Best Low-cost Phones to Buy Now

Forget buying expensive flagship smartphones, as many budget-friendly options provide plenty of bang for your buck. Some older models from brands like Apple, Samsung and Google still deliver good performance similar to the latest devices. They are reliable for photography, everyday tasks like browsing, checking social media, gaming and streaming. Surprisingly, they aren’t even annoyingly slow, and often match the quality of mid-range devices that cost much more.

Lower value doesn’t mean you have to compromise on technology. The models on our list of best low-cost phones are not inferior when it comes to having features that are currently in demand. These options are perfect for anyone looking to make a switch without splurging. Our top pick, the iPhone 11 Pro Max, is as good as almost any flagship device. Meanwhile, the other recommendations strike a great balance between price and luxury.

What Features Should Low-cost Phones Have?

Before getting into the best low-cost phones, let’s go through some features that make them worth buying. These include:

• Powerful processing speed to support all important apps
• Enough RAM to allow multitasking
• Adequate storage space
• Large display for comfortable viewing or gaming
• Versatile camera for crisp photos and videos
• Bright display to ensure comfortable use outdoors
• Robust built-in security
• 5G network connectivity

Top 5 Best Low-cost Phones for Everyday Use

Without any further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best low-cost phones that deliver excellent performance at a bargain.

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

  Get premium features with Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro Max. It boasts a classic bar design, a triple lens camera module, and frosted back glass. The phone looks and feels nicer compared to previous-generation models.

  When it comes to battery life, the iPhone 11 Pro Max packs a 3969mAh battery that can easily last up to 2 days with minimal usage, of course. Thanks to the power-efficient A13 processor, it consumes 40% less power for the GPU. This is not only impressive but also allows for longer high‑performance sessions without throttling.

  Photography with the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s triple-lens system is also worth mentioning. The telephoto lens is perfect for capturing sharp, professional-level shots. All in all, this device is great for someone who wants the full iPhone experience.

  Notable Features:

  • 12 megapixels front and main camera
  • Stereo speakers
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Fast wireless charging
  • A13 Bionic chip
  • Secure facial recognition
  • Dust and water resistance
  • Support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos

• iPhone 12

  Say goodbye to the endless search for a phone that can withstand bumps and drops—the iPhone 12 is here. With its tough Ceramic Shield front cover, it earns a spot on our list of the best low-cost phones built for durability. Moreover, the smaller size and lighter feel make it perfect for shooting videos, playing games, talking, or endlessly scrolling through reels.

  The iPhone 12 has plenty of exciting camera and video features for photography enthusiasts. These include Night mode on both the main and ultra-wide cameras, Deep Fusion for remarkable detailing even in low light, and Smart HDR 3 for balanced exposure. Additionally, it’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip, giving the smartphone comparatively better performance than Apple’s previous models.

  Notable Features:

  • 6.1-inch 1170x2532 HDR panel
  • iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18.6
  • Super Retina XDR OLED,
  • 15W wireless (MagSafe) charging
  • A14 Bionic chip
  • Very good -24.4 LUFS
  • Built-in security
  • Support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos

• Samsung Galaxy S22 5G

  If you’re a gamer and looking for the best low-cost phones that deliver a great gaming experience, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G will not disappoint. It holds an impressive edge in raw gaming performance due to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and improved GPU technology. That being said, the phone is no slacker in terms of camera capabilities, display quality and battery life. However, its compact size might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer larger screens for a more immersive view.

  Notable Features:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor
  • Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology
  • Triple rear camera
  • 8GB RAM
  • 3700mAh battery support
  • 15W wireless fast charging
  • Vision Booster technology for enhanced outdoor visibility

• Google Pixel 7 Pro

  Elevate your photo and video quality with Google Pixel 7 Pro. Its AI-powered features, such as Real Tone and Magic Eraser, give you smart editing tools right at your fingertips. This model is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want their pictures to be as creative as possible.

  Notable Features:

  • 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, QHD+ resolution
  • Google Tensor G3 chipset
  • Unique AI capabilities
  • 50 MP wide, 64 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultrawide camera
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 5050 mAh with proprietary

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

  Next on our list of best low-cost phones is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. When this model was introduced, it set a new benchmark for flagship smartphones. The S21 was packed with several stand-out features, including superb battery life, performance and camera quality. It has a 100x zoom capability, which lets you take a clear shot of the moon, if you want. Plus, with the Zoom lock feature, you can get a stable shot instantly.

  If you’re big on the creative side, the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s S Pen is a powerful productivity tool to have. You can create detailed artwork, sketches and designs right away. However, the S Pen lacks Bluetooth air gestures or remote camera control, which are available in newer Samsung models.

  Notable Features:

  • 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
  • 5nm Octa-Core CPU for high performance
  • 12GB or 16GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB internal storage
  • Non-removable Li-Ion 5000 mAh battery capacity
  • Quad setup - 108MP wide with OIS, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto
  • 100x Space Zoom and Laser autofocus sensor
  • P68 certified for dust and water resistance
  • Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner and face recognition for security

Summary of Our Best Low-cost Phones: Comparison Table

It’s evident from our list of best low-cost phones that you don’t have to compromise on features for a good price. The table below summarises why the above-mentioned options are worth your money:

Get Great Deals on Low-cost Refurbished Phones at Mobile Guru

These are some of the best low-cost phones that can make your smartphone upgrade budget-friendly. To figure out which one fits your needs, focus on speed, camera quality, display size, storage and security. No matter your choice, rest assured that you’ve made a smart investment for yourself.

Do you want to make them even more affordable? If so, Mobile Guru brings you amazing deals. We sell refurbished Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices at prices that won’t break the bank. Every phone goes through our 72-point quality check and is backed by a 24-month warranty. Moreover, there is also an option to extend the coverage under Guru+ Care. This lets you shop with total confidence.

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