All the Android phones we love that are affordable are priced below $500.
In a market saturated with high-priced flagship devices, the accessibility of affordable Android phones under $150 is a game-changer for budget-conscious shoppers. These phones may not boast the latest cutting-edge features, but they offer impressive performance that rivals more expensive models. The beauty of the Android ecosystem lies in its ability to cater to a diverse range of consumer needs, making advanced technology more attainable for everyone.
After hours of testing and comparison, our team has handpicked the top contenders for the best budget Android phone in 2024. Among the plethora of options available, a few devices truly stood out for their exceptional performance and value. From sleek designs to impressive camera capabilities, these cheap Android phones surprised us with their quality and innovation.
Table of Content:
What is the minimum level you should aim for?
Defining a budget phone typically falls within the price range of $150 to $350. Below this range, compromises in quality may arise, while exceeding it leads to pricier midrange options. Finding the balance between affordability and performance is crucial in selecting a budget phone. Staying within the $150-$350 range ensures a decent smartphone with essential features without overspending. Budget phones now offer impressive features like multiple cameras and fast processors, making them competitive in today’s market. Individual needs and expectations determine how low one should go in budgeting for a smartphone. While higher budgets provide premium options, sticking to the recommended price range guarantees a reliable device that meets daily requirements affordably. Striking a balance is key when choosing a budget Android phone in 2024, but there are considerations for those with more flexibility. Cheaper devices may be suitable for children or emergency use, while sub-$350 phones offer improved performance and features comparable to premium flagships.
Key features to consider when choosing an affordable Android smartphone
Factors to consider in a budget-friendly Android phone: Affordable devices often come with plastic construction, but the quality can vary based on price. A vibrant display is key, usually featuring LCD panels with 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rates, or OLED screens for richer colors. Opt for models with long battery life, ideally with around 5,000 mAh capacity. Performance can differ greatly in this range, so aim for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and smooth processors. Support length matters too; regular updates can prolong your device’s lifespan and save you money over time. Let’s talk about the Best Budget Android Phones for 2024.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
OnePlus Nord N30 5G, a top-notch budget Android device with impressive features. Boasting a generous 6.72-inch screen and 128GB storage capacity, this phone supports microSD and uses a Nano-SIM card. The front camera offers 16MP resolution, while the rear setup includes a powerful 108MP main lens and a 2MP macro lens. Weighing just 6.8 oz, the Nord N30 delivers exceptional value for its price of $300.
Upon its initial release, the Nord N30 set a new standard for budget phones by offering a comprehensive package at an affordable cost. Equipped with a Snapdragon 695 5G chip, this device delivers robust performance and fast wireless connectivity compatible with major US carriers. With impressive specs like 8GB of RAM and ample storage space, it also features a large 6.7-inch display sporting a rare 120Hz refresh rate – significantly faster than its competitors’ typical rates of either 60Hz or 90Hz.
Furthermore, the Nord N30 supports rapid charging at up to 50 watts, ensuring quick battery top-ups when needed. Most notably, this outstanding device has recently received a price reduction from $300 to $250, solidifying its position as an unbeatable bargain in the market.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G Specs
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 |
| RAM (GB) | 8 |
| Storage (GB) | 128 |
| Display | 6.7-inch, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Primary Camera | 108MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
OnePlus Nord N30 5G Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Thin, attractive design with headphone jack and microSD slot
Sturdy build quality, great battery life, fast charging
Solid stereo speakers, decent photo quality
Cons:
No OnePlus alert slider
LCD display with poor color calibration and low brightness
Rarely uses max 120Hz refresh rate
Occasional stuttering and slowdown in performance
No ultra-wide camera or 4K video recording
Also Read: Unlock Your Potential: The Hidden Limitations of Locked Phones
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a top pick for those seeking an affordable Android phone priced below $300. With a 6.5-inch screen, storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB, and support for microSD cards, this device offers ample space for all your needs. It uses a Nano-SIM card and features a 13MP front camera along with a rear camera setup that includes a 50MP main lens, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Weighing just 7.05 oz, it’s lightweight and easy to handle.
