While phone prices continue to rise due to the RAM shortage and other issues, plenty of low-cost phones still offer good value, such as Google’s Pixel 10A. Some of the best devices we’ve tested offer similar perks to phones that cost considerably more, including years of software updates that bring new features.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- iPhone-convert friendly
- Simple, clean phone design
- Good at photography
- Missing several Pixel 10 features
- Similar to the Pixel 9A
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Premium feel
- Solid camera
- MagSafe compatibility
- Higher 256GB base storage
- A19 chip
- Fun pink color option
- No Dynamic Island
- Thick bezels
- No ultrawide camera or Cinematic video
- Only 60Hz refresh rate means no always-on display
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Fast 68-watt charging
- Lots of storage
- Good photography for a low-cost phone
- Slower processor
- Only two years of software updates, three years of security updates
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Big and bright screen
- Good photos for the price
- Six years of software and security support
- Multitasking can be rough
- Noticeably sluggish
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Style
- Cover screen for knocking out quick tasks
- Photo processing
- Less power than comparably priced phones
- Moto AI is developing
- Shorter software update timeline
Our picks aren’t limited to the cheapest phones, but include devices that give you everything you want without paying extra for features you probably don’t need. Our experts prioritize long software support, fun designs and capable cameras, so you can save money without feeling like you’re making big trade-offs.
What is the best cheap phone?
Joseph Maldonado/CNETGoogle’s $599 Pixel 10A is our pick for the best overall cheap phone, even though it’s only slightly improved over last year’s Pixel 9A. The new phone’s top-notch camera is unmatched among other handsets in this price range, even after the phone received a $100 price increase due to the ongoing RAM shortage that’s driving up prices for electronics. Crucially, the company’s promise of seven years of software and security updates means the phone could last until it finally gives out. Its ability to send photos and files to an iPhone via AirDrop is also a nice bonus, especially for people whose friends use iOS devices.
One major caveat to this recommendation is that the base model comes with 128GB of storage. If you want it upgraded to 256GB, the price bumps up to $699, the same as other phones on this list, such as the iPhone 17E. But if you need a reliable, lower-cost phone with a great camera, the Pixel 10A otherwise remains an excellent value.
Best cheap phones of 2026
Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Best cheap phone
Google Pixel 10A
Pros & Cons
- iPhone-convert friendly
- Simple, clean phone design
- Good at photography
- Missing several Pixel 10 features
- Similar to the Pixel 9A
Get it now
Expert Take
Google’s Pixel 10A remains one of the best value options at $599, pairing consistent Android software updates with an excellent camera. While it won’t steal away anyone enamored by the more expensive Pixel 10, it’s still an easy recommendation when you just need a phone.
Why we like it
The Pixel 10A’s ability to send photos and files over AirDrop via Android’s QuickShare makes this phone a lower-cost way to switch from an iPhone SE to Android without losing that helpful feature. Even those that don’t care about AirDrop can appreciate the Pixel 10A’s camera, which remains one of the best available among phones in this price range.
Who it’s best for
Someone who wants a nice phone, but isn’t interested in poring through technical details. It’s also a nice gateway phone for people switching from an iPhone to Android, thanks to its AirDrop support.
Who shouldn’t get it
Google’s earlier A-series phones were often near-equivalents to their pricier siblings, sharing much of the same hardware. The Pixel 10A, however, breaks from that tradition with a slower processor and no telephoto camera, unlike the $799 Pixel 10. It’s also not ideal if you absolutely need iMessage or FaceTime access.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.3 inches
- Processor
- Google Tensor G4
- Camera
- 48-megapixel wide, 13-megapixel ultrawide, 12-megapixel selfie
- Colors
- Lavender, berry, obsidian, fog
Score Breakdown
Abrar Al-Heeti/CNET
Best cheap iPhone
Apple iPhone 17E
Pros & Cons
- Premium feel
- Solid camera
- MagSafe compatibility
- Higher 256GB base storage
- A19 chip
- Fun pink color option
- No Dynamic Island
- Thick bezels
- No ultrawide camera or Cinematic video
- Only 60Hz refresh rate means no always-on display
Get it now
Expert Take
Apple’s $699 iPhone 17E packs just enough new features to justify an iOS upgrade for anyone holding onto an iPhone SE or an iPhone 11. While many elements of this iPhone are similar to the iPhone 14, its new A19 processor, MagSafe support for wireless charging and accessories and Ceramic Shield 2 are all notable improvements. Unfortunately, Apple gave it a $100 price bump in late 2026.
