There was a time, not all that long ago, that in order to own a powerful smartphone you would either need to commit to a two-year contract, or you would be expected to pay as much as $600 – $800. Thankfully, this has changed considerably in the last few years. There are now several manufacturers that offer handsets that bring quality specs and yet are priced low enough you don’t need to take out a second mortgage or sign your life away to a carrier. In this article, we take a look at some of the best low-cost Android phones on the market.
Now, obviously the idea of “low-cost” is somewhat subjective. For some folks it is anything under $300, for others it might mean devices that are under $200. With this in mind, we’ll bring you six devices: three that are under $200, and three that are under $300 — this way everyone wins.
As an added bonus, this month we’re also adding a category for best cheap flagships. While the $300 to $400 price point might go a little past what most would consider ‘cheap’, our list will include three phones that have extremely aggressive price tags considering the flagship-level specs on offer. They might not be sub-$300 cheap, but they are certainly cheap when compared to the $500 t0 $800 pricing of many higher-end flagships on the market today.
As for how we’ll ‘rank’ the phones? Basically we are looking at a number of factors though price/value ratio is probably among one of the highest factors here. It is also worth mentioning that all devices on this list will be full unlocked, and off contract. For those US readers looking for even cheaper phones and don’t mind going with a locked-down handset through a prepaid carrier, you’ll want to check out our Cricket, AT&T, Boost, T-Mobile and Verizon prepaid lists.
Editors note – we will be updating this list as more devices hit the market. This article reflects things from a US/EU centric perspective, though many of these devices and pricing will apply to other international markets as well.
Best Android phones under $200
#1 – Motorola Moto G (2015)
The Moto G, one of the most beloved budget phones on the market, is now in its third iteration. This time around, the handset offers up a 1.4GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor and either 8GB storage and 1GB RAM, or 16GB storage and 2GB RAM. bother models include microSD support, a 13MP rear cam, a 5MP front cam, a 5-inch 720p LCD display, and a hefty 2470 non-removable battery. While the Moto G has never been about flashy extras, this year’s model does introduce waterproofing and LTE to the mix.
For those that lust for customization, the Moto G also includes limited Moto Maker support. While this feature isn’t as robust as you’d find with the Moto X Style (Pure), it’s still a great step in the right direction. As for software? The phone runs Lollipop out of the box, and it is likely only a matter of time before a Marshmallow upgrade makes its way into the hands of consumers.
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Specs
- 5-inch LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution
- Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 410 CPU
- 1 or 2 GB of RAM
- 3G/GSM/LTE
- 8GB and 16GB storage options, microSD expansion
- 13MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 2470 mAh battery
- 142.1 x 72.4 x 11.6 mm, 155 g
- Removable colored backs and Moto Maker customization
- Android Lollipop (Marshmallow shouldn’t be too far off)
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#2 – Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 4.7
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 was among the best affordable smartphones of 2015, something we so strongly believe that we mentioned it in the review’s title. Some of you are still wondering why every manufacturer out there is so obsessed with large screens, though. The Idol’s massive 5.5-inch display could definitely use a trim, and that is exactly what the manufacturer did with the smaller version of the OneTouch Idol 3, which sports a much more one-hand-friendly 4.7-inch screen.
All in all, these phones look very much alike, but they certainly have their differences. The 4.7-inch display has a lower resolution 720p panel, sports a lesser Snapdragon 410 processor (as opposed to a Snapdragon 615) and has 1.5 GB of RAM instead of 2 GB. It also has a smaller battery, but everything else is nearly identical. There is one really good part about these sacrifices, though – the price was cut down to a mere $179.99!
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Specs
- 4.7-inch IPS display with 1280 x 720 resolution
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 410 CPU
- 1.5GB of RAM
- 4G LTE
- 16GB of internal storage, microSD expansion
- 13MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 2000 mAh battery
- 134.6 x 65.9 x 7.55 mm, 110g
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 hands-on and first impressions
- Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 4.7 available in the US and Canada
- Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 review
#3 – Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen.)
Motorola took a lot of attention to detail with its followup to the original Moto E. Now with 4G LTE capabilities in tow, the Moto E (2015) boasts a 4.5-inch qHD display, a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 CPU (for the 4G variant), 8GB of on-board storage and a 5MP rear-facing camera. It runs Android 5.0 Lollipop and features all of Motorola’s great software enhancements we’ve grown to love.
