Life is expensive enough, so the last thing anyone wants is a massive bill the next time they need to upgrade their smartphone. Thankfully, despite all the attention paid towards flagship devices, there’s a thriving industry of affordable smartphones and thanks to the hard work of our tech experts, we’ve singled out the ones that stand out from the rest.
We test models from all the major brands to see which ones are worth your money, including the likes of CMF by Nothing, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Xiaomi and plenty more. Each one is used as our own and put through rigorous testing to make sure your money is well spent. You can see them listed below with reasons for and against, depending on what you need.
At a glance
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
View Deal | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
View Deal | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
|
Check | ||
|
Show Pros & Cons Pros
Cons
Hide Pros & Cons |
|||
To help maintain the budget-friendly credentials of this guide, we’ve set a strict upper limit of £300/$300, so any recommended phone that goes above that price is likely to appear instead in our round-ups of the best mid-range phones or the best phones overall. For all things in the world of budget smartphones, this is the place to be.
The one thing to bear in mind is that, unlike with buying a smartphone that’s higher up the price scale, even the best budget phones do come with some level of compromise in order to achieve their affordability. That might sound daunting to the average consumer, but it’s actually very simple to navigate – just take a minute and think about the features that matter most to you in a smartphone.
For instance, there are phones that go all in on battery life and display tech, which makes them great for entertainment on the go, but there are others that place a greater emphasis on software and making sure that there’s no bloatware to deal with. Once you know what it is that you prioritise, this list makes the upgrade process simple as we’ve highlighted which phones excel in what areas, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your new phone.
Best budget phone reviews
1. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Overall
Pros
- Better cameras, and more of them
- Brighter, more accurate display
- NFC payment support
- Very affordable
Cons
- Only IP54 rated
- Essential Space might cost you in the future
- Longer software support elsewhere
The CMF Phone 2 Pro doubles down on everything we loved about its predecessor. It still has a bold and unique design with modular bolt-on accessories, and it still has Nothing’s stylish and bloat-free software installed.
The new model also brings some big upgrades: You now get a triple camera setup on the rear with a larger main sensor, the display is much better, it has a higher IP54 rating, and it’s slightly quicker, thanks to an upgraded chip.
The biggest downsides to the original CMF Phone have been addressed, too. It now offers NFC for contactless payments, and the software support has been extended to cover three years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. If that wasn’t enough, the rear panels have updated finishes to create a more premium look and feel, but you can’t swap them this time, so choose wisely.
The original was already our favourite budget phone, and these upgrades make it more tempting than ever. Of course, you’ll have to be onboard with the unusual looks (including software), but if you are, this is a package that’s hard to beat for just £219.
In the US, it’s not such a great deal where you have to buy the more expensive $279 model via the Beta Program with possible issues with US carriers, no customer support and none of the optional accessories.
As of June 2026, stock for the CMF Phone 2 Pro has started to dwindle, so you might have more luck finding a second-hand unit as production seemingly winds down ahead of the eagerly anticipated CMF Phone 3 Pro.
Who should buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?
Anyone who appreciates style and modularity on a smartphone.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Further considerations
Samsung vastly outpaces Nothing right now when it comes to long-term software support.
Read our full CMF Phone 2 Pro review
2. Samsung Galaxy A17 5G – Best Samsung
Pros
- Sleek design
- Long software support
- Large, punchy screen
- Slick user interface
Cons
- Almost identical to A16 5G
- Lacklustre secondary cameras
- No eSIM
At this point, no one can really doubt Samsung’s ability to make solid budget phones that tick all the right boxes, but it’s arguably finessed that skill to a fault. Case in point, there’s very little to separate the Samsung Galaxy A17 from its predecessor, but when viewed from outside of that lineage, it stands as a great budget pick in its own right.
Apart from some subtle design tweaks, the main upgrade is the addition of optical image stabilisation (OIS) to the main camera for slightly better results. You also get Samsung’s rather slick UI, which stands apart from what you typically find at the budget end of the market.
As per usual, the Galaxy A17 also goes above and beyond when it comes to long-term software support. Anyone who picks up the phone can enjoy six years of updates from the time of launch which just goes even further to helping consumers maximise the value of their purchase, and it’s exactly why Samsung handsets are the go-to pick for anyone looking to buy a phone for the long term.
