Premium smartphones are getting more expensive as we dive into new features like advanced cameras, integrated AI, and even foldable designs. But you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality Android phone. There are many high-quality Android smartphones that users swear by for offering premium features without causing sticker shock.
Most of the top brands like Samsung and Google have tiered offerings with a “good,” “better,” “best” option in their respective line-ups. There are other brands worth considering, too, that offer affordable phones to rival the bigger names, like Motorola and OnePlus. We even called the OnePlus 13 a “flagship killer.”
There are indeed cheap Android phones you should steer clear of. But if you want to get a fantastic Android phone that won’t cost you thousands of dollars, offering great bang for your buck, there are several options to consider. In some cases, it might mean making concessions when it comes to features, cameras, or durability. In others, it’s simply a matter of opting for an older but still relevant model.
Google Pixel 9a is premium value
Google Pixel “a” series phones are step-down models. While the Google Pixel 9a is technically from last generation’s series since Google recently announced Pixel 10 series phones, it’s still got a lot of life and value left. Introduced in March 2025, the phone affords access to Google Gemini AI features and boasts impressive specs.
The Google Pixel 9a, arguably the brand’s most overlooked Android phone, has the powerful Google Tensor G4 chip, a bright 6.3-inch Actua display, and a great camera system including a 48MP main and 13MP ultra-wide camera. It has all the same cool AI-powered photo editing and capture features in higher-end models, like Add Me for adding yourself to a group photo, Best Take for taking the best expression from each person in a photo, Magic Eraser for removing distracting elements, and more.
As with all new Google Pixel phones, it’s supported with software and security updates for seven years. So, it’s not anywhere close to being outdated. The Pixel 9a has received glowing reviews from top tech sites and Amazon customers give it a solid 4.4 stars. The best part? You can get it for under $500.
Moto G Stylus offers a clean Android experience
With an impressive 4.5-star rating from Amazon customers, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) is praised alongside other Motorola devices for offering a clean stock Android experience, free of bloatware from the manufacturer. Available for under $400, it has a massive 6.7-inch screen and expectedly comes with a built-in stylus for navigating, taking notes, and sketching.
Tech reviewers love that it incorporates AI features and offers impressive battery life along with fast charging, something power users will appreciate. The Moto G Stylus (2025) might not yield photos that are as impressive as you’d get with more premium devices. But for the price, it’s a solid investment that will last for years.
Motorola promises two years of major OS updates and three years of security, which means you’re good through 2027/2028. By that time, you might want to upgrade anyway. For the low price of entry, use it to familiarize yourself with Motorola phones and decide if you want to get something more advanced for your next device, or this price point will suffice. When it comes to a value-priced phone that acts like a higher-end one, you can’t go wrong with either of these options.
