The perfect price range Android cellphone for 2024

The perfect price range Android telephones are nice methods to get all of the necessities you need in a handset with out breaking the financial institution. Whereas flagship telephones typically steal the highlight with their flashy options and excessive value tags, there’s no scarcity of Android telephones that ship nice efficiency at a fraction of the price. In reality, Android’s huge ecosystem provides one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re in search of a high-end gadget or probably the greatest low cost telephones in the marketplace.

In case you’re not eager on shelling out for an Apple iPhone or one of many newest flagship telephones, price range Android choices can supply every thing you want from stable cameras to spectacular battery life and snappy efficiency. These telephones could not have all of the bells and whistles you’ll discover on telephones that value tons of extra, however for most individuals, they’re greater than sufficient to deal with every day duties, stream movies and keep related.

How low cost must you go?

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

However for these with a bit wiggle room, there are some issues to contemplate. For instance, a toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s meant primarily for emergencies or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this value spectrum, sub-$350 telephones have come a good distance due to improved efficiency, higher cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable different to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even when you have the flexibleness to spend extra.

What to search for in an inexpensive cellphone

On the subject of 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 particular mannequin can fluctuate loads based mostly on value. A shiny display can also be vital. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh fee, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated coloration saturation. Lengthy battery life is crucial as properly, so we are inclined to favor units with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this value vary, efficiency can fluctuate loads, so search for units with at the least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally vital to contemplate 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.

Greatest price range Android telephones for 2024

OnePlus

When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had principally every thing you might need in a cellphone that value $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 a giant 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh fee, which is uncommon on a price range cellphone as most rivals function slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And because of its 50-watt wired quick charging, you’ll be able to high it up rapidly, too. It additionally provides software program updates for an honest interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately received a value drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our high choose on this area.

Professionals

Good efficiency for the value
120Hz show
50W wired charging

$300 at Amazon

SAMSUNG

Display screen dimension: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card sort: Nano-SIM | Entrance digital camera decision: 13MP | Rear digital camera decision: 50MP most important, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz

For simply $200, the Galaxy A15 5G is a fairly exceptional 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 an alternative of an LCD show, it boasts higher brightness and richer colours than principally all of its rivals. On high of that, you’re getting a 50MP most important digital camera with stable low-light efficiency in a remarkably inexpensive bundle. 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.

Professionals

OLED show with good brightness and colours
Will be configured with as much as 256GB of storage
5,000mAh battery

$200 at Amazon

Motorola

For these on a very tight price range, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases properly. 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’ll be able to add more room if and whenever you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display 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 primary, nevertheless it’s primary in a great way, particularly for those who’re not too fussed about operating a number of apps and simply need a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.

Professionals

90Hz show
IP52 score
Expandable storage through a microSD card slot

Cons

Solely 64GB of onboard storage

$130 at Amazon

Google

Learn our full Google Pixel 7a review

For folks keen to take a look at telephones on the upper finish of the price range bracket, there are another candidates price trying out. The Pixel 7a usually prices $499, however we have seen it discounted to as little as $349. So for those who’re in search of an inexpensive handset with good efficiency, helpful bonuses like wi-fi charging and probably the greatest most important cameras on any gadget on this value vary, you’d be silly to not contemplate this Pixel cellphone if you will get a great deal on it. And whereas Google lately launched the Pixel 8a at $499, Google has confirmed it can proceed to promote the Pixel 7a.

Professionals

90Hz OLED display
Lengthy battery life
Now has wi-fi charging
Glorious cameras
Identical nice Pixel-specific software program

Cons

Wi-fi charging is type of sluggish
No devoted zoom lens
Audio system sound a bit shallow

$329 at Amazon

Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Read our full review of the Nothing Phone 2a

One other contender we actually like is the Nothing Phone 2a, which supplies nice specs, a novel premium design and a ton of character for simply $349. The principle motive it didn’t make our listing 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 (without cost) earlier than with the ability to purchase one. Moreover, the Phone 2a solely helps 5G on T-Cellular (through the N41 band), which suggests it’s not an amazing selection for anybody on AT&T or Verizon.

Professionals

Distinctive design
Nice worth
Light-weight
Surprisingly good efficiency

Cons

No 5G on AT&T or Verizon
No wi-fi charging
Storage caps out at 256GB

$349 at Nothing

Android cellphone FAQs

What is the value distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an inexpensive iPhone?

iPhones are typically costlier 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 cellphone. In distinction, you will get your fingers on an inexpensive Android gadget for as little as $100.

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