QUESTION
The best budget phone right now is the Google Pixel 10A if your budget can stretch to about $499. It’s the safest overall pick because it’s repeatedly rated as the best cheap phone and is described as close to flagship-level for much less money.
Best for most budget-phone buyers
Maars picked this for shoppers who want the best all-around cheap phone: it offers a near-flagship experience at a lower price than premium phones.
At a glance
| Pixel 10A | Galaxy A17 5G | Moto G56 | Galaxy A25 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Best overall budget phone | Lowest-cost mainstream pick | Best for battery life | Step-up Samsung budget pick |
| Known price point | $499 | $199.99 at Samsung | Check current retailer pricing | $314.99 at Amazon |
| Main strength | Closest to a flagship feel among cheap phones | Keeps the price low | Long battery life | Costs less than the Pixel while sitting above entry-level options |
| Main tradeoff | Expensive for a budget phone | Likely less premium than higher-priced picks | Less detail available on performance and camera here | Not as strongly highlighted as the top overall pick |
Also compared
Best for lowest-price buyers
Maars picked this for shoppers who want to spend as little as possible while still getting a current 5G phone from a major brand.
Best for battery-first buyers
Maars picked this for people who care most about battery life: it is highlighted as a great budget phone for lasting through heavy days.
Best for Samsung budget buyers
Maars picked this for Samsung buyers who can spend more than entry-level pricing but still want to stay below the Pixel 10A.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Best cheaper pick
A better fit if you want to stay closer to the $200 budget-phone range.
Moto G56
Best for battery life
Highlighted as a great budget phone for long battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Step-up budget Android
A mid-budget option if you want something above the cheapest models but below the Pixel 10A.
Found this helpful?
Best for most budget-phone buyers
Maars picked this for shoppers who want the best all-around cheap phone: it offers a near-flagship experience at a lower price than premium phones.
At a glance
| Pixel 10A | Galaxy A17 5G | Moto G56 | Galaxy A25 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Best overall budget phone | Lowest-cost mainstream pick | Best for battery life | Step-up Samsung budget pick |
| Known price point | $499 | $199.99 at Samsung | Check current retailer pricing | $314.99 at Amazon |
| Main strength | Closest to a flagship feel among cheap phones | Keeps the price low | Long battery life | Costs less than the Pixel while sitting above entry-level options |
| Main tradeoff | Expensive for a budget phone | Likely less premium than higher-priced picks | Less detail available on performance and camera here | Not as strongly highlighted as the top overall pick |
Also compared
Best for lowest-price buyers
Maars picked this for shoppers who want to spend as little as possible while still getting a current 5G phone from a major brand.
Best for battery-first buyers
Maars picked this for people who care most about battery life: it is highlighted as a great budget phone for lasting through heavy days.
Best for Samsung budget buyers
Maars picked this for Samsung buyers who can spend more than entry-level pricing but still want to stay below the Pixel 10A.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Best cheaper pick
A better fit if you want to stay closer to the $200 budget-phone range.
Moto G56
Best for battery life
Highlighted as a great budget phone for long battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Step-up budget Android
A mid-budget option if you want something above the cheapest models but below the Pixel 10A.
Found this helpful?
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