Smartphones have become a necessary part of our lives as we rely on them for communication, entertainment, information, and for connection. The top-rated smartphones come in different price ranges from $200 to $1200. Some best cheap smartphones also feature LCD screens, high-resolution cameras, up to 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and enormous battery life. Brands like Motorola, TCL, Samsung, Google pixel and more come with a variety of budget smartphones.
Budget phones also have easier access to less expensive replacement parts, which makes maintenance of your phone more affordable. Read through this guide and discover some great options for cheap smartphones.
How do I choose the right cheap smartphone?
Camera
A good-quality camera can make a big difference in the quality of your photos as well as videos. When buying a budget smartphone make sure to go for a high-megapixel camera and image stabilization. The average megapixels that you get in most smartphones is between 8 to 64 megapixels. Along, with the camera megapixel, you also need to focus on the sensor quality and other camera features like HDR adjustment. Also, ensure to consider the brightness of the rear flashlight. A good flash can help you take better photos in low-light situations.
Battery
You should make sure the smartphone you choose has a great battery. The usage of a smartphone will affect a phone’s battery life. The average battery life of a budget smartphone is somewhere between 5-7 hours. If you want more battery life then you can go for brands like Motorola which comes with 5,000 mAh that will last you for two days.
Speed and Storage Capacity
The speed and storage capacity of the device it is important to take into account. Speed allows you to run apps smoothly. Storage capacity determines how much data you can store on the device, including photos, videos, and apps. The storage capacity of most models comes between 64GB to 128GB which provides you ample storage.
Display
There are different types of displays that smartphones have. Most budget models come with LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that provides you bright whites. Its backlight emits lots of light through pixels which makes it easy to read in outdoors. The LCD screen also offers the best viewing angle and good image quality.
Operating System
The most common operating systems of smartphones are IOS and Android. IOS is found in Apple devices that provides you more security. Android is mainly found in brands like Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and more. Budget phones mainly have Android OS that provides you more non-removable apps and extra functions.
Update Policy
Updates to the software and security are crucial for the longevity of your smartphone. In, budget smartphones Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) release their yearly software updates. These upgrades offer new features and increase your device’s speed and battery life. Some top models also have monthly security updates that fix flaws in the operating system.
Maximum Mobility with 5G
Some top-rated cheap smartphones come with 5G mobility. The 5G network allows you to download an entire season in just minutes. A 5G network is more stable than 4G as it also offers you more connectivity in busy areas like supermarts, events, and more.
Warranty
Most budget smartphones come with about 1 to 2 years of warranty. It is good to ensure the brand warranty before making any final purchase. When buying from online platforms like amazon, you should also look for the easy return and refund policy.
There are other factors like large buttons, a simplified interface, and emergency call buttons that one needs to consider before buying smartphones for seniors. Read on for the purchase guide on smartphones for seniors.
Best smartphone for under $200
OnePlus Nord N200
The OnePlus Nord N200 has a 90Hz refresh rate refresh that offers you 50% faster smooth navigation and scrolling than standard 60Hz displays. This model comes with a large 5000mAh battery that provides you longer battery life. The OnePlus Nord N200 has 4GB RAM + 64GB storage that offers you great performance power and storage. It has a 13MP triple camera which provides you high-quality pictures in one go.
- Cellular Technology – 5G
- Storage Capacity – 64 GB
- Screen Size – 6.49 Inches
- Operating System – OxygenOS 11, Android 11
Motorola Moto G31
Motorola Moto G31 provides you 6.4 inches AMOLED screen that provide you smooth scrolling. This model has an Octa-core processor that provides you high performance and speed as compared to any other processing system. It has a dual SIM that allows you to keep to different numbers. It also has microSD slow which allows you to save more data.
- Cellular Technology – 4G
- Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Screen Size – 6.4 Inches
- Operating System – Android 11
Samsung Galaxy A12
The Samsung Galaxy A12 comes with a 5000mAh battery that provides you great battery life. This model comes with a side-mounted fingerprint for easy unlock. It has 4 rear cameras with different megapixels that provide you high-quality pictures. This Samsung smartphone also has an LCD Infinity-V Display that offers you clear visibility.
- Cellular Technology – 4G
- Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Screen Size – 6.5 Inches
- Operating System – Android 11
Best cheap smartphones under $500
Google Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 6 comes with a 50-megapixel rear camera that captures 150% more light for photos with richer colors and more detail. This model comes with a Google Tensor processor which keeps your phone fast, games rich, and your personal info safe. It has a display resolution maximum of 1440 x 3120 pixels for a clear screen view.
- Cellular Technology – 5G
- Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Screen Size – 6.4 Inches
- Operating System – Android 12.0
SAMSUNG Galaxy A53
SAMSUNG Galaxy A53 has a super AMOLED display that provides you incredible color clarity and great resolution. It comes in a premium slim design that is built to last through those unpredictable moments. This model has an additional 1TB of expandable storage that provides you to enjoy more memories.
- Cellular Technology – 5G
- Storage Capacity – 128 GB
- Screen Size – 6.5 Inches
- Operating System – Android
TCL 10L Smartphone
The TCL 10L Smartphone comes with a 48MP high-quality camera that helps you to capture crisp and vivid pictures. This model also has an Octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM that provide you a smooth experience. It comes with a 256GB large storage capacity that can store and access massive photos, videos, music, books, etc.
- Cellular Technology – LTE, GSM
- Storage Capacity – 256 GB
- Screen Size – 6.53 Inches
- Operating System – Android
What’s the difference between a cheap cell phone and an expensive cell phone?
Nowadays, cheap cell phones also provide you advanced features like high-quality cameras, fingerprint sensors, large storage capacity, and more like high-end models. Some budget models also have a storage capacity of 256GB. But if you want more storage you can go for high-end models that will offer you up to 1TB storage capacity. The cheap models also have 5000mAh batteries that will last you for at least 5 to 7 hours. For more battery life, you can go for a high-end model that will provide you a maximum 21,000mAh battery.
Conclusion
Smartphones have become the everyday essentials with advanced features and specifications. However, choosing an affordable model without compromising on the quality and features is still a tough task. We have made your tough task easier by listing the best cheap smartphones above. You also need to consider some important factors like display, operating system, battery, and camera before buying.
Using the stylus is another way of enjoying convenience when you are sketching on your smartphone. Read our blog to know the benefits of using a smartphone with a stylus.
AESA helps you find the best smartphones on the market by rating and reviewing them on the basis of quality, convenience, and durability. Get unbiased, honest reviews of products before you buy.
