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Some smartphones are better than others. The OnePlus Nord N20 is the phone for people who want to spend less than $300. It’s an easy choice for people on a budget who want to buy an Android phone of this kind.
Even though it’s expensive, the OnePlus performs very well. We thought the OLED screen was bright and clear, even better than what we’d expect from a $600 phone. Furthermore, it makes things easier to read. Even though the camera system isn’t very good, this feature makes up for it on its own.
Being able to play games, watch videos, and make calls on the OnePlus Nord N20 is a good thing. A mid-range phone is so good that you won’t even know you’re using it. Additionally, you will enjoy it for daily use if you are okay with giving up some camera features.
Specifications:
- Brand: OnePlus
- Model Name: Nord N20
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked
- Operating System: OxygenOS
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Color: Blue Smoke
- Screen Size: 6.43 Inches
- Wireless network technology: Wi-Fi
Reasons To Buy
+ Excellent processing speed
+ OLED screen fit for a $600+ phone
Reasons To Avoid
– The cameras are just okay.
– The shaking motor isn’t very strong.
8. OnePlus Nord N30 5G
The OnePlus Nord N30 is the follow-up to one of our surprise favorites, but we still like last year’s model more in some ways. There’s no doubt that the Nord N30 is a good phone, but in many ways, it’s not as good as the N20. The AMOLED screen has been replaced with a faster 90Hz LCD panel, and the sleek design that made a smartphone that cost less than $300 feel so high-end is gone. Instead, this device feels as cheap as it looks, made of plastic that gets scratched up in days instead of months.
Still, a lot of whe the N20 great is still here, mostly because OnePlus kept a lot of the important specs the same. The processor hasn’t changed, but it now has more RAM to make things run more smoothly. It also charges faster than ever, but the N30’s battery life was worse than that of its predecessor, which we found in our study. We’ve seen the Nord N30 for as little as half price before, which makes it one of the best cheap phones you can get. Don’t think about the Nord N20 too much, because you don’t want to remember what you missed.
Specifications:
- Brand: OnePlus
- Model Name: Nord N30
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked
- Operating System: OxygenOS
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- ConnectivityTechnology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Color: Chromatic Gray
- Screen Size: 6.7 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM, Wi-Fi, LTE
Reason To Buy
+ The same great show
+ Cheap, especially when it’s on sale
+ Charge quickly for less than $300
Reason To Avoid
– No AMOLED screen
– Lasts less time on a charge than the N20
– Design made of plastic that shows scuffs and scratches
9. SAMSUNG Galaxy A54 5G
You should look at the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G even if you’re thinking about the Samsung Galaxy S23. It might have all the features you want for less money. There are many bright colors to choose from, and the 6.4-inch screen has a speed rate of 120Hz. Also, its screen is a bit bigger than the ones on Google’s Pixel 6A and 7A.
We still like the Pixel phones more because they take better pictures, but the Galaxy A54 has Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI on top of it. This menu style comes with Samsung-only apps, like Samsung Health, that are also part of the S23 line. If you wear a Galaxy Watch, this phone also lets you use health monitors, such as the ECG on the watch.
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy A54 5G
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked for All Carriers
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
- Color: Violet
- Screen Size: 6.4 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM, Wi-Fi
Reasons To Buy
+ A big, bright screen
+ Extra storage space
+ A reasonable price
Reasons To Avoid
– The cheaper Pixel 6A has a better processor and camera.
10. Nokia XR20 5G
With help from HMD Global, which now owns the Nokia brand, the Nokia XR20 is the first tough smartphone to come out under the Nokia name. Other rugged smartphones have designs that make them stand out. The Nokia XR20, on the other hand, is meant to fit in with its thin profile and sleek look.
IP68 and MIL-STD-810 have tested and approved the XR20 for durability. It is also the first rugged smartphone to have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The device also has a red emergency button and a separate Google Assistant button that can’t be changed.
HMD Global has promised that the XR20 will get security updates for four years and OS patches for tars. This is what really makes it stand out from the rest. The company also gives you a free screen replacement for a year. Simply put, the XR20 is the phone for you if you want a cheap one that can handle a lot of abuse and will be backed for years to come.
