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Top Cheap Phones Under $100: Budget-Friendly Smartphone Picks for 2025

Christopher Parkmond
a man holding a phone

Finding a good phone that doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like a challenge, especially with all the fancy new models coming out. But honestly, you don’t need to spend a ton of cash to get a device that works well for everyday stuff. We’ve looked at a bunch of options to find the best cheap phones under $100 that still offer a decent experience. Whether you’re just checking emails, scrolling social media, or need something for basic calls, there are some solid choices out there that won’t break the bank. Let’s check out some of the top picks.

Key Takeaways

1. Google Pixel 9a

Design and Display

The Google Pixel 9a keeps things pretty simple in terms of looks, which might not be for everyone. Gone is the old camera bar, replaced by a more subtle dual-camera setup that sits flat on the back. It’s not the most exciting design out there, but it still looks decent, especially in those iris or peony color options. The screen is a 6.3-inch OLED panel, and it’s actually bigger and brighter than the previous model. Plus, it has a 120-Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations look really smooth. The bezels around the screen are a bit chunky, but honestly, it’s not a big deal when you’re using the phone.

Performance and Battery

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a uses Google’s Tensor G4 chip, the same one found in the higher-end Pixel 9 phones. This means you get some pretty neat AI features, and Google promises seven years of software updates, which is pretty amazing for a phone in this price range. Performance-wise, I haven’t run into any issues, even when I was doing a lot at once. It comes with 8 GB of RAM, so it misses out on a couple of the flagship features like Call Notes and the Pixel Screenshots app, but those aren’t dealbreakers. Battery life is also a strong point. The 5,100-mAh battery should easily get you through a full day with normal use. If you’re a heavy user, though, you might want to keep a power bank handy.

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Cameras and Special Features

As you’d expect from a Pixel, the cameras are a real highlight. The 48-megapixel main camera takes really good photos, capturing lots of detail and good colors, even in tricky lighting. There’s also a 13-MP ultrawide camera, and the 13-MP front camera is perfectly fine for selfies. What really sets the Pixel 9a apart are the smart software features. Things like Audio Magic Eraser, which can remove background noise from your videos, and Google’s Call Screen to block spam calls are super useful. You also get secure face and fingerprint unlock, which work with most apps, and NFC for contactless payments. It even has an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle a bit of water and dust. You can find out more about Google’s latest phones.

Key Specs

Feature Specification
Display 6.3-inch, 120-Hz OLED
Processor Tensor G4
RAM 8 GB
Storage 128 GB, 256 GB (non-expandable)
Battery 5,100 mAh
Rear Cameras 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide
Front Camera 13MP
Updates 7 years
Extras Qi wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint/face unlock, NFC

2. Nothing Phone 3a

When it comes to phones that look a bit different, Nothing has been doing a pretty good job. The Nothing Phone 3a is no exception, with its see-through back and those cool light-up glyphs. It’s definitely a phone that gets noticed, and honestly, it feels pretty good in the hand too, even if the camera bump is a little chunky.

Performance-wise, it’s running on a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, which is pretty zippy for everyday stuff like browsing and social media. The battery is a big 5,000 mAh, so you can expect it to last a full day, maybe even two if you’re not constantly glued to the screen. The display is also nice – it’s a 6.77-inch AMOLED that’s bright and smooth with its 120Hz refresh rate.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind, especially if you’re in the US. Nothing is selling these through a beta program here, which means 5G compatibility can be a bit tricky. It works best with T-Mobile, and while 4G should be fine on AT&T and Verizon, you might have to call them up to get 5G working, which is a hassle.

Here’s a quick look at what you get:

Despite the US connectivity quirks, the software is clean and has some unique AI features, like the Essential Key button for notes and tasks. If you’re on T-Mobile or don’t mind a little setup, the Nothing Phone 3a is a stylish option that offers a lot for its price, especially with that dedicated telephoto lens. It’s a solid choice if you want something that stands out from the usual crowd, and you can find more details on the Nothing Phone (3a) if you’re curious.

