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 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.