Finest telephone below $200 in contrast
Inexpensive telephones below $200 for 2024
Whereas we solely obtained our fingers on one of many beneficial picks for direct testing, we’re leveraging our in depth expertise with different fashions from the identical manufacturers. This permits us to supply insights on software program assist, digicam options, and well timed updates.
Because the begin of the yr, 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’ll be able to typically snag a 5G model of the runner-up telephone for below $200.
One other encouraging pattern is the rising concentrate on long-term software program assist. Many telephones now present not simply Android upgrades, but additionally important safety patches, maintaining your system safe and present.
Samsung Galaxy A15: Superior software program assist (+ 5G)
Learn the Samsung Galaxy A15 assessment
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 worth vary.
By way of {hardware}, the Galaxy A15 5G contains a 6.5-inch AMOLED show with FHD+ decision and a 90 Hz refresh charge, providing a major improve over the earlier mannequin’s LCD display. The system is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, making certain respectable efficiency for on a regular basis duties and reasonable 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 important 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 presents a compelling bundle for these in search of an reasonably priced 5G smartphone with strong 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
- Respectable efficiency that’s adequate for cell video games
- As much as 5 years of updates
Unhealthy
- Digital camera fairly rigid general
- Mono speaker sounds very tinny
- Relatively low energy reserves for the subsequent 5 years
Go to assessment
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024): 5G on a funds
The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) brings vital worth to the funds smartphone market. That includes a 6.6-inch IPS LCD show with a 120Hz refresh charge, it ensures clean visuals for each day duties and media consumption. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, the system presents strong efficiency, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage.
The Moto G 5G’s digicam setup features a 50MP important sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Whereas the principle digicam performs properly in good lighting, its low-light efficiency and lack of optical picture stabilization (OIS) are notable drawbacks. The entrance digicam options an 8MP sensor, enough for primary selfies and video calls.
Working on Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX, the Moto G 5G presents 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 supplies all-day utilization, although its 18W charging velocity is slower in comparison with some rivals. 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 shoppers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023): Word for much less
The Moto G Stylus (2023) presents loads of options, regardless of its complicated title. Accessible in two variations, one with 5G and a extra budget-friendly 4G mannequin below $200, it boasts a big 90 Hz display and an built-in stylus, making it perfect for productiveness duties.
Traditionally, the 2021 and 2022 Stylus fashions noticed vital worth drops just a few months after their launch, usually falling under $200. This pattern suggests keeping track of gross sales when you’re seeking to future-proof your system. Nonetheless, it is necessary 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 rivals.
Nokia C210: The naked minimal
The Nokia C210 is a nostalgic nod to the previous 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, just like Samsung. Nonetheless, do not count on stellar digicam efficiency. The C210 is provided with low-resolution sensors, enough for primary household pictures however not far more.
Alternate 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’ll be able to choose up dearer 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 fascinating to take a look at after they include an prolonged guarantee. That is the way you shield your self when selecting one up simply in case the handset provides up the ghost just some weeks down the highway.
After all, you should not have this benefit when shopping for a used smartphone from personal homeowners on platforms resembling eBay, Craigslist, or different portals. Nonetheless, used units might be discovered for considerably decreased costs there, as there aren’t 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 direction of the tip of the yr, every shopper electronics system that you simply buy is accompanied by an excellent better 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 procuring frenzy begins. Since smartphones are one of the vital well-liked shopper electronics units out there, you need to maintain your eyes open for excellent offers. You may 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 telephone contract, allow you to get a brand new telephone with month-to-month funds. Nonetheless, you may find yourself paying extra over time than shopping for the telephone outright.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go for a month-to-month financing plan with 0% curiosity, spreading the fee over a number of months and not using a contract. Whereas well-liked, these plans have dangers. In case your new telephone is misplaced or damaged, you may nonetheless have to pay the remaining installments for a tool you’ll be able to not use.
Are you not happy with the number of our listing 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 confer with older variations of this listing.