Some of the latest flagship phones push well past the $1,000 mark, but you don’t need to spend nearly that much to get a quality device. Here, we’ve compiled the best options for under $300 to help you stay on budget. You can rest assured that all our recommendations are worth buying. After all, PCMag has been writing about cell phones for at least three decades and reviewing them for just about as long. Among our Editors’ Choice winners are the affordable Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and the classic-style TCL Flip 4 5G. And even though it exceeds the $300 mark, we’ve included the entry-level iPhone 16e for Apple fans.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 10, 2025: With this update, we have replaced the TCL Flip 3 with the TCL Flip 4 5G. Otherwise, our lineup of recommended affordable cell phones remains unchanged, and the existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. We continue to recommend the 2024 version of the Motorola Moto G Power 5G over the 2025 model.
- Excellent value
- Good performance
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year support window
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G’s high-resolution, 6.7-inch screen provides smooth animations thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also features a microSD card slot, a welcome addition regardless of the price. In addition, Samsung promises five OS updates and six years of security upgrades to keep the A16 going for years to come.
Budget-conscious buyers who need the basics: The Samsung Galaxy A16 provides an excellent overall experience, featuring good performance and years of support, all for under $200. Its cameras are better than they have any right to be for the price, while its IP54 rating means it can handle dust and water splashes. It’s as solid as a $200 phone can be.
Samsung fans: Samsung’s One UI software runs on top of Android and provides productivity enhancements, including advanced multitasking, customizable Edge Panels (taskbars), and stackable widgets. With six years of updates, the Galaxy A16 will continue to receive new features, whereas competitors will be stuck on outdated versions of Android and will be less secure.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours 46 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Capable performance
- Wireless charging
- Rear panel attracts dust and hair
- Mediocre cameras
- Lots of preinstalled bloatware
The 2024 edition of the Motorola G Power 5G features a 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels and an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz for big, clear visuals. In our tests, its battery life exceeded 12 hours, and we like the option for either 30W wired fast charging or 15W wireless charging. Note that Motorola has released a new version of the Moto G Power for 2025, but it features a less powerful processor and slower performance, so we recommend sticking with the 2024 model described here.
People who want the longest battery life: The Motorola G Power packs a 5,000mAh battery that lasted more than 12 hours in our battery rundown test. Further, its quick wired and wireless charging features make it easy to top off your battery without needing to stay tethered to an outlet for long.
Streaming audio and movie fans: The G Power’s 6.7-inch display, loud speakers, and Dolby Atmos support make this phone a solid entertainment platform. The speakers deliver unexpected bass, allowing you to get immersed in music or videos without needing headphones.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 7020
Dimensions
6.58 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP; 16MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
12 hours and 15 minutes
Learn More
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) Review
- Affordable
- Vibrant OLED display
- Good performance
- Quality cameras
- Long battery life
- No mmWave 5G
- No wireless charging
With rounded corners and flat sides, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G resembles most other Galaxy phones. It handles everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and media playback without issue, thanks to its combination of an Exynos 1280 processor and 6GB of RAM, while the battery runs for a long time (13 hours and 10 minutes in our testing). Samsung offers four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, so you won’t have to buy a new phone for a while. A headphone jack and microSD card slot are also highlights. Note that Samsung has released a new version of this phone, the $299.99 Galaxy A26, but we haven’t yet reviewed it.
Creators on a budget: At under $300, the Galaxy A25 features cameras that punch well above their weight. Its 50MP main shooter generates high-quality pictures with clear details and vibrant color, even in low light. The A25 also has optical image stabilization, a feature often reserved for more expensive phones, to produce smooth full HD video. Video capture tops out at a resolution of 4K and 30 frames per second.
People who want a 3.5mm headphone jack: The Galaxy A25 has features you won’t find on the latest crop of superphones. Its microSD card slot gives you the option to add up to an additional 1TB of storage if you want, and its 3.5mm headphone jack means you don’t need to get a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones that require charging. These two specs are increasingly rare, so get them while you still can with the Galaxy A25.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1280
Dimensions
6.34 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.5 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 8MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Review
- Easy setup
- Exceptional parental controls
- Tracks social media and sends danger alerts
- Looks like a regular smartphone
- Durable build and included case
- No contract required
- Pricey monthly plans
- Some alerts are slow to reach the parent app
The Bark Phone is a modified version of the Samsung Galaxy A13. It runs Bark’s parental control software that allows you to monitor virtually everything your child does on the device. For the kid, the Bark Phone is not a toy. It features good cameras, a big screen, expandable storage, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Parents: This phone is ideal for parents who want to guide their children into phone ownership while maintaining control over the experience. Bark does the thinking, so you don’t have to. Just make sure that both you and your child are aware of what the device can and can’t do.