Specifications:
- Brand: Nokia
- Model Name: XR20
- Wireless Carrier: Unlocked
- Operating System: Android 11.0
- Cellular Technology: 5G
- Memory Storage Capacity: 6 GB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
- Color: Granite
- Screen Size: 6.67 Inches
- Wireless network technology: GSM
Reasons To Buy
+ Very long-lasting
+ Free screen replacement for a year
+ Great tools and long-lasting security
Reasons To Avoid
– Can’t change how the Google Assistant button looks
– An SD card and two SIM cards can’t be used at the same time.
Types of Best Cheap Phones in 2024
As the smartphone market changes, more and more people are looking for cheap choices. As we move into the year 2024, the market is full of cheap products with great features that won’t break the bank. Let’s look at the different kinds of cheap phones in 2024, each of which is designed to meet the wants and preferences of a different type of user.
Powerhouses on a Budget:
Some of the best cheap phones in 2024 really stand out as low-cost powerhouses. Smartphones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Motorola have powerful processors, lots of RAM, and mirrorless camera systems. These phones offer a strong smartphone experience at a much lower price than flagship models.
Champions with Long Battery Life:
Some affordable smartphones in 2024 will focus on providing long battery life for users who value durability. Models from ASUS, Nokia, and Samsung have big batteries and processors that use little power, so you can use them for a long time without having to charge them often.
Options for the camera:
Being affordable doesn’t mean giving up on camera features. With their improved camera systems, some of the best cheap phones in 2024 will be great for taking pictures. For photographers on a budget, brands like OnePlus, Oppo, and TCL offer choices that are easy on the wallet but still have great cameras.
Choices that are small and light:
Smartphones that are small and light are becoming more popular, especially among people who like to use their phones with one hand. Small phones from brands like Google, Sony, and Apple (with the affordable iPhone SE) offer powerful performance while still being easy to use.
Flagships that are better value for money:
While top phones are very expensive, some less expensive options try to offer the same experience. Value-for-money brands like Poco, OnePlus Nord, and Google Pixel 5a offer features that are similar to those on high-end devices but don’t cost as much.
A Cheap Way to connect to 5G:
As 5G networks grow, more and more affordable phones are also getting ready to connect to them. Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo all make devices with 5G features that are also affordable, so users can enjoy faster data speeds without having to spend a lot of money.
Models that last and are tough:
Rugged and lasting cheap phones are available for people who need a strong device that can handle tough conditions. Phones from brands like CAT, Ulefone, and Blackview are built to last, with features like water protection and military-grade durability for people who live active lives.
Feature phones with less clutter:
Some of the best cheap phones in 2024 are feature phones that only do the most important things. These phones are great for people who like things to be simple. Brands like Nokia and Alcatel offer cheap choices for people who want a reliable and simple mobile experience that doesn’t have any extraneous features.
Tech that’s good for students:
In 2024, some cheap phones have functions that are designed to be used for school because companies know that students need them. Brands like Motorola, Samsung, and Lenovo make devices that work well, have long battery lives, and are affordable, making them perfect for students on a budget.
Smartphones that focus on entertainment:
Phones that are affordable and made for people who love entertainment have big screens, great sound, and more video options. Brands like TCL, Realme, and Infinix make affordable phones that put the enjoyment of watching content first.
What To Look For While Buying The Best Cheap Phones in 2024
How it works:
Make sure the processor and RAM meet the requirements to get smooth operation. Choose devices that have at least a mid-range processor and enough RAM to let you do multiple things at once and run apps easily.
Quality of Display:
Check the quality of the screen by looking at things like sharpness, brightness, and color accuracy. Look for phones with bright screens that are fun to look at, especially if you want to use the phone to watch videos or listen to music.
What the camera can do:
If photography is important to you, look at the camera’s specs. Think about getting a device with a good camera setup, one that has a good number of megapixels, AI improvements, and extra features like night mode, portrait mode, or macro photos.
Length of Time:
Battery life is very important for a smooth user experience. Check to see how much power the phone’s battery has, and look for phones that can last all day. Some cheap phones are great at this because they let you use them for a long time without having to charge them often.
