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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While phone prices are rising due to increased production costs, 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, such as Google's Pixel 10A. Some of the best devices we've tested provide a very similar experience to phones that cost considerably more, including years of software updates that bring new features.
Our picks aren't limited to the cheapest phones, but include devices that give you everything you want without paying extra for features you probably don't need. Our experts prioritize long software support, fun designs and capable cameras, so you can save money without feeling like you're making big 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 devices.
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