Finest cellphone beneath $200 in contrast
Inexpensive telephones beneath $200 for 2024
Whereas we solely bought our fingers on one of many really helpful picks for direct testing, we’re leveraging our intensive expertise with different fashions from the identical manufacturers. This permits us to offer insights on software program assist, digicam options, and well timed updates.
Because the begin of the 12 months, the entry-level smartphone market has seen some vital adjustments, particularly with the surge of 5G fashions. It signifies that not less than two of the 4 fashions on our listing boast 5G assist, and through gross sales, you possibly can generally snag a 5G model of the runner-up cellphone for beneath $200.
One other encouraging pattern is the rising give attention to long-term software program assist. Many telephones now present not simply Android upgrades, but additionally very important safety patches, protecting your system safe and present.
Samsung Galaxy A15: Superior software program assist (+ 5G)
Learn the Samsung Galaxy A15 evaluate
The Galaxy A15 5G is Samsung’s newest addition to the entry-level 5G market in 2024, following its predecessor, the Galaxy A14 5G. With a sub-$200 price ticket, the A15 stands out for its robust software program replace coverage, promising as much as 5 years of safety updates, which is outstanding for this value vary.
When it comes to {hardware}, the Galaxy A15 5G includes a 6.5-inch AMOLED show with FHD+ decision and a 90 Hz refresh price, providing a major improve over the earlier mannequin’s LCD display screen. The system is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, making certain respectable efficiency for on a regular basis duties and average gaming.
Samsung has reconfigured the digicam setup on the A15 5G, changing the much less helpful 2 MP depth sensor with a extra sensible 5 MP ultra-wide lens, alongside a 50 MP fundamental digicam and a 2 MP macro digicam. Nonetheless, the digicam efficiency, particularly in low-light circumstances, stays an space the place compromises are evident.
Total, the Galaxy A15 5G gives a compelling package deal for these on the lookout for an inexpensive 5G smartphone with stable software program assist and a good show, regardless of some compromises in digicam high quality and efficiency.
Good
- Excessive-quality AMOLED show with 90 Hz
- Stable workmanship
- First rate efficiency that’s adequate for cellular video games
- As much as 5 years of updates
Dangerous
- Digicam fairly rigid general
- Mono speaker sounds very tinny
- Reasonably low energy reserves for the following 5 years
Go to evaluate
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024): 5G on a price range
The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) brings vital worth to the price range smartphone market. That includes a 6.6-inch IPS LCD show with a 120Hz refresh price, it ensures easy visuals for each day duties and media consumption. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, the system gives stable efficiency, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage.
The Moto G 5G’s digicam setup features a 50MP fundamental sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Whereas the primary digicam performs effectively in good lighting, its low-light efficiency and lack of optical picture stabilization (OIS) are notable drawbacks. The entrance digicam options an 8MP sensor, satisfactory for fundamental selfies and video calls.
Operating on Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX, the Moto G 5G gives a near-stock Android expertise with helpful customizations like Moto Actions. The system guarantees one main OS improve and three years of bi-monthly safety updates.
The 5000 mAh battery offers all-day utilization, although its 18W charging pace is slower in comparison with some opponents. Further options embrace a 3.5 mm headphone jack, stereo audio system, and assist for 5G connectivity, making it a well-rounded selection for budget-conscious customers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023): Notice for much less
The Moto G Stylus (2023) gives loads of options, regardless of its complicated title. Obtainable in two variations, one with 5G and a extra budget-friendly 4G mannequin beneath $200, it boasts a big 90 Hz display screen and an built-in stylus, making it supreme for productiveness duties.
Traditionally, the 2021 and 2022 Stylus fashions noticed vital value drops a couple of months after their launch, typically falling beneath $200. This pattern suggests maintaining a tally of gross sales for those who’re trying to future-proof your system. Nonetheless, it is necessary to notice that Motorola’s monitor document for software program updates is not as robust as Samsung’s, providing fewer years of safety updates and slower Android upgrades in comparison with prime opponents.
Nokia C210: The naked minimal
The Nokia C210 is a nostalgic nod to the outdated plastic smartphones, that includes thick bezels and fundamental specs. It comes with the Snapdragon 662 processor, which, regardless of being outdated, powered many mid-range telephones not way back.
A key benefit of the Nokia C210 is Nokia’s latest dedication to software program updates, usually offering three years of safety updates, just like Samsung. Nonetheless, do not count on stellar digicam efficiency. The C210 is supplied with low-resolution sensors, satisfactory for fundamental household images however not way more.
Options to buying a brand new smartphone
Refurbished, sale models, and used/refurbished telephones
If eradicating the protecting movie out of your new system for the primary time doesn’t spark pleasure, you possibly can choose up costlier smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It’s notably advisable to make use of units that carry a refurbished assure. These are used smartphones which have been checked and refurbished by respected firms to make sure that they’re in tip-top situation.
Refurbished units are notably attention-grabbing to take a look at after they include an prolonged guarantee. That is the way you defend your self when choosing one up simply in case the handset provides up the ghost only a few weeks down the street.
In fact, you do not need this benefit when shopping for a used smartphone from non-public homeowners on platforms reminiscent of eBay, Craigslist, or different portals. Nonetheless, used units will be discovered for considerably decreased costs there, as there aren’t any extra prices as a result of the intermediary has been minimize out. With the so-called ‘sale’, you additionally safe older fashions that on-line outlets nonetheless carry in new situation however that are now not in manufacturing.
Promotions and gross sales
In direction of the top of the 12 months, every client electronics system that you just buy is accompanied by a good better danger of stumbling upon a less expensive supply only a few weeks down the street. This may be attributed to gross sales like Black Friday and its related Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles Day, and Cyber Monday, all of that are low cost days within the months of October and November.
Most of them occur proper earlier than the Christmas purchasing frenzy begins. Since smartphones are probably the most fashionable client electronics units available in the market, you must maintain your eyes open for nice offers. You’ll be able to try the dates for this 12 months’s gross sales and promotions within the desk beneath:
Signal up for a contract with a service supplier or an installment plan
In case your smartphone is totally damaged, and also you want a substitute quick, think about an installment plan. These plans, often tied to a cellphone contract, allow you to get a brand new cellphone with month-to-month funds. Nonetheless, you would possibly find yourself paying extra over time than shopping for the cellphone outright.
Alternatively, you possibly can go for a month-to-month financing plan with 0% curiosity, spreading the fee over a number of months with no contract. Whereas fashionable, these plans have dangers. In case your new cellphone is misplaced or damaged, you may nonetheless have to pay the remaining installments for a tool you possibly can now not use.
Are you not happy with the choice of our listing of sub-$200 smartphones? Do share your suggestions with us within the feedback part beneath.
Article up to date on July 2024. Feedback earlier than the replace weren’t deleted and seek advice from older variations of this listing.