Cheapest Smartphone: Budget-Friendly Picks for 2023
Note: We have researched 12 smartphones for you.
Last updated on 29.06.24 um 01:12
In today's fast-paced world, staying connected is not just a luxury, but a necessity. However, the search for a new smartphone can often be daunting, especially when prices for the latest models seem to skyrocket with each release. Fortunately, finding a device that won't break the bank is still possible.
For those looking to maximize functionality without draining their wallets, there are numerous options that merge affordability with the essential features of modern technology. We've scoured the market to find phones that deliver reliable performance, sleek designs, and the versatility of current operating systems - all for a fraction of the price of premium models.
For those looking to maximize functionality without draining their wallets, there are numerous options that merge affordability with the essential features of modern technology. We've scoured the market to find phones that deliver reliable performance, sleek designs, and the versatility of current operating systems - all for a fraction of the price of premium models.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
What to Look for in Cheapest Smartphones
Important criteria
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Price
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Battery life
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Basic functionality
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Build quality
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Warranty and support
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Network compatibility
1.) Budget and Basic Features
When looking for the cheapest smartphones, it is essential to first establish a strict budget to avoid overspending. Within this budget, prioritize the basic features that are most important to your needs, such as call quality, battery life, and a responsive user interface. Cheaper models will not have all the high-end specifications of more expensive phones, so focus on finding a device that covers your essential requirements reliably. Consider smartphones that offer the best combination of these features against their price. Remember to also check for any additional costs such as necessary accessories or unlocking fees if you're buying a carrier-specific model.
2.) Operating System and Updates
The operating system (OS) on a smartphone dictates the user experience and app availability. Cheaper smartphones often come with older versions of the OS, which can limit functionality and app compatibility. Ensure that the phone you're considering has at least a relatively recent OS, and also check the manufacturer's policy on software updates. Regular updates are crucial for security and accessing the latest features, so opt for manufacturers that provide consistent and timely OS updates even for their less expensive models.
3.) Hardware Quality and Performance
Cheaper smartphones often make trade-offs in hardware to keep costs down. Assess the processor's speed, the amount of RAM, and the quality of the display to make sure the phone can handle your daily tasks. A sluggish performance can lead to a frustrating user experience, so it's important to find a phone that strikes a balance between cost and capability. Additionally, consider the build quality and durability of the phone, as repairs for cheaper models can be relatively expensive compared to their initial cost.
4.) Camera and Storage
While lower-cost smartphones may not offer the advanced camera systems found in premium devices, ensure that the phone you select has a camera adequate for your needs, whether it's for casual photography or video calls. Check reviews for camera performance in various lighting conditions. In terms of storage, cheaper phones might have limited internal memory. Look for models with expandable storage via a microSD card slot, or sufficient built-in storage to meet your needs without having to constantly manage space constraints.
The Cheapest Smartphones of our Choice
Our Pick
Motorola Moto E13 Dual SIM 64GB
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- USA Buyers: Not compatible with CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular).
- Dual-SIM with network compatibility for SIM Card 1: 2G GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G HSDPA 850/900/2100, and 4G LTE 700(B28)/850(B5)/900(B8)/1800(B3)/2100(B1)/2300(B40)/2500(B41)/2600(B7)/2600(B38).
- SIM Card 2: 2G GSM 850/900/1800/1900.
- 6.5 inches IPS LCD display with 720 x 1600 pixels.
- 64GB storage, 2GB RAM, microSDXC slot for expansion.
- Android 13, Unisoc T606 processor (Octa-core: 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55).
- 13 MP front camera (wide, 1.12µm) with PDAF and 5 MP front camera (wide, 1/5", 1.12µm).