The device is now available in many different regions around the world. It’s available for just $149.99 off-contract for the LTE version, with the 3G iteration an even cheaper $119.99. We do recommend spending the additional $30 on the LTE version though, as high-speed internet does do a lot in enhancing the overall usability and experience of this smartphone.
Specs
- 4.5-inch qHD IPS LCD with 540 x 960 resolution
- 3G model – 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 CPU, 4G model – 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 CPU
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, MicroSD expansion up to 32GB
- 5MP rear cam, VGA front cam
- Non-removable 2390mAh battery
- 129.9 x 66.8 x 12.3 mm, 145g
- Removable colored backs
- Black, White
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Moto E (2015) review
- 2nd Gen. Moto E comes with 4G LTE and a quad-core processor
- Moto E (2nd Gen) LTE now available in the US for $149.99
Best Android phones under $300
#1 – Asus Zenfone 2
Asus launched its newest flagship, the Zenfone 2, at CES 2015 a few months ago. It was originally marketed as the first smartphone to feature 4GB of RAM, but that’s not all this powerhouse brings to the table. Toting a 5.5-inch 1080p display, the Zenfone 2 features a big 3000mAh battery, 13MP rear-facing camera, a powerful 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor and runs Android 5.0 Lollipop.
The Asus Zenfone 2 is now available in the U.S., China Taiwan, Europe and a few other regions. The base model, which is the variant running on 2GB of RAM and the Z3560 processor, is now available from Newegg, Amazon, and several other major retailers for just $199. If you want to spring for the higher-end model, which has a 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, that will only run you $299.
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Specs
- 5.5-inch full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 64-bit quad-core Intel Atom Z3560/Z3580 processor (running at 1.8 or 2.3GHz)
- 2/4GB of RAM
- 16/32/64GB of on-board storage, MicroSD card expansion up to 64GB
- 13MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm, 170g
- Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red, Ceramic White
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Asus Zenfone 2 review
- Asus Zenfone 2 hands-on and first impressions
- Asus launches 5.5-inch Zenfone 2 and Zenfone Zoom, featuring 3X optical zoom
#2 – OnePlus One
While still not the easiest to get a hold of, it’s much easier to get an invite for the OnePlus One than it was just a few months ago. Additionally, OnePlus is slowly introducing “pre-order” windows for the device, and hopefully it is only a matter of time before it is widely available without any hoop jumping required. While it’s no longer a “brand new” device, it’s low pricing (starting at $300) still makes it an absolute winner and recent software updates have eliminated many of the complaint points that some OnePlus One users had to deal with early on.
As for the hardware? The OPO is powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 with 3GB RAM. There’s also storage options of both 16 or 64GB, a 13MP camera, a 3100 mAh battery and Cyanogenmod 11S (based on Android 4.4). The OnePlus One is a solid device, spec wise, and the addition of out-of-the-box Cyanogenmod makes it stand out. At the same time, the OPO is also a desirable device for those that prefer a stock-like Android experience.
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Specs
- 5.5-inch LTPS IPS with TOL display, 1080p
- 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/64 GB, no expansion
- 13 MP rear LED flash, Sony Exmor RS sensor, 6p lens, f 2.0, 4K, HDR
- 5MP front, f 2.0, 80 degrees field of view
- 3,100 mAh battery
- GPS, GLONASS, microUSB 2.0, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
- GSM/WCDMA/FDD-LTE/TD-LTE
- CyanogenMod 11S based on Android 4.4 Kitkat
- 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm, 162 grams
- Colors: Silk White/Sandstone Black
Read more
#3 – Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3
The Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3 (5.5-inch variant) is one of the best budget-friendly smartphones on the market. It features a simple and elegant design, a solid 13MP rear-facing camera and a fantastic audio experience. For the price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Idol 3 – it has a beautiful 5.5-inch Full HD display, a capable Snapdragon 615 processor, and runs a customized version of Android 5.0 Lollipop.
The phone is now available from Amazon for just $250, which is quite the steal considering the impressive features this phone brings to the table. Be sure to head to the links below to check out our full review. Trust us, this phone might surprise you.
