The best cheap Android phones you can buy in 2021, ranked - Android
As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones are getting better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.
What are the best cheap Android phones?
Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and as we make our way through 2021, we expect more of the same. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. We recommend the Moto G Power (2020) as the best cheap Android phone because it hits the right balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure to love.
If you're willing to spend a bit more than the above pick, the Google Pixel 4a is a near-perfect balance of premium features at a value price, especially if you use the camera on your phone a lot. Indeed, the Pixel 4a's camera is nearly identical to its much more expensive Pixel 5 counterpart, and performance and battery life don't disappoint, either.
Further down the list, we really love the Moto G Fast, which is essentially a cheaper, thinner version of the Moto G Power. It has a lower-resolution display, a smaller battery, and slightly less RAM and storage. Still, overall it's a package that we can absolutely recommend, especially if you're looking to save as much money as possible on an unlocked Android phone.
We also recommend the Samsung Galaxy A71. This phone surprised us with its beautiful display and tremendous performance, and though you'll want to make sure that you're ready for a phone this size — it's a big one.
Moto G Power (2020)
Best Overall Budget Android Phone
Bottom line: The Moto G Power (2020) sacrifices very little to hit its $250 retail price. With a speedy processor, excellent cameras, and great battery life, this is the best cheap phone for most people.
| Category | Moto G Power (2020) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch LCD, 2300x1080, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Cameras | 16MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 16MP selfie |
| Charging | 10W wired |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | Water-repellent coating |
| Dimensions | 159.9x75.8x9.6mm |
| Weight | 199g |
Pros:
- Great build quality and design
- Three rear cameras are a lot of fun
- Up to three-day battery life
- Moto Display and Moto Actions are great
- Compatible with all major U.S. and international carriers
Cons:
- Moto G line isn't known for swift software updates
- Lacks NFC
Year after year, Motorola stands out as one of the best companies to watch for delivering great budget Android phones. 2020 saw the release of the Moto G Power, and if you're in the market for an affordable smartphone, it's hard to do much better than this.
The Power name is a reference to the phone's best feature — battery life. With a 5,000 mAh battery crammed inside, you can easily get two or three days of use on a single charge. In a world where it's the norm to throw your phone on the charger every single night, being able to go a few days without worrying about that is a dream come true.
Outside of the legendary battery life, the rest of the G Power's hardware is just as good. The 6.4-inch Full HD display is easy on the eyes, performance is plenty fast thanks to the Snapdragon 665 processor and 4GB of RAM, and graphical performance in mobile games is vastly improved to 2019's Moto G7. The G Power also has a trio of solid cameras, which allow for a wide variety of different types of shots you can take with the phone. Image quality is also pretty good considering how cheap the G Power is.
Tying all of this together is Motorola's excellent software. The user interface is nearly identical to what you'd find on a Pixel, meaning it's clean, pure Android as Google intended it. Motorola throws in a few software tweaks to further enhance your experience, such as Moto Display and Moto Actions. The former is arguably the best always-on display out there, with the latter allowing you to move the phone in a chopping motion to turn on the flashlight or twist it to open the camera.
We have two complaints about the Moto G Power, the first of which is its lack of NFC. Contactless payment solutions like Google Pay are becoming more and more commonplace with every day that passes, and buying a phone in 2021 that doesn't support this feels kind of silly. There's also the fact that Motorola only promises one major OS update for the G Power, meaning it likely won't be updated beyond Android 11 — a potential deal-breaker if you plan on keeping the phone for a long time.
However, if neither of those two things bothers you, the Moto G Power is a wonderfully complete package that we think a lot of people will be overly happy with.
Just a heads up that this is the 2020 version of the Moto G Power. A new 2021 model has since been released, but it's actually a worse product with a lower-resolution display and a slightly weaker processor. As such, we're going to keep recommending the Moto G Power (2020) over it.
Best Overall Budget Android Phone
Moto G Power (2020)
$180 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy
The best affordable Android phone for most people
If you need a cheap phone, you want the Moto G Power. It's built well, has a good display, and insane battery life.
