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10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray

The Moto G - 2025 is a budget-friendly phone that offers some impressive features for its price. It comes unlocked, making it compatible with all major U.S. carriers, which is a great convenience. The 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate is quite impressive for a phone in this category, offering bright and smooth visuals, though the HD+ resolution might not be as sharp as some users would prefer. The 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel technology promises good photo quality, especially in low light, and the 16MP front camera should be sufficient for selfies and video calls.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,324
Display
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
3434 reviews

Display
Excellent battery life and a beautiful display make it a great value for the price.
Battery Life
Excellent battery life and a beautiful display make it a great value for the price.
Processor
A huge improvement from previous models with a brighter screen and faster performance.
#2
9.1 score

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Peony - 128 GB

The Google Pixel 9a stands out in the budget phone category by offering features typically found in more expensive models. Its 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 and an adaptive refresh rate from 60 to 120 Hz provides a sharp and smooth viewing experience, making it a solid choice for everyday use. The battery is impressive for this price range, with a 4300 mAh capacity that can last over 30 hours on a charge, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode pushing that up to 100 hours when needed — great for heavy users or those often away from power sources.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Processor

Most important from
627 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life impresses with the ability to last up to two days for moderate users, complemented by smart charging features.
Camera Quality
The Pixel 9a delivers excellent photo quality and vibrant images that noticeably surpass previous phones in this price range.
Processor
Performance remains smooth and fast even under heavy multitasking, making daily use seamless and efficient.
Build Quality
The phone’s design strikes a good balance with a comfortable size that fits easily in pockets and purses, though some prefer a more rounded edge feel.
Software and Updates
Long-term software support with seven years of updates ensures the phone stays secure and up to date far beyond typical budget devices.
#3
8.2 score

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Light Gray

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for a budget-friendly smartphone that covers most everyday needs effectively. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers a sharp and colorful viewing experience, ideal for browsing, watching videos, or reading. The phone features an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity supporting up to 27 hours of talk time with super fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime during busy days. The triple-lens camera setup captures clear photos suitable for casual photography, including group shots and close-ups, though it does not compare to higher-end phones in low light or advanced photography features.

Rating
8.2
Battery Life
Camera Quality
Processor

Most important from
2266 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life generally holds up well for everyday use, though heavy multitasking can lead to faster battery drain during active periods.
Camera Quality
Camera quality is good for casual photos and videos, delivering clear and satisfactory results for the price point.
Processor
Performance handles everyday apps smoothly, but some lag appears when running multiple apps simultaneously or typing quickly.

Top 10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray

Display: 6.7 Inches, 120Hz, HD+ (1604 × 720)
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Camera: 50MP rear, 16MP front
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB, expandable up to 1TB
Build Quality: Vegan leather, Gorilla Glass 3
Software and Updates: Android 15

Chosen by 1324 this week

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Peony - 128 GB

Display: 6.3 inches, 1080x2400, 60-120 Hz
Battery Life: 4300 mAh, 30+ hours, 100 hours saver
Camera Quality: AI photography, Macro Focus, group photos
Storage: 128 GB
Build Quality: IP68 water/dust resistance, scratch-proof
Software and Updates: Android 15, 7 years updates, Gemini AI

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Light Gray

Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1880x2340 resolution
Battery Life: 5000mAh, 27h talk time, fast charging
Camera Quality: Triple-lens, casual photography
Processor: 2.4 GHz
Storage: 128GB built-in, expandable to 1.5TB
Build Quality: Durable, IP54 dust and splash protection
Software and Updates: Android 14, One UI, 6 years updates

Motorola Moto G Play | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue

Display: 6.5 Inches, 1600x720, 90 Hz
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Camera: 50MP
Processor: Snapdragon 680
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB, expandable to 1TB
Build Quality: Splash protection, affordable materials
Software and Updates: Android 13, fewer updates

OnePlus Open, 16GB RAM+512GB, Dual-SIM, Emerald Dusk, US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 4805 mAh Battery, 67W Fast Charging, Hasselblad Camera, 120Hz Fluid Display

Display: 6.31" exterior, 7.82" interior, 120Hz
Battery Life: 4805 mAh, 67W fast charging, 43 min
Camera: 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP zoom
Processor: Snapdragon, 3.2 GHz
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Build Quality: Foldable
Software and Updates: OxygenOS, Android 13.0

Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green

Display: 6.6 Inches, 120Hz, 1612x720
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Camera: 50MP (effective 12.5MP)
Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB, expandable to 1TB
Build Quality: Vegan leather back
Software and Updates: Android 14
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Phones

When it comes to buying a budget phone, it's important to find a balance between cost and functionality. Budget phones have come a long way and now offer many features that were once only available in high-end models. To make the best choice, you need to consider several key specifications that will impact your overall experience. Understanding these specs will help you find a phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the phone where you view all your content. It's important because it's the primary way you interact with your device. Budget phones typically come with LCD or OLED displays. LCDs are more common and generally cheaper, but OLEDs offer better color and contrast. Screen resolution is also crucial; higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) provide clearer and sharper images compared to HD (720p). If you watch a lot of videos or play games, a higher resolution and better display type will enhance your experience.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important if you're frequently on the go. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones with larger batteries (around 4000mAh or more) tend to last longer. However, battery life also depends on other factors like screen size, resolution, and processor efficiency. If you use your phone heavily for activities like gaming or streaming, opt for a higher capacity battery.
Camera QualityThe camera quality is crucial if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Budget phones now often come with multiple cameras, including wide-angle and macro lenses. The main camera's megapixel count is important, but it's not the only factor; sensor quality and software optimization also play significant roles. For casual photography, a phone with a 12-16MP camera should suffice. If you want better photo quality, look for features like night mode, image stabilization, and higher megapixel counts.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the phone and affects its overall performance. Budget phones usually come with mid-range processors that are sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Popular budget processors include Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series and MediaTek Helio series. If you plan to use your phone for more demanding applications, look for a phone with a slightly more powerful processor within the budget range.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can keep on your phone, including apps, photos, and videos. Budget phones typically offer 32GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or install many apps, you might need more storage. Some budget phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase capacity. Consider your usage habits to decide how much storage you need.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the phone. While budget phones often use plastic rather than metal or glass, many still offer solid build quality. A well-built phone will feel sturdy and last longer. Look for features like Gorilla Glass for screen protection and water resistance, which can add to the phone's durability. If you tend to be rough on your devices, prioritize build quality to ensure your phone can withstand daily wear and tear.
Software and UpdatesThe software experience and update policy are important for the phone's longevity and security. Budget phones often come with Android, and the user experience can vary based on the manufacturer’s customizations. Some brands are better at providing regular software updates, which can improve performance and security over time. Check the manufacturer’s track record for updates and consider phones that come with the latest version of the operating system for the best experience.

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