Finest cellphone below $200 in contrast
Reasonably priced telephones below $200 for 2024
Whereas we solely acquired our fingers on one of many beneficial picks for direct testing, we’re leveraging our intensive expertise with different fashions from the identical manufacturers. This enables us to supply insights on software program help, digicam options, and well timed updates.
Because the begin of the yr, the entry-level smartphone market has seen some important modifications, particularly with the surge of 5G fashions. It implies that a minimum of two of the 4 fashions on our checklist boast 5G help, and through gross sales, you possibly can generally snag a 5G model of the runner-up cellphone for below $200.
One other encouraging development is the rising deal with long-term software program help. Many telephones now present not simply Android upgrades, but additionally very important safety patches, holding your system safe and present.
Samsung Galaxy A15: Superior software program help (+ 5G)
Learn the Samsung Galaxy A15 overview
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 phenomenal for this value vary.
When it comes to {hardware}, the Galaxy A15 5G encompasses a 6.5-inch AMOLED show with FHD+ decision and a 90 Hz refresh fee, providing a major improve over the earlier mannequin’s LCD display screen. The system is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, guaranteeing first rate 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 major 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 bundle for these on the lookout for an reasonably priced 5G smartphone with strong software program help and an honest 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 enough for cellular video games
- As much as 5 years of updates
Unhealthy
- Digital camera fairly rigid general
- Mono speaker sounds very tinny
- Somewhat low energy reserves for the subsequent 5 years
Go to overview
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024): 5G on a price range
The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) brings important worth to the price range smartphone market. That includes a 6.6-inch IPS LCD show with a 120Hz refresh fee, it ensures easy visuals for day by day duties and media consumption. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, the system gives strong efficiency, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage.
The Moto G 5G’s digicam setup features a 50MP major sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Whereas the principle digicam performs nicely in good lighting, its low-light efficiency and lack of optical picture stabilization (OIS) are notable drawbacks. The entrance digicam options an 8MP sensor, ample for primary 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 velocity is slower in comparison with some opponents. Extra options embody a 3.5 mm headphone jack, stereo audio system, and help 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 advanced title. Accessible in two variations, one with 5G and a extra budget-friendly 4G mannequin below $200, it boasts a big 90 Hz display screen and an built-in stylus, making it ideally suited for productiveness duties.
Traditionally, the 2021 and 2022 Stylus fashions noticed important value drops a couple of months after their launch, typically falling under $200. This development suggests keeping track of gross sales in the event you’re seeking to future-proof your system. Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that Motorola’s observe report 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 primary 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 current dedication to software program updates, usually offering three years of safety updates, much like Samsung. Nonetheless, do not count on stellar digicam efficiency. The C210 is provided with low-resolution sensors, ample for primary household pictures however not rather more.
Options to buying a brand new smartphone
Refurbished, sale items, 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 decide 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 corporations to make sure that they’re in tip-top situation.
Refurbished units are notably fascinating to take a look at once they include an prolonged guarantee. That is the way you defend your self when choosing one up simply in case the handset offers up the ghost just some weeks down the highway.
After all, you wouldn’t have this benefit when shopping for a used smartphone from non-public house owners on platforms equivalent to eBay, Craigslist, or different portals. Nonetheless, used units could be discovered for considerably decreased costs there, as there are not any further prices as a result of the intermediary has been reduce out. With the so-called ‘sale’, you additionally safe older fashions that on-line outlets nonetheless carry in new situation however that are not in manufacturing.
Promotions and gross sales
In the direction of the top of the yr, every shopper electronics system that you simply buy is accompanied by a fair higher threat of stumbling upon a less expensive supply just some weeks down the highway. 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 well-liked shopper electronics units out there, you must maintain your eyes open for nice offers. You’ll be able to take a look at the dates for this yr’s gross sales and promotions within the desk under:
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 alternative quick, think about an installment plan. These plans, normally 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 associated fee over a number of months and not using a contract. Whereas well-liked, these plans have dangers. In case your new cellphone is misplaced or damaged, you may nonetheless must pay the remaining installments for a tool you possibly can not use.
Are you not happy with the choice of our checklist of sub-$200 smartphones? Do share your suggestions with us within the feedback part under.
Article up to date on July 2024. Feedback earlier than the replace weren’t deleted and consult with older variations of this checklist.