It is easy to find a great smartphone in the market. They come in different sizes, colors, specifications, and prices. They also have additional features that can satisfy your needs. However, these smartphones with great features will cost you a large sum of money.
On the other hand, it is difficult to find a budget phone for under $200. Because it is not enough that your phone is cheap, it should also satisfy you not only in terms of price but also in terms of specs. As we all know, a smartphone is now a necessity. Thus, it should meet your expectations and provide a pleasant user experience.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best budget phones just under $200 that have excellent specifications and impeccable usability.
Best Budget Phone Picks Under $200
Without further ado, here are the best budget phone options for under $200. Some are great if you want a phone that boasts features that match the more expensive releases, while others are good as basic backup phones.
| 1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | 6. Nokia G300 5G |
| 2. Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | 7. Nokia G20 |
| 3. Samsung Galaxy A23 | 8. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 |
| 4. Samsung Galaxy A03s | 9. LG Stylo 5 |
| 5. BLU G91 Max |
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.43-inch AMOLED (2400 pixels x 1080 pixels)
OS: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
Processor: Snapdragon 680
RAM: 4 or 6 GB
Storage: 64 or 128 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 50 MP + 8 MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 13 MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Size: 6.3 inches x 2.91 inches x .32 inches
Weight: 6.31 ounces
Our top choice among all best budget phone picks under $200 is Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 11. It can compete with some affordable flagship models in many aspects. For instance, its photography game is top-notch, thanks to its quad-camera setup. One of its four shutters is 50MP which is excellent for detailed shots. Its battery life is also impressive at 5,000mAh. This gets replenished fast in an hour, thanks to 33W fast charging, and is more than enough for all-day binge-watching or gaming.
The Redmi Note 11 is also powerful for typical daily mobile activities due to its Snapdragon 680 main chip. The processor might not match the capabilities of the newer 800 series, though. But given that it is challenging to find 600-and-up series chipsets on $185 phones like this, you’ll already be happy with the chipset of the Redmi Note 11.
Pros
- Low price
- 33W fast charging
- Big battery capacity
- Detailed camera shots
- Decent chipset
Cons
- Not 5G-ready
- Subpar audio output
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.5-inch LCD (1600 pixels x 720 pixels)
OS: Android 11
Processor: MediaTek Helio G37
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64 or 128 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 50 MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Size: 6.58 inches x 3.01 inches x 0.37 inches
Weight: 7.16 ounces
The Moto G Power (2022) is the best budget phone under $200 from Motorola. It is made of glass and plastic. Moreover, it has a widescreen that lets you enjoy watching movies and gaming. Unlike other smartphones, this unlocked phone that supports a Nano-SIM card can work in any network.
The phone also gives you three days of battery life like our previous pick. It uses a non-removable battery and in its price range, it is one of the phones with the best battery life. If you’re into photography, you can enjoy a 50MP rear camera that uses PDAF on this phone. There are also two 2MP shutters at the back for good image depth. Meanwhile, the phone’s 8MP front camera is ideal for group selfies.
Overall, the Moto G Power (2022) is a budget phone under $200 that can rival mainstream releases touting high resolution and endurance.
Pros
- Low price
- High-resolution camera
- Amazing battery life
- Works on all networks
- Solid performance
Cons
- Bland design
- Not 5G-ready
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.6-inch LCD (2408 pixels x 1080 pixels)
OS: Android 12
Processor: Snapdragon 680
RAM: 4 to 8 GB
Storage: 64 or 128 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 50 MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Size: 6.48 inches x 3.03 inches x 0.33 inches
Weight: 6.88 ounces
The best budget phone you can get under $200 from a mobile phone giant is arguably the Samsung Galaxy A23. Like our other top picks, this phone excels in photography and power. Its quad-camera system highlights a 50MP shutter that works together with lenses that specialize in great depth and an ultrawide view. The selfie camera is decent, supporting 8MP.
As for the battery, it packs 5,000mAh and powers up real quick via 25W fast charging. With it, you’ll not run out of juice for power-hungry games and applications you’re using almost the entire day. The big battery capacity is complemented by a decent chipset that can handle heavy programs.
