(Guide) The Best Cheap Phones for (Almost) Every Budget

[Karlston]

The Best Cheap Phones for (Almost) Every Budget

Why pay four figures? Good Android devices and iPhones are more affordable than ever.

 

 

US wireless carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon go out of their way to make expensive smartphones seem affordable. Why not buy a $1,400 Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra if you only have to pay $0 down and $58 a month for it? Whether you pay it all at once or in 24 monthly installments, you’re still spending more than a thousand dollars for your phone. Your pricey new device may also keep you locked to your network, leaving you unable to switch wireless carriers until the phone is paid off.

 

Here's another idea: Forget the spendy option and get a seriously great, more affordable phone instead. We’ve tested dozens to find the best cheap smartphones that aren't annoyingly slow. Our top pick is as good as almost any device, and our other picks strike a great balance between price and luxury.

 

Updated March 2020: We've replaced the LG G7 ThinQ with a newer model, tweaked pricing on a few options, and added some warnings about upcoming successors that will likely dethrone our top picks in the coming months.

 

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1. Google Pixel 3A ($320+)

 

Best Overall

Google doesn't think a phone needs to be $1,000 in order to be premium.Photograph: Google

If you can spend $320 (or $420 for the larger Pixel 3A XL), you cannot find a better phone than this (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The 3A is the first budget-minded phone that has topped our Best Android Phones because it manages to feel like a high-end $800 phone in the ways that matter most: It's fast, it gets security updates directly from Google, and it has a camera that's as good as the one on almost any other phone you can buy. It even has a Night Sight mode that makes night-time selfies and other shots in very dim lighting conditions possible. The phones were already great value when they launched, and at that time they were priced at $400 and $480 respectively. But now the base prices have dropped, and you can almost always find the phones discounted on Amazon.

 

Prepare to make a few sacrifices. The display doesn't stretch as close to the edges as many flagship phones, it's not waterproof, and there's no wireless charging (just fast wired charging). It's also covered in a classy polycarbonate shell instead of glass and metal—this actually makes it more durable, but if glass is your jam, take note.

 

The Pixel 3A has a headphone jack, something even the expensive Pixel 4 and 4 XL do not have. (Here are some other great phones with headphone jacks.) If you're going to buy a Pixel, get this one, although do be aware there are reports (aka rumors) of a potential Pixel 4a arriving in May.

 

Works on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and more

 

Pixel 3A costs $320 at Amazon

 

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2. Motorola Moto G7 ($200–300)

 

Runner-Up

A good buy for a teen, or anyone on a budget.

Photograph: Motorola

Motorola’s G-series phones kick-started the wave of affordable, decent Android phones when they first arrived several years ago. The Moto G7 continues that trend. It’s not the fastest or sexiest phone, but it’s incredibly cheap and performs every essential function well enough that you won’t go nuts taking a photo or waiting for an app to load.

 

If you’re on a tight budget, this is the phone to own. It's more than adequate for a teenager or casual phone user. The Moto G7 can often be found for much less than its original $300 price, so make sure you catch it when it goes on sale, which happens frequently. There is also the more affordable Moto G7 Power, which has a massive battery, and the ultra-affordable Moto G7 Play that I don't recommend unless you're a very light phone user and are OK with a device that shows some lag.

 

Read our full review of all three Moto G7 models for more information. Motorola has also announced two new successors—the Moto G Stylus ($300) and the Moto G Power ($250)—which are set to arrive this spring, so you may want to wait for one of those if you want the most current phone and you're OK with paying a little more.

 

Works on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and more

 

Moto G7 costs somewhere between $200 and $300 at Amazon or Motorola

 

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3. Nokia 7.2 ($349)

 

Best for $350

Nokia's phone receives software and security updates directly from Google for two years.

Photograph: Nokia

The Nokia 7.2 replaced one of our favorite cheap phones, the Nokia 7.1. It's similar but has double the storage and a larger display—with a smaller notch cutout for the selfie cam. It's a step up from some phones in its price bracket, with a reasonably fast midrange processor, dual rear cameras, and 128 GB of storage. It's also an Android One device, which means it gets two years of software updates directly from Google, including regular security patches. This makes it one of the only Android phones that will remain as updated and secure as possible (outside of Google's Pixel phones).

 

On the downside, it's not rated for water resistance, and you'll need a case (this appears to be a good one). The glass back, though attractive, is very fragile.

 

The Nokia 7 series usually gets updated closer to the end of the year, so don't expect a Nokia 7.3 until October. However, HMD Global, the company that makes these phones, was set to announce new Nokia devices at its now-canceled MWC press conference. Expect to see some cheaper (or more expensive) Nokia phones arrive soon.