Google Pixel 4a
Best Budget Android Phone Upgrade Pick
Bottom line: The Pixel 4a has the best camera on this list, but it's so much more than that. Just a fantastic overall device that happens to cost a bit more than our top pick.
| Category | Google Pixel 4a |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.81-inch OLED, 2340x1080, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Cameras | 12.2MP primary, 8MP selfie |
| Charging | 18W wired |
| Battery | 3,140 mAh |
| Water Resistance | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 144x69.4x8.2mm |
| Weight | 143g |
Pros:
- Incredible camera
- Excellent build quality with polycarbonate shell
- Three years of updates
- Clean Android build
- Has a headphone jack
Cons:
- Lacks wireless charging
- Lacks water resistance
- Only available in one size option
Google didn't change much about the Pixel 4a over its predecessor, the Pixel 3a. It kept the plastic body, the austere design, and the no-nonsense approach to Android. But what it did change, it improved on a wide scale: it's faster, it has more RAM and memory, a nicer display, and three additional years of Android platform and security updates to soothe even the most critical of users.
The Pixel 4a limits user choice, though: it only comes in in one storage variety, 128GB. It's also only available in one size, a 5.8-inch model that's easy to hold and use in one hand.
Where the Pixel 4a excels is in the basics. Its 3,180mAh battery lasts all day, thanks to the power-sipping properties of its upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor. Its 5.8-inch OLED display goes edge-to-edge, with only the slightest hint of a bezel and a camera cutout near the top left. There's only a single camera on the back, too, but that 12MP sensor combines with Google's best-in-class post-processing for the best photos you'll find in a phone at this price point. It's so good. In fact, you'll have a hard time telling the difference between photos produced on the Pixel 4a and those from the much more expensive Pixel 4.
So, where does the Pixel 4a cut costs? There's no wireless charging or water resistance, and the plastic body, despite a premium matte finish, can feel a little less premium than its metal-and-glass counterparts. Otherwise, this is a near-perfect phone for its very reasonable price and should be at the top of your list if you can spring the extra money over the Moto G Power.
Best Cheap Android Phone Upgrade Pick
Google Pixel 4a (128GB)
$349 at Amazon From $300 at Best Buy $349 at B&H
The uncontested photography king
Thanks to a lower price over the Pixel 3a, this is the best phone on this list if you can swing it in your price range.
Moto G Fast
Best Cheap Android Phone Value
Bottom line: Think of the Moto G Fast as a slightly toned-down version of the Moto G Power — and it costs less, too. What a great deal!
| Category | Moto G Fast |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch LCD, 1560x720, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Cameras | 16MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 8MP selfie |
| Charging | 10W wired |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | Water-repellent coating |
| Dimensions | 161.9x75.7x9.1mm |
| Weight | 189.4g |
Pros:
- Snapdragon 665 processor is plenty fast
- Large HD+ display
- Fingerprint sensor
- Motorola's software is excellent
- Compatible with all major carriers
Cons:
- Small amounts of RAM and storage
- Lacks NFC
If the Moto G Fast looks eerily similar to the Moto G Power, that's because it's identical to the phone in more ways than one. It strips down a couple of features in favor of an even lower price, making this one of the best values the Android market has to offer right now.
In regards to similarities, the Moto G Fast has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, Adreno 610 GPU for competent gaming, and support for expandable storage along with a headphone jack. You'll also find the same rear camera setup, consisting of the 16MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera.
The G Fast does cut a few corners to reach its lower price, but it doesn't take too much away from the overall user experience. The 6.4-inch display is lowered from Full HD+ to HD+, but in-day-to-day use should be perfectly fine for most people. It also has just 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, along with a 4,000 mAh battery. The smaller RAM count could prove to be an issue in a couple of years as you load the phone with apps, games, movies, and more, but it's still a decent amount for a phone this cheap.
Factor all of that together with how you can use the Moto G Fast on all major carriers in the U.S., and you end up with a value proposition that's nearly impossible to argue with.
Best Cheap Android Phone Value
Moto G Fast
$150 at Amazon From $100 at Best Buy $150 at B&H
One of the best values Android has to offer
For folks that love finding a good deal, the Moto G Fast is one of the best Android phones available.
Samsung Galaxy A71
Best Cheap Android Phone Camera System
Bottom line: The Pixel 4a may have the best camera quality, but the Samsung Galaxy A71 has the versatility. With four cameras overall, though, you'll definitely get your shot. Plus, the rest of the phone is great, too.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy A71 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 2400x1080, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Cameras | 64MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth, 32MP selfie |
| Charging | 25W wired |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh |
| Water Resistance | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 163.6x76x7.7mm |
| Weight | 179g |
Pros
- Stunning design
- Best camera system in its class
- AMOLED display is excellent
- Snappy, reliable performance
- Long battery life
Cons
- Doesn't come with a U.S. warranty
- Only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile
Samsung's lineup of mid-tier Android phones has gotten a lot better in recent years, with one of the latest examples being the Galaxy A71. This is at the higher-end of Samsung's more affordable Galaxy phones, and it should absolutely be on your shortlist.