Why we like it
The iPhone 17E doesn’t feel like a second-class option now that it natively includes MagSafe support, 256GB of storage and a soft pink color option for a little personality. While this iPhone does miss out on having a second ultrawide camera and the always-on display available on the iPhone 17, anyone coming from an iPhone from 2020 or earlier might not notice these omissions thanks to the upgrades it does include.
Who it’s best for
This is an ideal iPhone for someone who only upgrades when their device loses software support. If you’re coming from an iPhone XR or earlier, you’ll find plenty of new features. It’s also a good option for anyone coming from a smaller-screen iPhone SE.
Who shouldn’t get it
If iOS isn’t important, many of the Android phones on this list offer more features for less money. Some current iPhone owners might consider the 17E a step back due to its lack of an ultrawide camera.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.1 inches
- Processor
- Apple A19
- Cameras
- 48-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel selfie
- Colors
- White, black, soft pink
Score Breakdown
The $400 Moto G Stylus for 2025. / Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Best phone for under $400
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025)
Pros & Cons
- Fast 68-watt charging
- Lots of storage
- Good photography for a low-cost phone
- Slower processor
- Only two years of software updates, three years of security updates
Get it now
Expert Take
Motorola’s 2025 Moto G Stylus is stacked with features that punch above its price. No other $400 phone has 68-watt fast wired charging, 256GB of storage and a stylus. If the stylus is important to you, you may want to consider the new 2026 model, which comes with several improvements. But that newer phone now starts at $499, while the 2025 model is still available at its lower price.
Why we like it
The Moto G Stylus offers one of the best mixes of flexibility (what it can do) and value for its price. Its battery life and charging speeds are particularly fast, and Motorola’s Photo Enhancement Engine helps ensure the photos you take have nice colors. You can often find it discounted — we’ve seen it as low as $350.
Who it’s best for
It’s an easy choice for someone who wants a stylus-equipped phone without paying for an expensive Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s also well-suited as a lower-cost media machine thanks to its storage and headphone jack.
Who shouldn’t get it
The phone’s processor is capable of basic daily tasks, but it runs slower than other phones on this list. If you’re looking for the best possible camera on a cheap phone, the Pixel 10A will fare better, especially in low lighting.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.7 inches
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- Cameras
- 50-megapixel wide, 13-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfie
- Colors
- Pantone surf the web, Pantone Gibraltar sea
Score Breakdown
Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Best for under $200
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Pros & Cons
- Big and bright screen
- Good photos for the price
- Six years of software and security support
- Multitasking can be rough
- Noticeably sluggish
Get it now
Expert Take
Samsung’s Galaxy A17 5G runs Android 16 and includes nearly all of Samsung’s features — aside from Galaxy AI — while retailing for just $270. The slower hardware and limited memory can be frustrating when trying to do anything beyond calls and texting, but Samsung’s promise of six years of software updates is unmatched at this price. You’ll also often find the Galaxy A17 discounted, especially during deals events.
Why we like it
The Galaxy A17 is the way to go if price is your top priority and you only need a simple phone. The A17 has most of the basic features you’ll need and can take decent photos in good lighting.