Kids: If your child is set on having a smartphone, the Bark Phone is a great way to give them the freedom of an Android phone, complete with apps, games, and more, while keeping a watchful eye on their online activity. It’s a win-win for kids and parents.
Operating System
Android 12
CPU
Exynos 850
Dimensions
6.50 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size
6.6 inches
Screen Resolution
1,080 by 2,408 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP, 2MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
7 days
Learn More
Bark Phone Review
- Affordable
- 5G and Wi-Fi
- Long battery life
- Quick performance
- Limited third-party apps
- Poor cameras
- Embedded battery
The TCL Flip 4 is a well-made voice phone with a big battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 5MP camera, which is helpful in a pinch. Finally, 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity can help keep you in the communications loop.
People who like to talk: The TCL Flip 4 is for people who wish companies would build a device centered around the phone app. This basic voice phone offers excellent call quality with up to 40 hours of talk time on a single charge. That’s an entire work week without needing to plug in.
Digital minimalists: In a world with millions of apps and endless doomscrolling, the TCL Flip 4 is a simple device that keeps you connected to the world while limiting your online exposure. You can text or browse the web, but typing anything requires you to use the phone’s physical number keypad. This will make you think twice before responding to your inbox, because it takes dedication to complete a message of any length. The Flip 4 is an excellent way to slow yourself down and choose what to care about.
Operating System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
Dimensions
4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
Screen Size
3.2 inches
Screen Resolution
240 by 320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
20 hours
Learn More
TCL Flip 4 5G Review
- Just as powerful as the iPhone 16
- Leading battery life
- Sharp screen
- Dependable cameras
- USB-C port
- Apple Intelligence runs well
- Screen is not as bright as on the iPhone 16
- No mmWave 5G, Ultra Wideband, or Wi-Fi 7
- Lacks ultra-wide and telephoto cameras
- No MagSafe charging support
You can’t reasonably discuss the best phones in any category without mentioning an iPhone. Yes, the iPhone 16e exceeds the $300 limit for what we consider to be affordable, but that’s simply the price you must pay for a new iPhone. That said, it’s a fantastic phone if you’re an Apple fan but aren’t prepared to drop $800 or far more on the latest models. Moreover, it ships with a modern camera, an up-to-date processor, and Apple Intelligence.
iPhone fans: If you’re an Apple product enthusiast but don’t want to spend a lot of money on the iPhone 17, you’ll be satisfied with the iPhone 16e. If you factor in carrier incentives, you should be able to find this phone for less than $200, if not free (with a trade).
Small phone lovers: The iPhone 16e keeps things compact with a 6.1-inch display, making it noticeably smaller than the current iPhone 17 models (which range from 6.3 to 6.9 inches). It’s also light at 5.88 ounces—just a hair heavier than the iPhone Air (5.82 ounces). If you prefer a phone that’s easy to use one-handed and doesn’t feel bulky, the iPhone 16e fits the bill.
Operating System
iOS 18
CPU
Apple A18
Dimensions
5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.1 inch
Screen Resolution
2,532 by 1,170 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
21 hours, 37 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 16e Review
- Glare-free display
- Useful Nxtpaper screen modes
- Affordable
- Short battery life
- Mediocre cameras
- Limited software support
The TCL XL 50 Nxtpaper is a unique phone on this list thanks to its Nxtpaper display, which creates a crisp and colorful look that’s entirely free of glare. This technology allows it to offer a dedicated reading mode, which few phones can claim. TCL states that it will provide two years of software support, which includes a fingerprint scanner and expandable storage.
Readers: TCL’s 50 XL Nxtpaper is designed to be easier on your eyes. The display offers three modes: Regular, Color Paper (which reduces blue light), and Ink Paper (which displays in grayscale). The paper modes resemble E Ink screens and significantly reduce blue light exposure, which helps alleviate eye fatigue during prolonged reading sessions. If you want a phone that doubles as an ereader, look no further.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
Dimensions
6.6 by 2.97 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.78 inches
Screen Resolution
1,080 by 2,460 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
9 hours, 4 minutes
Learn More
TCL 50 XL Nxtpaper 5G Review
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The Best Cheap Phones for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Phones for 2025
What Do You Need in a Cheap Smartphone?
