There’s little reason to pay top dollar for a smartphone. These iPhones and Android devices—ranging from $150 to $500—stood up to WIRED’s testing.
Wireless carriers in the US go out of their way to make expensive smartphones seem affordable. AT&T will advertise a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for just $36 a month, but don’t let them fool you. Over 36 monthly installments, you’re still spending more than a thousand bucks for a phone. Your pricey device may also keep you locked into the network, unable to switch wireless carriers until the phone is paid off.
Forget the spendy option and get a seriously great affordable smartphone instead. Every year, I test a dozen or more devices to find the best cheap phones that perform where it counts and aren’t annoyingly slow. Our top pick, the Google Pixel 8A, costs $499 and is as good as almost any device, and our other choices strike a great balance between price and luxury. There’s even a folding phone in this guide!
