As high-end phones get more pricey, affordable Android phones become even more appealing. All of the finest cheap Android phones available today have been researched and ranked by us. With the help of our buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to locate the ideal phone for you. Here are some of our top picks for the most affordable phones on the market right now.

What are the best budget Android phones?

Last year was a banner year for Android phones in the affordable segment, and we may expect more of the same in 2021. Multiple cameras, faster CPUs, and 5G are all available at prices that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. As a result, there are plenty of high-quality alternatives in the $200–$450 range that won’t make you feel cheated.

You can’t go wrong with either the Google Pixel 4a or Google Pixel 5a as our top selections. With a sleek Android build that you’re likely to enjoy and the same camera as the 5a, the 2020 model struck the perfect blend of performance, camera quality, and battery life. If you choose the updated model, you’ll receive a significantly larger screen, 5G compatibility, waterproofing, and incredible battery life – but it defies the term “cheap” Android phone.

The Nokia 5.4, which is farther down the list, is one of our favorites. It has a lower-resolution display, a plastic back, and a smaller amount of RAM and storage than some of the other phones on this list. Still, it’s a bundle we can wholeheartedly recommend, particularly if you’re wanting to save money on an unlocked Android phone with outstanding photos, long battery life, and smooth software.

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is also a good option. Although you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for a phone this large – it’s a huge one — this phone shocked us with its stunning display and incredible performance.

Best budget Android phones:

1. Google Pixel 4a

Bottom line: The Pixel 4a features one of the greatest cameras on the market, but it’s also a lot more. It’s an excellent overall device that costs a little more than our top selection.

The Pixel 4a has little resemblance to its predecessor, the Pixel 3a. It preserved the plastic body, the simple appearance, and Android’s no-nonsense attitude. But what it did alter was that it improved on a large scale: it’s quicker, has more RAM and memory, a sharper display, and three more years of Android platform and security updates to pacify even the most apprehensive users.

The Pixel 4a, on the other hand, is limited in terms of storage options, with only 128GB available. It’s also only available in one size, a 5.8-inch device that’s easy to grip and operate with one hand.

2. Google Pixel 5a

Bottom line: While some may not consider it “affordable,” the Pixel 5a packs a powerful Snapdragon CPU, 5G connectivity, excellent cameras, water resistance, and more for its $450 asking price.

The Google Pixel 4a has already been noted, but its more expensive sibling, the Pixel 5a, is also worth mentioning. It’s similar to last year’s Pixel 4a, but with a few crucial improvements in critical areas.

First and foremost, there’s the processor to consider. The Snapdragon 765G is upgraded in the Pixel 5a, allowing for improved performance and 5G connection. Of course, 5G still has a lot of bugs to iron out, but if you plan on keeping your phone for the next few years and want to take advantage of the faster network speeds when they become more generally available, it’s worth thinking about.