Are you in the market for a new phone but on a tight budget? You're not alone. Many people are looking for affordable options that don't compromise on quality. Thankfully, there are plenty of great cheap phones available in 2024. We've compiled a list of the best budget-friendly smartphones, considering factors like performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value.
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap Phone
Before we dive into our recommendations, let's discuss what to look for in a cheap phone. You might be tempted to prioritize price over everything else, but some key factors will help you choose the right device for your needs:
- Processor: The processor is the brain of your phone. A faster processor means smoother performance, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience. Look for phones with processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series or the MediaTek Helio G series.
- RAM: RAM is the short-term memory of your phone. More RAM means you can open more apps without your phone slowing down. Aim for at least 4GB of RAM, but 6GB or 8GB is even better.
- Storage: Storage space is crucial for storing apps, photos, videos, and other files. 64GB is a good starting point, but you can get more if you need it. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD card, which is a great way to boost your capacity.
- Camera: Many budget phones offer impressive camera capabilities. Look for a phone with a good main camera sensor (at least 13 megapixels) and features like autofocus and HDR.
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery is essential for a phone you'll use all day. Aim for a phone with at least a 4000mAh battery capacity.
- Display: The display quality is a crucial part of the user experience. Look for a phone with an HD or Full HD display for crisp visuals.
- Operating System: Android and iOS are the two most popular operating systems. Android offers more flexibility and customization, while iOS is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness.
- Connectivity: Ensure your phone has the latest connectivity features, including 4G or 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Design and Build Quality: While budget phones might not have the premium build of flagship models, look for a phone that feels sturdy and well-constructed.
The Best Cheap Phones for 2024
Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for the best cheap phones available in 2024:
1. Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a great overall experience at a reasonable price. It's powered by the Google Tensor chip, which delivers impressive performance and efficient power management. The Pixel 6a also boasts a brilliant 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making everything feel smoother and more responsive.
Key Features:
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 12.2MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera
- Battery Life: 4410mAh
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
Pros:
- Excellent performance thanks to the Google Tensor chip
- Stunning OLED display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate
- Outstanding camera quality with impressive computational photography features
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- No expandable storage
Price: Approximately $349
2. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a solid contender in the mid-range market, offering a great balance of features and affordability. It sports a beautiful 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a powerful Exynos 1280 processor, and a versatile camera system with a 64MP main sensor. The Galaxy A53 5G also boasts a 5000mAh battery and supports fast charging.
Key Features:
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 64MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 5MP macro camera, 5MP depth sensor
- Battery Life: 5000mAh
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Pros:
- Beautiful Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful processor for smooth performance
- Versatile camera system with a high-resolution main sensor
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging support
Cons:
- Can feel a bit bulky
Price: Approximately $449
3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a great value-for-money option. It offers a large 6.49-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 695 processor, and a solid camera system. The Nord N30 5G also comes with a 5000mAh battery and supports fast charging.
Key Features:
- Processor: Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP macro camera, 2MP monochrome camera
- Battery Life: 5000mAh
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
Pros:
- Large AMOLED display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Snapdragon 695 processor
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging support
- Affordable price
Cons:
- The camera system lacks a telephoto lens
Price: Approximately $299
4. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a unique option that combines affordability with a built-in stylus, perfect for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks. It features a large 6.8-inch LCD display, a capable Snapdragon 695 processor, and a triple camera system. The Moto G Stylus 5G also boasts a 5000mAh battery and supports fast charging.
Key Features:
- Processor: Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide camera, 2MP macro camera
- Battery Life: 5000mAh
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Pros:
- Built-in stylus for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks
- Large LCD display
- Powerful Snapdragon 695 processor
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging support
Cons:
- LCD display isn't as vibrant as AMOLED
- Camera system lacks a telephoto lens
Price: Approximately $399
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a budget-friendly phone with a striking design, impressive performance, and a great camera system. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, and a 48MP main camera. The Redmi Note 12 also boasts a 5000mAh battery and supports fast charging.
Key Features:
- Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Camera: 48MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide camera, 2MP macro camera
- Battery Life: 5000mAh
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor
- Great camera system with a high-resolution main sensor
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging support
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No expandable storage
Price: Approximately $229
Conclusion
Choosing the best cheap phone for your needs depends on your priorities. We've highlighted some excellent options in different categories, from the powerful Google Pixel 6a to the stylish Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Do your research, consider your budget, and choose the phone that best suits your requirements. Remember to prioritize features that are important to you, such as camera quality, battery life, and performance. Happy shopping!
FAQs
Q1. What is the best cheap phone for photography?
A1. The Google Pixel 6a is a great choice for photography, thanks to its impressive camera system and Google's excellent computational photography capabilities.
Q2. What is the best cheap phone for gaming?
A2. The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a good option for gaming, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 695 processor and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.
Q3. What is the best cheap phone with a long battery life?
A3. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) and the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G both offer excellent battery life with their 5000mAh batteries.
Q4. What is the best cheap phone with a large display?
A4. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) features a large 6.8-inch LCD display, while the OnePlus Nord N30 5G has a 6.49-inch AMOLED display.
Q5. What is the cheapest phone on this list?
A5. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the cheapest phone on our list, starting at around $229.