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10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 5G A Series Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a well-rounded budget phone that offers several strong features for its price. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 1880 x 2340 resolution provides crisp and vivid visuals, making it great for media consumption and daily use. The large screen size is a plus for users who enjoy browsing and streaming on their phones. The phone comes with a 2.4 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most everyday tasks, although it might struggle with more demanding apps and multitasking.

With 128 GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1.5 TB, you won't have to worry about running out of space for your photos, videos, and apps. The camera setup, featuring a triple-lens system, is designed to capture clear and detailed photos in various conditions, which is a significant advantage for users who enjoy photography. Battery life is another highlight, with Super Fast Charging ensuring you spend less time plugged in. The phone’s durable design, coupled with an improved IP54 rating, adds a layer of protection against dust and water splashes, enhancing its longevity.

Software-wise, the Galaxy A16 5G runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, offering a user-friendly experience. The promise of six years of OS and security updates is a standout feature, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date for an extended period. One potential downside is the 4 GB of RAM, which may not be suitable for heavy multitasking or more intensive applications. However, for the target audience looking for a reliable and feature-rich budget phone, the Galaxy A16 5G offers excellent value with its combination of a vibrant display, solid performance, extensive storage options, and long-term software support.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
The large screen is impressive, although it may be too big for some pockets.
Build Quality
The build quality is top-notch, reflecting Samsung's reliable craftsmanship.
#2

Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green

The Moto G 5G (2024) is a solid choice for those looking for a budget phone that doesn't skimp on essential features. With its 6.6-inch display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, users can enjoy a smooth viewing experience for streaming videos and gaming. The display is enhanced by Dolby Atmos sound, making it enjoyable for media consumption. The 50MP camera system stands out in this price range, capable of capturing high-quality images and detailed shots thanks to its macro lens, although the effective resolution is lower at 12.5MP.

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM, delivers decent speed for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 128GB storage is ample for most users, and the option to expand it further with a microSD card up to 1TB is a significant bonus for those who need more space.

Battery life is one of the strongest features, with a robust 5000mAh battery that can easily last through a day of heavy use. Fast charging with TurboPower is a nice touch, speeding up the time needed to recharge, although it’s important to note that the charger may not be included in the box for every market.

In terms of design, the phone features a sleek look with a vegan leather back that is comfortable and fingerprint-resistant, adding a touch of premium feel to an affordable device. However, the resolution of 1612x720 may not be as sharp as higher-end models, which can slightly affect the clarity of content.

This phone excels in providing good value and essential features for everyday use, making it an appealing and capable budget option.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
The screen is bright, clear, and offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate while scrolling.
Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery is phenomenal, lasting through a day of heavy use and only needing a charge every other day.
Camera
The phone has a good rear camera and a macro lens that delivers sharp photos.
Storage
The option to expand storage with a microSD card up to 1TB adds significant value.
Software and Updates
Motorola phones come with much less bloatware compared to other brands, making the user experience smoother.
#3

Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Caramel Latte

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers several compelling features for a budget phone. It comes with a built-in stylus, making it ideal for note-taking, photo editing, and sketching. The 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate provides a vibrant and smooth viewing experience, complemented by Dolby Atmos sound for an immersive media experience. Its 50MP Ultra Pixel camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharp photos and stable videos, even in low light conditions. With a 5000mAh battery and 30W TurboPower charging, you can enjoy extended usage and quick recharges.

The device is powered by a capable processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, making it suitable for multitasking and storing large amounts of media. The stylish design with a vegan leather finish adds to its aesthetic appeal. On the software front, it runs on the latest Android 14, ensuring up-to-date features and security updates.

Despite its strengths, there are a few considerations. The phone's build quality, while attractive, may not be as premium as higher-end models. The large size might not be comfortable for all users. Additionally, the performance, while good for a budget phone, may not match that of flagship devices. However, for those looking for an affordable device with a great display, solid camera, built-in stylus, and good battery life, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a strong contender.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
The phone is sturdy with a large and easy-to-read screen.
Battery Life
The phone has really great battery life and is plenty fast using 5G.
Camera
Photos come out very sharp, even in low light conditions.
Storage
Tons of storage, capable of handling numerous apps and pictures without slowing down.
Build Quality
The phone is sturdy with a large and easy-to-read screen.
Software and Updates
Minimal bloatware, mostly Google apps, makes for a clean user experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Phones

When it comes to buying a budget phone, it's important to find a balance between cost and functionality. Budget phones have come a long way and now offer many features that were once only available in high-end models. To make the best choice, you need to consider several key specifications that will impact your overall experience. Understanding these specs will help you find a phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the phone where you view all your content. It's important because it's the primary way you interact with your device. Budget phones typically come with LCD or OLED displays. LCDs are more common and generally cheaper, but OLEDs offer better color and contrast. Screen resolution is also crucial; higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) provide clearer and sharper images compared to HD (720p). If you watch a lot of videos or play games, a higher resolution and better display type will enhance your experience.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important if you're frequently on the go. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones with larger batteries (around 4000mAh or more) tend to last longer. However, battery life also depends on other factors like screen size, resolution, and processor efficiency. If you use your phone heavily for activities like gaming or streaming, opt for a higher capacity battery.
Camera QualityThe camera quality is crucial if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Budget phones now often come with multiple cameras, including wide-angle and macro lenses. The main camera's megapixel count is important, but it's not the only factor; sensor quality and software optimization also play significant roles. For casual photography, a phone with a 12-16MP camera should suffice. If you want better photo quality, look for features like night mode, image stabilization, and higher megapixel counts.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the phone and affects its overall performance. Budget phones usually come with mid-range processors that are sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Popular budget processors include Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series and MediaTek Helio series. If you plan to use your phone for more demanding applications, look for a phone with a slightly more powerful processor within the budget range.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can keep on your phone, including apps, photos, and videos. Budget phones typically offer 32GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or install many apps, you might need more storage. Some budget phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase capacity. Consider your usage habits to decide how much storage you need.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the phone. While budget phones often use plastic rather than metal or glass, many still offer solid build quality. A well-built phone will feel sturdy and last longer. Look for features like Gorilla Glass for screen protection and water resistance, which can add to the phone's durability. If you tend to be rough on your devices, prioritize build quality to ensure your phone can withstand daily wear and tear.
Software and UpdatesThe software experience and update policy are important for the phone's longevity and security. Budget phones often come with Android, and the user experience can vary based on the manufacturer’s customizations. Some brands are better at providing regular software updates, which can improve performance and security over time. Check the manufacturer’s track record for updates and consider phones that come with the latest version of the operating system for the best experience.

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