Best Cheap Phones in 2023: Best Cheap Smartphones in 2023, Best Cheap Smartphone to Buy

The Best cheap phones in 2023 are on par with the best flagship phones from just a few years ago. That's because the market moves so quickly now that the technology that debuts in the best phones today trickles down to more affordable options tomorrow. And that's fantastic news for anyone looking for a high-quality phone that won't break the bank.

Our purchasing habits also play a role. Most of us have decided that the best phones are the best cheap phones in the last five years or so, which means the more affordable end of the market is incredibly competitive, with manufacturers battling to make the best cheap phone without cutting any significant corners. Even premium brands like Samsung and Apple are now producing affordable phones that are quite good. Best TV 2023

You'll find the best affordable smartphones in our Best cheap phones guide.

OnePlus 9 Pro 5G Review

Are you in a hurry? From 91techinfo's Best cheap phones guide, here are the top three.

The Apple iPhone SE is the best low-cost phone for most people (2023). This provides a true Apple iPhone experience, with a stylish handset, fast performance, and powerful software all for a low price. Quality and simplicity compared to the iPhone, but at a fraction of the cost.

The OnePlus Nord 2 is the best cheap Android phone, punching so far above its price point that it's almost comical. You get great hardware, software, and cameras, as well as 5G and advanced features like Wi-Fi 6. OnePlus is the Apple of the Android world, and it shows right here.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the best premium low-cost phone. This Fan Edition of the excellent S20 offers 5G, a 120Hz screen, premium internal hardware, and a powerful camera system at an affordable price. The screen is also HDR10-certified, so expect vibrant colours and contrast. Best Samsung TVs 2022

THE BEST CHEAP PHONES YOU CAN BUY TODAY IN 2023

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Best cheap phones in 2023: The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the world's best low-cost phone. That's because it offers an almost-flagship iPhone experience at a fraction of the price. Indeed, the SE is so inexpensive that it costs less than half as much as the flagship iPhone 11 Pro, and for that reason alone, it should be considered by anyone considering a phone upgrade.

It also delivers in terms of phone performance, with the same benchmark-crushing processor found in the iPhone 11 series making its way into the 2020 SE. That means the iPhone SE has A13 Bionic levels of speed and energy efficiency, which, when combined with the buttery-smooth, super intuitive, and feature-rich iOS 13 operating system, makes using it a joy.

Yes, the iPhone SE (2020) has a few flaws when compared to the flagship iPhone devices, such as a slightly inferior camera system, screen, and battery, but given how inexpensive the phone is and how well all of its components perform, it's difficult to overlook it.

For iPhone users, this is a no-brainer cheap phone upgrade, and even for Android users, we recommend at least checking out the handset before committing to a new phone, as you might be surprised at how much quality Apple has laid down for such a low price.

For more information on why we think the iPhone SE (2020) is such a good choice, read our full iPhone SE (2020) review, and see how it compares to our top Android pick in our iPhone SE vs OnePlus Nord comparison.

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When looking for a cheap phone, it may feel like you're making sacrifice after sacrifice, but that's not the case with the OnePlus Nord 2. In fact, you get so much for your money that it could have fooled me into thinking it was worth twice as much.

It builds on the hugely popular first-generation Nord by offering even faster speeds, a larger battery, and more features. It outperforms most low-cost phones and is even on par with some flagships in terms of performance. That's a huge plus; you'll be able to use it for a variety of things, including mobile gaming!

You might be wary of a low-cost phone with such high performance, but you shouldn't be because this is a true all-rounder.

To name a few of its other advantages, the battery life exceeds a day, the camera is capable of producing social media-worthy images, and Oxygen OS is one of the smoothest user interfaces available.

Unfortunately, there is no official waterproofing or wireless charging, but OnePlus has included Wi-Fi 6 alongside the 5G connectivity, ensuring that you get the best internet speeds wherever you go (as long as your router and area support it).

This phone is a true champion and one of the best cheap phones this year, continuing the OnePlus Nord legacy.

Also Read: Realme Narzo 50a Review.

Late last year, Samsung surprised everyone by releasing the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (which stands for Fan Edition), a phone that delivered the best core S20 functionality as well as 5G at a more affordable price point.

The S20 FE is technically the S20e or S20 Lite in terms of where it fits into the S20 range, but aside from a few features that have been removed from the more expensive models, it is far from a budget handset, as it is still packed with premium hardware and features.

Best cheap phones in 2023: Consider the S20 FE's large 6.5-inch HDR10+ rated screen, which has a 120Hz refresh rate that is buttery smooth and shared by many of the best flagship phones that cost much more. Even the brand new iPhone 12 Pro (Apple's flagship phone) has a 60Hz display!

When you open the phone, you'll find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with Adreno 650 GPU, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage space at the entry-level. Exceptional specifications all around.

