Smartphones have been spherical for decrease than 20 years, nonetheless it feels harder than ever to do with out one.
That’s not a reference to their doubtlessly addictive qualities; in its place, the way in which wherein cellphone apps are intrinsically linked to modern society. Whether or not or not you should seize recollections, maintain with household and mates and even entry reside events, it’s all easier and further helpful with the App Retailer or Google Play Retailer at your disposal.
Nonetheless, there’s a problem: most telephones are literally expensive. Many people can’t afford (or simply don’t have to) pay £1,000/$1,000+ or further for the simplest telephones, or determine to a protracted and dear contract. Even mid-range telephones require a extreme preliminary funding.
That’s the place this textual content is out there in. Not approach again, an affordable cellphone was affected by compromises, making it irritating to utilize on a day-to-day basis. Nonetheless no further – the ten funds telephones on this round-up value as a lot as £300/$300 with many costing masses a lot much less, however all of them ship a compelling experience that gained’t will let you down.
Pairing an moderately priced handset like these with a SIM solely deal is normally a pleasant price funding.
Each of the ten models underneath are Android telephones. Essentially the most price efficient current iPhone is the £449/$429 iPhone SE (2022), so keep in mind a refurbished cellphone if you really need one factor from Apple.
That may help you choose, we’ve moreover included detailed searching for suggestion on what to seek for in a funds cellphone on the bottom of the online web page.
Why it’s best to perception us: Phone opinions and searching for suggestion have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s safety as a result of the genuine iPhone was launched in 2007 and Android made its first headlines in 2008.
We’ve guided you via 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G; we’ve reported on the rise and fall of Residence home windows Phone, BlackBerry telephones and LG telephones. We’ve seen companies push the boundaries of what is doable on such a small system, persevering with to make leaps forward by means of every {{hardware}} and software program program.
Nonetheless on the equivalent time, we’ve seen these premium choices steadily trickle proper right down to further moderately priced handsets, which suggests low price telephones in the intervening time are increased than they’ve ever been.
We feature out in-depth, real-world testing on every new funds cellphone that’s value searching for (dozens every single yr), adopting it as our main cellphone for in all probability essentially the most real experience doable and guaranteeing we’re capable of present the best possible cellphone searching for suggestion.
Biggest funds cellphone 2025
1. CMF Phone 1 – Biggest Common
Execs
- Distinctive, fashionable design
- Bloat-free working system
- Secure effectivity
- Pleasant gear
Cons
- No NFC
- Restricted water and dirt resistance
- Straightforward cameras
Price When Reviewed:
239 Euro
The CMF Phone 1 succeeds by being one factor just a few funds telephones are – pleasant.
The Nothing sub-brand’s first smartphone is doing points a bit in one other approach, with a standout design that’s optimistic to indicate heads. The plain black panel you see above already appears fashionable, nevertheless it might really merely be swapped out for one factor further vibrant if you’d need.
Then there’s the attachment you see throughout the bottom nook, which is suitable with devoted lanyard, kickstand and card pockets gear.
With sturdy effectivity, a unbelievable present, and robust battery life, the Phone 1 combines mannequin with undoubted substance.
The precept compromise proper right here is not any NFC, which suggests you could’t make contactless funds, whereas simplistic cameras might do with work. Nothing’s distinctive deal with Android is pleasant to utilize, though the company is just promising two years of predominant Android updates and three years of security updates.
Nonetheless common, the CMF Phone 1 is a standout system in further strategies than one, which shows very successfully on its £209/$199 price tag.
Study our full
CMF Phone 1 analysis
2. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G – Biggest Worth vary Samsung
Execs
- Premium design
- Secure most vital digital digital camera
- Good battery life
- Clear 90Hz present
- 5 years of updates
Cons
- Effectivity not top-of-the-line
- No water resistance rating
- Comparatively sluggish charging
Price When Reviewed:
229 Euro
In 2023, the frequent Galaxy A14 was a barely increased buy than the A14 5G. Nonetheless this yr, the A15 5G’s increased effectivity and 5G connectivity presents it the sting, and there’s no opponents throughout the US – the A15 (4G) featured underneath isn’t supplied there.
