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The best budget Android phone for 2025

Not everyone needs to spend a fortune to get a mobile phone that does everything they want. The best budget Android phones prove you can snag a new phone with great performance, solid build quality and all the key features you actually care about — without the hefty price tag. You might not get a flagship device with every bell and whistle, but for most people, that’s probably just fine.Maybe you’re not chasing the latest camera system or trying to capture the perfect selfie, and instead, you just want a decent camera, a smooth AMOLED display and a battery that lasts all day. These budget-friendly phones are designed to deliver exactly that, focusing on practicality and value while still offering impressive camera quality and features that hit the right price point. If you’re ready to upgrade without breaking the bank, these are the best Android phones you can get on a budget.
Table of contents

Best budget Android phones for 2025
How cheap should you go for an Android?
What to look for in a cheap phone
Android phone FAQs

Best budget Android phones for 2025










How cheap should you go for an Android?
We tend to define a budget phone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (if you're open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorites at the very end of this guide).
But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it’s intended mainly for emergencies or texting parents (and not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 phones have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging, and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more.
What to look for in a cheap phone
When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also important. Typically you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range, performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. It’s also important to consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in the long run.
Android phone FAQs
What's the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap iPhone?
iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones — even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-budget-android-phone-160029327.html?src=rss