Buck for buck, the cheap Android sector is most likely one of the most amazing in technology now. We have actually gotten to a factor where it’s difficult to make a poor front runner, and also mid-range choices are striking a rather dependable stride. When you attempt to go inexpensive, however, you need to begin discovering a mindful equilibrium in between cost and efficiency, and no one appears to be much better at it than Samsung.
Whether the rock-bottom Galaxy A16 5G or the virtually flagship-level Galaxy S24 FE, it has staminas at both ends of the range. I would certainly recognize– I have actually had my hands on most likely six inexpensive Samsung phones each year because I began examining in 2021. With that said lots of testimonials under my belt, I assume I can state that these are the inexpensive Samsung phones you must acquire.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: The most effective inexpensive Samsung front runner


Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Adaptable cams for the cost • Class-leading upgrade dedication • Terrific worth
MSRP: $649.99
A phone that followers and Galaxy beginners will certainly like.
The Galaxy S24 FE is a Samsung front runner in all however name. It provides the appropriate mix of efficiency, Galaxy AI smarts, video camera adaptability, and total longevity while maintaining the price secured right at $650, and with an upgrade guarantee that matches the Android elite.
Positives
- Superb screen
- Adaptable cams for the cost
- Class-leading upgrade dedication
- Resilient develop
- Strong efficiency
- Terrific worth
Disadvantages
- Sharp light weight aluminum structure
- Cams can have problem with movement
- Rather ordinary layout
With a checklist this particular, it can be difficult to choose one inexpensive Samsung phone to call the most effective. Besides, the Galaxy S24 FE hardly contends in the very same sector as one of our later choices, the Galaxy A16 5G. So, as opposed to rating our selections this way, we’ll pass cost. And, if you can nearly extend your buck to the front runner world, the Galaxy S24 FE is quickly the phone for you.
While examining this mid-ranger, I wrapped up that it suffices to both draw customers far from Samsung’s less expensive choices and attract from the group that would certainly acquire the Galaxy S25 Besides, Samsung’s front runner updates underwhelmed us simply a little bit this year, so obtaining comparable products, 3 versatile cams (no committed macro sensing unit below), and 7 years of Android updates without that top-end cost makes this Follower Version that far more tempting.
I assume the Galaxy S24 FE’s 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel is a large item of what attracted me to the phone throughout my evaluation. It’s virtually just as good as the one on Samsung’s Galaxy S25 And also, and the enhanced dimension over the base Galaxy S25 implies that the mid-ranger can load a much larger battery than its relatives. Yes, you’ll need to go for the very same 25W wired billing you receive from Samsung’s tiniest front runners, however I handled to go enough time in between costs (concerning 2 days) that it’s not a large offer.
Samsung’s most current Follower Version phone suffices to draw me far from the front runner Galaxy S24 itself.
Additionally, provided the Galaxy S24 FE’s sub-flagship payment, it deserves pointing out that this phone obtains simply sufficient of a preference of Galaxy AI for me to like it. Yes, it has the best attributes like Circle to Look and Lay Out to Photo, however I a lot chose the cross-platform eases like Samsung’s Power Rating throughout my evaluation. That brilliant crease functions a whole lot like Garmin’s Body Battery, and was available in useful while likewise examining the Galaxy Watch 7 and training for a marathon.
As we transfer to the following couple of phones, you’ll discover that Samsung’s video camera equipment takes a little change, however a few of those adjustments make the Galaxy S24 FE experience that a lot sweeter. I’m so happy Samsung touched a telephoto sensing unit– albeit an 8MP choice– to complete its triad this moment, as it provides the phone far more adaptability to focus as much as 30x. It may not get to the very same high quality as the bigger front runner sensing units, however I was pleased with the lead to my restricted time invested at max zoom.
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Ideal Samsung phone under $500

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
MSRP: $499.99
The Galaxy A56 5G provides you a great deal of equipment for under $500, consisting of a 5,000 mAh battery, 45W charging, and a long lasting Gorilla Glass Victus And also develop.