As hinted at above, this is the cheap Android phone to get if you care about cameras. The heart of the Galaxy A71 is its 64MP primary camera, and photos taken with it look excellent. There's a lot of detail, good dynamic range, and vibrant colors. To help expand the types of pictures you can take, the A71 is also equipped with a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 5MP portrait camera.
Outside of the camera department, the Galaxy A71 is just as impressive. It delivers a gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED display, fast performance thanks to the Snapdragon 730 processor, and a beefy 4,500 mAh battery that allows for long endurance. Tie all of that together with USB-C charging and a headphone jack, and you end up with quite the package.
U.S. buyers take note: This version on Amazon U.S. is an international model and won't work on Verizon or any of its MVNOs. It will work perfectly on AT&T and T-Mobile. It also has no U.S. warranty. There is a more expensive Galaxy A71 5G available on Amazon, which is compatible with all U.S. carriers, but it's quite a bit more expensive.
Best Cheap Android Phone Camera System
Samsung Galaxy A71 (A715F 128GB)
$365 at Amazon
An excellent camera package, regardless of price
Samsung went all out with the Galaxy A71's cameras, giving you a 64MP primary lens and three other ones to play around with.
Nokia 5.4
Best Cheap Nokia Android Phone
Bottom line: Nokia's known for making great value Android phones, and the excellent Nokia 5.4 is another example. Expect decent performance, clean Android One-based software, and a lovely design.
| Category | Nokia 5.4 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.39-inch LCD, 1560x720, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB |
| Cameras | 48MP primary, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth, 16MP selfie |
| Charging | 10W wired |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 164.3x76.6x8.5mm |
| Weight | 6.4oz |
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Solid quad-camera system
- Two-day battery life
- Fingerprint sensor
- NFC for Google Pay
Cons:
- Display is only HD+
- No wireless charging
- Slow fingerprint sensor
Nokia makes solid Android phones that don't cost too much, and the Nokia 5.4 continues that tradition of high-quality hardware with clean Android One-based software. The phone's design is striking, too, with a tall-and-thin 20:9 aspect ratio that makes the metallic-looking body easy to grasp and use in one hand. And because the Nokia 5.4 runs Android One, it will get platform updates until 2023 and security patches until 2024.
On the hardware front, the Nokia 5.4 packs some serious power. The Snapdragon 662 processor and 4/6GB of RAM allow for reliable performance, the 4,000 mAh battery provides up to two days of use per charge, and you get a total of four cameras for endless picture-taking possibilities, including a very good 48MP main sensor. Throw in smaller features like NFC, USB-C charging, and a headphone jack, and you end up with a really complete package.
Best Cheap Nokia Android Phone
Nokia 5.4 Smartphone
$250 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy $250 at B&H
Nokia delivers the goods
The Nokia 5.4 shines as an excellent low-cost Android phone. It has four rear cameras, a headphone jack, and clean software.
Samsung Galaxy A51
Best Affordable Cheap Samsung Android Phone
Bottom line: Want the Samsung experience without the added cost? The Galaxy A51 is the best-selling Android phone in the world for a reason.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy A51 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.5-inch AMOLED, 2400x1080, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 9611 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Cameras | 48MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth, 32MP selfie |
| Charging | 15W wired |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 158.5x73.6x7.9mm |
| Weight | 172g |
Pros
- Good-looking hardware
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Four rear cameras
- Large 4,000 mAh battery
Cons
- So-so processor
Samsung has many decent offerings in 2021, with one of its better options being the Galaxy A51.
You'll find a lot of specs to keep you interested, including an AMOLED display, a 4,000 mAh battery for long endurance, and an Exynos 9611 processor. It's a decent chipset, but on the A51, it results in some laggy performance now and then.
The A51 is touting a total of four sensors on its backside. There's a 48MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 5MP macro camera, and a dedicated 5MP portrait camera. Not only does this setup allow for virtually endless possibilities with the kinds of photos you can take, but the 48MP primary camera is a fantastic shooter that captures wonderful detail and dynamic range.
Best Affordable Cheap Samsung Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A51 Cell Phone
$400 at Amazon $360 at Best Buy
Samsung packs quite a punch
Want a quality Samsung phone without going broke? Make sure to check out the Galaxy A51!
TCL 10L
Best Cheap Android Phone Features
Bottom line: If you're looking for features galore, from video-enhancing modes to excellent camera and battery optimizations, the TCL 10L is a fantastic option.
| Category | TCL 10L |
|---|---|