Although budget-friendly phones don’t have all the perks of midrange or flagship models, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a perfectly capable device to suit your needs. Let’s start with the features we believe are essential. Keep in mind that most of these recommendations are for smartphones; if you’re in the market for a feature phone, some of these guidelines don’t apply.
Battery Life: When it comes to battery life, there are several variables to consider. Ultimately, you want your phone to last at least until the end of the day. If you’re shopping for a phone with a screen smaller than 6 inches (if you can find one!), look for a battery capacity of 3,800mAh or higher. For phones with larger screens, look for a minimum battery capacity of 4,500mAh—or, better yet, 5,000mAh.
Chipset: In Qualcomm’s extensive processor lineup, aim for a phone with its current entry-level system-on-chip (SoC), the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, or a comparable alternative. MediaTek’s Dimensity 6000 line is also good, although the company’s Helio line has slightly less horsepower. You can look up how Samsung Exynos or Apple A-series chips compare with the Qualcomm and MediaTek hardware. For the latter, make sure the chip is relatively recent. Performance generally improves by up to 20% each generation in our experience, so chips from the last year or two dramatically outperform older ones.
Compatibility: Before making a purchase, ensure your phone supports the appropriate cellular bands for your carrier. Search for 5G and LTE bands by the phone’s model number, not its name. Keep in mind that feature phones mostly do not have 5G.
Connectivity: Connectivity has a significant impact on call quality and data speeds. For the most part, you should choose a phone with a Qualcomm X12 (for LTE) or X60 (for 5G) modem, or a newer one. If you’re considering flip phones, ensure the modem supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), and Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) for optimal call quality. You should also check for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 or later.
Operating System: The current version of Android is Android 16, but few budget phones ship with the latest build. For security and compatibility reasons, don’t go back further than Android 13. Don’t assume a budget phone will ever get an Android version upgrade unless the manufacturer commits to it.
RAM: Simply put, the more RAM, the merrier. For phones under $200, look for at least 4GB of RAM. If you’re willing to spend more, consider upgrading to 6GB if possible.
Storage: Like RAM, you can’t have too much storage. Look for phones with at least 64GB of storage under $200, and try to find one with a microSD slot. You likely don’t have to worry about expandable storage on phones with 128GB of space or more.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Once you have verified the essential features, look for additional perks.
Dust and Splash Resistance: Although many budget offerings forgo an official ingress protection (IP) rating, a handful of affordable phones can resist some level of dust and water ingress. Look for a number like IP55 or IP67.
Multi-Lens Cameras: Most affordable phones feature multi-lens camera stacks that enable you to capture both wide-angle and macro shots. If you have a steady hand and good light, these phones generally take decent images with their primary and wide-angle cameras. However, the macro lenses are almost always awful.
Recommended by Our Editors
NFC: NFC is making its way to the affordable phone market. It’s a useful feature because contactless payments (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) are more popular than ever.
Stereo Speakers: A handful of budget-friendly phones feature stereo speakers and advanced features, including custom tuning and Dolby audio. Although no phone will sound as good as even an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, it’s definitely an upgrade over a single-driver speaker.
Strengthened Glass: If you’re spending more than $100 on a phone, it should have strengthened glass to protect the display from cracks and scratches. Gorilla Glass 3 seems to be the standard for most budget models, but we’ve seen a few with Gorilla Glass 5. In general, each generation of Gorilla Glass is less apt to break than the last; phones with Gorilla Glass 5 displays are less likely to shatter when you drop them, but they’re also more likely to accumulate hairline scratches. Note that some devices use Dragontrail glass instead.
What’s the Cheapest iPhone?
You might notice that we’ve made an exception in pricing here for the $599 iPhone 16e. If you’re looking for an affordable new iPhone, it’s the one to get. If you have only $200, consider trying a used model from a third-party reseller. Don’t upgrade to the iPhone 13 earlier than the iPhone 13; older models will likely lose compatibility with new iOS versions within the next year or two. For more, see our in-depth explanation of which iPhone to buy.
The $599 iPhone 16e is the cheapest new iPhone you can buy (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Finally, visit our stories on the best cheap phone plans and how to get the best price on a new phone. We also have a few other affordable options in our story about the best phones for seniors. We continually update this roundup as we review new phones, so be sure to check back soon.