Priced at $200, the Galaxy A15 5G stands out as an impressive gadget in its price range. Its display may have a slightly slower refresh rate of 90Hz compared to the Nord N30, but thanks to its OLED panel instead of an LCD display, it offers superior brightness and color richness when compared to most competitors. The device can be customized with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage capacity, while its powerful 5,000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance.
While its design may not be groundbreaking, the back of the A15 features polycarbonate material with a smooth matte finish that resembles glass rather than cheap plastic. Moreover, users benefit from four years of security updates and three years of OS upgrades—lengthier support than what’s typically seen in devices within this price bracket.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Specs
| Display | 6.50-inch. |
| Front Camera | 13 MP. |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP |
| RAM | 8GB. |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB. |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh. |
| OS | Android 14. |
| Resolution | 2340×1080 pixels. |
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Attractive design with 90Hz OLED display
Excellent battery life and fast charging
Good main and selfie cameras with EIS
Dual SIM, 5G, NFC, microSD, 3.5mm jack
Android 14 with One UI 6
Cons:
Lag and stutter issues
Base model has only 4GB RAM
No splash protection or charger in the box
Poor ultrawide camera performance
Virtual proximity sensor limitations
Moto G Play (2024)
Moto G Play (2024) – An Affordable Android Gem for $200 Boasting a generous 6.5-inch screen and 64GB storage capacity, the Moto G Play (2024) is the ultimate budget-friendly choice for tech enthusiasts. Equipped with an 8MP front camera and a powerful 50MP rear camera, this device ensures stunning photos every time. Weighing just 6.53 oz, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. The Snapdragon 680 processor paired with 4GB of RAM delivers seamless performance for all your daily tasks. Need more storage space? No problem! Simply insert a microSD card for additional room. With a sleek design and IP52 rating for dust and water resistance, the Moto G Play is both practical and stylish – perfect for those looking to balance affordability with functionality in their smartphone choice.
Moto G Play (2024) Specifications
| Display | 6.50-inch |
| Front Camera | 8-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 50-megapixel |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Resolution | 1600×720 pixels |
Moto G Play (2024) Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Affordable
Expandable storage
Stylish design with decent durability
Cons:
No 5G
Software OS upgrades stop after Android 14
Underwhelming cameras
Also Read: Unbreakable Warriors: Top 8 Rugged Smartphones that Can Handle Anything!
Google Pixel 7a
Consider the Google Pixel 7a as a top choice for those seeking a phone with premium features. With a generous 6.1-inch screen, 128GB storage, Nano-SIM compatibility, and impressive camera capabilities including a 64MP main lens and 13MP ultrawide lens, this device is sure to impress. Weighing just 6.84 oz, it strikes the perfect balance between functionality and portability. Priced at $500 upon release, recent discounts have brought it down to as low as $375, making it an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality midrange phone with added perks like wireless charging. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own Google’s most affordable handset with exceptional performance and top-notch camera quality in its price range.
Google Pixel 7a Specifications
| Display | 6.1-inch |
| Front Camera | 64MP (f/1.89) main; 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / No Expandable |
| Battery Capacity | 4,385 mAh |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Resolution | 2400×1080 pixels |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | 10:05 (60Hz) |
| Wired charging speed | 18W |
Google Pixel 7a Pros and Cons
Pros:
Top-notch photography
Refined UI
Decent battery life
Good display
Cons:
Slow charging speeds
Limited to 128GB storage
Nothing Phone 2a
The Nothing Phone 2a is an impressive device with a large 6.7-inch screen, generous 256GB storage capacity, Nano-SIM card compatibility, and high-quality camera specifications of 32MP front and dual 50MP rear lenses. We were also impressed by its lightweight design at just 6.7 oz.
