Greatest telephone underneath $200 in contrast
Reasonably priced telephones underneath $200 for 2024
Whereas we solely bought our palms on one of many advisable picks for direct testing, we’re leveraging our in depth expertise with different fashions from the identical manufacturers. This enables us to offer insights on software program assist, digicam options, and well timed updates.
For the reason that begin of the yr, the entry-level smartphone market has seen some vital modifications, particularly with the surge of 5G fashions. It implies that at the very least two of the 4 fashions on our listing boast 5G assist, and through gross sales, you possibly can typically snag a 5G model of the runner-up telephone for underneath $200.
One other encouraging pattern is the rising give attention to long-term software program assist. Many telephones now present not simply Android upgrades, but in addition very important safety patches, retaining 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 robust software program replace coverage, promising as much as 5 years of safety updates, which is phenomenal for this worth vary.
By way of {hardware}, the Galaxy A15 5G incorporates a 6.5-inch AMOLED show with FHD+ decision and a 90 Hz refresh price, providing a big improve over the earlier mannequin’s LCD display screen. The machine is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, making certain first rate 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 primary digicam and a 2 MP macro digicam. Nonetheless, the digicam efficiency, particularly in low-light circumstances, stays an space the place compromises are evident.
General, the Galaxy A15 5G affords a compelling package deal for these in search of an inexpensive 5G smartphone with strong software program assist and an honest show, regardless of some compromises in digicam high quality and efficiency.
Good
- Excessive-quality AMOLED show with 90 Hz
- Stable workmanship
- First rate efficiency that’s adequate for cell video games
- As much as 5 years of updates
Dangerous
- Digital camera fairly rigid total
- Mono speaker sounds very tinny
- Reasonably low energy reserves for the subsequent 5 years
Go to overview
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 price, it ensures clean visuals for day by day duties and media consumption. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, the machine affords strong efficiency, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage.
The Moto G 5G’s digicam setup features a 50MP primary 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 primary selfies and video calls.
Operating 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 offers all-day utilization, although its 18W charging velocity is slower in comparison with some opponents. 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): Be aware for much less
The Moto G Stylus (2023) affords loads of options, regardless of its advanced identify. Out there in two variations, one with 5G and a extra budget-friendly 4G mannequin underneath $200, it boasts a big 90 Hz display screen 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 maintaining a tally of gross sales in case you’re trying to future-proof your machine. Nonetheless, it is necessary to notice that Motorola’s observe file 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 opponents.
Nokia C210: The naked minimal
The Nokia C210 is a nostalgic nod to the outdated 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 latest dedication to software program updates, sometimes offering three years of safety updates, much like Samsung. Nonetheless, do not anticipate stellar digicam efficiency. The C210 is supplied with low-resolution sensors, enough for primary household pictures however not way 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 possibly can decide up costlier smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It’s significantly advisable to make use of gadgets that carry a refurbished assure. These are used smartphones which were checked and refurbished by respected corporations to make sure that they’re in tip-top situation.
Refurbished gadgets are significantly attention-grabbing 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 offers up the ghost only a few weeks down the highway.
In fact, you wouldn’t have this benefit when shopping for a used smartphone from non-public house owners on platforms similar to eBay, Craigslist, or different portals. Nonetheless, used gadgets may be discovered for considerably lowered costs there, as there aren’t any extra prices as a result of the intermediary has been minimize 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 the direction of the tip of the yr, every shopper electronics machine that you simply buy is accompanied by a good higher threat of stumbling upon a less expensive supply only a few 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 widespread shopper electronics gadgets available in the market, it is best 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 possibly can go for a month-to-month financing plan with 0% curiosity, spreading the fee over a number of months with out a contract. Whereas widespread, these plans have dangers. In case your new telephone is misplaced or damaged, you may nonetheless must pay the remaining installments for a tool you possibly can not use.
Are you not glad 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.