3. Moto G Power (2025)

Motorola’s Moto G Power line has always been about one thing: battery life. And the 2025 model continues that tradition, packing a hefty 5,000 mAh battery that can easily last you through a couple of days of normal use. Seriously, in our tests, it clocked in over 17 hours, which is pretty darn impressive for a phone that won’t break the bank. Plus, it supports 30W wired charging, getting you over halfway charged in just 30 minutes. And get this, it even has wireless charging, which is a nice bonus you don’t see on many budget phones.

Now, let’s talk about what you get for your money. The Moto G Power (2025) sports a large 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making everything look smooth. It’s running Android 14 and comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip. While it’s not going to win any speed races, it’s perfectly fine for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos. You also get 128GB of storage, which is decent, though it’s not expandable. The camera setup is a 50MP main sensor, which takes good pictures when the lighting is right, but don’t expect miracles in low light. One of the big improvements this year is the software update policy: two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. That means you can keep this phone for a good while. If you prioritize battery life above all else in a budget phone, the Moto G Power (2025) is a really solid choice.

Key Features

What to Consider

4. Moto G (2025)

Motorola’s Moto G line has always been a solid choice for those who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The Moto G (2025) continues this tradition, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It’s a phone that gets the basics right, making it a strong contender in the budget segment.

One of the standout features is its display. You get a sizable screen that’s great for watching videos or browsing the web. While it might not have the absolute brightest panel out there, it’s perfectly usable for most situations, especially indoors. The refresh rate is also decent, making scrolling feel smoother than on some older budget phones.

When it comes to performance, the Moto G (2025) is powered by a processor that handles everyday tasks well. You can expect it to manage social media, email, and light gaming without too much fuss. It’s not going to win any speed races, but for the price, it’s a capable performer. Plus, Motorola has improved its software update policy, promising two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. This means your phone should stay current for a good while.

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

It also comes with some nice extras that you don’t always see in this price range. Things like NFC for mobile payments are included, which is super handy. And if you’re someone who likes to keep their music or podcasts on their phone, the expandable storage is a big plus. You can often find this phone on sale, making it an even better deal. For instance, you might find discounts that bring the price down significantly, especially if you’re trading in an older device. Keep an eye out for deals on the Motorola Moto G 2025.

5. iPhone 16e

Alright, let’s talk about the iPhone 16e. If you’re set on getting a new iPhone but don’t want to spend a fortune, this is pretty much your only option from Apple. It’s priced at $599, which is a bit more than you might expect for a budget phone, but it does come with some pretty neat features. It’s the cheapest way to get into Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip.

So, what do you get for your money? Well, it’s got that A18 chip, which means it’s zippy and can handle Apple’s new AI features. The battery life is actually quite good, lasting a full day even with heavy use, thanks to a new, more power-efficient modem. The 48-megapixel camera takes decent pictures, though it’s the only one on the back. You won’t find things like MagSafe for attaching accessories or the ultra-wideband chip for precise AirTag tracking here. It also has the older notch design instead of the Dynamic Island.

Key Features and Omissions

Who is this phone for?

This phone is really for the Apple loyalist who wants a new iPhone but can’t justify the cost of the higher-end models. If you can snag it with carrier deals, the price can drop significantly, making it a more palatable option. It’s a functional device that gets you the core iPhone experience, including access to the Apple ecosystem, but you’ll have to live without some of the bells and whistles found on pricier models. Honestly, for the price, you might find other phones in this guide offer more bang for your buck, but if it has to be an iPhone, this is it.

6. NUU N10

Display and Performance

The NUU N10 sports a pretty big 6.6-inch display with an HD+ resolution. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel smoother than on phones with standard 60Hz screens. Under the hood, it’s running a 1.6GHz octa-core processor. While it’s not a big name brand, it’s good enough to handle Android 14 with Gemini AI support without too much fuss. Plus, it comes with 4GB of RAM, and you can even extend that with another 4GB of virtual RAM if you need a bit more power for multitasking.

Storage and Battery

For storage, you get a decent 128GB built-in, which is quite a bit for a phone in this price range. If that’s not enough, you can pop in a microSD card to expand it further, up to another 128GB. Powering all of this is a large 5,000mAh battery. That should easily get you through a full day of use, and it charges up via USB-C, which is standard these days. It’s a surprisingly capable option for the price, especially if you’re looking for a clean Android experience.

