There is a common myth that the more your phone costs, the better it is. That is not true. Mid to top tier level phones indeed come with a more extensive range of features and capabilities. Generally, when it comes to processing power and camera quality, top tier phones are better than the rest. However, this does not mean that there aren’t many well-developed budget phone options available.

Many different companies specialize in manufacturing quality phones at affordable prices. With this guide, you will realize that getting a cheap phone does not mean settling for low quality.

Below are the reviews of some of the best phones under $200. These have been carefully selected not just by price but by features, capabilities, and many other useful criteria. They are an excellent option for users seeking affordable alternatives to more expensive flagship phones.

Here is a guide to the best phones under $200 with more details. Check out the pros & cons we've included for each product and weigh them against your preferences. After you've finished this guide, you'll be knowledgeable enough to pick which of the best phones under $200 is perfect for you.

Disclaimer: product prices may change after the publication date of this guide.

Editors choice

1. Samsung Galaxy A20s

9.60 / 10
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At a glance, you might confuse the Samsung Galaxy A20S with a high-end phone due to its stylish and modern design. With this device, you will have access to sufficient memory, a powerful processor, and excellent battery life.

Everyday experiences will turn from good to amazing, thanks to the 6.5-inch Infinity-V display. The screen stretches from edge to edge so users can have an excellent view when watching videos or streaming movies. Holding the phone is more than just comfortable due to the smooth curves and glossy back. The 12 ounces overall weight provides a comfortable grip for people who spend more time on their phones.

You deserve to capture memories with detailed and bright images, and the A20S doesn't disappoint. The triple camera offers a 120 degrees angle, so you never miss out a moment. Also, to make your selfies look more stunning, the phone includes an 8MP front camera for putting you in the spotlight. The background blur effect makes your personality stand out from the crowd.

Battery performance is one area where both high-end and budget phones often fall short. The Samsung Galaxy A20S eliminates this trend by flaunting a 4000mAh battery capacity. With this battery, you can stroll around while taking photos or listening to music without worrying about running out of power.

The phone runs on Android 9.0, which guarantees you a regular supply of security patches and version updates. Additionally, you get to enjoy smart features like call screen, now playing, and many more. The USB-C port is a pleasant addition since it offers ultra-fast data transfer and charging.

Key Features
  • 15W Fast Charging technology
  • 32GB of internal memory
  • Octa-core processor
Pros
  • Excellent cameras
  • Balanced performance
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not suitable for intense gaming
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Samsung Galaxy A20s
Premium pick

2. Nokia 5.3

9.70 / 10
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The Nokia 5.3 is a fully unlocked smartphone with a high-quality display and cameras. Security is one of the features that this brand has centered on. For instance, a fingerprint sensor is a cool feature used to enhance security on this phone.

The Nokia 5.3 goes beyond the basic functioning of other phones in its range. The 4GB RAM present combines with its Snapdragon 665 processor to yield a high performance. The high processing power means you will enjoy smooth transitions between games and other applications of the phone.

Most people today rate the performance and reliability of a phone depending on the quality of its camera. With the help of its quad-camera system, the Nokia 5.3 passes this test. The main camera has 13 megapixels, and the lenses present are capable of putting everything in the frame from an ultra-wide-angle with portraits and a touch of professional photography.

The Nokia 5.3 has an unrivaled battery life that can last up to 48 hours, translating to two days. The 4000mAh battery combines with AI-assisted adaptive technology to keep you powered longer than ordinary smartphones will. This phone is also fitted with dedicated Goggle Assistant buttons that make it easy to ask questions and inquire about traffic, among other things.

Updating the crucial features of the OS is not something you will see every day. Interestingly, this brand has promised to avail all necessary updates the soonest they are available, making it such a good pick when operating under a tight budget.

Key Features
  • Ultra-wide camera lenses
  • High-speed processor
  • Adaptive battery
  • 64GB storage
Pros
  • Fingerprint sensor for security
  • An effective and reliable camera system
  • Goggle-assistant enabled
  • Upgradable operating system
Cons
  • Display only supports HD+
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Best value

3. BLU Studio Mini

7.50 / 10
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As the name suggests, the BLU Studio Mini is a compact device but with top-tier performance. The phone utilizes some incredible features in favor of a mid-budget device.

