10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that doesn't skimp on key features. Its 6.6-inch AMOLED display offers sharp visuals and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, making it great for watching videos or casual gaming. The 5000 mAh battery is impressive, providing long use throughout the day, and Super Fast Charging means less downtime.

For photos, the phone has improved front and rear cameras with special night modes, so your pictures should come out clear even in low light. Under the hood, it uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which handles everyday apps and games smoothly, although it’s not built for heavy multitasking or very demanding games. With 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage (expandable), it offers enough space for most users’ apps and media.

The phone’s rugged design includes water and dust resistance, adding durability that’s rare in budget models. It runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, promising a user-friendly experience and ongoing software updates. While some users note that the phone feels a bit heavy at 209 grams, the Galaxy A36 5G is a dependable, feature-packed phone that handles daily tasks efficiently without breaking the bank.

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.

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.