2
F2FTlk Cheap Smartphone， 5.0'' Android 9.0
Type/Color: R10-Black
Properties
- Cheap and beautiful Android mobile phone
- Android 9.0 system, stable and smooth
- 1GB RAM, 16GB ROM, expandable up to 128GB
- Dual SIM, dual cameras for realistic photos
- Global network compatibility with 2 nano SIM cards
- 3000mAh battery, up to 1.5 days of daily use
- Quality after-sales service for customer satisfaction
In other categories
- Rank 4 of 10 in Cheapest Mobile Phone
- Rank 6 of 7 in Cheapest Android Phone
Price Pick
BLU Advance L5 A390L 4"
Model: A390L
Type/Color: Lime
Properties
- GSM Quad Band - 3G: 850/1900/2100
- Not compatible with Verizon, At&t or any Cdma Networks
- Only works with T-Mobile and its Mnvo's
- 4" Touchscreen Display - 480 x 800 Resolution
- 16GB Internal - 512MB RAM - MicroSD up to 64GB
- Bluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi (b/g/n) Hotspot
- 5MP with Flash - 2MP Selfie Video Capture 720@30fps
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 2 in Cheapest Folding Phone
- Rank 3 of 7 in Cheapest Android Phone
4
Truely Super Mini Smartphone
Model: XS11
Type/Color: Green
Properties
- Mini light body, easy to carry: compact size and lightweight
- Android system & memory extended: equipped with Android 6.0
- 3G WCDMA dual SIM phone: supports 3G global bands
- HD dual camera & large battery: rear camera with flash
- Other functions: calling, MP3 player, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Manufacturer: Truely
In other categories
- Rank 5 of 6 in Cheapest Cellphone
5
SAMSUNG Galaxy A10e GSM Unlocked (not CDMA)
Model: A102U
Type/Color: GSM Unlocked
Size: 32 GB
Properties
- Unlocked for all GSM carriers worldwide!
- NOT compatible with CDMA carriers.
- 5.8" PLS TFT Touchscreen Display
- Octa-Core CPU; Android 9.0 (Pie)
- 32GB Internal Memory; 2GB RAM
- Li-Ion 3,000 mAh Battery (Non-removable)
6
TracFone TCL 30 Z, 32GB
Model: T602DL
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- Rear camera: 8MP, front camera: 5MP
- 6.1 inches HD+ vivid display
- 3000mAh battery
- 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM memory
- Locked for use with Tracfone
- Compatible with no-contract talk & text plans from Tracfone starting at $15/mo.
In other categories
- Rank 3 of 14 in Cheapest Prepaid Phone
- Rank 12 of 18 in Thinnest Phone
7
Total by Verizon TCL 30 Z, 32GB
Model: T602DL
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- Phone is locked to Total by Verizon
- Can only be used on Total by Verizon network
- 8MP rear camera | 5MP front camera
- 6.1 inches HD+ Vivid Display
- 3000mAh battery
- 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM memory
- Compatible with no-contract talk, text & data plans starting at $30\/mo
In other categories
- Rank 11 of 14 in Cheapest Prepaid Phone
8
Total by Verizon Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Model: S146VL
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- Carrier: Locked to Total by Verizon wireless network.
- 50 MP triple-camera system.
- 13 MP Front camera.
- 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display.
- 15W Fast charging 5000mAh battery.
- Compatible with no-contract talk, text & data plans starting at $30/mo.
9
TracFone Motorola moto g Play
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- 16MP triple camera system
- 6.5 inches 90Hz HD+ Display
- Non-removable 5000mAh, 3-day battery life
- Locked to Tracfone carrier
- Compatible with Unlimited Talk & Text plus Data plans
In other categories
- Rank 12 of 14 in Cheapest Prepaid Phone
10
TracFone Motorola moto g Pure
Type/Color: Blue
Properties
- 13MP Dual Camera System
- 6.5 inches Max Vision HD+ display
- MediaTek Helio G25 processor
- 4000 mAh battery lasts up to 2 days
- Water-repellent design
- Locked for use with Tracfone
- Compatible with no-contract talk & text plans from Tracfone starting at $15/mo
In other categories
11
Total by Verizon Motorola Moto g Pure
Type/Color: Blue
Properties
- Carrier: Locked to Total by Verizon network.
- 13MP Dual Camera System.
- 6.5 inches Max Vision HD+ display.
- MediaTek Helio G25 processor.
- 4000 mAh battery lasts up to 2 days.
- Water-repellent design.
- Compatible with no-contract talk, text & data plans starting at $30/mo.
In other categories
- Rank 10 of 14 in Cheapest Prepaid Phone
12
Total by Verizon Samsung Galaxy A03s
Model: S135DL
Type/Color: Black
Properties
- Carrier: Locked to Total by Verizon network.