Who it’s best for
This phone is often available for free through carrier deals, making it a great option if you mainly use it for basic communication.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you’re hoping to use this phone for any kind of multitasking, don’t hold your breath. The A17 is easily overwhelmed with any sort of workload happening between a couple of open apps, such as playing music while getting GPS directions.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.7 inches
- Processor
- Samsung Exynos 1330
- Cameras
- 50-megapixel wide, 5-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro
- Colors
- Black, blue
Score Breakdown
Since the Razr FIFA World Cup 26 Edition is based on the Razr 2025, you get a color bar across the top of the cover screen that matches the back. / Motorola
Best cheap flip phone
Motorola Razr (2025)
Pros & Cons
- Style
- Cover screen for knocking out quick tasks
- Photo processing
- Less power than comparably priced phones
- Moto AI is developing
- Shorter software update timeline
Get it now
Expert Take
Motorola’s 2025 Razr is one of the cheapest Android flip phones that you can buy. It has all the essentials you could hope for, along with a bit of style. You get a 3.6-inch external display for knocking out quick tasks, and it unfolds to a larger 6.9-inch internal screen. While its original $700 price isn’t cheap, it’s often on sale for $550 or less. Motorola has since released a 2026 edition of the phone, but it has a higher $800 starting price.
Why we like it
It’s a stylish phone with a vegan-leather or fabric back cover, depending on the color you choose. It’s also powerful enough to have the Moto AI suite, and the external camera is decent for selfies.
Who it’s best for
If you’re curious about trying an Android flip phone, but aren’t interested in the more expensive Razr Ultra or Galaxy Z Flip phones, this is a solid option.
Who shouldn’t get it
If long-term support matters to you, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series includes seven years of software and security updates, compared with Motorola’s three years.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.9 inches and 3.6 inches (cover)
- Processor
- MediaTek Dimensity 7400X
- Cameras
- 50-megapixel wide, 13-megapixel ultrawide, 32-megapixel selfie
- Colors
- Pantone Gibraltar sea, Pantone spring bud, Pantone parfait pink, Pantone lightest sky
Score Breakdown
Is T-Mobile the best mobile carrier for an iPhone household?
CNET editors have reviewed T-Mobile’s plans, compared them to competing plans and recommend the T-Mobile Essentials Saver 2.0 as the best unlimited data value with multiple lines. T-Mobile’s autopay discount qualifies you for a lower price when you use an eligible payment method, and CNET reviewers say that T-Mobile has a robust 5G network and money-saving perks. T-Mobile recently unveiled a three-year phone installment plan to make new phones more affordable.
Why this information is featured
The inclusion of this Q&A was funded by T-Mobile. It was written and edited independently.
Google Pixel 10A specs vs. Apple iPhone 17E, Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025), Samsung Galaxy A17 5g, Motorola Razr (2025)
| Google Pixel 10A | Apple iPhone 17E | Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Motorola Razr (2025) | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch POLED, 2,424×1,080 pixels, 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED display; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate | 6.7-inch pOLED display; 2,712×1,220 pixels; 120Hz refresh rate | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 2,340×1,080 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate | 3.6-inch pOLED; up to 90Hz variable refresh rate; 6.9-inch AMOLED; FHD+; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | 460 ppi | 446 ppi | 385 ppi | Cover: 413 ppi; Internal: 413 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.1×2.9×0.4 | 5.78×2.82×0.31 | 6.4×2.9×0.3 | 6.5×3.1×0.3 | Open: 2.91×6.74×0.29 Closed: 2.91×3.47×0.62 |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 154.7×73.3×8.9 | 146.7×71.5×7.8 | 162.2×74.8×8.3 | 164.4×77.9×7.5 | Open: 73.99×171.30×7.25 Closed: 73.99×88.08×15.85 |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 183g (6.5 oz) | 167g (5.88 oz.) | 191g (6.7 oz) | 192 g (6.8 oz) | 188g (6.63 oz) |
| Mobile software | Android 16 | iOS 26 | Android 15 | Android 16 | Android 15 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) | 50-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Front-facing camera | 13-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 32-megapixel | 13-megapixel | 32-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K | 1,080p | 4K |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Samsung Exynos 1330 | MediaTek Dimensity 7400X |
| RAM + storage | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | RAM unknown + 256GB, 512GB | 8GB + 256GB | 4GB + 128GB | 8GB + 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | Yes, microSD | Yes, microSD | None |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh | 4,005 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | None, Face ID | Under display | Side | Side |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None |
