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10 Best Budget Android Phones

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Smartphone, Awesome Intelligence, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage, 50MP Camera, Awesome Lavender, 3 Year Manufacturer Extended Warranty (UK Version)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,246
Processor
Software and Updates
Processor
Delivers noticeably faster performance than many previous budget phones.
Software and Updates
Switching data and setting up the phone is straightforward and hassle-free.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a strong contender in the budget Android phone category, offering a good mix of features that make it suitable for everyday use. Its 8GB of RAM and octa-core processor provide smooth multitasking and decent performance for apps and casual gaming. The 256GB storage is generous for this price range, giving plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. One standout feature is the 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a sharp Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making videos and scrolling feel fluid and vibrant. The brightness level of 1,200 nits also means it should perform well even outdoors in sunlight.

For photography, the 50MP camera can capture detailed and colorful images, suitable for social media and everyday snapshots. Another big plus is Samsung’s promise of six years of software upgrades and security updates, a rare commitment in budget phones that helps keep the device secure and current over time. The phone also benefits from added software features like object erasing and enhanced search tools, enhancing usability. The design is sleek and durable with a premium glass back, which is a nice touch at this price point.

While the phone is powerful for its class, it likely won't match flagship models in speed or camera quality. Its unlocked status and 5G connectivity ensure good future-proofing. The Galaxy A36 5G offers excellent value with strong hardware, a great screen, and long-term update support, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious users who want a reliable, modern Android phone.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,246
Processor
Software and Updates
Processor
Delivers noticeably faster performance than many previous budget phones.
Software and Updates
Switching data and setting up the phone is straightforward and hassle-free.
#2

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Smartphone 8GB RAM Unlocked Dual-Sim-Free - Navy A

Rating
9.4
Processor
RAM
Battery Life
Processor
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
RAM
The A55 5G is a significant upgrade over previous models like the A53 5G, boasting improved RAM and CPU performance for a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
Display
The screen quality is impressive, typical of Samsung's reputation, and the battery life has notably improved, offering 2 more hours of screen time compared to the A53 5G.
Camera
Despite its budget price, the ultrawide camera competes closely with higher-end models, delivering satisfactory photo quality.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone designed to offer solid performance for everyday use. It comes with a decent processor (A-Series, 2.75 GHz) which should handle common tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming efficiently. The 8GB RAM is sufficient for smooth multitasking and ensures that the phone runs multiple apps without significant lag.

With 128GB of storage, there is plenty of space to store photos, apps, and other data, though it may fill up quickly if you store a lot of media files or large apps. The 6.6-inch UHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate stands out, offering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling, which is great for watching videos and playing games. The Samsung Galaxy A55 comes with Android 14, which is one of the latest versions, ensuring you have the most recent software features and security updates.

Additionally, the phone supports dual-SIM, making it convenient for those who need to manage two phone numbers. The device is unlocked, so it can be used with any carrier. The three-year warranty against manufacturing defects is a significant plus, providing peace of mind for your purchase. This phone may not be ideal for those seeking top-tier performance or the latest camera technology, but it offers excellent value for those needing a reliable and capable device for everyday use.

Rating
9.4
Processor
RAM
Battery Life
Processor
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
RAM
The A55 5G is a significant upgrade over previous models like the A53 5G, boasting improved RAM and CPU performance for a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
Display
The screen quality is impressive, typical of Samsung's reputation, and the battery life has notably improved, offering 2 more hours of screen time compared to the A53 5G.
Camera
Despite its budget price, the ultrawide camera competes closely with higher-end models, delivering satisfactory photo quality.
#3

HONOR X6b Mobile Phone Unlocked, 6.56-Inch 90Hz Fullview Display, 4GB+128GB, 5200 mAh Long-lasting Battery, 50MP Triple Camera, Android (2 Year Warranty), Midnight Black

Rating
8.8
Processor
Battery Life
Display
Processor
The phone runs incredibly smooth with instant app launches and effortless multitasking, even supporting split-screen functionality.
Battery Life
Battery life is strong, easily lasting through daily use without worry.
Display
The display is great, delivering a satisfying viewing experience that complements the phone's performance.
Software and Updates
Setup and data transfer from older phones is straightforward and hassle-free, making upgrading seamless.