Primarily, what you’re getting this is a sub-£200 that nails the fundamentals of a unbelievable smartphone. It has a well-designed, premium assemble that may merely cross for a far more expensive system. Battery life is nice, stretching to 2 full days with delicate utilization. And the 90Hz present is a pleasure to utilize.
The A15 5G might not have the AI choices or seven years of updates from the flagship Galaxy S24 sequence, nevertheless One UI stays top-of-the-line software program program you’ll uncover on an affordable cellphone. And Samsung’s dedication to 4 OS updates and 5 years of security patches continues to be increased than any funds rival.
For individuals who can put up with unremarkable effectivity, no official water resistance rating and mediocre charging speeds, the Galaxy A15 5G is the funds cellphone to buy.
(We’ll have a Galaxy A16 5G analysis shortly)
Study our full
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G analysis
3. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – Biggest cameras
Execs
- Great show display
- Prolonged software program program assist
- Secure battery life
- First fee digital digital camera effectivity
Cons
- Not in all probability essentially the most sturdy
- Solely 128GB storage
- Divisive rear design
Price When Reviewed:
299 Euro
Given how good the Galaxy A15 5G is, why would you pay further for the A25 5G?
There are a variety of causes, significantly as a result of it nonetheless costs beneath £250/$250. A shift to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset boosts effectivity, whereas the present is way more spectacular with a 120Hz refresh value. You moreover get an improved 8Mp ultrawide digital digital camera and stereo audio system.
Throw throughout the already-solid battery life, first fee most vital and selfie cameras and folks 5 years of updates and likewise you’re on to a winner.
The one precise causes to not buy the A25 5G are the restricted storage decisions and a design that gained’t be to all people’s tastes. Or if one in all many alternative telephones on this document appeals to you further.
Study our full
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G analysis
4. Motorola Moto G84 5G – Biggest present
Execs
- Great 120Hz OLED present
- Secure effectivity
- All-day battery life
- First fee 30W charging
Cons
- Only one Android mannequin substitute
- Widespread cameras
- Rear cowl is a mud magnet
- Not on the market throughout the US
Price When Reviewed:
€299.99
The Moto G84 is undoubtedly top-of-the-line funds telephones you should buy. The one motive it isn’t prime is the lacklustre software program program assist, with Motorola offering just one Android mannequin substitute and three years of security assist.
You’ll moreover have to put up with frequent cameras and a once more that’s liable to getting dirty, nevertheless that’s in regards to the place the negatives end.
The 120Hz OLED present is the very best on any funds cellphone, whereas the Snapdragon 695 delivers sturdy effectivity and 5G assist. Battery life from the 5000mAh cell is robust, and likewise you even get comparatively quick (for a funds cellphone 30W charging).
If the two telephones above don’t attraction to you, that’s the cellphone to get – equipped you’re not primarily based throughout the US, the place it isn’t on the market.
Study our full
Motorola Moto G84 5G analysis
5. Motorola Moto G04 – Biggest beneath £100
Execs
- Very good price for money
- Implausible battery life
- First fee effectivity
- Good on the basics
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No 5G
- Show display might very nicely be brighter
- Not on the market throughout the US
Price When Reviewed:
110 Euro
Are you able to really get a superb cellphone for beneath £100? As a result of it appears, the reply is certain, and the cellphone to get is Motorola’s Moto G04.
It costs merely £89.99 throughout the UK (not on the market throughout the US), however nonetheless delivers all of the fundamentals of a unbelievable smartphone. Effectivity is totally great for the basics, and the present delivers a great viewing experience, albeit with restricted brightness.
Battery life is an precise highlight, with two full days of each half apart from heavy utilization. And the Motorola software program program is reassuringly acquainted, even when it solely will get two years of security updates.
There’s no 5G assist or official water resistance rating and the cameras aren’t good, nevertheless these can merely be excused at this price. The Moto G04 nonetheless affords unbelievable price for money.
Study our full Motorola Moto G04 analysis
6. Xiaomi Redmi Phrase 13 5G – Biggest design
Execs
- Attractive design
- Great 120Hz OLED show display
- Generous storage
- Good software program program assist
Cons
- Middling battery life
- Obnoxious software program program
- Hit-and-miss digital digital camera effectivity
- Not on the market throughout the US
Price When Reviewed:
229 Euro
The Phrase 13 5G isn’t pretty essentially the most reasonably priced cellphone throughout the Redmi Phrase 13 fluctuate – that award goes to the Phrase 13 (4G) – nevertheless that’s the one we advocate to funds patrons.
