Looking for a great Android phone without spending a fortune? You're in luck! In 2024, you don't have to break the bank to get a fantastic device. We've tested a bunch of Android phones that cost less than $500, and we've found some real gems. Whether you want a phone with a great camera, long battery life, or a stylish design, there's something here for everyone. Check out our top picks for the best cheap Android phones you can buy this year.
Key Takeaways
- Google Pixel 8a offers excellent performance and features for under $500.
- OnePlus 12R is a battery champ with long-lasting power and solid performance.
- Nothing Phone 2a stands out with its unique design and good overall performance.
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G provides a vibrant display and strong battery life.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is perfect for those who need a built-in stylus.
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly Android phone with high-end features. Priced at $449, it offers incredible value for money, making it a top contender in the mid-range category.
One of the most notable features of the Pixel 8a is its camera system. Despite using the same hardware as the previous model, the 64MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide lens deliver exceptional photo quality. This is largely due to the new Tensor G3 chip, which enhances computational photography and introduces new AI features like Best Take. This feature ensures you get the best group shots, with everyone smiling and looking at the camera.
The display is another highlight. The 6.1-inch OLED screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions smooth and fluid. While the bezels are more prominent and the glass is Gorilla Glass 3, these are reasonable trade-offs for the price. The matte plastic back is also a plus for those who prefer a phone that is less prone to fingerprints and fragility.
Battery life is decent, with a 4,492-mAh battery that can last a day with average use. However, heavy users might need to recharge before the day ends. The phone supports 18W wired charging, which is slower compared to other devices in this range, but it does include wireless charging.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Pixel 8a is Google's commitment to software updates. The phone will receive updates for seven years, ensuring it remains relevant and secure until 2031. This long-term support is rare in this price range and adds significant value to the device.
The Google Pixel 8a has its pros and cons, but if you're looking for a compact Android smartphone with a reliable camera, a host of new AI features, and long-term software support, it's hard to beat.
In summary, the Google Pixel 8a offers a blend of high-end performance, excellent camera quality, and long-term software support, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R is a standout in the mid-range smartphone market, offering fantastic performance at a competitive price. Priced at around $500, it provides excellent value for money.
Display and Performance
The OnePlus 12R features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for entertainment and gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it handles demanding apps and games with ease.
Battery Life
With a 5,500mAh battery, the OnePlus 12R boasts impressive battery life, lasting nearly two days on a single charge with average use. The included fast charger can bring the battery from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes.
Software and Updates
Running on OxygenOS, the OnePlus 12R offers a clean and smooth user experience. OnePlus promises three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates, ensuring the device remains up-to-date.
Camera
The primary camera on the OnePlus 12R is solid, but the ultrawide and macro cameras are less impressive. It would be better if OnePlus focused on improving the main camera and reducing the price.
Water Resistance
The OnePlus 12R has an IP64 rating, meaning it can handle light splashes but is not fully water-resistant. This is a minor drawback compared to other flagship phones.
If you're looking for a phone with a powerful processor and long battery life, the OnePlus 12R is a great choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fantastic OLED display
- Great performance
- Fast charging
Cons:
- Limited water resistance
- Less impressive ultrawide and macro cameras
- No wireless charging
The OnePlus 12R is a solid choice for those who prioritize performance and battery life over camera quality and water resistance. It works on all three major US carriers, making it a versatile option for many users.
Nothing Phone 2a
The Nothing Phone 2a is a standout in the budget smartphone market, offering a unique blend of design and functionality. Nothing's transparent design language appeals to retro-tech enthusiasts and sets it apart from other budget phones. The phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120-Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and vibrant visuals.
Powering the Nothing Phone 2a is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures snappy performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The phone also boasts a 5,000-mAh battery, which can easily last more than a full day of use.
One of the key highlights of the Nothing Phone 2a is its Glyph Interface. This innovative feature uses LED strips on the back of the phone to provide unique notification alerts, encouraging users to look at their screens less often. The phone's design is not just about looks; it also offers practical benefits.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, delivering decent photo quality for its price range. However, it does struggle in low-light conditions, and the lack of a telephoto lens might be a drawback for some users.
Despite some minor flaws, the Nothing Phone 2a offers excellent value for its price, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium design
- Long battery life
- Smooth performance
- Unique Glyph Interface
Cons:
- Slippery without a case
- No telephoto lens
- Limited low-light camera performance
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7 inches, 120-Hz AMOLED |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Price | $349 |
The Nothing Phone 2a is priced at $349, making it an attractive option for those looking for a stylish yet affordable smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly Android phone with impressive features. Its battery life is exceptional, outperforming even some of the most expensive models on the market. The phone boasts a large 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, providing vibrant and smooth visuals.
