The 28 best cheap smartphones brands
Samsung, Apple and Xiaomi lead our ranking of 28 cheap smartphones brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Cheap Smartphones brands, ranked
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1
Samsung
Galaxy A-series models give the most budget choice, with S-series flagships for shoppers who want more power.
Top products: Galaxy A17· Galaxy A57 5G· Galaxy S24 FE
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Apple
Older iPhones like the SE and 7 keep iOS updates going, though resale prices hold up well.
Top products: iPhone SE 3rd Gen· iPhone 7· iPhone 6s
Website: support.apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
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4
OnePlus
OnePlus flagships focus on fast charging and smooth Oxygen OS, often costing less than Samsung rivals.
Top products: OnePlus 10T· OnePlus Open· OnePlus 15R
Website: oneplus.com |Brands like OnePlus
Popularity 3.7/10
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5
Nokia
HMD-made Nokia handsets run plain menus, with multi-day battery life and sturdy keypads that suit older users.
Top products: Nokia 1100· Nokia 1202
Website: nokia.com |Brands like Nokia
Popularity 3.6/10
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6
Motorola
Moto G line gives big batteries and near-stock Android at lower prices, with Edge models higher up.
Top products: Moto G Power· Moto G Stylus 5G· Moto G7 Power
Website: motorola.com |Brands like Motorola
Popularity 3.2/10
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7
Sony
Xperia phones focus on cameras and 4K displays, usually priced above mid-range Android rivals.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 2.9/10
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8
OPPO
Reno and A-series phones bring fast charging and camera tuning at mid-range prices.
Popularity 1.9/10
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9
VIVO
Camera-focused mid-range phones with fast charging, mainly sold across Asia and parts of Europe.
Website: mshop.vivo.com |Brands like VIVO
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
LG
LG makes phone cases for iPhones and the LG Stylo 5, along with large home appliances. The appliances include refrigerators and washing machines. Its phone cases are designed to protect handsets from drops and scratches.
Website: lg.com |Brands like LG
Popularity 1.4/10
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11
Sonim
US-engineered handsets with MIL-STD-810 drop ratings, often bought by federal agencies and industrial crews.
Website: sonimtech.com |Brands like Sonim
Popularity 1.3/10
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12
BlackBerry
BlackBerry first made smartphones with a physical keyboard before shifting its focus to secure mobile devices. The current accessories include phone cases, phone covers and car chargers for compatible handsets. These pieces are designed to protect the phone and keep...
Website: helpblog.blackberry.com |Brands like BlackBerry
Popularity 1.1/10
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13
Honor
Spun off from Huawei, the line offers strong battery and display specs in Europe and Asia.
Website: hihonor.com |Brands like Honor
Popularity 1.0/10
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14
Blackview
Outdoor-focused phones with big batteries and drop-resistant builds, priced below most rugged rivals.
Website: blackview.hk |Brands like Blackview
Popularity 0.8/10
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15
TCL
Carrier-sold budget Android handsets, plus TCL's own TVs, make it a familiar name in the US.
Website: tcl.com |Brands like TCL
Popularity 0.8/10
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16
Kyocera
Drop, dust and water resistance is the draw of Kyocera's DuraForce phones sold through US carriers.
Top products: DuraForce PRO 3· DuraForce Ultra 5G· DuraXV
Website: global.kyocera.com |Brands like Kyocera
Popularity 0.8/10
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17
Realme
Realme phones lean on fast charging and big batteries at aggressive prices, mostly sold in Asia.
Website: realme.com |Brands like Realme
Popularity 0.7/10
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18
Alcatel
Cheap entry Android phones and tablets, often carrier-sold in the US with basic specs.
Top products: 1X Avalon V
Website: alcatelmobile.com |Brands like Alcatel
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
DOOGEE
Shenzhen-built rugged phones with very large batteries, often priced well under mainstream brands.
Website: doogee.cc |Brands like DOOGEE
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
HTC
Taiwanese maker of metal-unibody phones, now focused more on Vive VR headsets than handsets.
Website: htc.com |Brands like HTC
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
Ulefone
Large-battery rugged and budget phones with curved designs, usually sold direct online.
Website: m.ulefone.com |Brands like Ulefone
Popularity 0.5/10
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22
ASUS
ROG gaming phones and Zenfone models, with ASUS's strength in laptops and motherboards.
Website: asus.com |Brands like ASUS
Popularity 0.5/10
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23
OUKITEL
Mid-range phones with unusual sensors and bright displays, sold mainly direct online.
Website: oukitel.com |Brands like OUKITEL
Popularity 0.4/10
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24
Infinix
Affordable Hot and Note phones with fast charging, sold mostly in emerging markets.
Website: infinixmobility.com |Brands like Infinix
Popularity 0.4/10
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25
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26
Casio
Casio designs digital and timer watches, including shock resistant models in its G-Shock line. Its men's digital watches offer practical functions such as stopwatches and alarms. The company also makes regular and scientific calculators, so its range covers both timekeeping...
