Tech

The best cheap phones in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

techhigNovember 20, 2024

0 11 12 minutes read

The best cheap phones in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

If there’s one cellular development up to now decade that I will proudly stand by, it is the truth that low-cost telephones are getting good. Actually good. In in the present day’s market, shopping for a telephone that prices a fraction of the newest flagship iPhone or Samsung Galaxy does not imply settling for a noticeably inferior expertise. As an alternative, producers have begun to deliver core options corresponding to wi-fi charging, 5G, and high-performance processors downmarket, making the extra accessible tier of handsets simply as worthy of your consideration.

Additionally: The perfect telephones of 2024

What’s the greatest low-cost telephone proper now?

My decide for the very best low-cost telephone total goes to the CMF Cellphone 1. Accessible for round $200, the CMF Cellphone 1 is the embodiment of a great-value handset, with a big 6.67-inch AMOLED show that will get lots brilliant, a beefy 5,000mAh battery, clear but highly-customizable software program, and distinctive options that give it character.

For a extra premium expertise that will not break the financial institution, take into account the OnePlus 12R, which beats out the likes of the Google Pixel 8a by way of show high quality, brightness, battery life, efficiency, and charging. Contemplating many individuals procuring within the low-to-mid-range market worth such options essentially the most, the OnePlus 12R is the higher possibility of the 2 mid-rangers.

For extra low-cost telephone suggestions, look to our examined choices beneath.

Greatest low-cost telephones of 2024

Present much less

CMF Cellphone 1 by Nothing

Greatest low-cost telephone total

The perfect low-cost telephone you should buy in the present day is the CMF Cellphone 1. Beginning at $239, the Cellphone 1 has a number of options going for it that put it above gadgets that value tons of of {dollars} extra, corresponding to the flexibility to manually substitute the again cowl, screw in equipment (together with a kickstand, pockets slot, and extra), and insert a MicroSD card for expanded storage.

Overview: CMF Cellphone 1

You’d assume {that a} $200 telephone would decide on important specs like show high quality, battery life, and software program, however these actual three elements rating excessive marks for the Cellphone 1. The two,000-nit show will get brilliant sufficient to make use of comfortably outdoor, the 5,000mAh battery will maintain up for many customers, and Nothing’s interpretation of Android is considerate, brief on bloatware, and stuffed with distinctive widgets.

In fact, you will must settle with one thing if you’re paying round $200 for a telephone. Within the case of the Cellphone 1, that comes within the type of a Dimensity 7300 5G processor that is simply adequate for searching and social media however much less so for prolonged gaming, a digicam system that is not as succesful in low gentle environments, and an absence of community band help that makes the telephone unusable should you’re on Verizon.

Present Professional Take Present much less

Present much less

OnePlus 12R

Greatest low-cost telephone underneath $500

Whereas the Google Pixel A-series has at all times been the finances king, the OnePlus 12R ideas the scales this 12 months, and in a giant means. OnePlus launched the system alongside the flagship OnePlus 12 in February, finally making the mid-range telephone look extra engaging as a result of its characteristic parity with the costlier mannequin. Options like an LTPO 4.0 show that might ramp as much as 4,500 nits of brightness, a 5,500mAh battery (which is even bigger than the OnePlus 12’s 5,000mAh), and 80W SuperVOOC charging made the OnePlus 12R appear to be a steal at $499.

Overview: OnePlus 12R

How did OnePlus get the value so low? Utilizing an older processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, was a method, however it turned out to be simply as competent for many cellular use circumstances, as ZDNET’s Matthew Miller found when he reviewed the telephone. “I used the assessment system for a month and will simply see myself every day driving it because it performs flawlessly, has an IP64 mud/water resistance score, and has an exceptionally brilliant show,” Miller famous.

Whereas the 50MP digicam system would not seize photographs in low-light environments like the newest iPhone Professional or Samsung Galaxy Extremely mannequin, it does a commendable job in most different circumstances. However what the OnePlus 12R lacks in digicam high quality, it makes up for the quickest charging velocity within the North American market, with the ability to cost from 0% to 100% inside 40 minutes. A number of Greatest Purchase prospects have recommended the OnePlus for its lifestyle-changing charging velocity.

Present Professional Take Present much less

Present much less

Google Pixel 8a

Greatest low-cost digicam telephone

The Google Pixel 8a can simply be the very best low-cost telephone total, however that may rely in your record of precedence options. The Pixel is for you should you place digicam high quality, software program updates, and safety above the show, efficiency, and battery life.

