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Best budget phones
Looking for a smartphone that’ll give you lots of great features without tanking your budget? We’ve put together all the must-have mobiles that won’t cost you a fortune.
Phones… whether you keep in touch on socials, or just use them for a text or two, they can make your day-to-day a whole lot easier. But if you’re after one that won’t break the bank, it’s best to have a think about which features you’re really after. Whether you’ll use it to watch shows on your commute, take photos, or keep up with work when you’re out of office, we’ve put together all the best options for when you’re on a budget.
Best all rounder
From scrolling socials to catching up with mum on a quick call, most of us want a phone that can keep up with our daily lives. That's where the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in. It's got a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display to keep your latest show looking good, the 50MP wide-angle camera will have you taking some stellar snaps, and the powerful battery can keep you going all day. It's got IP67 water resistance too, so even splashes won’t get you down.
Click below to bag our expert's top pick the Samsung Galaxy A26
Best budget phone for photography
Whether you want to upload some seriously high-quality snaps to your socials, or you picture yourself going pro, the Samsung Galaxy S24's got a camera that captures the finer details that make all the difference. And with the super sharp 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen, you'll be able to see your pics in all their glory before you hit post. Think a couple of edits could take that portrait to the next level? Galaxy AI can help switch things up in just a few seconds. Looking good.
Experts pick: Samsung Galaxy S24
Best budget phone with e-sim
An eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card that comes built-in to your phone. It basically lets you connect to your network without having to insert the physical card, making set-up lots simpler. If this sounds up your street, the iPhone 17e is a great one to go for. Since its pre-installed, there's no need to wait around for a SIM to come in the post and no fiddling around with a paperclip to pop it in either. But if you fancy, you can even put another SIM in to use two networks and phone numbers, this makes them really useful if you travel a lot.
Experts pick: iPhone 17e
Best budget iPhone
If you can't get enough of Apple products, but you could do without the price tag, the iPhone 16e is a great budget-friendly option. Powered by an A18 chip, reliable battery life, a 48MP camera, and all the latest Apple Intelligence features, it'll handle everything your day-to-day throws at it.
Experts pick: iPhone 16e
Best budget Samsung
Looking for Samsung’s clever tech while being kind to your budget? Then the Galaxy A17 will be right up your street. Powered by the Exynos processor, it'll run all the apps you need, from games to messages. And if you see something funny you wanna share with your friends, the 50MP triple camera captures all the essential details. Plus, with a 5000 mAh battery, it'll keep you going all day.
Experts pick: Galaxy A17
Best budget phone for storage
If you need lots of apps, or you plan on taking tons of photos, you'll need a phone with enough space. The Samsung Galaxy A57 has all the room you need for your must-haves with 256GB for a reasonable price. And if it's snaps you'll be filling it with, the 50 MP wide-angle camera will keep them looking share-worthy.
Experts pick: Samsung Galaxy A57
FAQs
- What is considered a budget phone?
A smartphone that can handle the basics can be as low as £169, while others could be over £500 while still being good value for the great features included. The exact cost will depend on what brand, features, and tech you're after.
- How much storage do I need on a smartphone?
It really depends how you're going to use it. We recommend:
• 64GB for browsing and basic apps
• 128GB for everyday use, like all your social apps and the occasional photo
• 256GB is best for storing lots of photos, videos, and apps- Can I use an eSIM on a budget phone?
Yes, there are quite a few budget phones using eSIM technology on the market. They let you activate your mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
- Are budget phones worth buying?
Yes, budget phones are definitely worth buying. They give you lots of the clever features that modern smartphones have to offer for a fraction of the price.
- Is 5G available on budget smartphones?
Yes, you'll find that the majority of budget phones out there still include 5G connectivity, giving you faster downloads, smoother streaming, and a reliable internet connection.