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Specs
- 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Snapdragon 615 processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 13MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 2910mAh battery
- 152.7 x 75.1 x 7.4mm, 141g
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 review: one of the best budget phones of the year
- Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3 unboxing and first impressions
- Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 hands on and first look
Best smartphones at under $400
#1 – Moto X Style (aka Moto X Pure Edition)
With the original Moto X, Motorola proved you don’t need to have the latest specs to get a great user experience. With the second generation, the Lenovo-owned company took no chances and double-downed on the spec side as well, packing the new Moto X (2014) with a dense 5.2-inch AMOLED screen, a beefy processor, and a capable 13MP camera. But with the Moto X Style, Motorola reaches the perfect balance between performance, simplicity, price and… well, style.
By Style we are mostly referring customization capabilities, a factor which has been an integral part of the Moto X experience since day one. Customers can use Moto Maker to manipulate their devices’ aesthetics to their will. You can change the color of the metal areas, engrave the back and even choose from a plethora of back options, including materials leather, wood, rubber and other materials.
The device is not a bad contender in terms of hardware, either. The larger screen puts the phone up with contenders like the OnePlus 2, Nexus 6, LG G4 and the Galaxy Note series. It may not sport the “best” processor in the market, but the Snapdragon 808 is pretty close to the 810, and Motorola has proven time and again they can make a super fast phone without the greatest chipset.
While the Moto X Pure (Style) is the most expensive of the phones on this list and not exactly what we’d call “a cheap phone”, it’s $400 asking price is actually very aggressive considering the specs on offer. It’s worth noting that the phone will be sold in most markets under the Style branding, though in the United States it will be sold as the Moto X Pure Edition, an unlocked model that will play nice with all U.S. carriers.
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Specs
- 5.7-inch display with QHD 2560x1440p resolution
- 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/32/64GB of on-board storage (microSD card slot supports up to 128 GB)
- 21MP rear cam, 5MP front camera
- 3000 mAh battery
- 153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06 mm, 179g
- Customizable via Moto Maker
- Water resistant
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Moto X Style announced
- Moto X Style hands-on and first impressions
- Moto X Style vs OnePlus 2
- Moto X Style vs Play
#2 – Nexus 5x
Needless to say the pricey Nexus 6 never made it to this list, but this time around Google has announced more than just one Nexus phone. Aside from the larger Nexus 6P, the Search Giant unveiled the smaller, much more affordable Nexus 5X. And while it faces plenty of competition, some of you love sticking with Google phones.
The Nexus 5X costs $379, which won’t seem like a bad deal once you realize it sports a very good set of specs, as well as Google’s full software support. This means your phone will always be among the first to receive those awesome software updates everybody wants!
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Specs
- 5.2-inch LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 1.8GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 CPU
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32 GB of on-board storage
- 12.3MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 2700mAh battery
- 147.0 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm, 136g
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Read more
- Nexus 5X hands-on
- Nexus 5X unboxing and first impressions
- Is the Nexus 5X a good deal?
- Nexus 5x vs Nexus 5
#3 – OnePlus 2
OnePlus is at it again with another “flagship killer”, but can it really live up to that claim? We can’t really say that without getting some stones thrown at us, but what we can tell you is that this phone is a hell of an offering for $329. It has a great design and powerful specs. It’s certainly among the best deals you can get, but the sad part is this phone is still plagued by that dreaded invite system. If you can get your hands on one, it sure is worth it.
And while OnePlus did make a couple sacrifices, you can’t ask for much better at this price. But do keep looking if you think NFC and a good camera are important. You won’t find those here.
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Specs
- 5.5-inch LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 1.8GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 CPU
- 3GB/4GB of RAM
- 16GB/64GB of on-board storage
- 13MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 3300mAh battery
- 151.8 x 74.9 x 9.85 mm, 175g
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- OnePlus 2 review
- OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus One
- Best OnePlus 2 cases
- OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6
- OnePlus 2 unboxing and first impressions
- Should you buy the OnePlus 2?
What do you think are the best ‘cheap’ phones available for purchase outright (unlocked)? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
See also: Best Android phones (October 2015)
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