Google Pixel 9a Named Best Cheap Phone for 2026 at $499

The best cheap phones for 2026

You don't need to spend over a thousand dollars on a flagship smartphone. Our top picks for the best cheap phones deliver excellent performance and features for a fraction of the price.

The Google Pixel 9a remains our overall champion at $499, offering flagship-level performance and camera quality. New models from Google, Apple, and Nothing are arriving in March 2026, so it's a good time to shop for deals on current devices or wait for the latest releases.

Our top picks for affordable phones

We test dozens of devices annually to find the best value. These are our current recommendations across different price points and brands.

• Best Cheap Phone Overall: Google Pixel 9a
• Best Cheap iPhone: iPhone 16e
• Best Cheap Samsung: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
• Best Value: Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro
• Best Under $400: Moto G Stylus 2025
• Best Under $300: Moto G Power 2026

Google Pixel 9a: The best overall

The Google Pixel 9a is the best smartphone you can buy for $499. It's powered by the same Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 series and comes with seven years of software support.

Its 6.3-inch OLED screen has a 120-Hz refresh rate, and the dual-camera system is the best you'll find under $500. The phone also features a 5,100-mAh battery, IP68 water resistance, and useful AI software features like Audio Magic Eraser.

Editor's Note: Google has announced the Pixel 10a for $499, launching March 5. It's nearly identical to the 9a, so while we recommend waiting for our review, the 9a is a great buy, especially at its frequent sale price of $399.

iPhone 16e: Apple's budget option

The iPhone 16e is Apple's cheapest new iPhone at $599. It features the A18 chip, making it the most affordable iPhone with Apple Intelligence support.

Its best feature is excellent battery life, thanks to Apple's new, more efficient C1 modem. However, it makes significant compromises, including a single rear camera, the return of the notch instead of a Dynamic Island, and the lack of MagSafe and an Ultra Wideband chip.

For the price, other phones in this guide offer more. We suggest looking for a used iPhone 15 Pro or waiting for the iPhone 17e, expected to be announced on March 4.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Flagship features for less

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a "lite" version of the Galaxy S25. Its MSRP is $650, but it frequently goes on sale for around $450, which is when it becomes a compelling buy.

You get a 6.7-inch 120-Hz AMOLED screen, a triple-camera system with a 3X optical zoom, and strong performance from the Exynos 2400 chipset. It includes most Galaxy AI features, Qi wireless charging, and IP68 water resistance.

Nothing Phone (3a) series: Style and substance

Nothing's Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are among the best cheap phones you can buy, offering unique design and strong performance. The main difference is the camera system, with the Pro model featuring a better main sensor and a 3X periscope telephoto lens.

Both phones have a 5,000-mAh battery, a smooth 120-Hz OLED display, and a unique software layer. A major caveat in the US is network compatibility; they work best on T-Mobile and require carrier whitelisting for 5G on AT&T and Verizon.

Editor's Note: Nothing will launch the Phone (4a) on March 5. We recommend waiting to see the new model.

Motorola's best budget options

For guaranteed compatibility on all US carriers under $400, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is the best choice. It has a smooth 120-Hz AMOLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, and a built-in stylus—a rarity at this price.

Under $300, the Moto G Power 2026 is the pick. It offers a 5,200-mAh battery that can last two days, an IP68/69 rating, and a headphone jack. Performance is decent for the price, though it lost the wireless charging found on its predecessor.

What to know before you buy

New cheap phone models typically launch in the first half of the year. If you're not in a rush, wait until at least the end of March 2026 for new releases from Google, Apple, and Motorola.

Consider buying a previous year's flagship or a used phone from a reputable site like Swappa, Gazelle, or Back Market. You can often get more features for your money, though you may lose a year of software support.

Ensure any phone you buy supports 5G. Most recommended phones support the widely available sub-6 5G, which is the standard you'll use most often.

How to buy an unlocked phone

Buying an unlocked phone gives you the freedom to switch carriers. When you purchase, make sure the listing clearly states the phone is "unlocked" and compatible with your carrier's network (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon).

If you have an existing SIM card, you can usually just pop it into your new unlocked phone. Verizon users should be extra careful, as unlocked phones have a higher chance of incompatibility; look for models specifically labeled to work on Verizon or as CDMA-capable.

Other phones to consider

A few other models are worth a look depending on your needs and budget.

• Samsung Galaxy A26 ($300): Solid performance and an unmatched six years of software updates for the price.
• TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G ($200): Features a unique anti-reflective matte screen good for reading.
• Motorola Razr 2025 (~$600 on sale): The most affordable folding flip phone, with much-improved performance.

Phones you should avoid

Stick to reputable brands for security and support. We generally recommend avoiding older generation phones, as they may no longer receive updates.

Avoid obscure brands sold cheaply on Amazon, as their security practices and update support are questionable. Also, skip HMD devices (the company behind Nokia phones) as it has ceased US operations.