With a trio of rear-facing cameras and a high-definition 32MP selfie camera, the S20 FE's camera system is also a good all-rounder.

You've got yourself a great smartphone package when you combine a brand new copy of Android 10, the most recent Android operating system, a stylish design (with plenty of colorways to choose from), and a rock-solid 4,500 mAh battery (good for about a day and a half of medium usage).

More on why we think the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the best premium cheap phone on the market today can be found in our Samsung Galaxy S20 FE review. We've also got a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE vs iPhone SE comparison to show you how these two phones compare.

Also Read: Vivo X70 Pro Plus Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: When it comes to design and performance, the Honor 50 goes far beyond its price tag. This phone has a premium look and feels to it, with glossy glass and a curved OLED screen on the front. It even has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes it incredibly smooth to use, especially when playing mobile games.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G is a mid-range CPU that is fast and efficient enough for most tasks, while the battery is seriously impressive and will easily last you the entire day.

The camera system is adequate for landscape and portrait photography for the amateur photographers. The photos won't be as detailed as those taken on a flagship phone, but they look great for the price.

There are a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging and the fact that it isn't waterproof, but I think you'll be able to overlook them because it's an excellent all-around device that won't break the bank.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Review.

Best cheap phones: When you look at the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite's specifications, you'd think it cost a lot more than it does – and the same can be said when you look at the polish and finish of the physical hardware. Regardless of how you look at it, this is a phone that gives you a lot of phones for your money.

With the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite, you get a decent battery life, respectable specs (including 6GB of RAM), and a quad-lens rear camera, as well as 5G connectivity – if your area has a 5G network, this phone is one of the cheapest ways to take advantage.

That big, sharp, bright 6.67-inch screen, which is great for everything from watching movies to browsing the web, deserves special mention. It's not perfect – there's no wireless charging, for example – but you'll be hard pressed to find a phone that allows you to stretch your dollar further. See our full Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite review for more details, and check out 91techinfo's Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite comparison feature to see how this handset stacks up against our top budget pick. We've also put together a comparison chart to show how it stacks up against the Android competition: OnePlus Nord vs Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Review.

The Google Pixel 4a has been delayed several times, but we're glad it's finally here – it follows in the footsteps of the Pixel 3a, combining a great camera with a decent design and pure Android software. The best part, however, is the price: only $349/£349.

Best cheap phones in 2023: That makes it a very appealing proposition: it can take some fantastic photos, especially in low light, and it has enough processing power to handle the majority of smartphone tasks, so what more could you ask for? Of course, it's not quite as polished or powerful as the flagships, but it's a lot less expensive.

Google is also bringing a growing number of exclusive features to the Pixel, such as the camera's Night Sight mode and the Recorder app, which can convert speech into text in real-time. You don't get 5G, but there is an alternative (more expensive, but still affordable) model that does. For a more in-depth look at this model, read our Google Pixel 4a review, but we also have a Google Pixel 4a 5G review if you want to see what that can do.

For these two very similar phones, we also have a Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE explainer, as well as a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Google Pixel 4a guide if you want to see how these two big-name Android phones compare.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M21 Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: With a massive 6.5" Super AMOLED 120Hz display and only Samsung's tiniest punch-hole front camera, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G looks similar to the flagship S21 series. A rectangular module on the phone's back houses some excellent camera technology and blends in well with the phone's plastic casing.

On the camera's default point-and-shoot settings, the photos are stunning, with a 64MP main camera leading the charge worthy of most flagships and a high-quality 32MP selfie camera close behind. The experience of taking great landscape photos and viewing them on that incredible display is unrivaled in its price range.

Naturally, there had to be some drawbacks to this price. The Samsung A52 5G is slower than its flagship counterparts and has a clunkier design. Regardless, this is an excellent mid-range phone with high-end specs that is well worth considering.

Also Read: Realme Narzo 10A Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: Although the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a fantastic low-cost phone, it falls short of the original OnePlus Nord. The name 'Core Edition' gives away the fact that it has been stripped down in order to keep the price low.

There are a few places where it thrives. It has a battery life that rivals some of the best flagship phones on the market, and it charges up quickly as well. On the large, bright Full HD screen, you'll be able to stream TV shows and movies, as well as enjoy smooth control in mobile games thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate.

OnePus, on the other hand, has clearly cut a few corners. The most obvious change is the design; the glass back has been replaced with plastic, and the controls have been simplified. It also has a less advanced camera system, which is unfortunate but understandable given the lower price.

Overall, this is a good phone for those on a tight budget; it may not stand out, but it will do everything you need it to do, and it will do it fairly well. You can count on it to be a reliable and capable device.

