The best budget smartphones 

Getting a new phone is awesome, but what if money is tight? Can you still find a great smartphone that’ll do everything you want?

Thankfully, yes.

Buying something from the latest iPhone 16 Series and Samsung Galaxy S24 Series might be tempting, but there’s a wide range of fantastic devices available for less.

In fact, the best cheap phones offer reliable performance at a budget-friendly price.

Here’s a guide to some of the best budget smartphones available right now. And the best bit? You can enjoy them all on the UK’s Fastest 5G Network.

There are many Samsung models that could feature highly in the best budget smartphone category, but one of the best options is the Galaxy A15. 

Diving straight into the key features, you’ll enjoy an excellent 6.5in display for the best view even in bright sunlight. The 6.5in FHD+ display provides an Infinity-U design, with a subtle dew-drop cut-out at the top of the display, to conceal the selfie camera.

As far as cameras go, the Galaxy A15 offers a multi-lens camera with 50MP main camera. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for landscapes, while the macro lens gives incredible close-ups. You can then flip over to the 13MP front-facing lens for high-quality selfies.

In terms of battery life, the A15’s 5,000mAh battery can easily power you through the day and night, while if you need a quick burst of additional battery, the Super-Fast charging tech has you covered.  The A15 also supports a dual SIM, so you can have two phone numbers and keep your work and personal connections separate.  

Take a look at this phone in more detail over at our Samsung Galaxy A15 deals page.

The HONOR 90 is an excellent budget option, featuring a fantastic 200MP ultra-clear resolution camera and 50MP selfie camera for high-quality imagery. 

In addition to the camera setup, it also offers an immersive 6.7in super retina AMOLED quad-curved display screen. Even better, the display also supports your eye health, with 'world-first' high-frequency dimming tech that takes effect in low light, and a high 120Hz refresh rate.

With its superior light sensing tech, you'll be able to capture amazing pictures regardless of lighting levels. Additionally, both the rear and front cameras support 4K video recording. The HONOR 90 also features a super large 5000mAh battery which will give you a full day of uninterrupted use, guaranteed.

Take a look at this phone in more detail over at our HONOR 90 deals page.  

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is truly a great option for anyone seeking a highly functional smartphone that is lightweight, durable and budget friendly. 

There’s a good reason the SE is now onto its 3^rd generation, a much-loved option that provides long battery life and a good camera. The durability is provided by one of the toughest glass screens of any smartphone, which also minimises the chances of the need for repair, and the costs that brings.

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality, with the SE’s excellent camera automatically making supersmart adjustments and Smart HDR 4 bringing out the best in all types of scenes. You can also add in the 4.7-inch Retina HD display with True Tone, meaning white balance is adjusted automatically to cause less strain on the eyes.

The iPhone SE 2022 also offers durable design and IP67 water resistance, making it the perfect option for the active user who wants to take their phone everywhere with them. As for battery, the 3^rd Gen enjoys a real leap in battery life, with the latest iPhone SE’s battery offering up to 15 hours of video playback, and lasting even longer for less battery-intensive uses. 

Many of the latest smartphones don’t come cheap. Even a lot of mid-range models will set you back a few quid. But if you’re short on funds, there are plenty of quality handsets to choose from.

Budget smartphones have improved over the years, so you can now get a great device for less. And don’t forget you can also save even more money by trading in and selling your old gadgets. You can use the money to get your next phone for less, or have the cash transferred straight to your bank account.