The HONOR X6b is a solid choice for a budget Android phone, offering good value with its large 6.56-inch FullView display that supports a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and video viewing feel fluid. It features a decent 50MP triple camera setup that captures clear and detailed photos, ideal for everyday snapshots. Performance-wise, the phone packs 8GB RAM and a 3.4 GHz A-Series processor, which should handle basic apps and multitasking comfortably but may struggle with very demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Storage is generous at 128GB, enough for plenty of apps, photos, and music, with the option to expand via a microSD card, a nice bonus for users needing extra space. The large 5200 mAh battery stands out, promising long usage times and fast charging that gets you back to 20% in just 10 minutes, great for heavy users or those often on the go. Running on Android 14 with MagicUI 8.0 and including Google Mobile Services, you'll have access to all popular apps and timely updates.

The phone weighs 310 grams, which might feel bulky in hand. If you want a budget phone with a large display, good battery life, and plenty of storage, the HONOR X6b is a dependable option, though users seeking intensive performance may find it less suitable.

Rating
8.8
Processor
Battery Life
Display
Processor
The phone runs incredibly smooth with instant app launches and effortless multitasking, even supporting split-screen functionality.
Battery Life
Battery life is strong, easily lasting through daily use without worry.
Display
The display is great, delivering a satisfying viewing experience that complements the phone's performance.
Software and Updates
Setup and data transfer from older phones is straightforward and hassle-free, making upgrading seamless.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Android Phones

Choosing the right budget Android phone can be a bit overwhelming given the numerous options available. However, by focusing on a few key specifications, you can find a phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to make the best choice for you.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of your phone. It determines how fast and efficiently your phone can run apps and perform tasks. In budget phones, you will typically find processors from brands like Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek, or Exynos. For light users who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, and social media, a lower-end processor like Snapdragon 400 series or MediaTek Helio A series will suffice. For more demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, look for mid-range processors like Snapdragon 600 series or MediaTek Helio G series.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and smooth performance. It allows your phone to handle multiple apps at once without slowing down. Budget phones usually come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM. If you are a light user, 2GB might be enough, but for a smoother experience and better multitasking, aim for at least 3GB or 4GB of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much space you have for apps, photos, videos, and other files. Budget phones typically offer 16GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or download many apps, opt for at least 32GB or 64GB. Additionally, check if the phone has a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which can be a cost-effective way to increase your storage capacity.
Battery LifeBattery life is essential for ensuring your phone lasts throughout the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Budget phones usually have batteries ranging from 3000mAh to 5000mAh. For light users, a 3000mAh battery might be sufficient, but for heavy users or those who are often on the go, a battery of 4000mAh or more is recommended to avoid frequent recharging.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. Budget phones typically have HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) resolution screens. For basic use, an HD display is adequate, but for better clarity and a more enjoyable viewing experience, a Full HD display is preferable. Also, consider the screen size; larger screens (6 inches and above) are better for media consumption, while smaller screens are more compact and easier to handle.
CameraThe camera quality is important if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Budget phones often have single or dual rear cameras with resolutions ranging from 8MP to 16MP. For casual photography, an 8MP or 12MP camera will do, but if you want better photo quality and more features like portrait mode or wide-angle shots, look for phones with higher resolution cameras and additional lenses.
Software and UpdatesThe software experience and update frequency can impact your phone's performance and security. Budget phones may not always receive the latest Android updates promptly. Look for phones that come with the latest Android version out of the box and check the manufacturer's track record for providing updates. A phone with a clean, near-stock Android experience can also offer better performance and less bloatware.