Wireless carriers in the US often make expensive smartphones appear affordable, but don't be fooled by the seemingly enticing deals. While buying a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with no down payment and a monthly cost of $33 may sound tempting, the truth is that over 36 months, you'll still end up spending over a thousand dollars on the device. Moreover, you might find yourself locked into a specific network until the phone is fully paid off, limiting your flexibility to switch carriers.
Fortunately, there's a smarter alternative: opt for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on performance. After extensive testing, I've curated a list of the top 4 cheap phones that deliver outstanding value without sacrificing speed or functionality. These affordable devices are here to prove that you don't need to break the bank to get a great smartphone experience.
1 - Pixel 7A: Unleashing Flagship Power and Intelligent Features at an Affordable Price ($499)
Google's Pixel 7A (8/10) emerges as the ultimate bang-for-your-buck smartphone. With the mighty Tensor G2 chipset, it rivals the flagship Google Pixel 7 Pro in terms of power. Not only does it offer exceptional performance, but it also grants access to all the smart software features found on Google's high-end devices. Experience the wonders of Photo Unblur, which uses machine learning to enhance facial details in your photos, and Assistant Voice Typing, a game-changing voice typing mode that surpasses previous offerings in speed and accuracy.
The software prowess of Pixel phones is what sets them apart. Packed with genuinely useful features, they effortlessly make everyday life smoother. From the convenience of Now Playing, automatically detecting ambient music, to the invaluable Call Screen, which keeps spam calls at bay, Pixel phones simplify your daily interactions. Plus, with five years of security updates, your phone remains protected and supported for an extended period. It's worth noting that while Google guarantees three Android OS upgrades, Samsung offers even more for its devices.
Seeking a compact phone? Look no further. The 6.1-inch OLED display strikes a balance between size and manageability. While the Gorilla Glass 3 protects the front, consider applying a screen protector for added scratch resistance. The rear, crafted from a durable plastic composite, offers peace of mind in case of accidental drops. And don't forget the 90-Hz screen refresh rate, lending a fluid and responsive feel to every interaction—an improvement over the previous Pixel 6A. Furthermore, wireless charging makes topping up effortless, while NFC enables seamless contactless payments. With an IP67 rating, the Pixel 7A is built to withstand the elements.
Of course, we can't discuss a Pixel without highlighting its extraordinary camera capabilities. The Pixel 7A takes photography to new heights, boasting upgraded sensors across the A-series. With a 64-megapixel primary sensor capturing sharp images in any lighting condition and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens for added versatility, you'll achieve stunning results. While the selfie camera performs well, it may not deliver the utmost sharpness. Undoubtedly, this is the finest camera phone available for under $500.
There are a few downsides to consider. The box lacks a charging brick and a headphone jack, and the internal storage is fixed at 128 GB without expandability options. The battery life is decent but may require a midday recharge with heavy use, though it generally lasts throughout the day. Finally, the in-display fingerprint sensor, although functional, can be slow and occasionally unreliable. If you can accept these minor drawbacks, the Pixel 7A will exceed your expectations.
2 - iPhone SE 2022: Unbeatable Value and Familiar Charm ($429)
If you're in search of an affordable iPhone, look no further than the third-generation iPhone SE 2022 (7/10). While its design remains largely unchanged, featuring a compact 4.7-inch LCD screen with noticeable bezels, it exudes a nostalgic appeal. It's the only iPhone in Apple's lineup that retains the beloved home button and Touch ID, which some users prefer.
Don't be fooled by its unassuming appearance—the iPhone SE 2022 packs a punch. Powered by the formidable A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse that drives Apple's flagship iPhone 13 range, it stands as the most powerful smartphone under $500. This device can effortlessly handle any task you throw its way. Additionally, the A15 Bionic chip enhances battery life, though due to its small size, the phone typically lasts around a day, or less with heavy usage. Notably, it supports 5G connectivity, making it one of the few devices in its price range to offer this feature. Furthermore, wireless charging, akin to the Pixel 7A, adds a convenient touch.
While the iPhone SE 2022 excels in daylight photography and effectively handles high-contrast scenes, it regrettably lacks Night mode—an exclusive feature found in Apple's pricier iPhones. Consequently, low-light shots may appear muddy, grainy, and blurry, falling short of the Pixel 7A's prowess in this aspect.
One significant advantage of choosing this iPhone is its long-term support from Apple. The company consistently provides software updates for years, ensuring the device remains up to date and secure. To preserve its fresh appearance, we recommend using a protective case for the glass back and applying a screen protector—an investment in maintaining its allure. For a curated selection of iPhone SE accessories, consider exploring our favorites.
3 - Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: Brilliant Display and Impressive Camera ($374.99)
Looking for an alternative to the Pixel? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (8/10). One standout feature it offers over Google's phone is its stunning 120-Hz AMOLED screen, providing a buttery-smooth and immersive user experience. Even under the brightest sunlight, the screen remains incredibly bright, eliminating the need to strain your eyes. With its larger 5,000-mAh battery, this phone also boasts better battery life, comfortably lasting over a day with average use. Additionally, the microSD card slot allows for easy storage expansion, and Samsung provides an extra Android OS upgrade compared to Google, promising four years of updates. Like the Pixel 7A, it also receives five years of security updates.
However, the Galaxy A54 5G falls slightly short in terms of performance. Equipped with Samsung's Exynos 138 chipset and 6 GB of RAM, the phone is by no means slow. It handles most day-to-day apps and games with ease. However, occasional slowdowns and stutters may occur, particularly when multitasking with numerous apps simultaneously. Disappointingly, wireless charging is not supported.
Fortunately, the camera system on the Galaxy A54 5G shines. With its 50-megapixel primary camera, it delivers impressive results, even in low-light conditions with Samsung's Night mode. Some minor issues with excessive brightening and oversaturation may be present but are generally manageable. The selfie camera stands out as one of the better front-facing options on budget and mid-range phones, capturing even the finest details (although you may not always desire such level of detail).
4 - Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: Unbeatable Value for Budget Buyers ($199)
Looking for an impressive budget phone? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (9/10). Priced attractively at $200, it offers all the essential phone functions you need. Running on the latest Android 13 operating system, Samsung guarantees four years of security updates and two Android OS upgrades, ensuring long-term support.
Despite utilizing the same MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G processor as its predecessor, the Galaxy A14 5G feels snappier, effortlessly handling tasks like email responses, social media browsing, and casual gaming. Its 5,000-mAh battery easily lasts for two days on a single charge, although it's worth noting that the charging adapter is not included in the box. Additional features include expandable storage through a microSD card, a headphone jack, and NFC for convenient mobile payments.
Surprisingly, the primary and selfie cameras perform well considering the price point. Capture Instagram-worthy shots of your furry friends or food with sharp details, although some photos may appear slightly oversaturated. The phone's mono speaker may be on the quieter side and easily blocked when in landscape mode, and it lacks an IP rating, so caution is advised when using it near water.
While other regions may offer more powerful options at the same price, the Galaxy A14 5G stands out as the best value phone for budget-conscious buyers in the US. Don't compromise on features or quality when on a tight budget—choose the Galaxy A14 5G for an unbeatable value.