Also Read: Realme X3 SuperZoom Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: Motorola can be counted on to produce excellent budget handsets, as evidenced by the other entries on this list of the best cheap phones you can buy. The Moto G31 is about as cheap as they come – so be realistic about your expectations – but it delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

This phone lacks 5G, as well as a particularly good camera system, wireless charging, and waterproofing. When shopping at this price point, however, you must be willing to make some compromises. It's still a well-built smartphone that can handle any task you throw at it.

The large, bright 6.4-inch screen is a standout feature, and the battery life is above average. Another reason we like the phone is that it comes with a plastic protective case and a headphone jack, allowing you to continue using your existing wired headphones. 

Also Read: Infinix Hot 9 Pro Review.

While the Vivo V21 5G isn't the best cheap phone on the market, it does have a lot to offer, particularly in terms of design. It may lead you to believe it is much more expensive than it is. The 6.44-inch FHD+ display delivers accurate colours, plenty of brightness, and sharp refined details, while the matte glass back shimmers in the light.

Granted, the rear camera isn't great, so this isn't the camera for you if you're a beginner photographer. If you're more of a selfie taker, the good news is that the front camera is fantastic for the price, with a 44MP OIS lens and two LED flashes, you'll almost always get flattering shots of yourself and your friends.

Best cheap phones in 2023: The Vivo V21 5G's speed won't blow you away, so mobile gamers should stay away, but if you just need a phone for texting, scrolling social media, and watching YouTube or Netflix, this is a good option.

Also, Read Motorola One Fusion Plus Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: The Realme 8 Pro has a 108MP camera, which is the highest resolution available on a smartphone camera. As a result, we had high hopes for the photos.

It didn't let me down. In natural light, shots came out super sharp and lifelike, which is ideal if you're on a budget but want a smartphone with a good camera for point-and-shoot photography. However, it struggled when it came to ultrawide photography, so keep that in mind if you take a lot of those.

The 6.4-inch AMOLED display was incredibly bright, with 1,000 nits of brightness, but it lacked the clarity of other, more expensive handsets. However, one area where it really shined was battery life; it'll last you about 20 hours of video playback and can be recharged in just 47 minutes. It's difficult not to recommend it if you're the type who constantly forgets to charge your phone.

If you like the look of this phone but don't want to spend this much money, the Realme 8 5G is a cheaper alternative that you should consider instead.

Also Read: Motorola Edge 20 Fusion Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: The Sony Xperia L4 features a 6.2-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it ideal for watching TV shows and movies. It's ideal for a long journey!

However, you will not get the best of everything with this phone. To keep the price so low, Sony has undoubtedly cut some corners. Mobile gamers will be frustrated by its slow speeds, while those who are constantly scrolling through social media may find that they need to recharge it several times a day. The camera, on the other hand, is capable of point-and-shoot photography in bright daylight but not at night.

Overall, this phone is adequate; when spending so little on a smartphone, you get what you pay for. It should be on the shortlist of anyone on a tight budget. 

Also Read: Apple iPhone SE 2020 Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: You might have thought to yourself as you scrolled down this list, "These phones are still too expensive." In that case, the Motorola Moto G10 is a viable option. It's a very low-cost phone.

Because the price is so low, some compromises must be made. The main one is performance; this phone is far from quick. Expect it to handle basic tasks like casual web browsing and messaging, but don't expect it to play large mobile games.

Overall, the Moto G10 is a capable smartphone, especially considering its low price. The battery lasts all day, the screen is large enough to watch videos on, and the camera is adequate. It's no match for the mid-range phones above, but you can't get much better for this price.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Review.

Best cheap phones in 2023: The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a capable handset with a display that looks like it should cost twice as much. It may be on the more expensive end of this list, but it is a very capable handset with a display that looks like it should cost twice as much.

The 6.67-inch screen is glossy, curved, and smooth, making it ideal for streaming TV and movies. You won't have to worry about it draining your battery, as it lasted a whopping 20 hours of video playback in testing. 

The camera on this phone isn't going to win any awards; it performed admirably in natural light but was hopeless at night. However, if you're more concerned with the screen and battery life, this won't be an issue. Overall, it's a very attractive phone.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Review.

There are cheap phones, and then there are very cheap phones: the Vivo Y20s won't break the bank, and while you'll have to make some sacrifices as a result, it'll still do just about everything you need an Android phone to do (albeit a little bit more slowly than normal in some circumstances).

Aside from its low, low price (check the widget above for the best online deals right now), the Vivo Y20s also excels in terms of battery life – in our testing, we found that you can get a couple of days of use out of this phone. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging or even particularly fast wired charging, but you can't have everything in a budget phone.

This isn't a phone for power users, as it lacks 5G, has modest specs, and a camera that isn't much more than adequate – but it will appeal to anyone looking for the best cheap phone of the moment, especially if the price is the most important factor.