Quality of the Build:
Check out how well the phone is put together. Some cheap phones may be made of plastic, so look for devices that are well-built and will last. Think about features like being waterproof and having a tough design, especially if you need something to last a long time.
Capacity to Store:
Check the phone’s storage space by thinking about how you will use it. Some cheap phones let you add more storage space with microSD cards, which is useful for people who need more room for apps, pictures, and media.
Software and new versions:
Think about what version of software the phone has and how often the maker updates the software. The newest version of Android or iOS on your phone will make sure that it works with the newest apps and security features.
Options for connecting:
Check to see what kinds of connections the phone has. Make sure the device has important features like GPS, 4G LTE connection, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Some cheap phones can connect to 5G networks, which lets you get faster data speeds.
Image of the brand:
Find out how well-known the name is. Choose phones from well-known brands that are known for making stable and high-quality products. Customer reviews and comments can show how well a product works in the real world and how happy users are with it.
The user interface (UI) is:
the user experience and any changes that the maker made to it. Some Android users like a clean and close-to-stock experience, while others may like the extra features and customizations that some makers offer.
FAQs – Best Cheap Phones in 2024
Q: In the year 2024, what does a “cheap” phone mean?
In the year 2024, a “cheap” phone is usually a device that fits into a tight budget and has all the important features. With these phones, users can get a cheap choice that doesn’t give up much in terms of performance or features.
Q: Is it possible for cheap phones to have good cameras?
There are a lot of cheap phones in 2024 that do have good cameras. Manufacturers are focusing on making cameras better in devices that are easier on the wallet. These devices offer AI improvements, night mode, and different lenses to make photography more fun.
Q: Can I get the newest apps and software changes on cheap phones?
Some low-cost phones might not have the newest hardware, but many makers work hard to make sure their phones can run the newest software. To make sure the device works with the newest apps and security features, it’s important to look at the software version and see how often the maker updates their products.
Q: Which should I value more when shopping for a cheap phone: performance or battery life?
The importance is based on how you want to use it. If you use your phone for things that require a lot of resources, performance should come first. Battery life is very important for people who need a gadget that can last all day without being charged often.
Q: Can you play games on a cheap phone?
Some cheap phones can handle simple games fine, but they might not be great at handling games with a lot of graphics. If gaming is important to you, look for phones with mid-range processors and enough RAM to make the experience better.
Q: Are the parts in cheap phones built to last?
Many cheap phones are made of plastic, but many makers put durability first. Some cheap phones are made to last longer by being resistant to water and having tough designs. When judging longevity, it’s important to read user reviews and look at how well the product is put together.
Q: Can I get cheap phones that can connect to 5G?
Yes, some cheap phones in 2024 can connect to 5G networks. Manufacturers are adding this feature to less expensive products so that users can get faster data speeds without having to pay more.
Q: How much space do most cheap phones have for storage?
Cheap phones have different amounts of storage space, but most of them have at least 32GB or 64GB of space inside. On top of that, some cheap phones come with microSD cards that can be used to add more storage space as needed.
Q: Can I connect my cheap phone to any service?
Most cheap phones are unlocked, which means they can be used with more than one provider. To make sure the phone works right, it’s important to make sure it’s compatible with certain providers and their network bands.
Q: Are cheap phones good for college students?
Yes, a lot of low-cost phones are good for students because they have all the important features they need at an affordable price. If you want to find a cheap phone that works for students, think about things like battery life, picture quality, and software compatibility.
Conclusion
As we looked at the different types of the best cheap phones in 2024, it became clear that customers can find phones that are great in many ways, such as speed, camera quality, battery life, durability, and connectivity. Smartphones that meet the needs of a market that is becoming more tech-savvy are being made in response to the needs of users who are watching their budgets.
People who want to buy a cheap phone should think about how well it works, how good the screen is, how good the camera is, how long the battery lasts, how well it’s built, how much software support it has, and how much it’s worth overall. Because the market is so competitive, manufacturers are always coming up with new ideas. This makes sure that even cheap gadgets give users a good experience.
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