Best Budget Phones 2026: Top affordable mobiles, great value for money

The CMF Phone 2 Pro doubles down on everything we loved about its predecessor. It still has a bold and unique design with modular bolt-on accessories, and it still has Nothing’s stylish and bloat-free software installed.

The new model also brings some big upgrades: You now get a triple camera setup on the rear with a larger main sensor, the display is much better, it has a higher IP54 rating, and it’s slightly quicker, thanks to an upgraded chip.

The biggest downsides to the original CMF Phone have been addressed, too. It now offers NFC for contactless payments, and the software support has been extended to cover three years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. If that wasn’t enough, the rear panels have updated finishes to create a more premium look and feel, but you can’t swap them this time, so choose wisely.

The original was already our favourite budget phone, and these upgrades make it more tempting than ever. Of course, you’ll have to be onboard with the unusual looks (including software), but if you are, this is a package that’s hard to beat for just £219.

In the US, it’s not such a great deal where you have to buy the more expensive $279 model via the Beta Program with possible issues with US carriers, no customer support and none of the optional accessories.

Those still interested in the CMF Phone 1 may be able to get even more of a bargain with reduced prices at various retailers.

Who should buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

Anyone who appreciates style and modularity on a smartphone.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Further considerations

Samsung vastly outpaces Nothing right now when it comes to long-term software support.

At this point, no one can really doubt Samsung’s ability to make solid budget phones that tick all the right boxes, but it’s arguably finessed that skill to a fault. Case in point, there’s very little to separate the Samsung Galaxy A17 from its predecessor, but when viewed from outside of that lineage, it stands as a great budget pick in its own right.

Apart from some subtle design tweaks, the main upgrade is the addition of optical image stabilisation (OIS) to the main camera for slightly better results. You also get Samsung’s rather slick UI, which stands apart from what you typically find at the budget end of the market.

As per usual, the Galaxy A17 also goes above and beyond when it comes to long-term software support. Anyone who picks up the phone can enjoy six years of updates from the time of launch which just goes even further to helping consumers maximise the value of their purchase, and it’s exactly why Samsung handsets are the go-to pick for anyone looking to buy a phone for the long term.

There is a case to be made that with the A16 5G being phased out, you could easily pick it up with a significant discount attached, and there’s nothing wrong with that if you want to stick to a tight budget. However, the slight added expense to get an extra year of software support with the A17 is a fair trade-off, especially as it will be regularly discounted itself.

Note there’s also a Galaxy A17 4G model which is almost identical but cheaper and, of course, without 5G connectivity if that’s not a necessity.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A17?

Value-first buyers who want a device that’s supported well into the future.

Samsung Galaxy A17: Further considerations

The Galaxy A16 is near identical and may be found for less and the CMF has better hardware.

OnePlus has really helped to raise the bar amongst budget phones in the last few years but if you still haven’t been convinced by the company’s efforts then the OnePlus Nord CE 5 should set you straight. This is one of those rare phones that genuinely feels completely at odds with its budget price tag.

While the design might be a little on the reserved side, there’s no denying that the Nord CE 5 has a confident look to it, and the use of an all-black polycarbonate frame and composite back do an excellent job of making you think that this is actually a phone that belongs at the premium end of the scale. Having IP65 dust and water resistance doesn’t hurt either.

There’s a bright and responsive 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display on this phone that’s easy to use outdoors and ideal for kicking back with some entertainment at the end of a long day. Even though OnePlus has opted for the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex as opposed to any chipset from Snapdragon, performance is still great, and we encountered no issues when playing titles like Call of Duty Mobile.

Under the hood is a sizeable 5200mAh battery which can easily get you to the end of a long day without any anxiety. What’s more impressive is the 80W wired fast charging that’s available here, allowing users to power up a full battery in just under 50 minutes.

Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5?

People who appreciate a budget phone that looks like a more premium device.

OnePlus Nord CE 5: Further considerations

The lacklustre loudspeaker prevents the phone from being a great option for streaming.

Given how good the Galaxy A15 5G is, why would you pay extra for the A25 5G? There are a few reasons, especially as it still costs under £250/$250. A shift to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset boosts performance, while the display is even more impressive with a 120Hz refresh rate. You also get an improved 8Mp ultrawide camera and stereo speakers.

Throw in the already-solid battery life, decent main and selfie cameras and those five years of updates and you’re on to a winner.

The only real reasons not to buy the A25 5G are the limited storage options and a design that won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Or if one of the other phones in this list appeals to you more.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A25?

In spite of a successor, this is a phone that’s great for those who want a solid experience across the board.

Samsung Galaxy A25: Further considerations

Unfortunately, the A25 isn’t the most durable phone on this list so you’re better looking elsewhere if you regularly drop your handset.

It’s hard to tell at first glance that the Motorola Moto G85 5G is actually a budget phone, given just how luxurious the backing feels. The Cobalt Blue version that we had in for testing most certainly held our attention, which is impressive against a sea of phones that have overlooked their aesthetic in favour of upgraded specs.

This isn’t to say that Motorola has spent all its time focusing on the design, far from it. Flip the phone over and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous 6.67-inch 120Hz pOLED display, which is great for everything from scrolling through social media to streaming the latest exclusives on Netflix.

The performance offered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset is solid enough for everyday use, although it does start to trip up if you want to play any 3D games on the phone, so you’re better off looking elsewhere for a budget gaming experience. Thankfully, Motorola’s take on Android is wonderfully uncluttered and easy to use.