At £279, it’s barely costlier than our typical £250 limit, though it makes further sense to ponder it a funds cellphone than a mid-range handset.
And also you proceed to get masses to your money proper right here. A premium design makes the cellphone actually really feel way more high-end, as does the fantastic present. It’s moreover good to see expandable storage together with 256GB on board, and Xiaomi is offering a generous 4 years of security updates.
Battery life, software program program and cameras might all do with work, nevertheless the big disappointment is that the Redmi Phrase 13 5G isn’t on the market throughout the US. No matter its flaws, it’s one in all many most fascinating low price telephones spherical.
Study our full
Xiaomi Redmi Phrase 13 5G analysis
7. Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G) – Low-cost with prolonged assist
Execs
- Fairly present
- Great battery life
- First fee effectivity
- Prolonged software program program assist
Cons
- Widespread cameras
- No waterproofing
- Sluggish charging
- Not on the market throughout the US
Price When Reviewed:
149 Euro
As talked about above, the Galaxy A15 5G is a larger buy than the 4G model. Nonetheless the latter continues to be value along with proper right here, and it might be value you saving £30 throughout the UK, though there’s no US availability.
Primarily, the one stuff you’re dropping out on are a little bit little bit of effectivity and 5G assist. Each factor else we talked about regarding the A15 5G nonetheless applies proper right here, along with the engaging present, sturdy battery life and prolonged software program program assist.
For individuals who solely use your cellphone for the basics and don’t reside in an house with good 5G assist, the frequent A15 is definitely value considering.
Study our full
Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G) analysis
8. TCL 50 Skilled Nxtpaper – Biggest for Readers
Execs
- Extreme-quality present
- Spectacular E-Ink mannequin modes
- Implausible battery life
- Spectacular specs
Cons
- Disappointing cameras
- Underwhelming audio system
- Additional pre-installed apps
The 50 Skilled Nxtpaper is a cellphone with a distinction.
Together with the identical outdated colour present you’ll get on any smartphone (albeit a nice matt mannequin proper right here), TCL allows you to swap to E-Ink mannequin mode on the flick of a swap. That’s transformative for eye nicely being and readability, even when it might really’t change a loyal eReader for most people.
Crucially, the present nonetheless affords a superb colour experience, along with whereas watching movies. And the battery life is nice, regardless of the mode you’re using.
It’s not as spectacular in all areas, with cameras and speaker prime quality every in need of labor. Additional bloatware moreover makes the in every other case pleasing software program program further irritating to utilize.
Nonetheless if you study masses in your cellphone and are trying to find a funds cellphone that matches the bill, the TCL 50 Skilled Nxtpaper is the system for you.
Study our full
TCL 50 Skilled Nxtpaper analysis
9. Nokia G22 – Biggest for repairability
Execs
- Distinctive repairable assemble
- First fee battery life
- Individual-friendly OS
Cons
- Sluggish and laggy effectivity
- Unimpressive show display
- Solely two years of OS updates
For individuals who just like the idea of repairing your cellphone pretty than altering it every few years, the Nokia G22 might very nicely be the cellphone for you. For individuals who can handle the precise truth that’s pretty a sluggish cellphone – perhaps you solely need one for major capabilities like calls and messages and Google Maps – then it’s a superb buy.
iFixit sells numerous official restore kits for the G22 along with for show display cracks and new battery. It means you could seize a smartphone for £150 and be protected throughout the data you could merely restore it your self.
One issue to note is that this cellphone will solely have software program program assist for two years from launch, which significantly contradicts the idea it’s a product it’s best to protect for for much longer and alter its failing parts. That aside, that’s an fascinating thought and a funds cellphone it’s best to keep in mind if you don’t desire a sturdy system.
