Discover the Best Cheap Android Phone Deals of 2025

Finding a good phone that doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like a treasure hunt. Seriously, some of the new phones coming out are just wild, but you don’t need to spend a ton of cash to get something that works well for everyday stuff. We’ve looked at a bunch of options for 2025 to help you figure out the best cheap Android phone that fits your needs and your wallet. You might be surprised at what you can get for your money these days.

Key Takeaways

• Many reputable brands like Google, Samsung, and Motorola offer reliable budget Android phones.
• When choosing a cheap Android phone, consider network compatibility and the chipset for better performance.
• Compromises on budget phones are usually in feature quality, like secondary cameras or build materials, not necessarily missing features.
• Sales events like Amazon Prime Day in October and Black Friday in November are good times to find deals on budget phones.
• The Google Pixel 9a is a top contender for the best overall cheap Android phone in 2025, offering a premium feel and good cameras.

1. Google Pixel 9a

Alright, let’s talk about the Google Pixel 9a. If you’re looking for a solid phone that won’t totally empty your wallet, this one is definitely worth a look. Google really hit a sweet spot with this model, packing in a lot of the good stuff you find in their pricier phones but keeping the cost down. It’s basically a flagship experience without the flagship price tag.

What really stands out is the camera. You get that signature Pixel photo quality, which means your shots will look great, even in tricky lighting. Plus, Google throws in some neat AI tricks to make your photos even better, like fixing blurry faces or even letting you do some cool astrophotography. It’s powered by the Tensor G4 chip, so it handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and even some light gaming without any fuss. You also get a pretty big battery, which should get you through most of the day.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

• Display: A nice, bright P-OLED screen that’s smooth thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.
• Camera: A dual-lens system that punches way above its weight class.
• Performance: Google’s Tensor G4 chip for smooth everyday use.
• Battery: A 5,100mAh cell that should last you a good while.
• Software Updates: Google’s promise of seven years of updates is pretty amazing, meaning this phone will stay current for a long time.

It’s not perfect, of course. The wired charging could be faster, and wireless charging is still a bit on the slow side. But honestly, for the price, these are minor quibbles. If you’re upgrading from an older phone, you’ll notice a big difference, especially in battery life and camera performance. It’s a really well-rounded device that makes a lot of sense if you want a great Android phone without spending a fortune. You can often find it on sale, which makes it an even better deal. Check out the Google Pixel 8a deal if you’re curious about current pricing.

2. OnePlus 13R

The OnePlus 13R is shaping up to be a real contender for the best value flagship phone of 2025. While it might cost a bit more than its predecessor, the upgrades feel pretty substantial. You’re getting a really nice 6.78-inch flat AMOLED screen that makes watching videos or playing games a treat. Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which means this phone can handle pretty much anything you throw at it without breaking a sweat. It comes with at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, so you won’t be running out of space or speed anytime soon.

When it comes to cameras, the 13R has a triple-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens that offers 2x optical zoom. The ultra-wide is an 8MP, and there’s a 16MP front camera. While the secondary cameras aren’t the absolute best, the main camera takes decent shots, especially in good lighting.

One of the standout features is the massive 6,000mAh battery, which should easily get you through two days of use. Plus, it supports 80W wired charging, so you can top it up really quickly. Just a heads-up, though, it still doesn’t have wireless charging. The phone runs Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, and OnePlus is promising four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, which is pretty solid.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:

• Display: A bright, large flat LTPO AMOLED panel.
• Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is still a powerhouse.
• Battery: Expect epic battery life with super-fast 80W charging.
• Design: It has a premium feel with a squared-off look.

The OnePlus 13R is a strong contender if you want flagship performance without the flagship price tag. It’s not perfect, as the secondary cameras could be better and there’s no wireless charging, but for the money, it’s hard to beat.