Cameras and Connectivity

On the camera front, the NUU N10 has a 13MP main camera on the back with autofocus, along with a 2MP secondary camera. For selfies, there’s a 5MP camera on the front. These cameras are serviceable for everyday shots. Connectivity-wise, it supports 4G networks. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t support CDMA carriers, so if you’re on Verizon, you’ll need to look elsewhere. It works with AT&T, T-Mobile, and their associated MVNOs. Staying updated with the latest tech news can help you make informed decisions about your next device, and reading daily tech blogs is a good way to do that daily tech blogs.

Key Features:

7. Xiaomi Redmi 13C

The Xiaomi Redmi 13C is a solid contender if you’re looking for a phone that punches above its weight class without breaking the bank. It usually hovers just over the $100 mark, but keep an eye out for sales, and you can snag it for less. It’s got a pretty standard plastic build for this price point, with a little waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. What’s nice, though, is the fingerprint sensor conveniently placed on the side, and the camera actually does a decent job for what you pay.

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset handles everyday tasks pretty well, making it feel more capable than you might expect from a budget device. You can get it with different memory options, but the version that fits our budget usually comes with 4GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of storage, which you can even expand further with a microSD card. Seriously, you can add up to 1TB, which is wild for this price. The 5,000mAh battery is a real standout, easily giving you two to three days of use on a single charge. Plus, it charges up at 18W, and it uses the modern USB-C port. They also bumped up the display to a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel smoother. The 50MP main camera is probably the best you’ll find in this price bracket, capturing some really nice shots. The main drawback, however, is that it’s not officially sold in the U.S., and even if you import one, getting it to work with U.S. carriers might be a hassle. If that’s not a dealbreaker, though, this Xiaomi phone is a fantastic option for anyone on a tight budget. For more information on pricing and availability, you might want to check out price comparison sites.

8. BLU G33

Design and Display

The BLU G33 really tries to stand out in the budget phone crowd, and honestly, it does a pretty good job. It’s got this textured back that’s actually kind of cool, and it comes in some nice colors. It’s not exactly fancy, but it’s definitely not boring either. You get a 6.26-inch LCD screen, which is a decent size for watching videos or just browsing around. It’s not the sharpest screen out there, but for the price, it’s perfectly fine.

Performance and Features

Under the hood, it’s running an octa-core processor, which is okay for everyday stuff like checking email or social media. But, and this is a big but, it only has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. That means if you like to have a lot of apps open or download a bunch of photos, you might run into some slowdowns. Thankfully, you can add more storage with a microSD card, which is a big plus. It also has some nice extras like face unlock and a fingerprint reader built into the power button. It even runs a clean version of Android 13 Go Edition, which is pretty good for a phone this cheap. It’s also got a USB-C port for charging, which is always convenient, and it’s designed to be water-resistant, which is a nice bit of protection.

Camera and Battery

Let’s talk cameras. You’ve got a 5MP main camera on the back, plus a tiny 0.3MP helper camera, and a 5MP camera on the front for selfies. They’ll get the job done for quick snaps, but don’t expect anything amazing, especially in low light. The battery is 3,000mAh. It’s not the biggest battery we’ve seen, and some users have mentioned it might not last a full day if you’re using it a lot. So, you might need to keep a charger handy.

What’s in the Box

One of the coolest things about the BLU G33 is what comes included. BLU really packs the box with accessories. You get a screen protector, a soft case, the charger and cable, and even a sticker. It’s like a little care package for your new phone, which is a nice touch when you’re trying to save money.

Verdict

Overall, the BLU G33 is a solid choice if you need a basic smartphone for under $100. It looks decent, has some handy features like face unlock and expandable storage, and comes with a bunch of extras. The main drawbacks are the limited RAM and storage, and the battery life could be better. But for the price, it’s hard to complain too much. It’s a good option if you’re on a tight budget and need a phone that can handle the basics. If you’re curious about how other budget phones handle their cameras, you might want to check out how LG and Huawei compare.