Website: casio.com |Brands like Casio
Popularity 0.3/10
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27
Coolpad
Coolpad sells phone cases, phone covers and cell phones, including Boost Mobile models. Founded in 2012, the company also sells smartwatches, headphones and other electronic accessories aimed at users who want a stylish everyday device. Its headphones and smartwatches are...
Popularity 0.3/10
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28
Tecno
Spark and Camon phones with big batteries suit buyers across Africa and South Asia.
Website: tecno-mobile.com |Brands like Tecno
Popularity 0.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
| Apple | support.apple.com | – | – | @AppleSupport | – |
| OnePlus | oneplus.com | /oneplusin | oneplus_india | @OnePlus_IN | – |
| Nokia | nokia.com | /nokia | nokia | @nokia | nokia |
| Motorola | motorola.com | – | – | – | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| VIVO | mshop.vivo.com | /VivoIndia | vivo_india | @Vivo_India | – |
| LG | lg.com | /LGIndiaPage | lg_india | @lgindia | LGIndiachannel |
Cheap Smartphones Buying Guide
Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and it is tough for most people to live without a phone. However, not everyone can afford to buy expensive smartphones, and therefore, they have to look for cheap smartphones that still offer a good user experience. If you are looking to buy a cheap smartphone, this buying guide will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Needs
The first thing you need to do before buying a smartphone is to understand your needs. Ask yourself what you will be using the phone for; is it for basic tasks such as calling, texting, checking email, and some light browsing? Or do you want a phone that can handle more intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing? Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your options and choose a phone that meets your specific requirements without breaking your budget.
Budget
Once you have figured out your needs, you need to determine your budget. There is no point in looking at phones that are way above your budget. Ideally, you should set a budget that is realistic and fits your financial situation. You want to get the most out of your money, but you also want to make sure that the phone you buy will last you a reasonable amount of time.
Operating System
The operating system (OS) of a phone determines its user interface, features, and usability. The most popular mobile operating systems are Android, iOS, and Windows. Android is an open-source OS that is highly customizable and allows for a wide range of apps. iOS is exclusive to Apple devices, and it is known for its ease of use and tight integration with other Apple products. Windows is also available on some phones, and it is known for its unique user interface and excellent integration with Microsoft products.
When deciding on an operating system, consider the apps you want to use, your level of technical expertise, and your familiarity with the OS. If you are used to one particular OS, it is always helpful to stick with it and avoid having to learn how to use a new one.
Display
The display is one of the crucial features of a smartphone. A good display should be bright, clear, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. The resolution of the display determines how sharp and clear the images and text are. Higher resolutions such as Full HD (1080p) and Quad HD (1440p) offer better clarity and detail.
Another factor to consider is the size of the display. Some people prefer smaller displays that are easy to hold and use with one hand, while others prefer larger displays that offer a more immersive experience while watching videos or playing games. A general rule of thumb is to choose a display size that is comfortable for you, but not too small that you struggle to read messages or browse the web, and not too large that it becomes difficult to hold and use with one hand.
Processor and RAM
The processor and RAM determine the speed and performance of your smartphone. A good processor will ensure that your phone runs smoothly and can handle intensive tasks such as gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. A faster processor and more RAM mean that your phone will be able to multitask better and will not lag or freeze frequently.
The most common processors in budget smartphones are from Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm processors are known for their excellent performance and power efficiency, while MediaTek processors are cheaper but still offer good performance. When it comes to RAM, most budget smartphones come with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic tasks. However, if you plan on using your phone for more demanding tasks, look for a phone with 4GB or more RAM.
Storage
Storage is another critical feature to consider when buying a smartphone. Most budget smartphones come with 16GB or 32GB of storage, which is often not enough for most people. However, you can expand the storage by using a microSD card. Make sure the phone you choose has a microSD card slot so that you can increase the storage if needed.
Battery Life
The battery life of a smartphone is another essential factor to consider. A good smartphone should offer a decent battery life that can last you a full day of moderate use. A larger battery size does not necessarily mean that the phone will have a longer battery life. The efficiency of the processor and how well the operating system is optimized can also affect battery life.
Camera
The camera is one of the most used features of a smartphone. Most budget smartphones come with decent cameras that can take good pictures in good lighting conditions. However, if you are someone who loves taking pictures and wants a phone with a high-quality camera, look for a phone with a better camera than the standard one.
Brand and Build Quality
Brand and build quality are also essential factors to consider when buying a smartphone. A good brand often means that the phone is of high quality and will last you longer. Companies such as Samsung and Xiaomi are well-known for producing high-quality smartphones that offer good value for money. Build quality is also important, and you want a phone that is sturdy and won’t break easily.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a cheap smartphone, there are plenty of options available in the market. However, you need to make sure that the phone you choose meets your specific requirements and fits your budget. Consider the operating system, display, processor, RAM, storage, battery life, camera, brand, and build quality when making your decision. With the right cheap smartphone, you can still get the features you need without breaking the bank.