Another noteworthy option we found was the Nothing Phone 2a, which offers top-notch features, a distinctive appearance, and plenty of character at an affordable price of $349. However, it did not make our final selection due to its limited availability in the US through Nothing’s developer program, which necessitates a free sign-up process before purchase. Additionally, the Phone 2a’s exclusive support for T-Mobile’s N41 band for 5G connectivity means it may not be suitable for users on AT&T or Verizon networks.
Nothing Phone 2a Specifications
| Display | 6.7-inch 1084 x 2412 AMOLED |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.88) main, 50MP (f2.2) utra wide |
| Front camera | 32MP (f2.2) |
| Battery size | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging speed | 45W |
Nothing Phone 2aPros and Cons
Pros:
Unique design with Glyph Interface
Bright OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
Great battery life and charging speed
Good camera performance with video stabilization
Cons:
No charger included
Slightly confusing behavior in night mode for photos
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Samsung’s Galaxy A14 5G offers excellent value as an affordable alternative with minimal compromises. Despite maintaining similar performance to its predecessor, this budget phone boasts a superior display and a more wallet-friendly price tag. While it may not claim the top spot on your list, the Galaxy A14 5G is the frontrunner if your budget is limited to $200. Unlike its predecessor, the A14 doesn’t introduce significant upgrades across its specifications. It retains familiar features such as the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, and a standard camera setup. The improvements lie in its design alignment with Samsung’s flagship models and a more robust build quality. The upgraded 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate enhances user experience at this price point. Additionally, the camera performance is commendable with vibrant colors and detailed images that are showcased beautifully on the improved screen. Despite seemingly minor enhancements, these changes make the Galaxy A14 an irresistible choice at its price range. Samsung’s decision to maintain consistent specifications allowed for a $50 reduction in price without compromising on essential features. While it may lack the excitement of premium devices, this smartphone excels in delivering core functionalities at an unbeatable value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Specifications
| Display | 6.60-inch (1080×2408) |
| Processor | 2.2Ghz MHz octa-core |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| OS | Android 13 |
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent battery life
Feature-rich Android 13 with One UI
Capable main camera, great selfies
Cons:
Slow charging
Average display quality
Lacks ultrawide camera
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Consider the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G if Google’s A-series doesn’t quite meet your needs. This device serves as Samsung’s primary mid-range option for 2023 and has left a positive impression on us despite only minor improvements over its predecessor. The upgraded Exynos processor provides a noticeable speed boost compared to the A53, and the design has been enhanced to align more closely with the flagship Galaxy S23, resulting in a device that appears more high-end than it actually is. However, the Galaxy A54 does have its drawbacks. It tends to heat up during regular use, not just when gaming but also during browsing sessions, and its 25W charging speed may feel sluggish for those accustomed to faster charging on OnePlus devices. While the 50MP camera falls short of Google’s Pixel lineup, it still delivers decent photos. On the other hand, the device’s 120Hz AMOLED display outshines that of the Pixel 6a, and with expandable storage, it evokes nostalgia for older Android devices. Even at its full retail price, the A54 offers good value for money, but keep an eye out for discounts as Samsung phones typically see slower and less significant price drops compared to Google’s offerings. Early sales have already brought the Galaxy A54 down to $375 shortly after its release date in 2023.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Specifications
| Display | 6.40-inch (2340×1080) |
| Processor | 2.4 MHz octa-core |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| OS | Android 13 |
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Pros and Cons
Pros:
Flagship-like design
Excellent display with 120Hz refresh rate
Great battery life
Latest Android and One UI
Upgraded performance from Galaxy A53
Excellent primary camera
Cons:
No charger included
New chipset not significantly more powerful
Limited video stabilization at 1080p
Best overall
In the realm of testing and comparison, the Google Pixel 7a emerges as a top contender. Our expert team has carefully selected it as a formidable option that offers exceptional value for its price point. If you’re in search of a new device within the midrange category, the Google Pixel 7a stands out for its impressive camera capabilities, robust performance, reliable software updates, and long-lasting battery. Despite its affordable price tag, this device exudes qualities reminiscent of high-end flagship models.
