It may feel like all anyone talks about are the best phones like the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9, but there are several fantastic options out there if you don’t want to splurge and still get a top handset for checking social media, taking photos and videos, using maps or staying in touch with your loved ones.
The best cheap phones still have speedy performance, high-resolution screens, big batteries and 5G for ultra-fast downloads. They’re great if you have a SIM-only plan or don’t want to be tied into a contract, and can be a top choice as a teen’s first phone, or for anyone who needs more features than one of the best dumb phones.
Best Affordable Phones In The Market
1) iPhone 16e
The new iPhone 16e is the most affordable current iPhone with the latest features, although it now comes at a slightly increased price of £599. That’s quite a price jump when you compare it to the £429 cost of the now-discounted iPhone SE, but it packs in several upgrades for users.
This iPhone is, unsurprisingly, also more expensive than Android rivals on our list, but it’s a top choice if your family and friends communicate via iMessage and FaceTime. Getting the entry-level iPhone is the most practical way to stay in touch with other iOS users, and this one has all the essential features, including a 48-megapixel camera, a speedy modern processor, long battery life and a sleek design with a bright and detailed OLED display.
2) Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is a fantastic budget-friendly smartphone, offering many of the high-end features and specs found in its flagship counterpart, all for under £500. The most compelling features include the capable camera performance, upgraded battery life, unique design, AI smarts, and the crisp and smooth 120Hz display.
Photography enthusiasts will be pleased with the Pixel 9a’s camera, which, despite having a slightly smaller sensor than the flagship model (and its predecessor, the Pixel 8a), still produces detailed and clear shots that are better than anything else in this price tier. The absence of a telephoto lens is mitigated by the impressive performance, the inclusion of macro close-up photography (for the first time in the A-series) and the ability to zoom in to the 48-megapixel sensor with a 2x crop zoom.
3) Phone (3a)
Phones are all starting to look identical, and you need to turn to a newer company like Nothing if you want something different. The Phone (3a) is the affordable model of the London-based brand’s latest releases, and it delivers features that rival flagship models. The design is a head-turner. It’s distinctive, with its transparent casing and the unique “Glyph” lighting system on the back. This adds a sci-fi touch and can be handy for priority notifications and timers.
It’s no slouch when it comes to performance, too. It has a powerful processor and a vibrant 6.77-inch display with high brightness and a high refresh rate. It also has a large 5,000mAh battery that gave us impressive battery life during our testing.
4) Galaxy A56 5G
If you’ve already got a Samsung and know that you like the hardware, features and interface, it makes sense to pick a model from the brand for your next phone, but do you need the high-end Galaxy S25 Ultra? The Flip? Or the FE/Fan Edition?
If you’re sticking to affordable handsets, you’ll want to go with the Galaxy A56. It offers loads of value at £499, and impresses with a premium style, aluminium frame, large 6.7-inch display, and IP67 water resistance. The one we tested has a glossy reflective “graphite” finish – it looks smart, although it does pick up fingerprints easily.
5) Phone (3a) Pro
It’s quite rare to find a proper telephoto zoom lens on an affordable phone. In fact, they can be rare to see on mid-range models. That’s why it’s so impressive that both the Nothing Phone (3a) and this handset, the Phone (3a) Pro, have third lenses. This zoom is the longer of the two, making it potentially even more versatile for photographers.
Overall, the phone makes a compelling case for itself as one of the best budget smartphones you can buy, with its striking and unique design, plus a handful of upgrades over the Phone (3a).
It has a crisp 6.7-inch screen for smooth performance and vibrant colours, making it ideal for scrolling social media, gaming, or watching videos. It also has a great Snapdragon processor, so it will deliver a snappy performance and better multitasking capabilities.
