The best cheap phones of 2022.
No matter how you slice it, the price range of flagship phones is still a deterrent for many people, especially when some models are priced at $1,500 or more. Thankfully, there are some reliable affordable alternatives, and the days of cheap Android phones that barely function are gone.
Various manufacturers, including many from China and Korea, have compelling products that are becoming more popular as we reach smartphone saturation. We also now see Samsung, Google, and Apple offering more affordable options with all three bringing in models that support 5G cellular connectivity. In particular, Google is committed to bringing its advanced camera software technology to mid-range phones.
Camera performance was a major differentiator between flagships and mid-range phones over the past couple of years, but even today's affordable phones can help you capture decent photos to share with family and friends or selfies for social media. Let's take a look at some of the best smartphones available for your budget.
You can read more phone buying tips and how we make our recommendations here.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Best cheap phone overall
Display: 6.5 inches with 90Hz refresh | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 | RAM: 4GB | Internal storage: 64GB storage with microSD | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor | Front camera: 13MP camera | Weight: 205g | Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Samsung offers a range of A Series smartphones worth considering with one of the most affordable ones in the US appearing as the A32 5G. That's right, for barely over $200 you get an Android phone that supports 5G mobile networks, 4GB of RAM, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
We also find a high refresh rate display, 90Hz, and if you have used anything better than 60Hz, it is tough to go back to anything less than 90Hz. We also find fast charging, NFC, and very capable quad rear cameras.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is available only in Awesome Black, but one can't be too picky at this price point.
Pros:
Low price
Capable display with high refresh rate
NFC
Large capacity battery
Cons:
Limited internal storage and RAM
Reported WiFi connectivity issues
Google Pixel 5A
Best cheap Google phone
Display: 6.34 inches (2400 x 1080-pixel resolution) | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | RAM: 6GB | Internal storage: 128GB storage | Rear cameras: 12.2MP rear f/2.0 camera | Front camera: 8MP f/2.0 camera | Weight: 143g | Battery capacity: 4620mAh
Last year Google released the Pixel 4A 5G, which is one of the most affordable 5G phones, for $499. Google updated that phone with the Pixel 5A for $50 less than the 4A 5G, making the 4A essentially obsolete. There are often special deals for the Pixel 5A with the phone at $399 or less too so keep an eye out for these offers.
The Pixel 5A, see our full review, is targeted at people who want an affordable Pixel phone with Google's stunning camera software The 5A also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, an aluminum body with IP67 dust/water resistance, and at least three years of OS and security updates.
The phone is available just in black as either an unlocked phone or one with service provided by Google Fi.
Pros:
Google's quality camera algorithms
Affordable price
5G support
Timely and guaranteed software updates for years
Cons:
Single rear camera
No mmWave 5G support
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Best cheap iPhone
Display: 4.7 inches LCD (1334 x 750-pixel resolution) | CPU: Apple A15 | RAM: Uknown | Internal storage: 64/128/256GB options | Rear cameras: 12MP main | Front camera: 7MP camera | Weight: 144g | Battery capacity: Unknown
Apple satisfied those looking for a tiny phone a few years ago with the 2016 iPhone SE. In 2020, it introduced another SE model in a larger form factor that carried on the tradition of the Touch ID front fingerprint sensor. The 2022 iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is available now for a very affordable starting price of $429 in three color options - Midnight, Starlight, and PRODUCT Red.
The latest model brings Sub-6 5G support (mmWave is not supported) and a new Apple processor with the same traditional display size, front Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and single rear camera. The processor brings improved performance, longer battery life, and enhanced photography results with the same hardware.