Key Features
- Display: 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Charging: 25W fast charging
Pros
- Premium-feeling design
- Surprisingly quick and smooth performance
- Exceptional battery life
- Durable Gorilla Glass Victus Plus construction
- IP67 water resistance rating
Cons
- Poor macro camera quality
- Brimming with bloatware
The Galaxy A35 5G is priced at around $400, making it a great option for those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank. Its performance is on par with mid-range devices, and it offers a premium-like design that feels more expensive than it is. The phone also comes with Samsung's OneUI software, which includes plenty of useful tools and customizations.
If battery life is a priority, the Galaxy A35 5G is hard to beat. It ended our battery test with 65% remaining, even after extensive use.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a well-rounded phone that excels in battery life, display quality, and durability, making it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a built-in stylus, making it a great choice for those who need a stylus without breaking the bank. This phone provides a solid stylus experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end models like Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Key Features
- Display: The phone features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
- Battery Life: Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, the Moto G Stylus 5G can last up to a full day on a single charge.
- Camera: The 50MP main camera is competent for casual photography, although it struggles in low-light conditions.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and 6GB of RAM, the phone offers decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Storage: Comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is double the storage of last year's model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built-in stylus for note-taking and sketching
- Vibrant 120Hz display
- Good battery life
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Only one major Android update
- Inconsistent camera performance in low light
- Pre-installed bloatware
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a versatile and affordable option for those who need a stylus-equipped phone without spending too much. While it has its drawbacks, such as limited software updates and some bloatware, it remains a strong contender in the budget smartphone market.
Motorola Moto G 5G (2023)
The Motorola Moto G 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a lot of value for its price. With near-stock Android, a solid primary camera, and two-day battery life, the Moto G 5G (2023) is easy to recommend as a decent starter smartphone.
Performance
Inside, the phone is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 7020 chipset with 8 GB of RAM. While you might notice some stutters occasionally, the overall experience is fairly smooth. The phone is snappy and more than adequate for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Moto G 5G (2023) comes with a 5,000-mAh battery, which generally lasts through a full day of average use, with some extra for the next day. Surprisingly, there's wireless charging support, which is incredibly rare at this price point.
Display
The phone features a 6.7-inch LCD screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate. The display is large and sharp, although the resolution and brightness aren't the best. Still, the upgraded 120Hz display was crisp and speedy in our testing.
Additional Features
- NFC Support: You can make contactless payments, a feature that was previously blocked on Moto G phones in the US.
- Headphone Jack: The phone includes a headphone jack, which is becoming rare in modern smartphones.
- Expandable Storage: The Moto G 5G also offers expandable storage, a feature not commonly found in flagship phones.
Software and Updates
The biggest drawback is Motorola's software policy. The Moto G 5G (2023) will receive just one Android OS upgrade and three years of security updates. This means when it gets Android 15, that's it for major updates. However, it will stay patched up from security flaws for some time.
The Moto G 5G (2023) is a great budget starter phone that nails the basics most people care about while also lowering the price to a very accessible $250.
Carrier Compatibility
The phone works on all three major US carriers, making it a versatile choice for many users.
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly iPhone. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series, this phone offers impressive performance for its price. Whether you're playing games or editing videos, the iPhone SE handles it all with ease.
Despite its small 4.7-inch display and big bezels, the iPhone SE (2022) has a lot to offer. It features Smart HDR 4, Magic Fusion for better detail, and Photographic Styles, making it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts. However, it lacks a Night mode for low-light conditions.
The design remains unchanged from its predecessor, which means you still get the old-school Touch ID button for quick unlocking. While some may find the design outdated, others might appreciate the familiarity and compact size.
The iPhone SE (2022) also supports 5G and wireless charging, although it does not have MagSafe support. Battery life is decent, lasting about a day with moderate use. The base model comes with 64GB of storage, but you can opt for the 128GB version if you need more space.
With rumors of an iPhone SE 4 not arriving until 2024, the iPhone SE (2022) remains a great option for those looking for an affordable iPhone with reliable performance and long-term software support.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a standout choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone. Priced at around $200, this device offers a lot of value for its cost. One of its most impressive features is the vibrant OLED display, which provides bright and dynamic colors, making it a pleasure to use for media consumption and everyday tasks.
Key Features
- Display: The A15 boasts a 6.5-inch OLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and a pleasant viewing experience.
