The perfect finances Android cellphone for 2024

Top-of-the-line issues in regards to the Android ecosystem is the supply of really reasonably priced telephones for as little as $150. By comparability, the most cost-effective iPhone relies on a dated design and begins at $429. Nevertheless, selecting the correct one could be a bit tough, as lowering the worth of a cellphone can generally end in too many trade-offs. So to offer you a hand, we examined a bunch of the preferred choices and put collectively an inventory of our favourite low-cost Android telephones.

Editor’s word (5/9/24): Google has introduced the Pixel 8a, its newest midrange smartphone. The 6.1-inch handset begins at $499 and, as anticipated, takes a lot of its cues from final yr’s flagship Pixel 8 collection. We’ll have a full evaluate within the coming days and can replace this information accordingly. For now, you possibly can try our hands-on preview for extra particulars on what to anticipate. Google says it’ll proceed to promote the Pixel 7a, our present splurge decide, at a decreased value, so it could proceed to be worthwhile. Most ought to maintain off till we put the brand new Pixel by means of its paces, although.

How low must you go?

We are likely to outline a finances cellphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the danger of affected by too many compromises, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (in case you’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favorites on the very finish of this information).

However for these with somewhat wiggle room, there are some issues to contemplate. For instance, a baby could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s meant primarily for emergencies or texting mother and father (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 telephones have come a great distance because of improved efficiency, higher cameras and nicer shows. This makes them a viable various to premium flagships, even in case you have the liberty to spend extra.

What to search for in a finances Android cellphone

On the subject of reasonably priced gadgets, you get what you pay for. Most telephones on this value vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a particular mannequin can fluctuate loads primarily based on value. A vivid display screen can also be vital. Usually you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh fee, however some telephones could have OLED screens with elevated colour saturation. Lengthy battery life is vital as effectively, so we are likely to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can fluctuate loads, so search for gadgets with at the least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally vital to contemplate help size, as periodic working system and safety updates can lengthen the longevity of your gadget, which is able to prevent cash in the long term.

OnePlus

When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally every part you would need in a cellphone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chip delivers robust 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. It additionally has an enormous 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh fee, which is uncommon on a finances cellphone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And due to its 50-watt wired charging, you possibly can prime it up rapidly, too. However most significantly, the Nord 30 not too long ago bought a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot.

$250 at Amazon

SAMSUNG

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 fee the Nord N30. Nevertheless, as a result of it options an OLED panel as a substitute of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally all of its rivals. 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. Lastly, the A15 comes with 4 years of safety updates and three years of OS upgrades, which is longer than most handsets on this value vary.

$200 at Amazon

Motorola

For these on a very tight finances, 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 cellphone has a microSD card slot so you possibly can add extra space if and whenever you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display screen can also be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh fee. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, nevertheless it’s ok to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Positive, the G Play is fundamental, nevertheless it’s fundamental in a great way.

$150 at Amazon

Google

For folks prepared to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the finances bracket, there are another candidates price testing. The Pixel 7a is our favourite midrange cellphone and whereas it price $500 at launch, not too long ago we’ve seen offers that introduced it all the way down to as little as $375. That’s simply $25 above our typical vary, so in case you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced handset with good efficiency, helpful bonuses like wi-fi charging and the most effective cameras on any gadget on this value vary, you’d be silly to not think about Google’s most reasonably priced handset.

$420 at Amazon

Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Cellphone 2a, which supplies nice specs, a novel design and a ton of persona for simply $349. The principle cause it didn’t make our record is as a result of within the US, it’s solely accessible as a part of Nothing’s developer program, which requires you to enroll (free of charge) earlier than having the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Cellphone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cell (through the N41 band), which suggests it’s not a terrific selection for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.

$349 at Nothing