9. Cat S22 Flip

Built Tough for Real Life

Okay, so if you’re someone who tends to drop their phone, like, a lot, or maybe works in a dusty or wet environment, the Cat S22 Flip is definitely worth a look. This thing is built like a tank. It’s got that military-grade toughness, meaning it can handle drops, dust, and even water way better than your average smartphone. Seriously, it’s got IP68 and IP69K ratings, which is pretty impressive for a phone that’s also a flip phone.

What’s Inside?

Don’t let the rugged exterior fool you; it’s still running Android 11 (Go Edition). This means you can actually download some apps, like Facebook or YouTube, which is more than you can say for some other basic phones out there. It’s got a 2.8-inch touchscreen on the inside, which is decent for a flip phone, plus a smaller 1.44-inch screen on the outside for quick glances at notifications. Under the hood, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 215 chipset, paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. You can also pop in a microSD card if you need more space. The battery should get you through a decent chunk of the day, offering up to 12 hours.

Key Features:

The Flip Phone Experience

It’s got a physical keypad, which is a nice change of pace if you’re tired of tapping on glass all the time. Plus, there’s a 5MP camera on the back and a 2MP one for selfies. It’s not going to win any photography awards, but it’s there if you need it. Charging is done via USB-C, which is standard these days. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end smartphone, for what it is and the price point, the Cat S22 Flip is a solid choice for anyone needing a durable phone that can still connect to the internet and run a few apps. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a phone that can survive your daily grind, and you can find it at a great price.

10. TCL 30 Z

The TCL 30 Z is a pretty straightforward phone that aims to get the basics done without costing too much. It’s running Android 12, which is a plus, and it comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. If you need more space, you can pop in a microSD card and expand it all the way up to 512GB, which is pretty neat for a phone in this price range. The 6.1-inch screen is decent enough for everyday tasks, though the bezels are a bit chunky.

When it comes to the cameras, you’ve got an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. They’re fine for quick snaps, but don’t expect anything amazing. Battery life is generally good, which is always a relief. One thing to note is that it uses a microUSB port for charging, which feels a bit old-fashioned these days. Still, for the price, it’s a functional device that gets the job done. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a simple smartphone experience and don’t need all the bells and whistles. You can check out other budget-friendly options like the OmGate smart garage opener if you’re interested in tech that simplifies daily life.

Wrapping Up Your Budget Phone Search

So, finding a good phone without spending a fortune is totally doable. We’ve looked at some solid options that prove you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars to get a device that works well for everyday tasks. Whether you need something for calls and texts, browsing the web, or even snapping a few decent photos, there’s a budget-friendly phone out there for you. Remember to check the specs that matter most to you, like battery life or camera quality, and you’ll likely find a great fit that keeps your wallet happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from a phone that costs less than $100?

You can find great phones for under $100 that are perfect for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, and using social media. While they might not have the fancy features of expensive phones, they offer good value and will get the job done.

What should I look for when buying a cheap phone?

When picking a cheap phone, think about what’s most important to you. Battery life is key if you’re always on the go. A decent camera is nice for capturing memories. Also, check how long the phone will get software updates, as this means it will stay secure and get new features for longer.

Do phones under $100 support 5G?

Yes, many phones under $100 come with 5G, but it’s not as common as with pricier models. If 5G is a must-have, make sure to check the phone’s specs carefully. Most budget phones will offer reliable 4G LTE, which is still fast enough for most people.

Can I get an iPhone for under $100?

While most phones under $100 run on Android, there isn’t a new iPhone available in this price range. The cheapest new iPhone is the iPhone 16e, which costs much more. If you really want an iPhone and have a tight budget, you might need to consider buying a used or older model.

Do any cheap phones have extra features like water resistance or NFC?

Some budget phones include extra features like water resistance, multiple cameras for different types of shots (like wide-angle), or even NFC for easy payments. These extras can make a big difference, so see if any of the phones on our list have the bonus features you want.

Is now a good time to buy a cheap smartphone?

It’s a good idea to buy a cheap phone now. Many of the phones we recommend are from 2025, meaning they’re the latest models. Plus, prices for electronics can sometimes go up later in the year, so getting one now could save you money.

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