There is a case to be made that with the A16 5G being phased out, you could easily pick it up with a significant discount attached, and there’s nothing wrong with that if you want to stick to a tight budget. However, the slight added expense to get an extra year of software support with the A17 is a fair trade-off, especially as it will be regularly discounted itself.
Note there’s also a Galaxy A17 4G model which is almost identical but cheaper and, of course, without 5G connectivity if that’s not a necessity.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A17?
Value-first buyers who want a device that’s supported well into the future.
Samsung Galaxy A17: Further considerations
The Galaxy A16 is near identical and may be found for less and the CMF has better hardware.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy A17 5G review
3. OnePlus Nord CE 5 – Best for AI
Pros
- Nice design and build quality
- Rich, elegant user experience
- Fast charging
Cons
- Disappointing loudspeaker and haptics
- Rivals offer better value performance
- Cameras struggle in low light
OnePlus has really helped to raise the bar amongst budget phones in the last few years but if you still haven’t been convinced by the company’s efforts then the OnePlus Nord CE 5 should set you straight. This is one of those rare phones that genuinely feels completely at odds with its budget price tag.
While the design might be a little on the reserved side, there’s no denying that the Nord CE 5 has a confident look to it, and the use of an all-black polycarbonate frame and composite back do an excellent job of making you think that this is actually a phone that belongs at the premium end of the scale. Having IP65 dust and water resistance doesn’t hurt either.
There’s a bright and responsive 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display on this phone that’s easy to use outdoors and ideal for kicking back with some entertainment at the end of a long day. Even though OnePlus has opted for the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex as opposed to any chipset from Snapdragon, performance is still great, and we encountered no issues when playing titles like Call of Duty Mobile.
Under the hood is a sizeable 5200mAh battery which can easily get you to the end of a long day without any anxiety. What’s more impressive is the 80W wired fast charging that’s available here, allowing users to power up a full battery in just under 50 minutes.
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5?
People who appreciate a budget phone that looks like a more premium device.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: Further considerations
The lacklustre loudspeaker prevents the phone from being a great option for streaming.
Read our full OnePlus Nord CE 5 review
4. Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – Best Design
Pros
- Great colours and finishes
- Strong dust and water protection
- Solid display
- Good main camera performance
Cons
- Curved display not great for gamers
- Some performance issues
- Only 3 years of updates
- Moto AI doesn’t add much
If you ever hear anyone complaining that budget phones tend not to be as eye-catching as their more premium counterparts, you might want to show them the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion. This affordable £299.99/$379 handset comes in two fetching Pantone colours, Slipstream and Amazonite, which boast a vegan leather backing that grips well but is also comfortable in the hand.
The phone’s look isn’t for show either, as it can withstand both dust and water thanks to IP68 and IP69 ratings, so you won’t have to worry about the phone falling foul of the elements. Beyond the design, it’s the 6.67-inch pOLED curved display that’s the real draw, which is simply gorgeous to look at and creates a wonderfully cinematic appearance when streaming a bit of Netflix or Disney+.
The only downside to the curved display is that it isn’t ideal for gamers who want an unobstructed view of the action, and want to avoid any mistouches. Still, for those who are more interested in mobile photography, you’ll be pleased to know that the rear-facing 50Mp main lens can pump out some great looking shots with a natural appreciation of colour. The 32Mp front-facing camera also captures detailed selfies in a pinch.
It’s a great package overall, but with only three years of updates promised from the time of launch, we would have loved to see Motorola go further here to try and beat Samsung on longevity. Given that the phone’s Moto AI features are fairly redundant, it would have been more productive for Motorola to divert its resources into providing better value for money to consumers.
Although the newer Motorola Edge 70 Fusion has hit the scene, the phone is priced at £369.99, meaning that it wouldn’t be eligible for this list.
Who should buy the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion?
On-the-go entertainment enthusiasts who need a great screen on the cheap.
Motorola Edge 60 Fusion: Further considerations
With just three years of software updates, it’s lacking in long-term value.
