Top 10 Best Smartphone On a Budget to Buy

You’re here because you need a smartphone that fits your budget (or better yet, one that’s free 😄) 

You’ve probably heard that cheap smartphones can’t be good. But the truth is, some solid, feature-packed options won’t cost you a single penny. If you’re ready, let’s explore the best smartphone on a budget.

1. Best Smartphone On a Budget to Buy  

Budget-friendly smartphones are not the same. Many of them offer good battery life, reliable cameras, and decent performance. To save you time, here’s the best smartphone to buy on a budget (and you can get them for free on AirTalk Wireless).  

1.1. Apple iPhone SE 2 

If you’ve been eyeing an iPhone but flinch at the price tags of the latest models, the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) might be the best smartphone on a budget. iPhone SE 2 looks like an iPhone 8, but it’s running on the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 11. Apps open fast, multitasking is speedy, and even gaming feels smooth.  

The 4.7-inch Retina display is still crisp and colorful, though it won’t wow you like the OLED screens on pricier iPhones. If you like a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand, this one’s a winner.

1.2. Samsung Galaxy A51 5G 

The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G tells you that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get some premium features. Samsung is known for making some of the best smartphone displays. While it isn’t quite flagship-level, Samsung Galaxy A51 5G is still pretty impressive for a budget device.

As the best budget Android phone, its 48MP main camera delivers sharp and vibrant photos. The ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors add some versatility, so you can take everything. 

While the A51 5G performs well for everyday tasks, it’s not the fastest phone on the block. The Exynos 980 processor does a good job handling most apps, but if you’re into high-performance gaming or heavy multitasking, you might notice some slowdowns.

1.3. Samsung Galaxy A21 

At 6.5 inches, the display is one of the biggest selling points of the Samsung Galaxy A21. If you love streaming shows, scrolling through social media, or just prefer a large screen, this phone gives you plenty of real estate to work with. And it’s one of the best smartphones on a budget under $500.  

For a budget-friendly phone, Galaxy A21 still has that Samsung look, sleek, simple, and modern. 

However, the 720p resolution on such a large screen means everything looks a bit pixelated. If you’re used to higher-quality displays, you’ll notice the difference.  

The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a solid budget phone, you get a big screen, good battery life, and a low price tag. But if a sharp display and great cameras are high on your must-have list, you might want to explore other budget options.

1.4. Motorola Moto G STYLUS 5G 2022 

If you’re looking for the best smartphone to buy on a budget with a little extra flair, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 is an interesting choice. At 6.8 inches with a 1080 x 2460 resolution, this screen is surprisingly sharp and vibrant for a phone in this price range.  

You can use the stylus to take notes and sketch. The 50MP main camera does a pretty decent job. It runs decently well for most tasks, but it’s not the fastest phone out there. The Snapdragon 695 processor is okay for everyday use, but if you push it with heavier apps or lots of multitasking, you’ll start to notice some stuttering and lag.

1.5. OnePlus Nord N20 5G 

OnePlus Nord N20 5G packs a vibrant AMOLED display, solid battery life, and a capable 64MP camera. 

The 6.43-inch AMOLED screen is great at this price point. The colors look punchy, the blacks are deep, and the 1080 x 2400 resolution keeps everything sharp. The 64MP main camera takes surprisingly good photos for the price. And with 5G support, downloads and streaming feel snappy if you’re in a good coverage area.

1.6. TCL 30 XE 5G 

With a 4500mAh battery, a big display, and an affordable price, TCL 30 XE 5G is a solid pick for basic users who want fast network speeds. If you’re upgrading from an older 4G phone, you’ll definitely notice faster speeds when streaming or browsing. The 4500mAh battery also does a great job lasting all day, and TCL’s software is pretty clean compared to some budget brands. 

About that 720p display on a 6.52-inch screen, it just isn’t sharp enough. The 13MP camera is pretty basic.

1.7. Motorola Moto G Power 2022 

If you’re looking for a budget phone with an incredible battery life, the Motorola Moto G Power 2022 is one of the best. With a massive 5000mAh battery, this phone is built to last.  