Everyday usage requires a versatile memory setup for a smooth experience. For this reason, the phone packs 32GB internal storage alongside 2GB of RAM. As such, users will enjoy storing various short videos while running a few applications without a hitch.

Special moments in life are essential, and the phone allows you to capture them in a cherished manner. The 13MP primary and 8MP selfie cameras capture those moments in bright and colorful images. With the LED flash, you can take near-crisp photos, even in dim environments.

It would be fair enough to say that the 5.5-inch display offers colorful images. The 720 x 1400 resolution and 293ppi allow users to enjoy life-like images when watching videos or reading. One of the most dynamic powerhouse powers the BLU Studio Mini. The ARM Cortex-A55 chipset with a 1.6GHz Octa-Core Processor handles your tasks with ease so you can stay productive all day.

With the 4G LTE connectivity, accessing worldwide coverage when on the move will be easy. Additionally, this network offers excellent connections when downloading files or connecting with friends through social apps. The Android 9.0 Pie makes the phone faster, smarter, and adapts to various specifications as you use it.

Key Features
  • ARM Cortex-A55 chipset
  • 32GB Internal memory
  • 18:9 Curved Glass Display
Pros
  • Dual-sim design
  • Compact design
  • 4G connection
Cons
  • The screen is a bit dull
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BLU Studio Mini

The Samsung Galaxy A11 has taken the budget smartphone category by storm. Regarding the display, it is far better than what you would expect from this price range. The 6.4-inch screen is well-detailed with excellent viewing angles. This phone comes with the Android 10 version meaning the software experience is relatively similar to that of the Note and Galaxy S series. Coupled with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, running apps be smooth and fast.

The triple rear camera consists of a 2MP depth sensor, 13MP primary, and 5MP ultra-wide. These sensors go a long way in offering expanded shooting capabilities. Consequently, users will enjoy capturing bright and detailed photos.

Gone are the days when one would type long passcodes every time you unlock your device. The phone has facial recognition software and a fingerprint sensor to help keep your details secure. The fingerprint is highly responsive, while the facial software requires a single glance.

The 4000mAh battery is another strong point. Even if you are an avid user, you will have more power to text, share, and watch without the need to look for an outlet. Charging can be done on a random basis since it doesn't require any periodic discharge. With the dual-sim capability, you can insert different sim cards while using them simultaneously.

The sleek and streamlined body of the phone also makes it a cool gadget to own.

Key Features
  • Expandable memory
  • 4G LTE connectivity
  • 8MP selfie camera
  • 32GB internal storage
Pros
  • Solid battery life
  • Large display
  • Great camera for its price
Cons
  • The plastic body collects smudges
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Samsung Galaxy A11

For many years now, Xiaomi has been producing quality products, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is no exception. The phone offers many outstanding features, especially for anyone yearning to own a high-end device but can't justify the high price tag.

In continuation of the latest camera trends, the phone introduces a 48MP AI quad-core camera and three sensors. When it comes to capturing images, this phone does an excellent job displaying true colors and rich details. The 13MP AI selfie camera ensures photos are beautified according to the lighting conditions.

The display is incredible, offering a 6.53-inch punch-hole screen with 1080x2340 HFD+ resolution. This phone provides adequate colors and sharp brightness for a comfortable viewing experience. Switching between applications won't be a problem, thanks to the 4GB of RAM. Gaming casual games will be a breeze even after prolonged hours.

The phone boasts an eye-catching design known as the Aura Balance with a glossy back. Despite having a glossy texture holding with one hand feels comfortable.

The fingerprint sensor on the rear and face unlock technology comes in handy for security purposes. For its price, the unlocking speed proves to be the same as that of high-end devices. The phone packs a 5020mAh battery capacity with a 22.5W ultra-fast charger. Without a doubt, this device makes a great traveling companion since it can last for a day once fully charged.

