Buying a smartphone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re shopping for a reliable backup smartphone, a device for your child, or simply want solid features on a budget, the sub-$200 range has never looked better. Thanks to fierce competition and better components making their way down to affordable tiers, you can now get a capable 5G-ready smartphone, a smooth screen, and all-day battery life without breaking the bank.
This article rounds up the best smartphones under $200 as of July 2025. All five phones featured here were released in 2024 or later, so you’re getting recent hardware and ongoing software support. We focus on what each model offers that’s truly useful at this price point—and why it stands out from the rest.
Best Smartphones Under $200
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
The Galaxy A16 5G is one of Samsung’s most well-rounded phones under $200. It comes with a similar design as its predecessor, Galaxy A15. Perhaps, the company is trying to build on the success of the A15. This device comes with a large 6.5-inch display and it is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor. All these from Samsung for under $200 seems like a pretty good buy for someone on a budget.
The phone runs One UI 6 on Android 14, and Samsung’s track record for updates in this range is better than most competitors. It also has a clean 90Hz screen for smoother scrolling, a 50MP main camera that does a decent job in daylight, and a 5,000mAh battery that holds up well across the day. Add in 5G support and NFC for contactless payments, and it’s clear the A16 5G doesn’t cut corners in the ways many entry-level smartphones do.
Moto G Play (2024)
For those that know about Motorola G Play series, the brand likes to keep things simple. That way, it can be affordable for a wide range of potential customers. The Moto G Play comes with only 4G connectivity, so if your target is 5G, look elsewhere.
However, this device comes with an excellent 5000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery which is not common for smartphones in this category. It also uses a clean Android interface with no unnecessary clutter. The 6.5-inch HD+ screen is nothing special, but it’s large and bright enough for daily use. The 16MP rear camera is basic but functional.
Where the Moto G Play (2024) really shines is in longevity—the 5,000mAh battery and efficient chipset can push this phone well into a second day of use on one charge.
If you don’t care about 5G and want a smartphone that just works reliably without needing tweaks or tricks, this is one of the better options. The lightweight build also makes it more comfortable to use one-handed than some of the chunkier rivals.
Best Smartphones Under $200
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (2024)
The Samsung Galaxy A15 was released in December 2023 but quickly became the most sort-after entry-level phone throughout 2024. This device is still relevant in 2025, many thanks to its $150 price tag. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip powers this model, and that means performance remains snappy for everyday apps.
Samsung’s commitment to software support gives the A15 5G an edge. It launched with Android 14 and is expected to get updates for at least two years, something that’s not always guaranteed in this price segment.
It also has a bright AMOLED screen, a rare find under $200. While it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, the contrast and color quality are much better than the LCDs on many other budget smartphones. The 50MP main camera isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s good enough for quick shots and social media use. Battery life is strong too, thanks to the efficient chipset and 5,000mAh cell.
Bold N2 K50 5G
Bold might not be a household name, but the K50 5G proves it can compete in this space. This device comes with a glass build and curved display edges that makes it looks more expensive than its actual price.
Under the hood, the Dimensity 6100+ processor makes another appearance, ensuring fast enough performance for social media, streaming, and light gaming. It also supports 5G and comes with 256GB of internal storage—an unusually high amount for the price.
The 64MP main camera is another surprise. It delivers better detail and low-light performance than others on this list, though processing can be a little aggressive. The 6.6-inch FHD+ display is a step up from the usual 720p screens in this range, and it even includes stereo speakers. For users who want premium touches on a budget, the K50 5G is the closest thing under $200.
Best Smartphones Under $200
TCL 40 X 5G (2024)
TCL is better known for TVs, but it’s been steadily improving its smartphone lineup, and the 40 X 5G is a great example. It offers a balanced set of features and does the basics very well, making it a reliable daily driver.
The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, which seems to be the go-to choice in this category—and for good reason. It supports 5G, handles multitasking smoothly, and helps conserve battery life.
You also get a large 6.6-inch display with decent brightness, a 50MP rear camera, and a fingerprint reader on the side for fast unlocking. TCL also includes some thoughtful extras like dual SIM support and expandable storage, which are handy if you’re travelling or using the phone for both work and personal use.
Final thoughts
Budget smartphones are in that category because they are selective in what they offer. You can not have it all for a device that costs less than $200. Thus, you will have to carefully weigh your need before making a choice. If you want the best software support, go for one of the Samsung models. For great battery life and simplicity, the Moto G Play is hard to beat.For the Bold K50 5G, its internal storage and appearance are attractive while TCL 40 X 5G has a practical design.