As for a few drawbacks, you can’t experience 4K videos and 5G connectivity like in the flagships with this phone.
Pros
- Low price
- Superb cameras
- Big battery capacity
- 25W fast charging
- Decent chipset
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Plastic back
- No 4K video support
- Not 5G-ready
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.5-inch LCD (1600 pixels x 720 pixels)
OS: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
Processor: MediaTek MT6765 Helio P35
RAM: 2 to 4 GB
Storage: 32 or 64 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 13 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera: 5 MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Size: 6.46 inches x 2.99 inches x .36 inches
Weight: 6.91 ounces
The Samsung Galaxy A03s is also a contender to be the best budget phone under $200. It touts a big battery life that can match that of the flagships — 5,000mAh. What’s more, it charges quickly via 15W fast charging. The A03s not only allow you to do what you want to do longer (e.g. binge-watching or gaming on mobile). It can even immerse you more into your activity with its big screen.
However, unlike the previously featured models, this phone has average cameras. The resolution is just what you’d expect on a typical phone of the same price. Nonetheless, the A03s is a decent option for budget-constrained customers who still want to stick to Samsung.
Pros
- Low price
- Reputable brand
- Impressive battery life
- 15W fast charging
- Big screen
Cons
- Average cameras
- Not 5G-ready
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.8-inch LCD (2460 pixels x 1080 pixels)
OS: Android 11
Processor: MediaTek Helio G95
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 108 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP +2MP
Front Camera: 16 MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Size: 6.64 inches x 3.03 inches x .35 inches
Weight: 7.51 ounces
Although not from the most popular brands, this best budget phone pick you can get under $200 might make a good first impression. The BLU G91 Max is looking to blow you away with its camera setup. It doesn’t incorporate average quad cameras. In fact, one of its shutters is a 108MP camera, and the whole AI system can record up to 4K. That is on par with some flagships that tout pro-like photography features. Its camera for selfies is even better than what most sub-$200 phones have, supporting 16 MP.
If the camera system is not yet enough to impress you, know that this phone also packs 5,000mAh of power. Fast charging is up to 18W, although wireless charging is capped at 10W. That means you can enjoy the impressive photography features longer than usual. Additionally, the gadget can be unlocked via fingerprints or face recognition.
As for the downsides, the phone lacks 5G, like many of the best budget phone picks under $200 here. Furthermore, it isn’t compatible with some popular cellular network carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Cricket, and Boost Mobile. Another flaw usually noticed by users of the phone is that the audio output is a bit weak or muffled at times. Nonetheless, it is still a good option from a non-mainstream brand.
Pros
- Low price
- Excellent cameras
- Impressive battery life
- 18W fast charging
Cons
- Some cellular network provider incompatibilities
- Not 5G-ready
- Weak audio
- Not-so-mainstream brand
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.52-inch LCD (1600 pixels x 720 pixels)
OS: Android 11
Processor: Snapdragon 4350
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 16 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Battery: 4,470 mAh
Size: 6.6 inches x 3.08 inches x .36 inches
Weight: 7.41 ounces
It’s unusual for a best budget phone option under $200 to have 5G. But if you really want 5G on a phone that is within that price range, go for the Nokia G300 5G. It is one of the most affordable handsets that tout the said connectivity standard.
What makes the Nokia G300 5G great isn’t only 5G support. It has a battery capacity above average for today’s smartphones and reliable security features such as Face Unlock.
However, the version you can buy on Amazon is locked with Total Wireless. So, if you don’t want the said provider, you might make a hard pass on this one.
Pros
- Low price
- 5G-ready
- Good battery capacity
Cons
- Average cameras
- Occasional software glitches
- Locked with a specific cellular network provider
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.52-inch LCD (1600 pixels x 720 pixels)
OS: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
Processor: MediaTek MT6765G Helio G35
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 or 128 GB (expandable)
Rear Camera: 48 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP +2MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Battery: 5,050 mAh
Size: 6.49 inches x 2.99 inches x .36 inches
Weight: 6.95 ounces
Although the Nokia G20 isn’t 5G-ready like the Nokia G300 5G, it makes up for it in terms of camera quality and battery capacity. This budget phone under $200 already has a quad-camera setup that includes a 48MP, 5MP, and two 2MP shutters. It takes better images than the other featured Nokia phone, but the lighting should be right in the first place. The battery is also good for long hours of streaming or gaming. However, the apps might feel laggy at times due to the processor.
