The perfect low cost Android telephones to purchase in 2026

Getting a strong Android cellphone doesn’t necessitate spending a small fortune. The perfect price range fashions strike an ideal stability between worth and efficiency, supplying you with easy on a regular basis use with out reducing too many corners. Whether or not you’re scrolling social media, streaming your favourite exhibits or snapping images of an evening out, there’s an inexpensive Android cellphone that may deal with all of it.

Cheaper telephones have come a good distance lately. Many now characteristic brilliant, quick shows, dependable cameras and battery life that lasts nicely into the subsequent day. You may miss out on top-tier extras like the newest processor or ultra-high-resolution zoom, however what you get as an alternative is worth that is smart. Some fashions even shock with cameras that rival far pricier flagships, making them excellent for informal photographers or anybody who simply desires to seize an ideal shot on the go.

We’ve examined price range Android telephones from manufacturers like Google, Samsung and OnePlus to search out those that ship essentially the most for much less. These are the fashions that show you don’t want a flagship price ticket to get a reliable Android cellphone.

Greatest price range Android telephones for 2026

OnePlus

When it first got here out, the Nord N30 had mainly every part you may need in a cellphone that price $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers sturdy efficiency together with speedy wi-fi connectivity that’s appropriate with all the large US carriers, to not point out good specs together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it a worthy improve. It additionally has a giant 6.7-inch show with a 120Hz refresh charge, which is uncommon on a price range cellphone as most rivals characteristic slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And due to its 50-watt wired quick charging, you’ll be able to prime it up rapidly, too. It additionally affords software program updates for a good interval, making certain its longevity. However most significantly, the Nord 30 lately obtained a worth drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably whole lot and our prime choose on this area.

Execs

• Good efficiency for the worth
• 120Hz show
• 50W wired charging

Motorola

For these on a very tight price range, the 2024 Moto G Play covers all of the bases nicely. It has a speedy Snapdragon 680 processor together with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And whereas that final quantity may appear small, the cellphone has a microSD card slot so you’ll be able to add more room if and once you want it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display can also be surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh charge. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 score for mud and water resistance. That isn’t a lot, nevertheless it’s ok to guard in opposition to an errant splash or two. Positive, the G Play is primary, nevertheless it’s primary in a great way, particularly for those who’re not too fussed about working a number of apps and simply need a handset to carry out on a regular basis duties.

Execs

• 90Hz show
• IP52 score
• Expandable storage through a microSD card slot

Cons

• Solely 64GB of onboard storage

Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

Learn our Nothing Phone 3a Pro review

If you’d like one thing totally different out of your subsequent cellphone, there are few if any gadgets on the market just like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass again that evokes the design of previous Sport Boys, permitting you to see a few of its inside parts, together with the NFC antennas. At $459, it’s additionally among the best offers within the trade, because of a compelling mixture of options. The Cellphone 3a sports activities a brilliant 6.77-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh charge. It additionally comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto digital camera. That final characteristic is one thing that’s troublesome to search out within the 3a Professional’s worth vary, particularly in North America. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter

Execs

• Enjoyable design
• Massive 120Hz AMOLED display
• Clear however customizable Android pores and skin

Cons

• Restricted US guarantee
• No wi-fi charging
• Tinny audio system

How low cost do you have to go for an Android cellphone?

We are inclined to outline a price range smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any decrease and the gadget runs the chance of affected by too many compromises in perform, and above that, you cross over to pricier midrange handsets (for those who’re open to spending extra, we shouted out a few our favourite flagship telephones on the very finish of this information).

However for these with somewhat wiggle room, there are some issues to contemplate. For instance, a toddler could also be higher off with a less expensive gadget, particularly if it’s supposed primarily for emergencies, WiFi searching or texting dad and mom (and never social media). On the upper finish of this worth spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung telephones and different Android gadgets have come a good distance because of improved efficiency, higher cellphone cameras with low-light capabilities, quick charging, and nicer shows like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable different to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even when you have the pliability to spend extra.

What to search for in an affordable Android cellphone

In relation to low cost telephones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones on this worth vary are made out of plastic, although the match and end of a selected mannequin can range so much based mostly on worth. A brilliant display can also be necessary. Sometimes you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh charge, however some telephones could have OLED or AMOLED screens with elevated coloration saturation. Lengthy battery life is important as nicely, so we are inclined to favor gadgets with bigger energy cells of round 5,000 mAh. On this worth vary, efficiency can range so much, so search for gadgets with at the least 8GB of RAM and processors that may ship stutter-free visuals. It’s additionally necessary to contemplate help size: as periodic safety updates and prolonged software program help can prolong the longevity of your gadget, which can prevent cash in the long term.

Android cellphone FAQs

What is the worth distinction for an inexpensive Android vs an affordable iPhone?

iPhones are usually costlier in comparison with Android telephones — even the most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE, which begins from $429, is a tougher capsule to swallow in comparison with an affordable Android cellphone. In distinction, you will get your arms on an affordable Android gadget for as little as $100.