It runs decently well for most tasks, but it’s not the fastest phone out there. The Snapdragon 695 processor is okay for everyday use, but if you push it with heavier apps or lots of multitasking, you’ll start to notice some stuttering and lag.  

For those prioritizing battery life, this is the best smartphone to buy on a budget.

1.8. Nokia X100 5G 

The Nokia X100 5G is a budget-friendly 5G phone. It’s for those who want a simple but functional device. 

The 6.67-inch display is a great size for media consumption, and 1080p resolution keeps everything clear and sharp. Battery life is also strong.

1.9. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G 

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a solid all-rounder. The 6.6-inch 1080p display is sharp and vibrant. Battery life is excellent with a 5000mAh capacity.  

Performance isn’t the fastest, expect occasional slowdowns when using multiple apps. The plastic build feels a bit cheap.

1.10. Hotpepper Cascabel A88C

The Hotpepper Cascabel A88C stands out in the best smartphone on a budget category with a stunning camera.

Though it’s not the brightest screen on the block, it’s more than enough for your everyday browsing and social media scrolling, and the colors still pop when you’re watching content or looking through photos. 

As for performance, it is equippied with Android 13 which offers enhanced privacy, user-friendly features, and optimized app management. From personalized settings to cutting-edge security updates, the Cascabel A88C adapts to your unique needs.

2. The Best Smartphone On a Budget Comparison 

3. How to Choose the Best Smartphone On a Budget 

A budget phone doesn’t have to feel lagging, but this is where a lot of cheap devices cut corners. The processor is a big deal, but it’s not the only thing that determines speed. You also need to look at RAM and storage.  

For a smooth experience, aim for at least 4GB of RAM. This keeps apps running without annoying lags. And 64GB is the bare minimum (but 128GB is much better). Also, check if the phone has expandable storage. Some budget phones let you pop in a microSD card. 

In the budget category, you’ll often find massive 5000mAh batteries, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s about efficiency.

A 5000mAh battery paired with a low-power processor and a 720p screen can last two or even three days on a charge. But slap that same battery onto a phone with a power-hungry display and processor, and you’re barely making it through the day.

4. How to Get a Free Smartphone on AirTalk Wireless

Lifeline program, a government initiative to help low-income households stay connected, eligible individuals can get a free smartphone along with an affordable service plan.

AirTalk Wireless is one of the authorized providers for this program, making it easier than ever to own a free device. Besides smartphones, you get a chance to secure a budget-friendly tablet.

In addition, you also receive discounted monthly service plans with unlimited talk, text, and data, depending on where you live. If you’ve ever thought of owning a free smartphone, this could be your solution.

4.1. Check eligibility  

If your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you’re eligible for Lifeline benefits. Check the income limits on your location in 2025.  

Or, If you’re receiving benefits from certain government programs, you’re eligible for Lifeline. These programs include: 

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) 
• Medicaid 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) 
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit 

And if you live on Tribal lands, you have even more qualifying options, like: 

• Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) 
• Head Start (for income-eligible families) 

4.2. Application process 

Step 1: Visit AirTalk Wireless 

Visit the AirTalk Wireless website. You’ll need to enter your zip code. Once that’s done, hit that “Apply Now” button.

Step 2: Choose the Right Phone Plan for You 

At this stage, you have two options: 

• Free Phone and Plan: Select the “Device Discounts Included” option to get a free smartphone with a service plan. 
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): You can keep your device and choose a service-only plan. 

Step 3: Pick a Free Smartphone 

You’ll be happy to know that AirTalk Wireless offers a wide selection of free smartphones. Just pick your favorite one.   

Step 4: Upload the Required Documents 

You need to prove your eligibility for the Lifeline program by submitting the right documents.  

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Wait for Approval 

Once you’ve uploaded all the necessary documents and filled out your application, submit it. AirTalk Wireless will review your details and verify your eligibility.

Also read: AirTalk Wireless Free iPhones: Eligibility, Application Guide & More

Conclusion

By now, you should have a pretty solid idea of which options will give you the most bang for your buck. But the best smartphone on a budget depends on your needs. Whatever your must-have is, there’s a budget-friendly option here for you.