The most recent mannequin encompasses a useful 6.1-inch, 120Hz OLED show that, to be truthful, works nice for media consumption and scrolling via the online. Nonetheless, as a result of it is smaller, you are handled the same old advantages and downsides, together with higher one-handed utilization and restricted viewing angles. Fortuitously, most individuals purchase Pixel telephones for the clear software program expertise, considerable Google AI options, together with Magic Editor and Picture Unblur, and wonderful digicam high quality.

Learn the assessment: Google Pixel 8a

You will get all that with the Pixel 8a, which is superb for a telephone that prices half the value of Google’s flagship mannequin. ZDNET’s Prakhar Khanna says the digicam system, which features a 64MP shooter, is strong, capturing “sharp and vibrant” photographs whereas “dealing with high-contrast and low-light scenes higher than different gadgets.” Amazon customers largely agree with Khanna, with one buyer citing, “I selected (the Pixel 8a) due to the digicam, and it didn’t disappoint.”

Secretly, the very best characteristic of the Pixel 8a is Google’s dedication to seven years of working system upgrades, Pixel Characteristic Drops, and safety patches. This implies the telephone will keep feature-relevant till at the least 2031, which is unprecedented within the mid-range market and a key promoting level for many who worth it.

Present Professional Take Present much less

Present much less

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Greatest low-cost Samsung telephone

There are three key causes to purchase the Galaxy A35 5G over some other sub-$400 telephone: For the value, you get a implausible 6.6-inch AMOLED show that ramps as much as 120Hz refresh fee, a triple-camera setup that features a 50MP principal sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.

Learn the assessment: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Samsung is aware of what options folks worth essentially the most, and even if in case you have preferences past that record, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with sufficient confidence that it’ll meet your cellular wants. Coming from the older A34 5G, the newest mannequin encompasses a glass backing, a extra performant Exynos chipset, and an improved digicam system. Reddit customers agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been certainly one of its brilliant spots, too.

The A-series smartphones additionally profit from Samsung’s five-year dedication to software program and safety updates, a big benefit in comparison with competing telephones by Motorola and OnePlus. When you’re at present utilizing a Samsung telephone and do not see your self transferring away from the ecosystem, the A35 5G is the very best “low-cost telephone” possibility for you.

Present Professional Take Present much less

Present much less

Motorola Moto G Energy 5G

Greatest low-cost Motorola telephone

When you’re on a tighter finances, say underneath $300, take into account the Motorola Moto G Energy 5G. It is fairly the mouthful, however the extreme branding is warranted as a result of the telephone provides you numerous. There may be lots of battery life, efficiency, and distinctive options that present Motorola customers will probably be accustomed to and glad to see.

Learn the assessment: Motorola Moto G Energy 5G

“Motorola’s person interface is certainly one of my favorites, with a reasonably inventory, Pixel-esque appear and feel that’s boosted by the model’s useful gestures and system enhancements,” ZDNET’s Matthew Miller stated in his assessment. The gestures in query embrace “twist” to launch the digicam, “chop” to toggle the flashlight and selecting up the telephone to silence the ringer. This 12 months’s mannequin additionally encompasses a new vegan leather-based again panel that provides the Moto extra class than your typical plastic-built finances telephone.

Finally, the Moto G Energy 5G is praised for its battery life. Its 5,000mAh battery and comparatively power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor ought to maintain the telephone operating for greater than a full day. As a bonus, you’ll be able to take into account the extra options, together with the three.5mm headphone jack.

Present Professional Take Present much less

Present much less

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Greatest low-cost telephone underneath $200

The flashiest smartphone options are likely to exist solely on flagships. Nonetheless, many will discover enchantment in Samsung’s humble Galaxy A15 5G, which boasts 5G connectivity, an enormous 5,000mAh battery, and the bottom value on this record at $199. That is a compelling package deal at a time when customers are slicing down on spending.

Additionally: The perfect low-cost 5G telephones ZDNET’s examined

Do not let the decrease value idiot you; the Galaxy A15 5G has all of the specs you’d need for a possible cellular companion, from the comparatively sizable 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED show — a rarity on this value vary — to the expandable storage (as much as 1TB) to Samsung’s four-year dedication to safety patches. This 12 months’s mannequin additionally will get a notable 5MP ultra-wide digicam, an improve from final 12 months’s 2MP macro lens.

As of this writing, I have been testing the Galaxy A15 5G mannequin for over per week, and whereas the telephone will not really feel like one million {dollars}, it is surprisingly sturdy to carry. The 90Hz show particularly regarded nice for app searching and navigating round. One Greatest Purchase buyer assessment places it greatest, “(Galaxy A15 5G) is a $200 telephone… It is not gonna blow you away, however for the value, it packs a punch.”

