GoKawiilPhone-makers promise varying lengths of long-term software and security support ranging from just one year to as many as seven. These updates not only ensure you get many of the latest features but also keep your phone secure.
Phone cameras have gotten better over the past five years, but don’t be fooled by how many cameras a phone has; more is not necessarily better.
Phones are big in general with the smallest ones having a 6.1-inch screen and large models topping out at 6.8 inches. That makes visiting a store and trying a phone out before you buy it quite important.
If your family and friends are on Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime, stick with an iPhone. If you’ve been deep on Samsung, stay on Android. Know that switching between the two has never been easier.
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Even though prices appear to be increasing, if you need a new phone and want to make sure it’s the best value for your dollar, there are a number of low-cost options to consider, such as Google's Pixel 10A. Some of the best handsets we tested can give you the feeling of a high-priced phone without actually paying top dollar. Our picks aren't limited to the cheapest phones, but include devices that give you everything you want without paying extra for frills. Our experts prioritize software support, fun designs and, of course, nice cameras, so you can save money without feeling like you're making major trade-offs.
What is the best cheap phone?
Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Google’s $499 Pixel 10A is our pick for the best overall cheap phone, even though it’s only slightly improved over last year’s Pixel 9A. The new phone’s top-notch camera is unmatched among other handsets priced under $500. Plus, crucially, the company’s promise of seven years of software and security updates means the phone could last long enough to use until it finally gives out. Plus, its ability to send photos and files to an iPhone over AirDrop is a nice bonus, especially for people with friends using iOS handsets.
One major caveat to this recommendation is that the base model comes with 128GB of storage. If you want it upgraded to 256GB, the price bumps up to $599, the same as other phones on this list, such as the iPhone 17E and the 2025 Motorola Razr, when it's discounted (which is often). But if you need a reliable, lower-cost phone with a great camera, the Pixel 10A otherwise remains an excellent value.
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