Key Features
  • Has a GPU frequency of 1000MHz
  • 2.0GHz clock speed
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Supports dual SIM VoLTE HD calling
Pros
  • Impressive battery life
  • USB-C at an entry-level
  • High-quality IPS panel
Cons
  • Lacks performance optimization
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Equipped with an AI-powered camera, the Moto G8 Play is the perfect phone for capturing jaw-dropping pictures. With a 13MP camera lens, the phone takes highly detailed pictures that remain beautiful when cropped or printed.

The quality of images is further improved by the f/2.0 aperture that allows more light into the camera sensor. This low aperture on the camera is perfect for taking pictures in low-light settings and creating portrait pictures with a blurry background.

The phone comes with a non-removable 4000mAh battery that allows you to use it for two days continuously without recharging. However, you should note that this battery life may vary a little depending on your usage.

While it has a long battery life, the phone takes a relatively short time to charge fully. When charged using the accompanying the 15W TurboPower adapter, the phone takes about 150 minutes to reach full battery status.

The charging port on the Moto G8 Play uses a USB- C connector, allowing you to connect your charger to your phone without caring much about its up or down orientation. This USB-C connector also facilitates fast charging and fast data-transfer speeds.

Due to its 6.2-inch screen with thin bezels, the phone provides an immersive visual experience for watching movies and playing games. The screen uses Max Vision technology to deliver stunning HD+ visuals and support a 19:9 aspect ratio.

For security purposes, the phone has a fingerprint reader and face-unlock technology. These security options allow you to access your device quickly while providing strong data protection features.

Key Features
  • Fingerprint reader and face-unlock
  • USB-C connector
  • 15W TurboPower adapter
  • 4000mAh battery
Pros
  • Fast charging
  • Fast data-transfer speeds
  • Long battery life
  • Trustworthy security
Cons
  • Not waterproof
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Moto G8 Play

Classy and futuristic, the Huawei Y7 looks great with many modern cool features. Equipped with a 6.2-inch edge-to-edge screen, the phone looks premium and stunning. Through its 1520 by 720 HD and IPS screen, the display delivers clear, highly detailed images that appear natural and breathtaking when viewed from every angle.

The phone comes in a variety of gorgeous colors ranging from black to red. The ceramic-like texture on the rear cover enhances each of these colors, making the phone look more elegant.

Despite its smooth rear cover, the phone is comfortable on the hand. Equipped with a matte frame, the Huawei enhances your grip on your phone and prevents it from slipping off your fingers easily. Your comfort is further boosted by the lightweight nature of the phone that weighs 5.6 ounces.

The phone comes with an Octa-core Qualcomm 450 processor that enables it to accomplish tasks at a fast speed of 1.8GHz. This processor is supplemented by an Adreno 506 GPU that handles image-processing and ensures that the visuals on your screen respond speedily. The benefit of the GPU is particularly clear when playing video games on the phone.

To facilitate multitasking and even faster-processing speeds, the phone comes with 3GB RAM. The operation of the RAM is boosted by the 32GB internal memory card in the phone that is used for application and data storage. You can expand your phone’s storage capacity further by inserting a memory card of up to 512GB or using cloud storage.

Key Features
  • HD and IPS screen
  • Ceramic-like rear cover
  • Matte frame
  • Octa-core processor
Pros
  • Long battery life
  • Premium appearance
  • Supports multitasking
  • Fast processing speeds
Cons
  • Internal memory could be bigger
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Huawei Y7 2019

Whenever issues of durability, design, and battery life are at stake, a few phones under $200 come close to the Blackview BV5900 2020. While other phones will need you to buy a case for safe day-to-day use, the BV5900 is made of durable material.

The operating system dictates how reliable a phone can be. For the BV5900, it comes with Android 9.0, which plays a crucial role in its performance and compatibility with powerful and highly demanding applications.

At 13 megapixels, this phone has one of the most reliable cameras that take bluish tinted photos suitable for snapshots. Even in low light, you have the option to brighten an image without affecting its overall quality. The 5-megapixel front camera also takes bright images with increased sharpness while videos are recorded in 1080P.