- 5MP Front Camera.
- 6.5 inches HD+ LCD display.
- 5,000mAh battery with 7.75W charging.
- Mediatek Helio P35 Processor.
- 3GB RAM | 32GB Storage.
- Compatible with no-contract talk, text & data plans starting at $30/mo.
In other categories
- Rank 4 of 14 in Cheapest Prepaid Phone
- Rank 4 of 7 in Cheapest Android Phone
- Rank 8 of 10 in Cheapest Mobile Phone
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Affordable Smartphone Guide for Every Buyer
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
If you're looking to save money without sacrificing quality, we have a selection that suits your needs. Discover budget-friendly smartphones that deliver good performance and value. Our expert picks help you stay within your financial plan.
First-Time Smartphone Buyers
New to the smartphone world? We provide options that are user-friendly and wallet-friendly. Find phones with the necessary features to get you started on your digital journey, without overwhelming options or prices.
Students Seeking Deals
Students need a smartphone that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyle without draining their funds. Check out our recommended phones that blend functionality with affordability, perfect for both study and play.
Casual Users
For those who need a phone for everyday tasks without fancy extras, we've got you covered. Find easy-to-use smartphones that won't break the bank and still allow you to stay connected with what matters.
Questions You Might Ask
The processor, often referred to as the SoC (System on Chip), is the heart of a smartphone and affects its performance, speed, and energy efficiency. Look for newer generation chipsets for improved performance and power management. High-end processors like Qualcomm Snapdragon, Apple's A-series, and Samsung's Exynos are known for being powerful. Consider what you'll primarily use the phone for; if it's gaming or heavy multitasking, you'll want a more powerful processor.
Camera quality is crucial if you often take photos and videos. Check the megapixel count, but don't rely on it alone; lens quality, sensor size, aperture, and software algorithms are equally important. Higher megapixel counts can produce more detailed photos, but the quality of the image sensor and image processing software often have a greater impact on the overall image quality. Features like optical image stabilization, laser autofocus, and multiple camera setups (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, macro lenses) also contribute to better photography.
Battery life determines how long you can use your smartphone before needing to recharge it. Look for a battery with a higher mAh rating for longer battery life, but remember that screen size and resolution, processor efficiency, and software optimization can also impact battery performance. Smartphones with a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh or more are typically considered to have good battery life. Always check for user reviews or battery tests to gauge real-world battery performance.
Screen size and resolution contribute to the ease of use and enjoyment of your content. Larger screens provide a better viewing experience for media and games, but can make the device harder to handle with one hand. Higher resolution screens (Full HD, Quad HD) offer sharper and more detailed images, which is great for viewing high-quality media or using VR applications. Consider a display type as well, like OLED for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, though these often come at a higher cost.
Software and OS updates provide not just new features and improvements to your smartphone's performance, but also important security updates that protect your device from vulnerabilities. Longer update support means your smartphone stays current and secure for an extended period. Most high-end smartphones provide two to three years of OS updates and up to five years of security updates. Mid-range and budget devices may offer less, so check with the manufacturer for their specific update policy.
Currently Active Poll
How to Choose the Cheapest Smartphone: A Guide
Our Pick: Motorola Moto E13 Dual SIM 64GB
In a world where smartphone prices can soar into the thousands, finding a wallet-friendly option without compromising on essential features can be a challenge. This guide will help you navigate through the sea of budget smartphones to pick one that not only suits your wallet but also your lifestyle. Whether you're a student, a frugal tech enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a secondary device, we've got the insights to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the world of affordable smartphones, take a moment to assess your needs. What are your must-have features? Perhaps you need a phone with a decent camera for capturing memories, or maybe long battery life is vital for your daily tasks. Consider the basics such as call quality, texting, and basic apps that you can’t do without.
It’s also important to think about what you can compromise on. You might forgo a high-resolution screen for a better battery or accept less onboard storage if the phone offers cloud storage solutions. Remember that your usage dictates your needs, so tailor your search to match the demands of your day-to-day life.
Moreover, keep in mind the longevity of the device. A cheaper phone might save you money now, but if it only lasts a year before it needs replacing, it could be less cost-effective in the long run. Consider opting for brands with a reputation for durability and reliability, even in their lower-priced models.