 

Works on AT&T and T-Mobile

 

Nokia 7.2 costs $349 at Amazon

 

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4. LG G8 ThinQ ($400)

 

Best for $450 or Less

It has a headphone jack.

Photograph: LG

Still lamenting the loss of the headphone jack? If so, you should check out LG's G8 ThinQ. Not only is it a flagship Android phone with the 3.5-mm port, but it also has a quad digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that makes music sound better when you plug in with corded headphones. Wireless audio sounds fantastic as well, thanks to its support for the immersive DTS:X 3D audio spec.

 

The G8 is also faster than many of the phones listed above, because it comes equipped with the flagship chip of 2019, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. Paired with 6 GB of RAM, you won't have problems running any apps or games. There's also 128 GB of internal storage, a Micro SD card slot if you want more space, a 6.1-inch OLED (1440p) screen, wireless charging, water resistance, and a glass back (get a case, like this one, because the glass is slippery).

 

It's a capable shooter too. The main 12-megapixel camera is paired with a 16-MP ultra-wide-angle one, giving you some versatility. I'd wager the aforementioned Pixel 3a still snaps better photos, though.

 

LG isn't usually speedy at updating the software on its phones, but signs show it could be improving. Five months after Google released Android 10, LG started rolling out the update to the G8—still a slow timeframe but better than years past.

 

You might have seen some news over the past few weeks on the LG G8X and V60 ThinQ. They're newer phones, but they cost a lot more and aren't going to add much value, so you're better off going for the cheaper G8.

 

Works on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and more

 

LG G8 ThinQ costs $400 at Amazon and $550 from Best Buy

 

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5. OnePlus 7T ($499)

 

Best for $500

A top-of-the-line processor makes OnePlus' phone fast and powerful.

Photograph: OnePlus

The OnePlus 7T (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our favorite Android phones at any price, much like the OnePlus 6T before it. It has the chops (and chips) to go up against any high-end device but costs $200 to $400 less than most of the best Android phones and the latest iPhones.

 

You don’t see many devices with a near top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor, an AMOLED screen, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage for $600, the phone's original launch price, but it has been discounted to $500 for several weeks now, making it even better value. It's also nice that OnePlus has become one of the fastest manufacturers when it comes to delivering Android software updates. This phone launched with Android 10 and gets bimonthly security updates.

 

The 7T has a capable in-display fingerprint sensor and triple rear cameras, including a 2X zoom lens. Our only real complaints are that it lacks a headphone jack, there's no wireless charging, and the snazzy glass-backed design makes this phone more delicate—though it comes with a case in the box. It’s also only splashproof, not waterproof.

 

 

Works on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

OnePlus 7T costs $499 from OnePlus

 

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6. iPhone 8 ($449)

 

A Good Affordable iPhone

The cheapest iPhone on our list.

Photograph: Apple

Apple eliminated the home button (and Touch ID) on the iPhone a few years ago, but if you want one more go with the classic design, get an iPhone 8 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It's missing a few of the camera tricks of newer iPhones, but it still runs just fine and should continue to chug along for at least a few more years.

 

The big benefit of an iPhone (like the Google Pixel phones) is that Apple controls its software, so each model is supported for half a decade or so. Apple's App Store is also home to some of the best mobile games and apps, some of which you won't find on Android phones.

 

We recommend waiting until the end of April if you can before jumping on the iPhone 8, though. There's a lot of talk about Apple releasing an updated iPhone SE model by then that will cost around $399, which will likely make it the cheap iPhone to buy.

 

Works on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and more

 

iPhone 8 costs $449 from Apple

 

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7. iPhone XR ($599)

 

The Cheapest Modern iPhone

We recommend the XR as a step-up iPhone option.

Photograph: Apple

If you want the best deal for a high-end iPhone, consider the iPhone XR. It's our top iPhone at the moment. Just know that, like the OnePlus 7T, this phone is only "cheap" when you compare it with the incredibly expensive new models.

 

The iPhone XR (8/10, WIRED Recommends) came out in 2018, but it still compares well to the new iPhone 11. No, it doesn't have an extra wide-angle lens, and its camera can't capture as much detail in the dark, but otherwise there isn't a huge difference between last year's model and what Apple is selling for $100 more today. Until the iPhone 12 rolls around in late 2020, the XR is worth strong consideration.

 

iPhone XR costs $599 from Apple

 

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Should You Buy Now?