The BV5900 is a perfect definition of getting lost on a big screen. The epic 5.77-inch display ensures that you taste a different experience of your favorite videos and games. Apart from the screen size, the BV5900 has high-level performance, mainly enhanced by its 3GB RAM. Storing your games and videos is also made easy by the 32GB memory that can be expanded easily to 128GB.

Switching from one mode to another has never been this easy. When swimming, you have a chance to shift to the underwater camera mode and capture clear images and videos. The 5580mAh battery of this phone can run up to 19 hours. Even when the battery is low, there is no need to worry since the battery is fast-charging.

Key Features
  • 3GB RAM
  • Sleek design
  • Instant face access
  • Dual SIM dual standby
Pros
  • Durable
  • Dust and waterproof
  • Supports 4G network
  • Fast charging
Cons
  • A bit heavy
Buy This Product
Blackview BV5900 2020

Good quality graphics, excellent camera, and great performance are some of the features that make the LG K40 stand out among phones within its price range. This phone has a relatively large battery with 3000mAh, which is good enough to keep you powered for up to 12 hours. With the LG K40, spending a day on Twitter or while gaming feels great because at no point will you be required to plug into a power source before twelve hours are over.

The LG K40 has a powerful camera that you would not expect to find in such a pocket-friendly phone. While other mobile devices in its category have a 13MP camera, the LG K40 has a 16MP rear camera, which directly translates to better videos and photos with a higher resolution. The 8MP front-facing camera is perfect for selfies and is a good pick for group photos.

Compared to some of the high-end smartphones, the LG K40 can compete with them in terms of operating speed. This phone has an extremely high processing power with a frequency of 2.0GHz and eight cores, which combine to create a fairground for the smooth running of apps and games, even in their demanding 3D form.

At 5.7 inches, the LG K40 has an impressive screen that allows you to enjoy videos and photos in their originality. Ample storage and memory combine with this screen to make photo and document editing a reality.

Key Features
  • Supports USB Type-C
  • 2.0GHz octa-core processor
  • 3000mAh battery
  • 32GB storage
Pros
  • Great cameras
  • Feels light
  • Enough display for games and videos
  • Works with all GSM cards
Cons
  • Lags when running heavy applications
Buy This Product

Thanks to its updated operating system and better camera specs, the Samsung Galaxy A01 is a pocket-friendly phone that meets the needs of a basic phone. The 5.7-inch display means the A01 is effective for watching videos with a revolution of up to 1080p.

Although there are many phones under $200, a few match the convenience level of the Galaxy A01. First, it has a premium design and is small enough to be operated using one hand. The teardrop notch used for the phone’s front camera makes it look ultramodern. Present-day phones are known for their powerful speakers and excellent graphics, and this is an area that the Galaxy A01 has done incredibly well.

Whether you are gaming or running other applications, this phone has a quick performance powered by a Snapdragon 439 chipset. In some cases, the A01 is superfast in quitting apps and launching the camera than phones with advanced processors.

If you adore nature and adventure is part of your daily activities, the A01 will be a great way to complement your way of life. With a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, this phone ensures that you keep memories of your adventure. It also has a 16GB memory that can be upgraded to 512GB for storing videos, photos, and some of your favorite games.

Battery life is an area of concern for every phone owner. With the Galaxy A01, you enjoy up to ten hours of unlimited use and beat the capacity of most premium phones.

Key Features
  • Up to 512GB storage
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor
  • 1080P video capture
  • USB-C powered
Pros
  • High-quality design and display
  • Excellent phone for the price
  • Great performance
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Delicate phone
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy A01

Buying a budget phone is a balance of many things. A lot more research and comparison needs to go into this kind of purchase. You want to make sure that the final choice not only suits your needs but is also the best option available. To do this, you will have to focus on features. Here is why.

Importance Of Smartphone Features

Features and technical specifications are important influencing factors for all phone purchases, more importantly, budget phones. These are the criteria with which you can gauge and compare a models’ capabilities and performance.

Before committing to any model, buyers need to check out the specs and compare them to what other brands offer. Doing so gives you a better feel of what’s available on the market. In fact, making such comparisons help guide you to the best possible option.

With these comparisons, you can estimate how far your favorites are from higher-end flagship models and other budget level models in terms of performance.

