10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Moto G - 2025 is a budget-friendly phone that offers some impressive features for its price. It comes unlocked, making it compatible with all major U.S. carriers, which is a great convenience. The 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate is quite impressive for a phone in this category, offering bright and smooth visuals, though the HD+ resolution might not be as sharp as some users would prefer. The 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel technology promises good photo quality, especially in low light, and the 16MP front camera should be sufficient for selfies and video calls.

Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset combined with 4GB of RAM should handle everyday tasks well, though it may struggle with more demanding applications. The option to boost RAM using internal storage is a nice touch, but it can reduce available storage space. Speaking of storage, the phone offers a generous 128GB, which can be expanded with a microSD card up to 1TB, ensuring plenty of room for all your files and apps. The 5000mAh battery is a significant plus, providing long-lasting usage, and the TurboPower charging feature allows for quick top-ups.

The build quality is solid, featuring a stylish vegan leather design and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability, though it's only water-repellent, not waterproof. On the software front, it runs Android 15, which is the latest version and should provide a smooth user experience along with future updates. However, some users might find the lack of included fast charger a bit inconvenient. All in all, the Moto G - 2025 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget phone with great battery life, a good camera, and solid performance for everyday use, but it may not satisfy users seeking top-tier display resolution or who frequently use demanding apps.

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.