Positives
- Long Lasting Gorilla Glass Victus And Also
- Stylish 45W wired billing
- Superb upgrade dedication
Disadvantages
- Committed macro video camera
- No wireless billing
- Missing out on some AI includes
If the near-flagship Galaxy S24 FE runs out reach, Samsung’s Galaxy A56 5G prepares to port in at the below-$500 cost factor. Although not readily available in the United States right now, Samsung has actually guaranteed us it’s coming, and based upon some hands-on time amongst the group, we really feel comfy including it on this listing for when it appears. Besides, it drops simply an action or 2 behind the Galaxy S24 FE with Gorilla Glass Victus And also on the front and back, a light weight aluminum structure, and IP68 longevity versus water and dirt … while being $150 less expensive.
And, if a deal is what you seek, the Galaxy A56 5G contrasts positively to the front runner Galaxy S25 in several methods. It loads the very same 50MP key sensing unit and a really comparable 12MP ultrawide back-up, which must cover you well in nearly any type of circumstance, many thanks to photo handling from the internal Exynos 1580. No, the mid-range chipset will not stay on par with the flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy theoretically, however it includes accessibility to the essentials of Galaxy AI, which is all you require at the $500 cost factor.
Possibly one of the most considerable benefit this spending plan choice has more than its front runner (and sub-flagship) relatives is its battery and billing configuration. The Galaxy A56 5G has room for a complete 5,000 mAh battery– 1,000 mAh bigger than the Galaxy S25– and sustains 45W wired billing with a USB PD PPS charger, which was formerly scheduled for the similarity the Galaxy S25 And Also and Ultra, both of which price greater than two times as much. Mix in a somewhat extra traditional chipset, and this inexpensive Samsung phone must compete days in between costs.
When it pertains to the United States, the Galaxy A56 5G simply may make the Pixel 9a sweat a little bit.
Provided, a few of Samsung’s somewhat extra pricey phones will certainly improve software application assistance than the Galaxy A56 5G, however that’s where we reach question worth. This phone will certainly grab 6 years of updates for a color under $500, while the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy S25 will certainly obtain a 7th year for $649 and $799, specifically. I do not find out about you, however I do not assume another Android upgrade deserves $150– not to mention $300– when Samsung phones might feel and look totally various by the end of the years.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: Ideal Samsung phone under $300

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
Big AMOLED show • IP67 score • 6 years of updates
MSRP: $299.99
Samsung’s most value-for-money A collection phone in 2025
With updated Gorilla Glass Victus And also defense, a huge AMOLED screen, and 6 years of updates, the Galaxy A26 5G is whatever you would certainly desire from a budget plan Samsung phone.
Positives
- Gorilla Glass Victus And also defense front and back
- Big, dazzling AMOLED screen
- Strong efficiency
- Rich, current One UI
- 6 years of updates
Disadvantages
- Mono audio speaker
- Typical cams
- Mushy haptics
Tipping down one more degree, you may anticipate us to suggest the Galaxy A36 5G for a somewhat tighter spending plan. Besides, it’s a little bit extra pricey and has a little bit even more power inside its glass and plastic structure, so it needs to be the much better phone. Nevertheless, we have actually invested adequate time with that said phone and this, the Galaxy A26 5G, to recognize that often it’s much better to go even more listed below your price to discover a much better worth.
When you need to contrast 2 really inexpensive phones, it generally comes to be even more concerning what one is missing out on. And, because feeling, the Galaxy A26 5G isn’t missing out on a lot. The Galaxy A26 and A36 pack IP67 rankings versus water and dirt, 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh prices, and Gorilla Glass Victus And also on the front and back. The panel on the extra superior phone is simply a little better to expand its enhanced cost.
The Galaxy A26 5G supplies much better value than the extra pricey Galaxy A36 5G– go number.
Possibly one of the most unusual location where the Galaxy A26 5G appears in advance of its Galaxy A36 brother or sister remains in efficiency. For my cash, I would certainly have constantly anticipated a 4nm Snapdragon cpu to cover a 5nm Exynos chipset, however the reverse holds true this moment. We discovered that the Exynos 1380 installed virtually the same benchmarking numbers to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 throughout our thorough CPU examinations, indicating that it needs to jump in between social media sites, net surfing, and light work without a reservation. The Galaxy A36’s GPU is a little bit extra qualified, recommending it would certainly be the much better video gaming choice, however AAA titles would certainly constantly be a complicated ask at under $300.