Researching Budget Brands
Not all brands are created equal, especially when it comes to budget smartphones. Some manufacturers cater specifically to the cost-conscious segment, offering phones that balance price and performance. Do some digging into brands that specialize in affordable devices, such as Motorola, Xiaomi, or Realme.
Check out user reviews and expert opinions on models within your price range. Often, these reviews will highlight any common issues or particularly standout features that can influence your decision. Pay attention to the after-sales service and warranty offered by these brands since support can be crucial for budget devices.
Key Features to Look For
When you're on the hunt for the cheapest smartphone, there are specific features you should keep an eye on. First, consider the processor and RAM – these will dictate how smoothly your phone operates. Look for at least 2GB of RAM and a reliable quad-core processor at a minimum to ensure a smooth basic user experience.
Next is the battery life – look for phones with at least a 3000mAh battery to get you through the day. Screen quality is another consideration; an IPS LCD will offer decent viewing angles and color reproduction. And don't forget about storage – 16GB is a practical minimum, but if the phone supports expandable storage via a microSD card, that's a huge plus.
Finally, evaluate the camera specs to identify if they meet your photography needs. A higher number of megapixels doesn’t always mean better quality photos but do look for features like autofocus and a decent front-facing camera if selfies and video calls are important to you.
Where to Purchase
Once you've decided on the phone you'd like, it's time to figure out where to buy it. Purchasing directly from a manufacturer's website or an official physical store can offer peace of mind in terms of warranty and after-sales support. Shopping online through reputable retailers or e-commerce platforms can also yield good deals, especially during sales events.
Consider buying a refurbished or gently used smartphone. Certified pre-owned phones from trusted sources can be a great way to get a higher-end device for a lower price. Just ensure it comes with a warranty and is compatible with your carrier.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
A low price tag can sometimes blind us to potential pitfalls. Watch out for phones with non-replaceable batteries, as these can quickly turn your bargain into a brick if the battery degrades. Be wary of out-of-date operating systems as well; they can pose security risks and might not support newer apps.
Another factor to consider is network compatibility. Check that the phone you are purchasing supports the bands of your carrier, especially if you're buying internationally. Finally, always check the return policy before purchasing to ensure you can return the phone if it doesn't meet your expectations.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In the quest to pinpoint the most affordable smartphone, extensive research has been conducted, drawing upon a range of authoritative sources. The curated selections feature standout links, meticulously divided into four key categories: expert reviews, insightful forum discussions, engaging Reddit threads, and informative video content. These resources have been handpicked for their relevance and value, aiming to guide consumers to wise purchasing decisions in the realm of budget-friendly smartphones.
Nov 28, 2023 — We round up the best inexpensive phones we've reviewed from Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel. Our list of affordable phones should help you ...
Dec 4, 2023 — The Quick List · 1. Samsung Galaxy A54. View at Amazon · View at Samsung · 2. Google Pixel 7a. View at Amazon · View at Amazon · 3. Google Pixel ...
Nov 29, 2023 — These budget phones can make calls, send texts, and run most apps and games for hundreds of dollars less than the iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23.
Nov 8, 2023 — What's the best phone under $200? The $ 200 Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is our current top pick for the best phone under $200.
hardforum.com
What is the best cheap smartphone right now? I'm looking for something cheap but reliable and all, something decent. i dont know anything about mobiles and...
The best budget phone is the Motorola G family, around $199 for a really decent phone. Look up all the kudos on consumer reports. If you're ...
The best one in the list overall bench mark ratings-wise is the first one: Redmi Note 12 Pro, 6-12GB RAM, 128/256GB Storage, Dimensity 1080 Chip ...
Motorola Edge 2022 for $350 is also a good option. It has a higher quality screen and faster chipset than Moto G options but no headphone jack...
If you can wait 60 days, go to Tracfone. You can buy a brand new LTE capable flip phone (Alcatel or Nokia) for $20 ($17 with discount coupon) ...
Best Budget Smartphone Review (2023) - YouTube
Are you looking for the Best Cheap Phone? Check the list below for the Best Cheap Phones currently on the market.
