Looking for a new phone that won’t wipe out your bank account? Whether you want a flip phone or a smartphone, we’ve gathered the best budget-friendly handsets on the market for around $200 or less.
Affordable phones are better than ever. Sure, you’ll still find plenty of flimsy handsets with dated software out there, but if you do some digging, there are lots of excellent flip phones and smartphones that work far better than their low prices suggest. If you’re buying on a budget, we’re here to help. We’ve gathered the top phones you can buy for just about $200 or less, along with the most important features to look for when shopping. What to Look For in an Affordable Phone While budget-friendly phones don’t have all the perks that come along with midrange or flagship models, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a perfectly capable device to suit your needs. Let’s start with the features we believe are absolutely essential when choosing a cheap phone. Keep in mind that most of these recommendations are for smartphones, so if you’re in the market for a flip phone, many of these tips don’t apply. Battery Life: There are lots of variables to consider when it comes to battery life, but ultimately you want your phone to last at least until the end of the day. If you’re shopping for a phone with a screen smaller than 6 inches, look for a battery capacity of 3,500mAh or higher. For phones with larger screens, you’ll want to look for a minimum battery capacity of 4,500mAh. Chipset: In Qualcomm’s busy processor line, avoid any number lower than a Snapdragon 460, unless it’s a flip/voice phone. Mediatek’s Dimensity 700 line is also good, with the company’s Helio line being a bit less appealing. Compatibility: Before you make a purchase, you’ll want to decide whether you’re ready to jump on the 5G bandwagon or if you’d rather stick with LTE. No matter your choice, make sure your phone has the appropriate band support for your carrier. Search for 5G and LTE bands by the phone’s model number, not its name.