3. CMF Phone 2 Pro

CMF by Nothing is back with the Phone 2 Pro, and it’s building on what made the original CMF Phone a standout in the budget category. This phone really leans into its unique design, featuring that distinctive transparent back panel and those cool, customizable Glyph lights. It’s definitely a phone that gets noticed.

What’s new this time around? Well, they’ve upgraded the camera system to a triple-lens setup with a larger main sensor, which should mean better photos, especially in less-than-ideal lighting. The display is also improved, offering a brighter and more accurate viewing experience. Plus, they’ve bumped up the water and dust resistance rating to IP54, giving it a bit more protection against the elements. For those who like to pay on the go, the inclusion of NFC for contactless payments is a big plus.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key specs:

• Display: 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB Storage
• Cameras: 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, 32MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 50W wired charging
• Software Support: Three years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches

One of the most significant improvements is the software support. CMF is now promising three years of Android OS upgrades and a solid six years of security updates. That’s a pretty good commitment for a phone in this price range, especially when you compare it to some other brands. While it might not be as readily available in the US as some competitors, if you appreciate a phone with a bit of personality and solid upgrades, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is certainly worth a look. It’s a strong contender if you’re looking for something different and capable without breaking the bank, and it’s great to see brands like CMF pushing the envelope in the budget space, much like how Samsung is trying to innovate with its own offerings.

4. Samsung Galaxy A17

Samsung’s Galaxy A series has always been a go-to for folks looking for a decent phone without breaking the bank, and the upcoming Galaxy A17 seems to be continuing that trend. While we don’t have the official specs yet, based on its predecessors like the A16, we can expect a solid all-around performer. It’s likely to offer a great display and long-term software support, which are big wins in the budget category.

Think about what you get with the A16: a nice 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. That means your scrolling and videos will look pretty smooth. Plus, Samsung’s commitment to updates is pretty impressive for a cheaper phone – we’re talking years of operating system and security updates. That’s not something you see from every brand in this price range.

Here’s what we might expect from the Galaxy A17, based on the A16:

• Display: A large AMOLED screen, probably around 6.7 inches, with a smooth refresh rate (maybe 90Hz or even 120Hz).
• Performance: A capable processor that handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without much fuss. Don’t expect flagship speeds, but it should be reliable.
• Cameras: A decent main camera for everyday shots, likely accompanied by secondary lenses for wider shots or close-ups, though those extra lenses can sometimes be just for show.
• Battery: A big battery, probably around 5,000mAh, which should easily get you through a full day of use.
• Software: The latest Android version at launch, with Samsung’s promise of several years of updates to keep it secure and up-to-date.

Of course, there might be some trade-offs. Cheaper phones often have less premium build materials, and while the cameras are usually okay, they won’t compete with high-end models, especially in low light. Still, for the price, the Galaxy A17 is shaping up to be another strong contender for anyone needing a reliable smartphone on a budget.

5. Google Pixel 8a

Even though the Pixel 9a is out, the Google Pixel 8a is still a really solid choice if you’re looking for a good phone without spending a fortune. It’s one of those phones that just works, and now that it’s not the newest model, you can often find it on sale, which makes it an even better deal.

When I used the Pixel 8a, I was pretty impressed with the camera. It takes pictures that look like they came from a much more expensive phone, which is pretty cool. Plus, Google promises seven years of software and security updates, which is a really long time and means your phone should stay up-to-date for ages. That’s a big plus for keeping your phone secure and running smoothly.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Display: A nice 6.1-inch OLED screen that’s bright and smooth thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.
• Performance: Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, it handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and apps without any problems. It’s not really for heavy gaming, though.
• Camera: A great dual-lens rear camera system that’s a highlight, plus a 13MP front camera.
• Battery: A 4,492mAh battery that should get you through most of the day. Charging is a bit slow at 18W wired and 7.5W wireless.
• Updates: Google’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates is a major selling point.

