You don’t must lay our a fortune to get an excellent telephone lately. The very best price range Android telephones supply spectacular efficiency, lengthy battery life and succesful telephone cameras — all at a value that received’t drain your pockets. Whether or not you are searching for a dependable on a regular basis gadget, a backup telephone or one thing for a youthful member of the family, there is a rising record of price range smartphones that ship stable operate with out the excessive price of flagship telephones.
From Samsung telephones with slick designs to fashions full of sensible AI options for improved efficiency and pictures, Android’s price range lineup is best than ever. Some supply surprisingly respectable Wi-Fi connectivity, whereas others intention to have the best camera of their value vary. No matter your wants, there’s a wallet-friendly Android possibility that doesn’t compromise the place it counts.
Desk of contents
Finest price range Android telephones for 2025
Display screen measurement: 6.72 inches | Storage capability: 128GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 16MP | Rear digicam decision: 108MP major, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally all the pieces you would need in a telephone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s suitable with all the massive US carriers, to not point out good specs together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a worthy improve. It additionally has an enormous 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh price, which is uncommon on a price range telephone as most rivals function slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And due to its 50-watt wired quick charging, you possibly can prime it up shortly, too. It additionally provides software program updates for a good interval, guaranteeing its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 just lately received a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime decide on this area.
- Good efficiency for the worth
- 120Hz show
- 50W wired charging
SAMSUNG
Display screen measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP major, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a reasonably outstanding gadget. It has a 6.5-inch show with a barely slower 90Hz refresh price the Nord N30. Nevertheless, as a result of it options an OLED panel as an alternative of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally all of its rivals. On prime of that, you’re getting a 50MP major digicam with stable low-light efficiency in a remarkably reasonably priced package deal. It will also be configured with as much as 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and its 5,000 mAh battery delivers a ton of longevity. And whereas its design isn’t too thrilling, the polycarbonate Samsung makes use of on the again has a pleasant matte end that feels extra like glass than low cost plastic, giving it the looks of a extra premium design. Lastly, the A15 comes with 4 years of safety updates and three years of OS updates, which is longer than most handsets on this value vary.
- OLED show with good brightness and colours
- Will be configured with as much as 256GB of storage
- 5,000mAh battery
Motorola
Display screen measurement: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 64GB + microSD | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM | Entrance digicam decision: 8MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
For these on a extremely tight price range, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases effectively. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor together with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And whereas that final quantity might sound small, the telephone has a microSD card slot so you possibly can add extra space if and if you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can also be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh price. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, but it surely’s adequate to guard towards an errant splash or two. Positive, the G Play is fundamental, but it surely’s fundamental in a great way, particularly should you’re not too fussed about operating a number of apps and simply desire a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.
- 90Hz show
- IP52 score
- Expandable storage by way of a microSD card slot
- Solely 64GB of onboard storage
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Display screen measurement: 6.1 inches | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM card kind: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Entrance digicam decision: 13MP | Rear digicam decision: 64MP major, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.63 oz
Learn our full Google Pixel 8a review
For individuals prepared to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the price range bracket, there are another candidates price trying out. The Pixel 8a usually prices $499, however we have seen it discounted to as little as $399. So should you’re searching for an reasonably priced handset with good efficiency, useful bonuses like wi-fi charging and probably the greatest major cameras on any gadget on this value vary, you’d be silly to not take into account this Pixel telephone if you will get an excellent deal on it. Google’s Pixel 9a is forthcoming; it is unclear if the Pixel 8a will keep within the lineup, however contemplating the 7a caught round after the 8a got here out, we expect you can discover this mannequin for a short time longer.
- Colourful 120Hz OLED show
- Sturdy battery life
- Glorious cameras
- Nice worth
- Gradual wi-fi charging
- Thick bezels
Igor Bonifacic for Engadget
Display screen measurement: 6.77 inches | Storage capability: 256GB | SIM kind: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Entrance digicam decision: 50MP | Rear digicam decision: 50MP major, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | Weight: 7.44 ounces
Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review
If you’d like one thing totally different out of your subsequent telephone, there are few if any gadgets on the market just like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass again that evokes the design of outdated Recreation Boys, permitting you to see a few of its inner parts, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally probably the greatest offers within the trade, because of a compelling mixture of options. The Telephone 3a sports activities a vibrant 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh price. It additionally comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto digicam. That final function is one thing that’s troublesome to seek out within the 3a Professional’s value vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter
- Enjoyable design
- Massive 120Hz AMOLED display
- Clear however customizable Android pores and skin
- Restricted US guarantee
- No wi-fi charging
- Tinny audio system
How low cost must you go for an Android telephone?
We are inclined to outline a price range smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the danger of affected by too many compromises in operate, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (should you’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favourite flagship telephones on the very finish of this information).
However for these with slightly wiggle room, there are some issues to think about. For instance, a baby could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s meant primarily for emergencies, WiFi shopping or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a great distance because of improved efficiency, higher telephone cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable various to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even you probably have the flexibleness to spend extra.
What to search for in an inexpensive Android telephone
Relating to low cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this value vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a selected mannequin can fluctuate so much based mostly on value. A vibrant display can also be vital. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated colour saturation. Lengthy battery life is important as effectively, so we are inclined to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can fluctuate so much, so search for gadgets with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally vital to think about assist size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program assist can prolong the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.
Android telephone FAQs
What is the value distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an inexpensive iPhone?
iPhones are typically dearer in comparison with Android telephones — even the most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a tougher tablet to swallow in comparison with an inexpensive Android telephone. In distinction, you will get your arms on an inexpensive Android gadget for as little as $100.
