10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong contender in the budget phone category, offering several features that stand out for everyday users. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display is bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and media viewing enjoyable and clear. The 4900mAh battery provides solid endurance, supporting up to 33 hours of talk time, and recharges quickly with Super Fast Charging 2.0, so you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long.

In terms of camera, it features a 12MP front camera with AI-powered enhancements for impressive selfies and video, plus a high-resolution rear camera with smart editing tools that help you tweak photos easily. The processor, an Exynos 2400 chipset, delivers good performance for daily tasks and multitasking, supported by 8GB of RAM which is ample for a smooth experience. With 256GB of storage, this phone offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos, suitable for users who don’t want to worry about running out of room. The build feels durable thanks to its Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, giving confidence against everyday drops and scratches.

Running the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, the phone promises an updated software experience and improved user interface, alongside useful features like fingerprint sensor, water resistance, wireless charging, and NFC. Being unlocked means it works with all carriers, adding flexibility. While it may not match flagship phones in camera detail or top-end processing power, and the AI enhancements might not always replace professional editing, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and quality build that suits everyday needs well. Some users might find the large size bulky for one-handed use due to its lightweight and slim design.

The Google Pixel 9a stands out in the budget phone category by offering features typically found in more expensive models. Its 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 and an adaptive refresh rate from 60 to 120 Hz provides a sharp and smooth viewing experience, making it a solid choice for everyday use. The battery is impressive for this price range, with a 4300 mAh capacity that can last over 30 hours on a charge, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode pushing that up to 100 hours when needed — great for heavy users or those often away from power sources.

Camera-wise, the Pixel 9a shines with its AI-enhanced photography capabilities. Features like Macro Focus and group photo improvements mean you can take detailed and vibrant pictures easily, which is a big plus compared to other budget phones that often compromise on camera quality. Under the hood, it offers 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, giving enough speed and space for most apps, games, and media without feeling cramped. It runs on Android 15 with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, making navigation and daily tasks smoother and smarter. The promise of 7 years of OS and security updates is exceptional in this price class, ensuring the phone stays secure and functional much longer than typical budget phones.

In terms of build quality, the Pixel 9a is durable, with IP68 water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant screen, which isn’t common among budget devices. It's also unlocked and supports 5G, giving users flexibility with carriers and faster internet. While the refresh rate maxes out at 120 Hz, which is nice but not as high as some pricier phones offer, the performance is good though it may not match flagship-level speed or gaming capability. The camera, although excellent for the price, might not satisfy those wanting the absolute top-tier photography experience. This makes the Pixel 9a a smart pick for anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone that doesn’t skimp on camera quality, battery life, durability, and software updates, especially for users who value long-term software support and AI features without paying premium prices.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for a budget-friendly smartphone that covers most everyday needs effectively. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers a sharp and colorful viewing experience, ideal for browsing, watching videos, or reading. The phone features an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity supporting up to 27 hours of talk time with super fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime during busy days. The triple-lens camera setup captures clear photos suitable for casual photography, including group shots and close-ups, though it does not compare to higher-end phones in low light or advanced photography features.

Powered by a 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, the device handles daily apps and multitasking smoothly but may struggle with heavy gaming or very demanding applications. Storage is generous with 128GB built-in and expandable up to 1.5TB via a memory card, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The build quality is durable with an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes, making it reliable for everyday use without excessive worry about minor accidents.

Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, the phone promises six years of software and security updates, which helps keep the device secure and current over time. Some drawbacks include the 4GB RAM being on the lower side for future-proofing and a camera system more suited for basic photography. Additionally, the phone weighs 200 grams, which might feel a bit heavy to some users. For those seeking an affordable phone with a large bright screen, solid battery life, decent cameras, and reliable software support, the Galaxy A16 5G is a compelling option.