Read our full Motorola Edge 60 Fusion review
5. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – Best Cameras
Pros
- Excellent screen
- Long software support
- Solid battery life
- Decent camera performance
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Only 128GB storage
- Divisive rear design
Given how good the Galaxy A15 5G is, why would you pay extra for the A25 5G? There are a few reasons, especially as it still costs under £250/$250. A shift to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset boosts performance, while the display is even more impressive with a 120Hz refresh rate. You also get an improved 8Mp ultrawide camera and stereo speakers.
Throw in the already-solid battery life, decent main and selfie cameras and those five years of updates and you’re on to a winner.
The only real reasons not to buy the A25 5G are the limited storage options and a design that won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Or if one of the other phones in this list appeals to you more.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A25?
In spite of a successor, this is a phone that’s great for those who want a solid experience across the board.
Samsung Galaxy A25: Further considerations
Unfortunately, the A25 isn’t the most durable phone on this list so you’re better looking elsewhere if you regularly drop your handset. The Galaxy A27 should arrive soon.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy A25 5G review
6. Motorola Moto G85 5G – Best Display
Pros
- Gorgeous curved-edge pOLED display
- Slim and lightweight design
- Reliable battery life
- Impressive fast charging
Cons
- Mediocre camera performance
- Middling software support
- Performance falls short of similarly priced rivals
It’s hard to tell at first glance that the Motorola Moto G85 5G is actually a budget phone, given just how luxurious the backing feels. The Cobalt Blue version that we had in for testing most certainly held our attention, which is impressive against a sea of phones that have overlooked their aesthetic in favour of upgraded specs.
This isn’t to say that Motorola has spent all its time focusing on the design, far from it. Flip the phone over and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous 6.67-inch 120Hz pOLED display, which is great for everything from scrolling through social media to streaming the latest exclusives on Netflix.
The performance offered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset is solid enough for everyday use, although it does start to trip up if you want to play any 3D games on the phone, so you’re better off looking elsewhere for a budget gaming experience. Thankfully, Motorola’s take on Android is wonderfully uncluttered and easy to use.
What ties it all together is a massive 5000mAh battery which, under the right circumstances, can keep up with you for about a day and a half on a single charge. There’s also 30W wired charging, which can get you back from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. The only reason why you wouldn’t want this phone is for better camera performance, but for everything else, it’s a great option.
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G85 5G?
Folks who need a great screen so they can enjoy a colourful everyday experience.
Motorola Moto G85 5G: Further considerations
The cameras don’t quite stand up to the high bar set by the display and the design.
Read our full Motorola Moto G85 5G review
7. Motorola Moto E15 – Best Under £100
Pros
- Very affordable
- Feels premium in the hand
- Large, bright display
Cons
- Low performance
- Short security update promise
For when your budget is extremely tight, or you want an inexpensive phone to give to your child that won’t cause too much concern if it gets damaged, the Motorola Moto E15 is a great option to consider. With a price tag of only £69.98/$99.99, very few phones can compare with the pure value that the Moto E15 brings to the table.
What’s most surprising about the E15 is that in spite of its affordable price tag, the phone itself doesn’t feel cheap in the hand. There’s a vegan leather finish on the back gives you plenty of grip even without a case, and there are several striking colour options to choose from, including Denim Blue and Fresh Lavender.
For the display, there’s a very competent 6.5-inch 720p panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s far from the OLED displays of more premium, modern-day phones, the E15 still provides an enjoyable viewing experience that makes the phone well-suited for a bit of light entertainment on the go. There’s even surround sound audio that keeps things engaging if you don’t have a pair of earbuds to hand.
As you may have anticipated from a phone of this price, the E15 won’t be winning any awards in terms of performance. The MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme can handle most mainstream apps for messaging and social media easily enough, but the 2GB RAM included can slow things down if you bring too many apps into the mix. Only one year of security updates is the biggest downside here.
Who should buy the Motorola Moto E15?
Parents who need a cheap yet functional smartphone for their kids.
Motorola Moto E15: Further considerations
Short security update promise gives a limited (safe) lifespan. At this price point, Motorola’s own Moto G06 Power is also worth considering.
Read our full Motorola Moto E15 review
8. Motorola Moto G56 – Best Battery Life
Pros
- Lovely design and finish
- Great battery life
- Clean software experience
Cons
- Only 2 years of Android updates
- Some lag in performance
- No 4K video recording
The Moto G56 is a great budget phone if you want long battery life. We were hammering it and still ending most days with 40-50% battery remaining making it a solid 2-day phone.