Overall, despite having a few flaws, the Nokia G20 is already good for its price. Plus, with its brand reputation, you know the gadget could last a long time.
Pros
- Low price
- Good cameras
- Long-lasting battery power
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Inconsistent camera quality depending on lighting
- Average processor
- Not 5G-ready
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.3 inches (1080 pixels x 2340 pixels)
OS: Android 9 (upgradable to Android 10)
Processor: Snapdragon 665
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB (256 GB expandable)
Rear Camera: 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 13 MP
Battery: 4,000 mAh
Size: 6.2 inches x 0.3 inches x 3 inches
Weight: 6.7 ounces
This best budget phone under $200 might no longer be new, but it still has camera quality that is competitive in the present day. The Redmi Note 8 highlights a quad-camera setup with a 48 MP AI shutter, ultrawide-angle and super macro lenses, and a depth sensor. That helps in giving ultraclear images. Also, the gadget has linear speakers that provide excellent sound quality. Moreover, the speakers of the phone are considered auto-cleaning speakers — which might surprise some users.
These are not yet everything that this best budget phone under $200 offers. The Redmi Note 8 adopts a 6.3-inch FHD + Eye protection display and Gorilla Glass 5 protection at the back and front. Also, it has a water-drop notch, and its back is built with 2.5D glass, giving it a premium look. The phone is also compatible with most GSM carriers, but not with Sprint and Verizon. It incorporates two Nano-SIM card slots and a microSD card slot.
Additionally, it features different sensors, which include those for proximity, ambient light, acceleration, and fingerprint scanning. It is also equipped with a digital compass.
Pros
- Low price
- Stable and robust
- Great cameras
- Long battery life
- Easy-to-reach buttons
- Fingerprint scanner
- Reading mode
Cons
- Boosted saturation
- Occasional stutters during navigation
- Not 5G-ready
Screen Size (Resolution): 6.2 inches (2160 pixels x 1080 pixels)
OS: Android 9
Processor: Snapdragon SDM450
RAM: 3 GB
Storage: 32 GB (2 TB expandable)
Rear Camera: 13 MP
Front Camera: 5 MP
Battery: 3,500 mAh
Size: 3.1 inches x 0.3 inches x 6.3 inches
Weight: 1.6 ounces
If you want a budget phone under $200 that is best used as a backup device, check out the LG Stylo 5. It has a big screen where you can enjoy movies, music videos, and games. Plus, you can even write or draw on it through the compatible stylus when you’re bored. Moreover, the phone works with most carriers.
This low-cost phone doesn’t have the greatest cameras and battery, though; the said components are a bit behind in today’s standards. Still, if all you want are the basics and productivity with a stylus, this phone could be the right pick for you.
Pros
- Low price
- Built-in stylus
- Great design
- Decent performance
- Ultra-power saving mode
- Radio function
- Built-in GPS receiver
Cons
- Single speaker grill
- Struggles with more graphically-intense games
- Subpar battery life
- Average cameras
- Not 5G-ready
Why Go for a Budget Phone Under $200?
If you want to be trendy, you can always spend a lot of money on the latest smartphones. However, that isn’t always the wise move. Here are reasons why it is good to go for the best budget phone under $200.
Savings
Of course, the number one reason for going for a budget phone is the savings you get. This is good if you have other important needs besides a smartphone or want to have some spare cash for accessories to protect or spruce up your new gadget.
Simplicity
Budget phones usually stick to the basics. If the simple features are enough for you, then a phone under $200 is the right choice. After all, it doesn’t make sense to spend on something with too many extra features if you do not need those extras in the first place.
Budget Phones Should Not Be Overlooked
Budget phones under $200 are not always subpar options. Even these cheaper options have something to show off. You just need to take time to check their features. That effort will let you see these affordable gadgets in a new light and help pick the right one for you.