Study our full
Nokia G22 analysis
10. Motorola Moto G35 5G – Biggest price massive show display
Execs
- Huge FHD+ present
- New ultrawide digital digital camera
- Secure battery life
- Good design
Cons
- Stuttering effectivity
- No charger included
- Poor low-light pictures
- Only one OS substitute
Price When Reviewed:
199 Euro
The precept motive to buy the Moto G35 5G is to get a sub £150 cellphone with 5G connectivity and a giant and sharp show display, making it notably applicable for people who battle with the downsides of a smaller present.
It’s a whopping 6.72-inch and has a Full HD+ determination and it’ll get good and good, too. It’s even obtained a 120Hz refresh value to make points smoother in use nevertheless the underpowered processor makes this a slight moot degree attributable to poor effectivity.
When you may be sticking to major utilization then it might not be a problem and the G35 benefits from a model new devoted ultrawide digital digital camera, superb battery life and a nice design – which is even nicer throughout the Leaf Inexperienced and Guava Pink fashions which have a faux leather-based finish.
Software program program may be shopper nice nevertheless the cellphone will solely get one predominant OS substitute. Common, it’s a superb price risk for major use in or exterior for patrons resembling kids and seniors.
Study our full
Motorola Moto G35 5G analysis
Worth vary telephones searching for suggestion
Do you need to buy a funds cellphone outright?
In our experience, the very best answer to get an affordable cellphone is to buy it SIM-free after which seize a great-value SIM deal. You gained’t be paying a whole bunch every month for a cellphone for the following two years and you will swap it for a newer model everytime you fancy and never utilizing a big have an effect on in your pockets.
Do you need to buy a locked cellphone?
You’ll quickly uncover that numerous the best presents on low price telephones are supplied by means of mobile operators (additionally known as carriers). What you have to be cautious for is whether or not or not these telephones are supplied locked to that operator’s group.
All telephones supplied throughout the UK since December 2021 should be supplied unlocked, nevertheless if you’re primarily based someplace identical to the US or importing a instrument, it could be locked.
In these circumstances, you gained’t be able to put one different operator’s SIM card into your carrier-locked handset and may in all probability want to call the system’s service to get the cellphone unlocked, which could value money.
What’s top-of-the-line cellphone for a child?
Most children have to make up their very personal minds about deciding on a cellphone when stepping into youthful maturity, however once they’re a bit youthful you’ll perhaps want to find out for them.
You’ll want to take a look at one factor ultra-affordable for a major smartphone, so that you just’ve come to the correct place. It’ll should have a decent-sized show display, prolonged battery life and be fairly sturdy, so it’s best to perhaps avoid telephones with a glass once more.
As a result of it’ll in all probability be your most vital degree of contact alongside together with your toddler, you’ll moreover have to seek for good title prime quality, one factor that’s sometimes missed on modern telephones.
It is also doable to check out our round-up of top-of-the-line telephones for teens.
Which cellphone is best for school youngsters?
We’d advocate a further moderately priced cellphone proper right here too, nevertheless plenty of the alternatives on this chart may be inside attain.
Widespread searching for choices have to be whether or not or not you want a near-stock mannequin of Android (as is in the marketplace on Google’s Pixel telephones, plus Nokia and Motorola telephones), or don’t ideas a heavier ‘pores and pores and skin’, as found on models from Samsung, Xiaomi, or Oppo.
Moreover, considering what an vital aspect of a cellphone is to you is significant, and what variety of compromises you’re ready to make in numerous areas. Many handsets at this price degree will objective one specific perform, which suggests corners are inevitably decrease elsewhere.
What will you get to your money?
For individuals who’re trying to find an affordable cellphone, it is a should to accept the reality that the producer goes to cut some corners to realize that low price and likewise you aren’t going to get the equivalent effectivity, choices or present prime quality as a cellphone costing two, three, or 4 situations the worth.
It was the case that funds telephones have been instantly recognisable by their low-resolution reveals, meagre storage and chunky, plastic our our bodies, nevertheless points are enhancing on this house frequently. As of late, for spherical £250/$250 or a lot much less, it’s pretty doable to buy a cellphone with a Full HD present, a slim physique, and a digital digital camera that takes footage ample for sharing.
Virtually all will assist 4G connectivity, and some 5G, nevertheless choices resembling NFC, wi-fi charging and water resistance might be absent besides significantly acknowledged.