 

With the Covid-19 outbreak, this is a difficult question. In short, yes. If you buy any of these phones now, they will serve you well. But several manufacturers will be announcing newer models soon (some already have), with plenty of launches expected in April and May. Factory activity in China is falling at record rates though, according to the BBC, so phonemakers may not be able to ship their new 2020-model phones until many months after they're announced. If you need a phone at this very moment, buy one now. If you can wait to see what the field looks like in late May, do it.

 

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Check Network Compatibility

 

If you buy an unlocked phone on this list and try to take it to one of your wireless carrier's retail stores, they may tell you it isn't compatible with the network. It likely is. Just use a paper clip to pop the SIM card out of your current phone, then slide that SIM into your new phone. If it doesn't work at first, reboot the phone or just wait a couple of hours.

 

If you need a new SIM, try ordering one online from your carrier, or try to get them to give you a SIM when you activate a line in the store (if you're starting coverage). Tell them you have a phone. Many times, reps will want to sell you a phone; that's one potential reason they might hassle you into buying a different device in the store.

 

Having said that, please make sure whatever phone you buy will work on your wireless network. Listings on retailers like Amazon should state clearly which networks it will be compatible with. Also make sure the listing says that the phone is being sold "unlocked."

 

Warning for Verizon and Sprint users: There's a higher chance an unlocked phone will not work on your network. Make sure it is labeled to work on Verizon or Sprint, or that it says the phone is CDMA-capable. Verizon customers, if something strange is going on, like you get no texts, you may also need to contact customer service and tell them to enable CDMA-Less roaming. AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM carriers, which is the standard for most of the world; most unlocked phones are compatible with them.

 

If you're nervous, look up the specifications of the exact model you're considering. Make sure it has the LTE bands it needs to run on your carrier. Speaking of networks, none of the phones in this guide support 5G, which is perfectly fine. 5G phones are pricey, and the networks are still only available in a handful of places around the country, so you're not missing much.

 

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Avoid These Phones!

 

If a phone isn't listed here, or if it's refurbished, be careful. It's easy to waste money or time when you're shopping for affordable phones. It's hard to get a sense of how a cheaper phone will act in the long term when you use it in a store for five minutes, and retail employees may not be much help. Make sure you read reviews online.

 

For whatever reason, big manufacturers like Samsung like to keep selling their old pre-2019 devices, like the Galaxy S8. A good rule of thumb is to avoid most devices that originally came out before 2019. They probably won't continue to get software and security updates for long, if they're even being supported now.

 

 

Source: The Best Cheap Phones for (Almost) Every Budget (Wired)

[SacredCultivator]

Thanks for this post. I honestly was contemplating on which phone to upgrade to, as I currently sport a OnePlus 6t, and although it's not too shabby, now that I attend more concerts and they are quite strict on their recording policies [I like using a point-and-shoot for recording], but now they limit it to only cellphone recording, I did ponder on upgrading.

But the timing sucks a bit only due to well, newer models coming out within the next few months.

I was eyeing the OnePlus 8, just because I started out with the OnePlus One, tried the OnePlus X, and well now have the OnePlus 6t. My only gripe is I mainly use it for well, recording [if even], I don't really play games / text / do much with said cellphone. And I know that the S20 is a bit steep for me and I'm not even talking about the S20 Ultra, was just lookin' at the S20 Plus, maybe even the base model since there isn't much difference between the cameras I believe. Curious about the next line of Pixel phones, though the drawback and this may just be preference, but hoping for 4k60fps [I don't care too much about the whole 8k hype yet].

But those 2 are definitely going to breach the $1,000 line.

So we'll see, but it was nice to read this, as I know the Pixel 3a is probably THE best bang for buck, but sucks that their internal storage blows as well.

[Israeli_Eagle]

I'm still happy with my 1 year old HONOR 8X (256 GB) and not 'live' in a phone anyway.

Luckily also not US controlled... 

 

[xkryptonx]

I am surprised at not including Samsung Snapdragon device such as "A" Series and "J" in this list let alone the "S" and "N" series. I mean if Iphone is there for around 600 bucks. Why not the "A" or "J". Those too are the best budget phones powered the powerful Snapdragon processors and Adreno GPU. Works deliver best performance considering more bang for bucks. Leaving out the "S" and "N" is understandable as they are available at premium price. But the "J" and "A", come on. "A" series for instance provide the best camera hardware (that is likely to change with new S20 when it hit the markets). IMO, "A" and "J" series should be given a place in the recommended device.

[dhjohns]

I have the Unimax U683CL from Assurance Wireless.  It is free, and the plan is free.  I pay $15 extra each month  for unlimited minutes plus I have 2 3/4 GB of data which I never use all of.