Best Budget Phones 2026: Bargain phones from Nothing, Samsung and more

Although it doesn’t quite match the unbelievable bar set by the cheaper (and now sadly discontinued) CMF Phone 2 Pro, the Nothing Phone (4b) is still an excellent budget handset from the company’s wares, and well worth considering if you want something different to the usual crowd. Nothing has an eye for design which very few companies can match, and it permeates not just the look of the Phone (4b) but also the software onboard too.

Admittedly, the Phone (4b) is a bit more scaled back by Nothing’s standards. Instead, it follows in the footsteps of the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro which keeps all of the brand’s space-age aesthetic to the camera bump, leaving the rest of the phone’s backing with a smooth, clear finish. Still, within that camera bump you have the brilliant Glyph Bar which uses LED lights to indicate certain functions such as charging time and incoming notifications when the phone is placed face down on a table.

The Glyph Bar might not sound like a killer feature, but it’s a great way of diverting your attention away from your phone unless absolutely necessary, so you can spend less time doomscrolling and more time on any tasks at hand. That concept also stretches to the Nothing OS software which is very minimalist in its design, and doesn’t bombard you with distracting colour. You can swap over to a more typical Android look if you please but for our money, Nothing’s overlay just looks a lot better.

Battery life is solid too, with the 5200mAh cell scoring just over 17 hours in our PCMark battery test, so you can really push it throughout a day and not have to worry about a dreaded low battery alert. Where the phone just can’t compete with Samsung is in long-term support. Nothing has only pledged three years of OS updates for the Phone (4b), and while that is helped by an extended six years of security patches, it just doesn’t compete with the full six years of OS upgrades provided by Samsung for phones like the Galaxy A17.

Still, for all that you get with the Nothing Phone (4b), it is an undeniable bargain on the budget scene.

Who should buy the Nothing Phone (4b)?

Anyone after a clean-looking phone with great software to boot.

Nothing Phone (4b): Further considerations

With just three OS upgrades promised, the Phone (4b) doesn’t compete with the long-term support offered by Samsung.

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.

Sometimes, the best thing about a budget phone is how it can make us look at the more expensive flagships that we carry around and ask: why doesn’t my phone have that? It doesn’t often happen but it’s exactly where we find ourselves with the Motorola Moto G37, a brilliantly affordable phone that looks nicer than most high-end phones, and carries a few long-gone features that we would love to see make a comeback.

More specifically, it’s the combination of a headphone jack and expandable memory via a microSD card slot that makes the Moto G37 such a great phone for entertainment. If you’re headed on a long flight or train ride, you can download countless movies and TV shows to the phone, enjoy lossless audio via a pair of wired headphones, and delve into the truly stunning 6.67-inch 120Hz display.

Also working in the phone’s favour as an entertainment hub is its impressive battery life. The phone has been well optimised to make the most of the 5200mAh cell onboard, and from our testing, we found that you can absolutely get the phone to run for up to two days at a time under certain use cases. The charging is a bit slower than we’d like it to be at just 20W, but at least the longevity saves you from having to charge the device as often as some other phones.

Acting as the cherry on top is the fact that Motorola uses a wonderfully clean version of Android in its phones. There is a fair amount of bloatware pre-installed on the G37, presumably as a way of keeping the cost down, but it can always be deleted during your setup. What is a shame is that Motorola is only supporting the G37 with a total of two years of software updates. This is bolstered slightly by three years of security patches being provided, but you will have to factor this in if you choose the G37 as your next phone.

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G37?

Entertainment fans who need a budget phone that ticks all the right boxes.

Motorola Moto G37: Further considerations

With only two years of software updates, you may want to upgrade again sooner rather than later.

To give Samsung its due, the brand does a great job of trying to cater to all kinds of budgets, particularly at the lower end, so if you find yourself with more cash than the Galaxy A17’s asking price but not quite enough to cover the Galaxy A37, then the Samsung Galaxy A27 might just be the phone for you. It’s admittedly a bit dull as a successor, but it’s still a very competent phone overall.

As with any Samsung phone, the big allure here is the use of One UI – the brand’s Android overlay which is uncluttered and easy to use. Compared to some of the bloatware-ridden overlays we’ve seen at this end of the market (Xiaomi’s HyperOS comes to mind), One UI feels like a breath of fresh air, but what’s important is that unlike a lot of the competition, Samsung offers six years of software and security updates for the A27 so you won’t have to worry about trading up for another phone for quite some time.

Although the list of upgrades for the A27 is fairly small, there are a few of note that might be enough to tempt some buyers. There’s no longer the teardrop notch found on the Galaxy A26, replaced by the far cleaner punch-hole camera, plus there’s a faster Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset under the hood. Against the A17, you’re getting a faster 120Hz refresh rate here too, which is nice to have for games that run well on the phone.

What’s a shame is that, alongside those tweaks, Samsung has taken a few features away. The durability is slightly downgraded from the A26, dropping from IP67 to IP64, and the ultra-wide camera is now a 5Mp sensor instead of an 8MP alternative. To make matters worse, the phone is more expensive at £319/$349.99.

If you want a budget phone for the long run, then it makes sense to get the A27 and enjoy the full length of its update cycle, but if you’re not that fussed, then the Galaxy A26 is still a decent option that can now be found for less.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A27?

Anyone who wants a better screen than the Galaxy A17.

Samsung Galaxy A27: Further considerations

The downgrades are disappointing and you may find the A37 only slightly more in a good deal.

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.

Bear in mind that while OnePlus no longer sells the Nord CE 5 through its own channels after moving away from Western territories, the phone can still be found at other retailers if you shop around.

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

Software is moving to ColorOS now OnePlus has pulled out of the US, UK and European markets.

If you ever hear anyone complaining that budget phones tend not to be as eye-catching as their more premium counterparts, you might want to show them the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion. This affordable £299.99/$379 handset comes in two fetching Pantone colours, Slipstream and Amazonite, which boast a vegan leather backing that grips well but is also comfortable in the hand.

The phone’s look isn’t for show either, as it can withstand both dust and water thanks to IP68 and IP69 ratings, so you won’t have to worry about the phone falling foul of the elements. Beyond the design, it’s the 6.67-inch pOLED curved display that’s the real draw, which is simply gorgeous to look at and creates a wonderfully cinematic appearance when streaming a bit of Netflix or Disney+.

The only downside to the curved display is that it isn’t ideal for gamers who want an unobstructed view of the action, and want to avoid any mistouches. Still, for those who are more interested in mobile photography, you’ll be pleased to know that the rear-facing 50Mp main lens can pump out some great looking shots with a natural appreciation of colour. The 32Mp front-facing camera also captures detailed selfies in a pinch.

It’s a great package overall, but with only three years of updates promised from the time of launch, we would have loved to see Motorola go further here to try and beat Samsung on longevity. Given that the phone’s Moto AI features are fairly redundant, it would have been more productive for Motorola to divert its resources into providing better value for money to consumers.

Although the newer Motorola Edge 70 Fusion has hit the scene, the phone is priced at £369.99, meaning that it wouldn’t be eligible for this list.

Who should buy the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion?

On-the-go entertainment enthusiasts who need a great screen on the cheap.

Motorola Edge 60 Fusion: Further considerations

With just three years of software updates, it’s lacking in long-term value.

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. At this price point, Motorola’s own Moto G06 Power is also worth considering.

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.

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 matte 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.