There’s plenty more to like, too, as Motorola continues its trend of recognisable design, in a range of colours, which you don’t have to put a case on. The phone might have a plastic frame but it’s still IP69 dust and waterproof and there’s even a headphone jack and microSD card slot – remember those?
The good new continues with a nice big screen, solid main camera and speedy wired charging. You couldn’t ask for much more at this price.
Longer software support would be nice, that’s for sure and the performance isn’t the smoothest if you’re a more demanding user. Otherwise, the Moto G56 5G is a great budget all-rounder.
Who should buy the Motorola Moto G56 5G?
You want long battery life with other key boxes ticked as well.
Motorola Moto G56 5G: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for longer software support and more impressive performance.
Read our full Motorola Moto G56 5G review
9. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G – Best Samsung Alternative
Pros
- Clean, appealing design
- Punchy AMOLED display
- Impressive software update promise
Cons
- Limited performance
- Battery life downgrade
- Poor secondary cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is another solid, cheap phone from Samsung, offering an appealing design and a punchy AMOLED display for a very affordable price.
You’ll likely find Samsung’s design more appealing than many rivals of a similar price and a more hidden advantage, and a big one, is the long software support the firm promises – no less than six years of updates, where many budget phones just get two, or no exact promise at all.
Samsung’s user interface is a plus here as well as a big and colourful screen. Just don’t expect all that much from performance or the ultrawide and macro cameras.
The phone has now been replaced by the Galaxy A17 5G which is nearly identical but the main camera gets OIS and you’ll get a year longer software support since this is the older model, but that also means you might find it at a temptingly reduced price.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?
Those who value long-term software support and appealing design.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Further considerations
Now succeeded by the A17 5G.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy A16 5G review
10. TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper – Best for Readers
Pros
- High-quality display
- Impressive E-Ink style modes
- Fantastic battery life
- Impressive specs
Cons
- Disappointing cameras
- Underwhelming speakers
- Extra pre-installed apps
The 50 Pro Nxtpaper is a phone with a difference.
In addition to the usual colour display you’ll get on any smartphone (albeit a nice matt version here), TCL allows you to switch to E-Ink style mode at the flick of a switch. This is transformative for eye health and readability, even if it can’t replace a dedicated eReader for most people.
Crucially, the display still offers a good colour experience, including while watching movies. And the battery life is excellent, regardless of the mode you’re using.
It’s not as impressive in all areas, with cameras and speaker quality both in need of work. Extra bloatware also makes the otherwise enjoyable software more frustrating to use.
But if you read a lot on your phone and are looking for a budget phone that fits the bill, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper is the device for you.
Who should buy the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper?
Avid readers who enjoy accessing their Kindle books from their smartphone.
TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper: Further considerations
Doesn’t really compare to most budget phones on this list where cameras are concerned.
Read our full TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper review
Other budget phones tested
The phones featured in this list are just a small example of the total amount of budget-friendly handsets that we review. This isn’t to say that there aren’t great affordable phones to be found outside of the ones recommended here, but for the sake of your time and saving you from endlessly comparing specs and features, these are the ones that are worth knowing about above all else. If you do have a bit more time to spare however, then these are the options to also consider:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G – Although it just misses the mark of greatness due to a serious amount of bloatware included on the phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G is an amazing pick for anyone who can look past all that and enjoy the phenomenal 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. With a peak brightness of 3,200 nits, it’s a great phone to use for streaming as the colours really pop with outstanding contrast, although we do recommend pairing it with some headphones or earbuds as the onboard speakers aren’t much to write home about.
- Moto G86 5G – Even though it can’t quite top the Moto G86 Power, the standard Moto G86 5G still has its merits. The phone has a great-looking 6.67-inch pOLED display that’s very bright in everyday use and benefits from a fast 120Hz refresh rate.
- Moto G06 Power – The more recent Moto G06 Power is also worth a gander as it’s one of the few sub-£100 phones that can genuinely run for up to two days between charges. Unfortunately, it’s not an all-around recommendation as the phone’s display is somewhat outdated and the main camera won’t be winning awards anytime soon, but as a work phone that just needs to get through plenty of calls and texts without giving you any concern about battery life, the G06 Power can easily get the job done.
