Best Cheap Cell Phone Options in 2024

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. They are not just a device to make calls and send text messages anymore, but they also serve as a personal assistant, camera, entertainment center, and much more. However, the latest and greatest smartphones can come with a hefty price tag, leaving many people looking for alternatives. This is where the best cheap cell phones come in.

When it comes to purchasing a budget-friendly smartphone, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the operating system. Android and iOS are the two most popular operating systems, but there are other options available as well. Another critical factor is the phone’s specifications, such as the processor, RAM, storage, and battery life. These features will determine the phone’s overall performance and how well it can handle multitasking and running various apps.

We spent hours researching and testing various budget-friendly smartphones to identify the best cheap cell phones on the market. Our goal was to find phones that offer excellent value for their price and can perform well in everyday tasks. In the next section, we will dive into our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Cheap Cell Phones

We understand that not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a cell phone, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. After researching and testing various models, we have compiled a list of the best cheap cell phones that offer great value for their price. Whether you’re looking for a basic phone for calls and texts or a smartphone with advanced features, our list has got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

TracFone Motorola Moto g Play

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone, the TracFone Motorola Moto g Play is a great option with its decent camera and long-lasting battery life.

Pros

• With a 16MP triple camera system, you can capture detailed shots and snap group photos easily.
• The 6.5 inches 90Hz HD Display provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience.
• The non-removable 5000mAh battery life lasts up to 3 days on a single charge.

Cons

• This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means you can only use it on the Tracfone wireless network.
• The phone only comes with 32GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users.
• The phone’s processor may not be powerful enough for heavy usage.

We were impressed with the camera quality on the TracFone Motorola Moto g Play. The 16MP triple camera system, equipped with Macro Vision and Auto smile capture, makes it easy to capture detailed shots and group photos without touching the shutter button. The 16MP AI-powered main camera also makes it easy to take great photos in any lighting.

The 6.5 inches 90Hz HD Display provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience, making it great for watching videos or browsing the web. The non-removable 5000mAh battery life lasts up to 3 days on a single charge, which is impressive for a budget smartphone.

However, there are some downsides to this phone. It is locked to Tracfone, which means you can only use it on the Tracfone wireless network. The phone only comes with 32GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the phone’s processor may not be powerful enough for heavy usage.

Overall, the TracFone Motorola Moto g Play is a great budget-friendly smartphone with decent camera quality and long-lasting battery life. If you’re looking for a phone with these features and don’t mind being locked to Tracfone, this phone is definitely worth considering.

BLU C5L MAX | 2024 | All-Day Battery | GSM Unlocked | 5.7” Display | 16/2GB |US Version | US Warranty | Black

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone, the BLU C5L MAX is definitely worth considering. It has a few pros and cons that we think are worth mentioning.

Pros

• Unlocked and ready to use with your preferred GSM Carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others.
• Brilliant 5.7” high resolution Display that brings all your favorite movies and picture to life.
• Box content: Phone, Silicone Case, Charger, Quick Guide and Sticker.

Cons

• Not compatible with AT-amp;T, Cricket or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile.
• Android 13 (Go edition) may not be the most up-to-date operating system.
• 2MP Selfie camera may not be the best for taking high-quality selfies.

As for our experience with the BLU C5L MAX, we found that it was a decent smartphone for the price point. The display is definitely one of its standout features, with vivid colors and sharp resolution that make watching videos and looking at photos a pleasure. The phone comes with a silicone case, which is a nice touch and offers some protection against drops and scratches.

However, we did find that the 2MP Selfie camera left something to be desired. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either, and if you’re someone who takes a lot of selfies, you may want to look elsewhere. Additionally, while the phone is unlocked and ready to use with your preferred GSM carrier, it’s not compatible with AT-amp;T, Cricket, or CDMA networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile.

Overall, we think the BLU C5L MAX is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a great display. However, if you’re looking for a phone with a better selfie camera or compatibility with AT-amp;T or CDMA networks, you may want to consider other options.

Tracfone TCL Flip 2

If you’re looking for a simple and stylish flip phone, the Tracfone TCL Flip 2 might be the perfect device for you.

Pros

• The flip phone design makes it easy to carry in any pocket or purse.
• The big buttons and large, legible numbers make dialing effortless.
• With up to 6.8 hours of talk time on a single charge, you can keep the conversations going without worrying about running out of battery.

Cons

• The phone is locked to Tracfone, so it can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network.
• The camera is only 2MP, which might not be enough for those who like to take high-quality photos.
• The internal memory is only 16GB, which might not be enough for those who like to store a lot of photos and videos.

We found the Tracfone TCL Flip 2 to be a reliable and easy-to-use flip phone. The design is sleek and stylish, and the big buttons and large, legible numbers make dialing effortless. The phone is also very lightweight and easy to carry around.

The battery life is impressive, with up to 6.8 hours of talk time on a single charge. This means you can stay connected with your loved ones without worrying about running out of battery.

The camera is only 2MP, which might not be enough for those who like to take high-quality photos. However, if you’re just looking for a basic camera to capture memories, the Tracfone TCL Flip 2 will do the job just fine.

Overall, we would recommend the Tracfone TCL Flip 2 to anyone who is looking for a simple and reliable flip phone. It’s perfect for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles of a smartphone, and just want a device to stay connected with their loved ones.

Motorola Moto G Stylus | 2023 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50 MP Camera | Midnight Blue

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a stylus, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023 is a solid choice.

Pros

• The built-in stylus is a great addition, allowing you to jot down notes, sketch artwork, and edit photos with pinpoint precision.
• The 50MP camera system captures sharp and bright photos even in low light conditions, thanks to Quad Pixel technology.
• The 5000mAh battery offers unbelievable battery life, so you don’t have to worry about recharging your phone frequently.

Cons

• The stylus can be a bit finicky to use at times, and it’s not as precise as a dedicated stylus.
• The 6.5″ 90Hz display is decent, but it’s not as sharp as some higher-end smartphones.
• The 64GB storage may not be enough for power users who like to store a lot of photos, videos, and apps on their phone.

We’ve been using the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with what it offers for the price. The built-in stylus is a great addition, and we’ve found ourselves using it more than we expected. It’s not as precise as a dedicated stylus, but it gets the job done for jotting down quick notes and editing photos.

The 50MP camera system is one of the highlights of this phone. We’ve been able to capture some great photos in a variety of lighting conditions, and the Quad Pixel technology helps to reduce noise and improve detail. The 5000mAh battery is also impressive, and we’ve been able to go a full day without needing to recharge.

However, there are some downsides to the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023. The stylus can be a bit finicky to use at times, and it’s not as precise as we would like. The 6.5″ 90Hz display is decent, but it’s not as sharp as some higher-end smartphones. The 64GB storage may also be a bit limiting for power users who like to store a lot of photos, videos, and apps on their phone.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a stylus, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023 is definitely worth considering. It’s not perfect, but it offers a lot of features for the price.