If you’re in Canada and looking for plans for this phone, you can compare different deals from major carriers all in one place. The Pixel 8a offers a lot of Pixel-exclusive features and a comfortable design, making it a great value, especially when you find it on sale. It’s a smart pick if you want a reliable phone with a fantastic camera and long-term software support.

6. Motorola Moto G86

Motorola really knows how to pack a punch in the budget phone market, and the Moto G86 is no exception. It’s a phone that feels more expensive than it is, especially if you get it in one of the more vibrant color options. The design is pretty slick, and honestly, you might not even need a case if you like the look of it.

What really grabs you is the display. It’s a big 6.67-inch pOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes everything from scrolling through your feeds to watching videos feel really smooth and look quite nice. It’s a great screen for everyday use.

Under the hood, it’s running a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip. For normal stuff like browsing, messaging, and streaming, it’s perfectly fine. Don’t expect to play super demanding games on it, though; it might struggle a bit there. Motorola’s version of Android is pretty clean, which is always a plus.

One of the best things is the battery. It’s a big 5000mAh cell that should easily get you through a full day, maybe even a day and a half if you’re not pushing it too hard. Plus, it supports 30W wired charging, so you can get a decent boost pretty quickly. The cameras are okay for the price, but if photography is your main focus, you might want to look elsewhere. Still, for a solid all-around budget phone, the Moto G86 is a strong contender, especially if you appreciate a good screen and long battery life. It’s a durable smartphone designed to keep up with your active lifestyle, boasting a high-capacity battery and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. You can find some good deals on this robust device if you shop around.

7. TCL Stylus 5G

Okay, so TCL has this interesting phone, the Stylus 5G, and it’s definitely worth a look if you’re into that whole stylus thing but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s not exactly a powerhouse, but it gets the job done for everyday tasks and, you know, writing notes or doodling.

What’s cool is that it comes with a built-in stylus, which is pretty neat for a budget device. You can stash it right in the phone when you’re not using it. The screen is a decent size, and it’s got a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel smoother than on some older phones. Plus, the battery life is pretty solid, usually lasting a full day, and it charges up reasonably fast.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The cameras are just okay, especially in low light, and some people find the software a bit cluttered with extra apps. Also, the fingerprint sensor can be a bit finicky sometimes. But for the price, it’s a decent option if you need a stylus without breaking the bank. You can often find good deals on these if you shop around, maybe check out places like Backmarket for refurbished options.

8. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Alright, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This phone is definitely on the pricier side, kicking off at around $1,300, so it’s not exactly a budget find. But, if you’re looking for the absolute best screen on a smartphone right now, this might be it. Seriously, it’s pretty amazing. The cameras are also top-notch, and Samsung has added some cool pro video tools that really compete with what you see on iPhones.

Samsung basically kept all the good stuff from last year’s S24 Ultra, like that anti-reflective display, but also some of the not-so-good stuff, like that high price tag. If you’re coming from an older phone, like an S22 Ultra or anything before that, you’ll see a big jump in performance and features. However, if you have an S24 Ultra, you probably don’t need to upgrade unless your current phone’s battery is really struggling. Honestly, saving your money might be the smarter move there.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Display: It boasts a 6.9-inch screen that’s widely considered the best available on any phone.
• Cameras: Expect versatile camera options, including a high-resolution ultrawide lens.
• Performance: Powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
• Stylus: It includes the S Pen, which is great for note-taking and precise control.

Now, who should really consider this phone? If you want the absolute best screen, the most flexible cameras, and the stylus, the S25 Ultra is your guy. But if you can dial back your needs a bit on any of those fronts, you might want to look at the regular Galaxy S25 or even last year’s S24 Ultra. The standard S25, for instance, offers much of the same power and AI features for a lot less money. It’s always good to think about how you’ll actually use your phone day-to-day. For example, making sure your photos are backed up is a good habit to get into, and you can do that easily with Google Photos. Enhance your Android phone’s efficiency with some smart tips.

9. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

If you’re looking for the absolute top-tier Google experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL really steps up. It’s got that same slick design and the AI features that Google is really pushing this year, like Gemini Live for conversations and the Pixel Studio for making images from text. It’s a big phone, too, with a really nice 6.8-inch screen that’s great for watching videos or playing games when you’re out and about.

What’s cool is how Google is promising seven years of software and security updates. That’s a long time to keep your phone feeling fresh and safe. The cameras are pretty solid, especially in good light, and the Tensor G4 chip handles everyday tasks without any fuss. It’s a phone that just works, and the software is clean and easy to get around, which is a big plus if you don’t want to mess with a bunch of complicated settings.

However, it’s not all perfect. The low-light camera performance is just okay, and some of the really fancy AI stuff might eventually need a subscription, though you get the first year free. Also, if you don’t need the absolute best camera Google offers, the regular Pixel 9 might be enough for you, and it’s a bit cheaper.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

10. Xiaomi Budget Phones

Xiaomi, and its sub-brand POCO, consistently show up when we talk about affordable phones. They really pack a punch for the price, often giving you specs that you’d normally see on phones costing way more. It’s not just about the processor or RAM, though. Xiaomi often throws in nice displays and decent battery life, which are big wins for budget buyers.

The POCO F6 Pro, for example, was a real standout last year, offering a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and plenty of memory for around $450-$480. That kind of value is hard to beat. While they might not always lead the pack in software updates, the hardware you get for your money is usually pretty impressive.

When looking at Xiaomi’s budget lineup, here’s what you can generally expect:

• Performance: Often uses capable Snapdragon chipsets that handle daily tasks and even some gaming without much fuss.
• Display: You’ll frequently find good quality AMOLED screens with high refresh rates, making everything look smoother.
• Battery: Generally good battery life, often paired with fast charging capabilities.
• Build: While not always premium, they tend to be solid and hold up well.

It’s worth noting that some Xiaomi phones might be harder to find or not officially sold in North America, which can affect band support and availability. But if you can get your hands on one, they’re definitely worth considering for a cheap Android phone.

Wrapping Up Your Search for a Great Budget Phone

So, there you have it. Finding a good Android phone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve looked at some really solid options that pack a punch without emptying your wallet. Remember, it’s all about what you need. Whether it’s a great camera, a battery that lasts, or just a smooth experience for everyday tasks, there’s a budget phone out there for you. Keep an eye out for sales, especially around big shopping holidays, because you can often snag an even better deal. Happy phone hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a cheap Android phone good?

Good cheap Android phones are reliable and offer a lot of features for their price. Brands like Google, Samsung, and Motorola usually make great budget phones that work well and last a long time. They often have decent cameras, good battery life, and sometimes even water resistance or fast charging.

What are the main things to watch out for when buying a cheap Android phone?

When you’re buying a cheaper phone, the biggest differences are usually in the camera quality and the speed of the processor. While many budget phones have multiple cameras, they might not be as good as those on more expensive phones. Also, make sure the phone has a good enough processor (like a Snapdragon 600-series or higher, or a MediaTek Dimensity) so it doesn’t feel slow.

Can I find good deals on cheap Android phones during sales?

Yes, you can often find even better deals during big sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. These sales happen at specific times of the year, so keeping an eye out can help you save even more money on a great budget phone.

Are older phone models a good option if I want a cheaper phone?

Sometimes, yes! If you can’t find a new phone that fits your budget, looking for a slightly older model that has been reduced in price can be a smart move. You might get a phone that was once considered high-end for a much lower cost.

Do budget Android phones get software updates?

This is changing rapidly! Many companies are now offering good software and security updates for their budget phones, similar to their more expensive models. However, it’s always a good idea to check how long a specific phone is expected to receive updates before you buy it.

Is it important to check network compatibility for budget phones?

Absolutely. When you buy an unlocked phone, you need to make sure it works with your mobile carrier’s network. All modern phones support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but not all of them work with every cellular network, so it’s important to check this before purchasing.