📱 Best Phones Under $150 (2025)
Finding a good phone under $150 in 2025 is absolutely possible — as long as expectations are realistic. Phones in this price range focus on battery life, basic performance, and reliability, not flagship cameras or gaming power.
Below are the best cheap smartphones under $150 that still offer a smooth everyday experience for calls, browsing, social media, and streaming.
🔝 Top Picks: Best Phones Under $150
Samsung Galaxy A05
Large display, reliable battery life, and Samsung software support at a very low price.
Moto G Play (2024)
Clean Android experience, excellent battery life, and smooth everyday performance.
Nokia G60 5G
Affordable 5G phone with durable design and long-term software support.
🧭 Which phone should you choose?
- Best overall under $150: 👉 Moto G Play (2024)
- Best Samsung option: 👉 Galaxy A05
- Best 5G phone under $150: 👉 Nokia G60 5G
📊 Comparison Table
Samsung Galaxy A05
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Reliable battery life
Moto G Play (2024)
- Clean Android
- Great battery
- Smooth everyday use
Nokia G60 5G
- 5G support
- Durable build
- Long software support
*Prices are approximate and may change. Always check the live price on Amazon before buying.
📱 Samsung Galaxy A05 — full review
The Samsung Galaxy A05 is one of the most affordable Samsung smartphones available in 2025, making it a safe and familiar choice for users who want reliability over raw performance.
It features a large 6.7-inch HD+ display, which works well for watching videos, browsing social media, and reading content. While the resolution is modest, the size makes everyday use comfortable.
Performance is aimed at basic smartphone tasks. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Gmail, and Chrome run smoothly for daily use. Heavy gaming or intense multitasking isn’t its strength, but for casual users, it feels stable and predictable.
The 50MP main camera delivers surprisingly decent photos in good lighting. Colors look natural and sharp enough for social sharing. Low-light photography is limited, which is expected at this price.
Battery life is one of its strongest points. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day and often stretches into a second day for light users. Charging speed varies by region but is adequate for overnight charging.
Samsung’s One UI software is intuitive and beginner-friendly, and Samsung generally provides reliable security updates, which is a big advantage compared to lesser-known budget brands.
Best for:
✔ First-time smartphone users
✔ Seniors
✔ Kids or backup phones
✔ Buyers who want Samsung reliability at the lowest price
Not ideal for:
✖ Gaming
✖ Heavy multitasking
✖ Advanced photography
📱 Moto G Play (2024) — full review
The Moto G Play (2024) stands out as one of the best-balanced budget phones under $150. Motorola focuses on simplicity, smooth performance, and excellent battery life — and it shows.
The phone runs a nearly stock version of Android, which feels clean, fast, and clutter-free. This helps it perform better than many competitors with similar hardware.
Its large 6.5-inch display is comfortable for daily use, and while it’s not OLED, brightness and readability are good for the price. Scrolling and basic multitasking feel smooth thanks to well-optimized software.
Battery life is a major highlight. The 5000 mAh battery often lasts up to two days with moderate use, making it ideal for people who don’t want to charge daily.
Camera performance is solid for everyday photos. In good lighting, photos look clear and natural. It’s not built for night photography, but it’s more than enough for casual use and social media.
Motorola’s update policy is reasonable for this segment, and the clean UI makes the phone feel responsive even with modest hardware.
Best for:
✔ Best overall balance under $150
✔ Clean Android fans
✔ Long battery life
✔ Daily use and reliability
Not ideal for:
✖ Gaming
✖ Advanced camera users
📱 Nokia G60 5G — full review
The Nokia G60 5G is one of the few phones under $150 that can sometimes offer 5G connectivity, making it more future-proof than many alternatives.
It features a sturdy build and a practical design focused on durability. Nokia emphasizes repairability and long-term usage, which makes this phone appealing for buyers who want longevity.
Performance is suitable for everyday tasks such as messaging, browsing, navigation, and video streaming. While it’s not designed for gaming, everyday responsiveness is consistent.
The 5G support is its biggest advantage, especially for users who want faster network speeds when available. Battery life is solid, typically lasting a full day or more.
Nokia also promises longer software and security support, which adds value at this price point.
Best for:
✔ Users who want 5G under $150
✔ Durable, long-lasting phones
✔ Buyers who care about software updates
Not ideal for:
✖ Heavy gaming
✖ Camera-focused users
🛒 Buying Tips (Important)
- Look for at least 4 GB RAM for smoother use
- Prefer 128 GB storage or microSD support
- Always confirm carrier compatibility
- Avoid unknown brands with no update policy
- Sales often push $180–200 phones below $150
⭐ Summary – Best Budget Phones Under $150
- Moto G Play (2024): best overall balance
- Samsung Galaxy A05: cheapest reliable Samsung
- Nokia G60 5G: best cheap phone with 5G
All three are solid choices depending on your priorities.
❓ FAQ
What is the best phone under $150 in 2025?
The Moto G Play (2024) offers the best balance of performance, battery life, and reliability.
Are phones under $150 good enough?
Yes, for calls, messaging, browsing, YouTube, and social media. They’re not meant for gaming or advanced photography.
Can I get 5G under $150?
Yes. The Nokia G60 5G sometimes drops below $150 during sales.
Should I buy unlocked or carrier models?
Unlocked phones offer more flexibility, but always check supported bands.