What ties it all together is a massive 5000mAh battery which, under the right circumstances, can keep up with you for about a day and a half on a single charge. There’s also 30W wired charging, which can get you back from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. The only reason why you wouldn’t want this phone is for better camera performance, but for everything else, it’s a great option. 

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G85 5G?

Folks who need a great screen so they can enjoy a colourful everyday experience.

Motorola Moto G85 5G: Further considerations

The cameras don’t quite stand up to the high bar set by the display and the design.

For when your budget is extremely tight, or you want an inexpensive phone to give to your child that won’t cause too much concern if it gets damaged, the Motorola Moto E15 is a great option to consider. With a price tag of only £69.98/$99.99, very few phones can compare with the pure value that the Moto E15 brings to the table.

What’s most surprising about the E15 is that in spite of its affordable price tag, the phone itself doesn’t feel cheap in the hand. There’s a vegan leather finish on the back gives you plenty of grip even without a case, and there are several striking colour options to choose from, including Denim Blue and Fresh Lavender.

For the display, there’s a very competent 6.5-inch 720p panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s far from the OLED displays of more premium, modern-day phones, the E15 still provides an enjoyable viewing experience that makes the phone well-suited for a bit of light entertainment on the go. There’s even surround sound audio that keeps things engaging if you don’t have a pair of earbuds to hand.

As you may have anticipated from a phone of this price, the E15 won’t be winning any awards in terms of performance. The MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme can handle most mainstream apps for messaging and social media easily enough, but the 2GB RAM included can slow things down if you bring too many apps into the mix. Only one year of security updates is the biggest downside here.

Who should buy the Motorola Moto E15?

Parents who need a cheap yet functional smartphone for their kids.

Motorola Moto E15: Further considerations

Short security update promise gives a limited (safe) lifespan.

Read our full Motorola Moto E15 review

The Moto G56 is a great budget phone if you want long battery life. We were hammering it and still ending most days with 40-50% battery remaining making it a solid 2-day phone.

There’s plenty more to like, too, as Motorola continues its trend of recognisable design, in a range of colours, which you don’t have to put a case on. The phone might have a plastic frame but it’s still IP69 dust and waterproof and there’s even a headphone jack and microSD card slot – remember those?

The good new continues with a nice big screen, solid main camera and speedy wired charging. You couldn’t ask for much more at this price.

Longer software support would be nice, that’s for sure and the performance isn’t the smoothest if you’re a more demanding user. Otherwise, the Moto G56 5G is a great budget all-rounder.

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G56 5G?

You want long battery life with other key boxes ticked as well.

Motorola Moto G56 5G: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for longer software support and more impressive performance.

If your current phone is reaching the stage where you’re constantly having to keep an eye on the remaining battery life as you round out the day, then the Moto G86 Power is the perfect antidote as your next upgrade. With a massive 6720mAh cell inside, the G86 Power can outdo pretty much every phone on this list (and a good deal of flagships) when it comes to longevity.

In our experience, it was easy enough to get the G86 Power to last for an entire weekend without needing to make a dash for the nearest charging outlet. All of this pairs well with the solid performance of the phone during everyday use, as the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor handles everything from web browsing to social media with ease.

In conjunction with the longer-than-average battery life, the G86 Power ends up being a great little device for entertainment thanks to two other factors: the storage and the display. There’s 512GB storage included here as standard, which means you’ll have plenty of room to store several seasons of your favourite TV shows offline, and the 6.67-inch display is wonderfully bright with a peak of 4500 nits.

The major thing holding the phone back is Motorola’s lacklustre promise of just two years of software updates, alongside four years of security patches. Even though this is within the wider context of budget phones where expectations are different, you still get better value for money from the likes of Samsung and CMF, so you may want to shop elsewhere if you don’t fancy upgrading in the not too distant future.

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G86 Power?

Heavy users who need a multi-day battery life.

Motorola Moto G86 Power: Further considerations

Samsung and CMF provide a longer timeline for software support.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is another solid, cheap phone from Samsung, offering an appealing design and a punchy AMOLED display for a very affordable price.

You’ll likely find Samsung’s design more appealing than many rivals of a similar price and a more hidden advantage, and a big one, is the long software support the firm promises – no less than six years of updates, where many budget phones just get two, or no exact promise at all.

Samsung’s user interface is a plus here as well as a big and colourful screen. Just don’t expect all that much from performance or the ultrawide and macro cameras.

The phone has now been replaced by the Galaxy A17 5G which is nearly identical but the main camera gets OIS and you’ll get a year longer software support since this is old model but that also means you might find it at a temptingly reduced price.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

Those who value long-term software support and appealing design.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Further considerations

Now succeeded by the A17 5G.

The 50 Pro Nxtpaper is a phone with a difference.

In addition to the usual colour display you’ll get on any smartphone (albeit a nice matt version here), TCL allows you to switch to E-Ink style mode at the flick of a switch. This is transformative for eye health and readability, even if it can’t replace a dedicated eReader for most people.

Crucially, the display still offers a good colour experience, including while watching movies. And the battery life is excellent, regardless of the mode you’re using.

It’s not as impressive in all areas, with cameras and speaker quality both in need of work. Extra bloatware also makes the otherwise enjoyable software more frustrating to use.

But if you read a lot on your phone and are looking for a budget phone that fits the bill, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper is the device for you.

Who should buy the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper?

Avid readers who enjoy accessing their Kindle books from their smartphone.

TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper: Further considerations

Doesn’t really compare to most budget phones on this list where cameras are concerned.