It's no secret that the best Apple and Android phones get all the attention because of their innovative tech, yet smaller and cheaper phones remain popular because they get the job done for a fraction of the price. The best cheap phones cost around $200 but still have large displays and decent processing power for most tasks. They also have outstanding battery life and usually last longer than their powerful resource-hungry rivals.

We specialize in testing the latest phones and tablets at Pocket-lint and checking out budget-friendly models is a welcome change from the top-tier tech we usually review. Our list has the best cheap phones under $200 and includes options for every type of buyer.

Best overall cheap phone

The OnePlus Nord N30 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 CPU and 8GB of RAM, which offer capable performance for the price. Where it stands out are the little features like 50W wired charging, a 3.5mm port, and stereo audio, which add up and make a big difference over similarly priced rivals. The 128GB of internal memory can match many premium rivals, and it is easily upgraded with the MicroSD slot.

No cheap phone is perfect, and it's easy to forgive the Nord N30's mediocre brightness and lack of wireless charging because it's packed with features and can handle most tasks for a low price.

At 6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 inches and 6.88 oz, the Nord N30 is moderately sized and includes a large, clear 6.7-inch LCD display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. The triple-lens camera system, headlined by a 108MP main, isn't bad either, but it isn't the best for low-light conditions. You won't need to worry about it dying anytime soon because the 5000mAh battery can easily last a day or more with moderate use.

No cheap phone is perfect, and it's easy to forgive the Nord N30's mediocre brightness and lack of wireless charging because it's packed with features and can handle most tasks for a low price. It also has a decent storage capacity, and the MicroSD slot makes it easy to copy information from cameras and other devices.

Best value cheap phone

Samsung's Galaxy A15 offers impressive value because it comes at a fantastic price and easily handles everyday tasks like browsing and emails with a MediaTek 6835 processor and 4GB of RAM. It also has a decent 128GB of internal storage, which should be enough for most users. The standout feature is five years of security updates and four OS upgrades, which surpass most rivals and provide some peace of mind about the device's longevity.

Buyers looking for a cheap phone for long-term use will love the Galaxy A15 despite its plastic body and lack of an IP rating, because it has access to Samsung's vast support network and four years of future updates.

The plastic body is expected at this price, but at least it's stylish in black, light blue, and violet and has a compact and lightweight design, measuring 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 inches and weighing 7.0 oz. It houses a crisp 90Hz 6.5-inch AMOLED display and other nifty features like a 3.5mm jack and MicroSD slot. On the rear is a triple camera array that gets the job done with a 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lenses.

Buyers looking for a cheap phone for long-term use will love the Galaxy A15 despite its plastic body and lack of an IP rating, because it has access to Samsung's vast support network and four years of future updates. It might not be the most powerful phone around, but it offers smooth performance for light tasks and decent storage space that's in line with its pricing.

Best battery life cheap phone

The Nokia G400 5G offers very similar specifications to our top pick, and it comes from Nokia, who knows a thing or two about putting together a reliable smartphone.

Compared to the Nord 30 5G, charging is a little slower at 20W, but it's still fairly quick. You also lose out on the LCD display, as this model has an IPS panel, but it retains the 120Hz refresh rate for super-smooth scrolling. Another standout feature of this phone is its excellent battery life, which is advertised at around three days, but it should realistically last at least one and a half with regular use.

So, why opt for this model? The main reason, in our view, is that it's more widely available and comes from a trusted brand with a long heritage in the mobile space, which offers great peace of mind.

Best cheap stylus phone

The Moto G Stylus is an attractive phone with a built-in stylus, so you can take notes and doodle on the go. This phone might not have the most impressive spec sheet, but it offers excellent battery life and comes from one of the most trusted names in the business.

The display could be better as it's an IPS panel rather than the OLED tech found on most modern smartphones, but it's large, bright, and 90Hz, which makes navigating the OS feel smooth and responsive. If the Stylus appeals, it's one of the few models you'll find with a built-in compartment, aside from the highly-priced Galaxy S24 Ultra. Budget-conscious pen lovers will want to give this one a look.

Best ultra-cheap phone

Cat is renowned for its tough products, and the S22 Flip continues the tradition with a US MIL-SPEC 810H durability rating and IP68 dust and water protection to handle the elements and outdoors. The stylish black foldable design gives a distinct retro vibe, with a 2.8-inch touchscreen and large physical buttons that are easy to use with gloves or wet hands. You also get a rear 5MP camera and a 2MP selfie on the front, which are better than nothing and will suffice for taking basic photos.

For under $100, you get a phone that's perfect for construction workers and other heavy-duty roles because of its rugged exterior, and it looks like a blast from the past with its quirky retro design.

This phone is strictly for light use, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor, 2GB of RAM, and the Android 11 Go OS. However, it gets the job done, and you can make and receive calls and access emails and other basic apps while you're on site. The 16GB of internal memory might not sound like much, but it's backed up by a MicroSD slot, which helps to upgrade the capacity and easily transfer data between devices.

It's easy to dismiss the S22 Flip's average performance until you consider its incredible price that anyone can afford. For under $100, you get a phone that's perfect for construction workers and other heavy-duty roles because of its rugged exterior, and it looks like a blast from the past with its quirky retro design.

The bottom line: Which is the best cheap phone?

The OnePlus Nord N30 is the best cheap phone because it can handle most tasks and is packed with features like 50W fast charging and a 120Hz display. Samsung's Galaxy A15 is the best value option because of its amazing price and access to the company's massive support network. Nokia's G400 offers superb battery life for people on the go who don't have time for charging.

How did we choose the best cheap phones?

When picking out the best smartphones under $200, we considered various factors, including specifications, reliability, availability, and brand reputation. We've had extensive experience with every brand that's featured on this list, so we know first-hand what to expect when purchasing a product from their lineup. You won't find any no-name brands here, just trusted manufacturers that offer great devices in this price bracket.

We've tried to include a range of options that will suit various different users' needs. Some models are focused on camera performance, whereas others prioritize processing power for gaming, and some are all about display quality. It's impossible to include the right phone for everyone, but there's a good chance that a model on this list will suit your needs.

FAQ

Q: What's the point of buying a cheap phone?

Cheap phones cost far less than flagship models and still offer decent performance for most tasks. They are perfect for students, heavy-duty workers, and others who don't require the best specs and prefer having a reliable phone with great battery life.

Q: What is a good cheap phone price?

The most basic smartphones, like the Cat S22 Flip, cost well under $100, and it's easy to find more powerful alternatives like the OnePlus Nord N30 for up to $250, depending on the features you require.