Sean Cameron/ Foundry
Here are some other budget phones worth taking a look at:
Budget phone news that could affect your buying decision
As we’re now a decent way into 2026, there’s plenty of budget phone-related news that’s starting to pop up, potentially swaying your decision over which handset to buy. For instance, Samsung recently pulled back the curtain on the wallet-friendly A07 5G, but so far has only mentioned a release in certain parts of Asia, so we’re still awaiting confirmation of a UK debut.
Still, with a 6,000mAh battery and a 120Hz 6.7-inch display, not to mention six years of software support, it might be worth waiting just a bit longer for any news regarding this bargain buy.
It’s a similar story for the Samsung Galaxy A27, which we were all expecting to arrive at the same time as the Galaxy A57 and the Galaxy A37. Of course, this didn’t come to pass. One explanation for the delay might be that Samsung is looking to power the A27 with a Snapdragon chipset, promising much better performance than before.
OnLeaks x Hoteudeals
More recent renders (above) of the phone also suggest a big design overhaul, doing away with the very outdated teardrop notch, in favour of a hole-punch alternative that you see on almost all phones nowadays. The chin of the A27 also looks to be significantly reduced, creating a more uniform look around the screen.
As of June 2026, a launch now feels particularly imminent as an official mention of the A27 was spotted on Samsung’s Brazilian website, under the context of a list of phones compatible with the Samsung Wallet app, so stay tuned to see what happens.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty of chatter surrounding the CMF Phone 3 Pro which, if it’s anything like its predecessor, could be one of the most important budget phones of 2026. Although we were expecting the handset to have been manifested by now, it now seems that the phone has been delayed to Q3 2026 so there’s still a bit of a wait yet before we see the device. It’s a shame too because it’s now harder to find stock of the existing CMF Phone 2 Pro, so it would be nice to see the Phone 3 Pro sooner rather than later.
At the very least, we do have a decent idea of the specs being lined up for the phone, including a move to using the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, a metal frame, plus a larger 5,090mAh battery and faster 45W charging.
We’ll also be publishing a review of the Motorola Moto G37 soon, so keep an eye out for whether this makes it into the top 10.
Can I get a better budget phone deal?
Because of the automated nature of our deals widgets, which appear alongside each entry in this list, you’ll always see the lowest prices available on any given day, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a bargain. However, if you do want to save even more, then you can during the major sales events of the year.
With Black Friday not being limited to just one retailer, it gives you more freedom to shop around for the best price. All the major retailers get involved, including Currys, John Lewis and AO in the UK, and the likes of Best Buy and Walmart in the US, and they constantly try to outdo one another by reducing prices in an effort to attract your patronage. Still, Amazon Prime Day can have some of the best offers of the year, so it’s well worth making use of a free trial to Prime When the sale starts 23 June. Unlike previous years which have kept Prime Day to a two-day event, the 2026 iteration will run for a total of four days, concluding 26 June, so you’ll have plenty of time to find a bargain.
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy waiting until any of these sales events, then you can bag a bigger bargain today by checking out our breakdown of the best refurbished phone deals. Refurbished phones are always available at a lower cost than buying a phone new, plus it’s a more eco-friendly practice as you’re saving a handset from ending up as e-waste.
How we test phones
The only way to properly test a phone is to use it as our own. So that’s exactly what we do, putting in our personal SIM and using the handset around the clock for at least a week, and very often longer. This in-depth testing tells us what it’s like to use the phone in the real world, from a user perspective, giving us insight into all features from the camera through to battery life. We pair this hands-on knowledge with traditional benchmarks to ensure we have comparable scores.
Read more about how we test smartphones.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for phone reviews and buying advice
Smartphones have been a core part of Tech Advisor’s coverage since the first iPhone was released in 2007 and Android made headlines in 2008. Since then, we’ve been guiding you through the fascinating and fast-paced rise of modern mobile phones, including the launch of 5G and the comings and goings of Windows Phone, Blackberry and brands like LG. We are testing new phones on a weekly basis and reviewing just about every model that comes to market. Our expert in-house team and contributors have many decades of combined experience.
Who curated this article?