Present Professional Take Present much less

At the moment, the CMF Cellphone 1 is the very best low-cost telephone available on the market, due to its bigger and brilliant show, distinctive {hardware}, and long-lasting battery. This is the way it stacks up towards the competitors.

Greatest low-cost telephone	Value	Show measurement, sort	Battery and charging velocity
CMF Cellphone 1	$239	6.67 inches, AMOLED	5,000mAh with 33W charging
OnePlus 12R	$499	6.78 inches, AMOLED	5,500mAh with 80W charging
Google Pixel 8a	$499	6.1 inches, OLED	4,500mAh with 18W charging
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G	$449	6.6 inches, AMOLED	5,000mah with 25W charging
Motorola Moto G Energy 5G	$299	6.7 inches, LCD	5,000mah with 30W charging
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G	$199	6.5 inches, LCD	5,000mah with 25W charging

That can assist you resolve which telephone is best for you, I’ve highlighted the important thing shopping for causes for every beneath.

Purchase this greatest low-cost telephone…	When you want…
CMF Cellphone 1	The perfect low-cost telephone proper now, with a beginning value of $239. The CMF Cellphone 1 encompasses a customizable again cowl, a big and brilliant show, and surprisingly clear software program.
OnePlus 12R	The perfect telephone for lower than $500. The OnePlus has the best-looking show within the mid-range market, the quickest charging velocity, and performs like telephones of a lot greater costs.
Google Pixel 8a	The perfect digicam telephone for lower than $500. You also needs to purchase the Pixel 8a if you’d like a telephone that may final you for so long as potential. Simply know that it is smaller than most handsets.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G	An affordable 5G Samsung telephone. The Galaxy A35 provides you a lot of the important options, with an AMOLED show that is nice for media consumption and cellular gaming.
Motorola Moto G Energy 5G	An affordable telephone for lower than $300. The Moto G Energy 5G will final you day or two earlier than needing to cost, and it appears comparatively fashionable with its vegan-leather backing.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G	An affordable telephone for lower than $200. When you’re on a fair tighter finances, the Galaxy A15 5G is a formidable pickup; arguably the very best in its value vary.

When searching for a brand new low-cost telephone, listed here are the elements that you need to take into account:

Finances: The definition of “finances” and “low-cost” will range from individual to individual, however the way in which I understand it’s what product provides you the very best bang on your buck. All of the telephones listed on this information have been examined by ZDNET’s workforce of cellular consultants and provide extra worth than their value factors counsel.
Reminiscence and storage: As is the case with any telephone of any value, you need to take into account how a lot reminiscence and storage you will want. Many finances handsets include as little as 64GB of base storage — the iPhone SE (2022) included. When you steadily take photos and movies, play video games, or obtain content material for offline use, take into account a telephone with at the least 128GB of storage or MicroSD card help.
Battery life: Past display screen, you will need a telephone that may final. Ideally, you will need a telephone that may stand up to at the least one full day of utilization and can cost quick.

ZDNET’s assessment workforce spends upwards of a 12 months testing the ins and outs of each main telephone launch, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digicam high quality, battery life and endurance, and particular options. This is a breakdown of each issue we take into account earlier than we make suggestions:

Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone appears and feels performs a giant position in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these elements closely when testing.
Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we sometimes start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cellular connection as potential.
Digicam high quality: ZDNET exams telephone cameras by capturing tons of of photographs and movies of assorted topics and in numerous lighting circumstances. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to guage how lengthy telephones final underneath gentle, average, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the alternative.
Pricing and availability: Past finances concerns, we additionally observe if a telephone is offered within the US or solely internationally.

For a extra in depth breakdown, try our complete telephone testing methodology web page.

I sometimes would not advise shopping for a used low-cost telephone until you are utilizing it as a secondary system. That is as a result of used telephones, relying on the situation you purchase them, are extra inclined to wreck, will not help any warranties, and will doubtlessly be reported as stolen or misplaced, rendering the system ineffective after you’ve got bought it.

As an alternative, it is at all times very best to purchase a brand new telephone and alter your shopping for journey primarily based in your finances and desired options.

I have been requested this query a number of instances, and my reply is at all times this:

You should purchase an older flagship telephone if…

You need a telephone with a premium and sturdy construct high quality
Digicam efficiency is one other precedence
Show high quality issues to you

You should purchase a brand new low-cost telephone if…

You need a telephone with a 12 months or two extra of software program updates
You intend on shopping for insurance coverage on your telephone

Different low-cost telephones we examined:

Whether or not you are seeking to improve or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have nice selections that ZDNET’s examined and recommends.