| Special features | 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops, Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass, IP68 dust and water resistance, 3,000-nit peak brightness, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 30W fast charging with 45W charging adapter (charger not included), 10W wireless charging Qi certified, Satellite SOS, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 6, dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM), Camera Coach, Add Me, Best Take, Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, Super Res Zoom, Circle to Search; colors: lavender, berry, fog, obsidian (black) | MagSafe, Qi2 charging (up to 15W), Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, Emergency SOS via Satellite, Satellite imessage, IP68 resistance, FaceTime, FindMy | Built-in stylus, 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, Circle to Search, Sketch-to-Image, Moto AI Photo Enhancement Engine, Dolby Atmos, dual stereo speakers, NFC, Wi-Fi 6E | 25W wired charging, One UI 8.0, Smart View, Samsung Health, Samsung Wallet, IP54 dust and water resistance, six years of software and security updates | IP48 rating, dual stereo speakers, 30-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging, 1,700 nit peak brightness on cover display, 3,000 nit peak brightness on main display, 5G. |
| US price starts at | $599 (128GB) | $599 (256GB) | $400 (256GB) | $200 (128GB) | $700 (256GB) |
Recent updates
In October 2026, we updated pricing for several models, which had gone up due to the ongoing RAM shortage and other factors.
Factors to consider when buying a cheap phone
Try it before you buy it: It’s one thing to ogle over a phone, but it’s another to actually try it out in a store.
Decide on Android or iPhone: Do you have a lot of iPhone apps and Apple subscriptions? Stick with an iPhone. Likewise, if you’ve invested in loads of Android apps, you’ll want to stay on that side of the fence. Otherwise, it’s simple enough to switch platforms.
Pick the most important feature: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices.
How we test phones
Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We use the phone, test its features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones, too. If we find something we don’t like — be it battery life or build quality — we tell you about it.
We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:
- Display
- Design and feel
- Processor performance
- Battery life
- Camera quality
- Features
We test all the phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and nighttime scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use, too.
Joseph Maldonado/CNETWe account for additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. We weigh all our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value.
Read more: How We Test Phones
Other phones to consider
The now-discontinued iPhone 15 Plus (left) and the the iPhone 15 (right).
At its original starting price of $829 in 2023, the iPhone 15 isn’t necessarily considered cheap. And while Apple no longer sells it directly, you can find it on retail sites such as Best Buy for $530, which is a steal. In 2026, the iPhone 15 is still a great Apple phone. It has a 6.1-inch screen, good dual-rear cameras and outstanding battery life. It’s worth a look if you can work it into your budget.
Best cheap phones FAQs
Can you find cheap phones on sale?
Yes, many of the cheap phones included on this list are available at a discount during shopping events. For instance, the 2025 Google Pixel 9A is now $465 on sites such as Walmart, now that the new Pixel 10A is out. The Pixel 9A’s price will likely drop even lower. If you have a phone in mind and can hold off until a shopping event such as Black Friday, it may be worth waiting for a price reduction.
Are cheap phones available unlocked?
Yes, many cheap phones are available unlocked by the manufacturer. This allows you to use the phone with nearly any wireless carrier by inserting your SIM card or transferring your eSIM. If you want the flexibility to switch carriers, make sure you buy an unlocked model.
Are cheap phones good for kids?
Buying a cheap phone can be a great option when shopping for a teenager or college student, but that doesn’t mean the phone is kid-friendly. Parents should still set up any necessary parental controls, restrictions or apps on an iPhone or Android to make sure it’s appropriate for kids.
What to look forward to in 2026
Most companies have unveiled their flagship and value-focused phones for 2026, but there is the possibility that some of these devices will get price reductions as we approach the Black Friday holiday shopping season. While the steadily rising costs of phones might lead to less sales than usual, it’s still possible that some devices will get price drops in November and December.