- Performance: Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor and 4GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking and gaming with ease.
- Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery can last up to two days on a single charge, making it ideal for heavy users.
- Camera: Equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, the A15 captures decent photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Software Support: Samsung promises four years of software updates, ensuring the phone remains up-to-date through 2028.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Long-lasting battery life
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Extended software support
Cons
- Plastic build lacks premium feel
- Limited protection against water and dust
- Average camera performance in low light
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a great option for those who need a reliable phone without breaking the bank. Its combination of a vibrant display, solid performance, and long battery life makes it a compelling choice in the budget segment.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers a well-rounded package for its price. While it may not have the premium materials or advanced features of higher-end models, it excels in providing a reliable and enjoyable user experience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with good performance and long-term software support, the Galaxy A15 5G is worth considering.
TCL 40 XE 5G
The TCL 40 XE 5G offers a premium look at a budget price. Retailing at just $169.99, this phone is one of the most affordable 5G options available. Despite its low cost, it delivers solid performance and a near-stock Android experience.
Key Features
- Affordable 5G: This is one of the cheapest 5G phones you can buy.
- Great battery: Expect nearly two days of battery life with standard use.
- Clean software: TCL offers a near-stock Android experience, which is nice to see at this price.
Performance
The TCL 40 XE 5G comes with twice the internal storage of its predecessor and provides a smooth user experience. However, it is important to note that TCL does not offer any Android version updates, so you will be using Android 13 for the foreseeable future.
Design
One of the standout features of this phone is its premium aesthetic. It looks much nicer than its price implies, making it a great choice for those who want a stylish device without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for an everyday phone on the cheap, this delivers a good bang for the buck.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XE 5G's powerful 5000mAh battery is designed to keep up with your everyday needs so you can watch for hours on end. On-the-go reverse charging also adds to its versatility.
Samsung Galaxy A03s
When you start looking at very cheap phones, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the only one we can recommend. Priced under $200, it does come with some compromises. However, it can still offer a decent experience as your first smartphone.
The performance and build quality might not be the best, but the battery life is exceptional. The 5,000mAh battery can last up to two days with moderate use. While it’s not suitable for the latest games, the screen is large enough for streaming. The main camera is decent, though the other lenses are not as impressive.
One of the best features of this phone is Samsung’s commitment to updates. It will receive at least two years of Android version updates and four years of security updates. This is an incredible achievement for a device at this price point.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Price: This is the cheapest phone on the list and the only one we recommend buying.
- Battery life: The 5,000mAh battery lasted for two days of moderate use, although there’s no charger in the box.
- Updates: Samsung’s signature five years of security updates will keep this phone running for far longer than cheap alternatives from other companies.
The Samsung Galaxy A03s is a solid starter phone with a fingerprint reader and updated base RAM and storage compared to its predecessor. It also features decent battery life and great software support, just like most other Samsung phones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the market for affordable Android phones in 2024 offers a variety of impressive options that cater to different needs and budgets. From the feature-rich Google Pixel 8a to the long-lasting OnePlus 12R, there is a budget-friendly phone for everyone. While these devices may not have the most advanced processors or the highest-quality cameras, they provide excellent value with good performance, decent cameras, and essential features like 5G connectivity. As technology continues to advance, the gap between budget and flagship phones narrows, making it easier than ever to find a phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for a phone with a great battery life, a stylish design, or just something that gets the job done, the top 10 cheap Android phones of 2024 have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap Android phone in 2024?
The best cheap Android phone for 2024 is the Google Pixel 8a. It offers a bright screen, long battery life, a sleek design, and unique AI features that are hard to find in other budget phones.
Are Android phones generally cheaper than iPhones?
Yes, Android phones are usually cheaper than iPhones. For example, the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE (2022), starts at $429, while many Android phones offer better features at lower prices.
Can I get a good camera on a budget phone?
Yes, many budget phones come with decent cameras that can take good photos. While they might not have the advanced zoom capabilities of high-end phones, they are often sufficient for everyday use.
Is 5G available on cheap phones?
Yes, 5G connectivity is common in many budget phones today. Models like the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offer 5G at affordable prices.
What should I expect to compromise on with a cheap phone?
With a cheap phone, you might need to compromise on things like the most powerful processors, versatile zoom cameras, and premium materials. However, you can still get good performance, decent cameras, and big displays with adaptive refresh rates.
How long do budget phones typically receive software updates?
The duration of software updates for budget phones varies by manufacturer. Some, like the Google Pixel 8a, offer several years of updates, while others might provide updates for a shorter period.