Chris Martin is the Managing Editor at Tech Advisor and one of the most senior members of the team. Having written for the site for nearly 15 years after being a reporter at The Inquirer, he’s tested countless handsets dating back to some of the first Android phones and seen styles, operating systems and even brands come and go. Chris has more context than most on how phones have changed over the years, the best features to look out for and how the latest handsets compare to the competition.
How to choose the best budget phone
Unlike shopping at the premium or even mid-range sector of the market, buying a budget phone in 2026 comes with a different set of expectations. While you can get some high-end features on affordable handsets, their presence does tend to come at the expense of other facets. With that in mind, it’s worth deciding ahead of time which features you prioritise the most before buying.
For example, you can get amazing displays like with the Moto G85 or the Redmi Note 14 Pro, but that might come at the cost of battery life or software experience, so it’s a case of weighing up the compromises and deciding which type of give and take you’re happy with. Unfortunately, if that doesn’t sound appealing, then you will need to save up and opt for a mid-range phone instead.
Others might have great cameras or features you typically see in more expensive phones, like a good IP rating for dust and water resistance. The problem is you won’t find a budget phone that does it all.
Samsung
It’s also worth considering long-term software and security support for the phone you intend to buy. This isn’t the type of thing you have to worry about at the premium end as there’s a higher standard across the board, but in the budget sector, some phones won’t be supported by the manufacturer for more than two years, which could lead to issues further down the road.
Companies like Samsung and Nothing do a better job at offering long-term support with their budget phones, which might be more appealing if you’re buying for a child or an elderly relative and you don’t plan on providing them with an upgrade for quite some time.
When it comes to contracts, we recommend buying the phone outright as a SIM-free device, and then picking up one of the best SIM-only deals separately. While this practice might sound a bit more laborious than getting everything together in one fell swoop, it will save you more money in the long run as you won’t have to worry about any mid-contract price rises. Plus, SIM-cards tend to be a lot cheaper (and offer more data for the price) when sold separately.
Budget phones buying advice
Should you buy a budget phone outright?
In our experience, the ideal way to get a cheap phone is to buy it SIM-free and then grab a great-value SIM deal. You won’t be paying loads every month for a phone for the next two years and you can swap it for a newer model whenever you fancy without a massive impact on your wallet.
Should you buy a locked phone?
You’ll quickly find that some of the best deals on cheap phones are sold via mobile operators (also known as carriers). What you need to watch out for is whether these phones are sold locked to that operator’s network.
All phones sold in the UK since December 2021 must be sold unlocked, but if you’re based somewhere like the US or importing a device, it may be locked.
In those situations, you won’t be able to put another operator’s SIM card into your carrier-locked handset and will likely have to call the device’s carrier to get the phone unlocked, which can cost money.
What’s the best phone for a child?
Most children want to make up their own minds about choosing a phone when entering young adulthood, but if they’re a little younger, you’ll probably want to decide for them.
You’ll want to look at something ultra-affordable for a first smartphone, so you’ve come to the right place. It’ll need to have a decent-sized screen, long battery life and be fairly durable, so you should probably avoid phones with a glass back.
As it’ll likely be your main point of contact with your child, you’ll also want to look for good call quality, something that’s often overlooked on modern phones.
Which phone is best for students?
We’d recommend a more affordable phone here too, but many of the options in this chart may be within reach.
General buying decisions should be whether you prefer a near-stock version of Android (as is available on Google’s Pixel phones, plus Nokia and Motorola phones), or don’t mind a heavier ‘skin’, as found on devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, or Oppo.
Also, considering what the most important aspect of a phone is to you is key, and how many compromises you’re willing to make in other areas. Many handsets at this price point will target one specific feature, meaning corners are inevitably cut elsewhere.
What will you get for your money?
If you’re looking for a cheap phone, you have to accept the fact that the manufacturer is going to make sacrifices to achieve that low price and you aren’t going to get the same performance, features or display quality as a phone costing two, three, or four times the price.
It used to be the case that budget phones were instantly recognisable by their low-resolution displays, meagre storage and chunky, plastic bodies, but things are improving in this area all the time. These days, for around £250/$250 or less, it’s quite possible to buy a phone with an AMOLED display, a slim body, and a main camera that takes pictures good enough for sharing.
Nearly all will support 4G connectivity, and some 5G, but features such as NFC, wireless charging and water resistance might be absent unless specifically stated.
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.