10 Best Samsung Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G stands out as a budget-friendly phone with several appealing features. It boasts a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display, providing vibrant and clear visuals, which is great for everyday activities like browsing and streaming. The triple-lens camera setup offers versatility and decent image quality, making it suitable for casual photography enthusiasts. Additionally, its IP54 rating ensures improved durability, allowing it to withstand everyday dust and water splashes. The phone's battery life is further enhanced by Super Fast Charging, ensuring that you spend less time tethered to a charger.

With 128GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1.5TB, you have ample space for apps, photos, and videos. It also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds. The 2.4 GHz processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM, should comfortably handle basic tasks, though it might struggle with more demanding apps and multitasking. The phone runs on Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, offering a user-friendly interface and six years of security updates to ensure longevity and safety.

The device's RAM might be a limiting factor for those who require intensive multitasking or gaming. All in all, the Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable smartphone with a large display, decent camera, and robust storage options, though it may not be the best fit for power users.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a few premium touches. It has a large 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which means images and scrolling look sharp and fluid—great for watching videos or casual gaming. The 5000mAh battery is impressive, offering long use through your day, and it supports fast charging so you won't be stuck waiting long to recharge.

On the camera front, it offers decent photos with enhanced night mode and a good front camera for selfies, though it won’t compete with higher-end models in low light or detail. The phone uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which handles everyday tasks and games fairly well without noticeable lag, but it’s not meant for heavy multitasking or intensive apps. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD), it has enough space and speed for most users who don’t store tons of files or run many apps simultaneously.

The build is rugged with water and dust resistance, meaning it should withstand daily wear and tear better than many budget phones. It comes with the latest Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.0, so software feels modern and easy to navigate. The phone is unlocked for all carriers and supports 5G, which is a plus for faster internet speeds. The main downsides are that it’s a bit heavier than some might prefer and the camera, while good for its class, isn’t outstanding. If you want a dependable, affordable Samsung phone that covers all basics well with a sharp display and strong battery, the Galaxy A36 5G fits the bill nicely.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly Samsung phone with a strong feature set. Its 6.7-inch display offers a sharp and smooth viewing experience thanks to a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080) and a high 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel fluid. The screen also gets very bright (up to 1900 nits), which is great for outdoor use. Under the hood, it has a capable processor with speeds up to 3.1 GHz and 8GB of RAM, which means everyday tasks and multitasking should run smoothly without lag. Storage at 128GB is decent for most users, allowing room for apps, photos, and videos. The 4700mAh battery is quite large and supports fast and wireless charging, offering long usage times—Samsung claims up to 33 hours of talk time, so you can go a full day without worrying about charging.

Camera-wise, the phone shines with AI-powered features like Photo Assist to improve pictures, Night Portrait mode for better low-light shots, and easy slow-motion video capture. The inclusion of Galaxy Buds FE with noise cancellation and real-time translation features adds extra value, especially for travel or language needs. Running the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, the software experience is modern and user-friendly, with useful extras like AI-powered translation and photo editing. Build quality seems sturdy and comfortable to hold, weighing a reasonable 209 grams with water resistance for peace of mind.

One downside is that it uses a USB-C port without a headphone jack, so wired audio requires an adapter. Also, while the camera and AI features are great, those looking for professional-grade photography might find it less advanced than pricier models. The Galaxy S24 FE delivers a compelling package for users who want a reliable, stylish phone with a great display, long battery life, and smart software features without spending too much.