Essential Smartphone Features And Why They Matter

Now that you know why features are so important when purchasing phones, the next natural step is to discuss some of the most crucial ones.

Processors rank pretty high in the list of top smartphone features. So much so that many smartphone ads are frequently centered around processors and subsequent processing power on different phones. Processors determine how fast your phone will operate. The greater the processing speed, the better for running intense, high-demand applications lag-free.

The last thing anyone wants is a phone that constantly needs charging. For this reason, battery life is a critical feature consideration in the phone selection process. While battery use will vary from user to user, a long-lasting battery designed to operate for hours should always be a priority.

The camera is an essential part of smartphone ownership. Top-tier phones have some of the best mobile phone cameras out there, but there are many affordable devices that come with good quality cameras. You need only find them.

Last on the list of crucial smartphone features are screen resolution and display quality. If you are familiar with screen durability, clarity, resolution, and display issues, then you know how frustrating poor screen display can be.

In these reviews, the guide takes a critical look at some quality budget phone options available, highlighting some of their best features. Following them keenly, you will get a good phone to buy at a great price. Now that you've completed this guide, you can revisit our list of the best phones under $200 and make your final choice.

FAQ

Q: Do cheaper smartphones run the same software as the more expensive ones?

Affordable, mid-range, premium, and flagship smartphones run the same software as long as you are considering a single operating system. For example, when looking at the Android world, a $1,000 smartphone will run the same base program as its $100 counterpart, that is, the Android OS. 

Similarly, all iPhones run on the IOS operating systems regardless of their price tag. The same thing applies when considering third-party applications that are meant to increase the functionality of the device, commonly called “apps”.

However, you may discover that the best phones under $200 cannot handle highly intensive apps. These apps include resource-heavy 3D games and programs that require the use of augmented and virtual reality.

Q: Do cheaper smartphones have the same hardware components as the more expensive ones?

The best phones under $200 will not have some of the hardware features that the high-end devices have. For example, you’ll be hard pressed to find any sub $300 smartphone with a 120-refresh rate screen. The same thing can be said about modern features such as IP68 water rating certification, wireless charging, and reverse wire share.

Such capabilities are reserved for devices that are priced higher.  Remember, manufacturers have to consider the cost of implementing the latest and greatest hardware components in their phones since some specifications are quite expensive. 

Q: Are there sub-$200 smartphones with various screen sizes?

You’ll find plenty of affordable smartphones with a range of screen sizes if you are looking for an Android device. Some of the largest devices in the market have 7-inch screens while the smallest have about 5-inch screens. This general observation applies to Android smartphones but not Apple devices.

If you want an iPhone with a screen size larger than 6.2 inches, you’ll have to spend about $1,000 to get the iPhone 11 or 12 Pro Max. Most affordable iPhones with smaller screens are more likely to be from previous generations such as iPhone 6, 7, and 8. 

The Android smartphone market offers you more options since you can get any screen size across a wide price range. Some Android devices with 6.8 inches of screen cost less than $100 while others with the same specifications require you to part with more than $1,500.

Q: Are cameras on under-$200 smartphones the same as those in the expensive devices?

The camera is one of those features where manufacturers differentiate their budget from their flagship smartphones. As a general rule, premium smartphones will have better cameras than their budget alternatives from the same company. This is because most OEMs invest significantly in the sensors that they fit in their flagship devices. 

However, third-party apps can be used to make the end product substantially better than what the phone’s primary camera application can capture. This is yet another area where Android’s flexibility and openness comes to the rescue. The popular app known as Gcam has been used in affordable smartphones to transform the image processing so that the final image looks like it was taken from a premium or flagship device.

Q: Do smartphones under $200 support expandable storage?

The answer to this question is mostly, yes. However, this only applies to Android smartphones since iPhones have never shipped with support for expandable memory regardless of the price. Surprisingly, the use of SD cards is one of those few areas where budget devices are a better choice than their flagship counterparts, even in the Android world. 

A look at the top premium devices shows that most of them do not come with expandable storage. However, nearly every smartphone that costs less than $200 will allow you to increase the storage using an SD card.