8 Best Cheap Phones (2025), Tested and Reviewed

Forget the spendy flagship smartphone. Every year, I test a dozen or more devices to find the best cheap phones that perform where it counts and aren’t annoyingly slow. Wireless carriers in the US go out of their way to make expensive smartphones seem affordable. AT&T will advertise a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for just $36 a month, but don't let them fool you. With over 36 monthly installments, you still spend over a thousand bucks on a phone. Your pricey device may also keep you locked into the network, unable to switch wireless carriers until the phone is paid off. Get a seriously great affordable smartphone instead. Our top pick, the Google Pixel 8A, costs $499 and is as good as almost any device, and our other choices strike a great balance between price and luxury. There's even a folding phone in this guide! Check out our many other mobile guides, including Best Android Phones, Best Samsung Phones, Best Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Google Pixel, Best Moto Phones, and Best i ... Read full article.