Greatest telephones below $200 in contrast
Reasonably priced telephones below $200 for 2024
Whereas we solely obtained our fingers on one of many really useful picks for direct testing, we’re leveraging our intensive 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 important adjustments, particularly with the surge of 5G fashions. It implies that no less than two of the 4 fashions on our listing boast 5G assist, and through gross sales, you’ll be able to generally snag a 5G model of the runner-up telephone for below $200.
One other encouraging pattern is the rising deal with long-term software program assist. Many telephones now present not simply Android upgrades, but additionally important safety patches, preserving your machine safe and present.
Samsung Galaxy A15: Superior software program assist (+ 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 sturdy software program replace coverage, promising as much as 5 years of safety updates, which is phenomenal for this worth vary.
When it comes to {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 screen. The machine is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, making certain respectable 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 essential digicam and a 2 MP macro digicam. Nonetheless, the digicam efficiency, particularly in low-light situations, stays an space the place compromises are evident.
Total, the Galaxy A15 5G affords a compelling package deal for these on the lookout for an reasonably priced 5G smartphone with stable 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 cellular video games
- As much as 5 years of updates
Unhealthy
- Digicam fairly rigid general
- Mono speaker sounds very tinny
- Quite low energy reserves for the following 5 years
Go to overview
Nothing CMF Cellphone 1: Trendy and enjoyable
Learn the total CMF Cellphone 1 overview
Nothing’s entry-level model CMF launched its first telephone in model. Actually, the CMF Cellphone 1 affords a spread of customizations with simply swappable again covers. The telephone has a novel and easy modular system with screws that may add a kick stand, a lanyard, or a magnetic holder for fee playing cards.
The CMF Cellphone 1 comes with a fairly succesful Dimensity 5G processor, with respectable battery life, however with out assist for Verizon’s community within the US. One other optimistic level is the excellend OLED show, with full 120 Hz refresh charge for easy animations.
As for unfavorable factors, there isn’t a NFC assist (so no contactless funds), and digicam efficiency was underwhelming however totally on par with the worth vary. And as talked about, US service assist is proscribed to T-Cellular, with AT&T assist just for its 3G and 4G networks.
Good
- Distinctive design
- Wonderful battery life
- Bloatware-free Nothing OS 2.6
- Easy 120 Hz AMOLED display screen
- Very respectable efficiency
Unhealthy
- Solely 3 years of updates
- Disappointing digicam efficiency
- Gradual wired charging
- No NFC assist
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 charge, it ensures easy visuals for day by day duties and media consumption. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, the machine affords stable efficiency, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage.
The Moto G 5G’s digicam setup features a 50MP essential sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Whereas the principle digicam performs effectively 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 fundamental selfies and video calls.
Working on Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX, the Moto G 5G affords a near-stock Android expertise with helpful customizations like Moto Actions. The machine guarantees one main OS improve and three years of bi-monthly safety updates.
The 5000 mAh battery gives all-day utilization, although its 18W charging pace 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 alternative for budget-conscious shoppers.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023): Word for much less
The Moto G Stylus (2023) affords loads of options, regardless of its complicated identify. 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 excellent for productiveness duties.
Traditionally, the 2021 and 2022 Stylus fashions noticed important worth drops a number of months after their launch, typically falling under $200. This pattern suggests maintaining a tally of gross sales in case you’re trying to future-proof your machine. Nonetheless, it is essential to notice that Motorola’s monitor file for software program updates is not as sturdy as Samsung’s, providing fewer years of safety updates and slower Android upgrades in comparison with high rivals.
Nokia C210: The naked minimal
The Nokia C210 is a nostalgic nod to the previous plastic smartphones, that includes thick bezels and fundamental 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 latest dedication to software program updates, sometimes offering three years of safety updates, much like Samsung. Nonetheless, do not count on stellar digicam efficiency. The C210 is supplied with low-resolution sensors, enough for fundamental household images however not far more.
Alternate options to buying a brand new smartphone
Refurbished, sale models, and used/refurbished telephones
If eradicating the protecting movie out of your new machine for the primary time doesn’t spark pleasure, you’ll be able to 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 firms 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 provides up the ghost just some weeks down the street.
In fact, you shouldn’t have this benefit when shopping for a used smartphone from personal homeowners on platforms similar to eBay, Craigslist, or different portals. Nonetheless, used units will be discovered for considerably decreased costs there, as there aren’t any further prices as a result of the intermediary has been lower out. With the so-called ‘sale’, you additionally safe older fashions that on-line retailers nonetheless carry in new situation however that are not in manufacturing.
Promotions and gross sales
In direction of the tip of the yr, every client electronics machine that you simply buy is accompanied by an excellent larger threat of stumbling upon a less expensive provide just some weeks down the street. 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 buying frenzy begins. Since smartphones are probably the most well-liked client electronics units available in the market, you need to preserve your eyes open for nice offers. You possibly can 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, take into account 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 price over a number of months with no contract. Whereas well-liked, these plans have dangers. In case your new telephone is misplaced or damaged, you will 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.