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With so many new affordable phones announced in April, like the iPhone SE, the Galaxy A51 and the Moto G StylusTight budget phone shoppers now have more options than ever to choose from. In addition to those phones, there are also plenty of reliable phones since 2019, and they all cost around $ 500 or less. And despite its low prices, budget smartphones are becoming more advanced and pack your own premium features like fast processors, amazing cameras, and modern software features. For our best options, which we update regularly, check out the list below and read CNET reviews. Please note that we’ve linked to the unlocked version of each phone, and they need to run on most of America’s Big Four Wireless Carriers. USA, Unless otherwise specified.
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The best cheap phones to try now
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John Kim / CNET
With a four-year gap between the iPhone SE 2020 and the previous one, Apple packed its latest budget phone with plenty of updates. That includes wireless charging, better camera specs, and water resistance. (Unfortunately, for wired headphone users, it doesn’t have a headphone jack.) If you are looking for a new iPhone but want to save as much money as possible, the $ 399 iPhone SE (£ 419, AU $ 749) is your best bet.
Read our Apple iPhone SE (2020) review.
Juan Garzón / CNET
In addition to its main Galaxy S flagship phones, Samsung has a more cost-effective line of A series phones. This year it launched the Galaxy A51, another phone that costs $ 399 (there is a 5G variant that costs $ 499). The device has four cameras, an on-screen fingerprint reader, and expandable memory.
Read our first shot of the Galaxy A51.
Angela Lang / CNET
Google’s Pixel 3A XL has everything you like about the Pixel 3A (which is also on this list), but in a bigger package (it has a 6-inch OLED screen compared to the Pixel 3A’s 5.6-inch screen) . However, both phones have a headphone jack and they keep the same amazing Night Sight camera from the original Pixel 3, which can take great photos in the dark. (Daytime photos and video recording also look amazing.) The device is also compatible with all major US phone companies. USA
The larger counterpart also features a larger 3,700 mAh battery.
Read our Google Pixel 3A XL review.
Sarah Tew / CNET
If you’re looking for a cheaper Note 10 alternative, the $ 300 Moto G Stylus features a stylus that you can store inside the phone along with the built-in Notes app to help with productivity. The phone also features triple rear cameras, 128GB of storage, and a robust 4,000mAh battery.
Read our Moto G Stylus review.
Samsung Galaxy A50
Angela Lang / CNET
Although the Galaxy A50 came out last year (and is the predecessor to the A51 phone mentioned above), it is still a great phone. Plus, at $ 250 it’s even cheaper than when it first launched. The phone has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, an on-screen fingerprint reader, and a headphone jack. On the back, all three cameras include a wide-angle lens and a “depth lens,” which is used to shoot portraits with dramatic and blurred backgrounds.
Read our Samsung Galaxy A50 review.
Angela Lang / CNET
As a little brother to the Pixel 3A XL, the Pixel 3A has almost identical specs, but it has a smaller screen and a smaller battery. It’s also cheaper, at just $ 399.
Read our Google Pixel 3A review.
Sarah Tew / CNET
The new Moto G Power is slightly cheaper than the G Stylus at $ 250, but it has a robust 5,000 mAh battery. During our tests, it lasted an impressive four days at no charge. The phone has three rear cameras (one of which is a macro lens), a 6.4-inch screen, and expandable memory.
Read our Moto G Power review.
Sarah Tew / CNET
The often discounted Moto G7 Play is one of our favorite affordable Android phones. Like the more expensive Moto G7 (which we will see later), it has a Snapdragon chipset and a water-repellent coating. But the G7 Play features a smaller 5.7-inch screen and a single 13-megapixel camera. For those who like to take lots of selfies, on the front of the phone you will find a selfie camera flash to brighten up all those memorable moments.
Read more about the Moto G7 Play.
Josh Miller / CNET
Two years have passed since its launch, but the Galaxy S9 is still a phone worthy of consideration. At a discount of around $ 450 at online retail stores, the phone is waterproof, has wireless charging, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. What’s more, its curved OLED screen gives the phone a modern look that still lingers.
Read our Samsung Galaxy S9 review.
Angela Tang / CNET
The Moto G7 may not be as cheap as its G7 Play counterpart, but at $ 300, it’s still a good deal. Although its single speaker doesn’t deliver the best sound and takes mediocre low-light photos and videos, the Moto G7 has a dual rear camera setup, long battery life, and a sleek design. It also charges quickly, which is useful when you need to juice on the go.
Read our Motorola Moto G7 review.