And afterwards, there’s battery life. We were thrilled with exactly how much the Galaxy A26 might extend its 5,000 mAh cell, the very same capability you receive from many inexpensive Samsung phones. We pressed it for concerning 2 days in between costs prior to transforming to its 25W wired rates, which match what you receive from Samsung phones that set you back 2 or 3 times extra. I would certainly likewise state the Galaxy A26 5G contrasts positively to Motorola’s Moto G Power (2025), its closest inexpensive Android competitor, in regards to both video camera adaptability and software application assistance.
Rushil Agrawal/ Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Ideal Samsung phone under $200


Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
MSRP: $199.99
Budget plan phone, front runner assistance.
The Galaxy A16 5G proceeds Samsung’s pattern of dependable spending plan phones, just this moment it’s geared up with flagship-grade software application assistance that will certainly see it take pleasure in as much as 6 years of updates.
Positives
- Outstanding software application upgrade guarantee
- Strong key video camera
- Respectable battery life
- Terrific cost
- Excellent billing
Disadvantages
- Just-okay develop high quality
- Aging efficiency
- Weak outer cams
- Bland layout
The last entrance on our listing of the most effective inexpensive Samsung phones likewise has among the most difficult cost factors. Put simply, making a wonderful phone for much less than $200 is difficult. At some point, you need to begin eliminating points from the spec sheet to maintain the cost in check, and there’s generally very little to eliminate to begin with. Yet, I still assume that Samsung has actually gathered something quite excellent with the Galaxy A16 5G.
The trick to Samsung’s ultra-cheap success is its dedication to software application updates. Like the remainder of the Galaxy A collection, the Galaxy A16 is established for a complete 6 years of assistance, lugging it right into the beginning of the 2030s. That exercises to a per-update price of around $30, much better than the Galaxy A26’s per-update price of $50 or the Galaxy S24 FE’s cost of around $90 for every significant spot. Provided, you’re spending for far more than simply software application assistance, however it’s an excellent location to begin if you desire an economical phone for your youngsters or an older liked one.
Unsurprisingly, the video camera equipment on the Galaxy A16 needs to take a little a go back to prosper within its restricted cost, however I still left pleased with the key sensing unit. It coincides 50MP, 1/2.76-inch sensing unit that the Galaxy A26 makes use of and is quite comparable to the one Samsung has actually made use of on its last couple of Galaxy A1X launches, so it’s had lots of time to tweak the photo handling. The 5MP ultrawide and 2MP specialized macro sensing units that complete the triad aren’t one of the most versatile, however we can chalk that as much as the really limited spending plan.
A superb upgrade dedication suffices to have the Galaxy A16 5G boxing over its price.
Possibly the excellent placing for the Galaxy A16 5G is what I explained over: It’s a wonderful phone for youngsters and the not-so-tech-savvy individuals in your life. Its mix of lower-grade Gorilla Glass and plastic ways you do not need to fret excessive concerning harming it, and also if you do, the repair service costs will not be really high. Its IP54 score versus water and dirt drops somewhat behind the various other choices on this listing, however it needs to still be excellent sufficient for stormy days and the periodic coastline journey as long as you treat it with simply adequate treatment.
Ryan Haines/ Android Authority
What to try to find in an excellent inexpensive Samsung phone
Ryan Haines/ Android Authority
For most individuals, selecting an economical Samsung phone must be basic. It’s very easy sufficient to choose your cost factor, after that find out which Galaxy A (or Galaxy FE) gadget matches your restriction. That claimed, you may really obtain even more out of your following Galaxy acquisition by considering a couple of even more particular attributes, as well. Right here’s what else I consider prior to I suggest which phone to acquire:
- Inspect that chipset: We have actually traditionally had a love-hate partnership with Samsung’s internal chipsets, though unquestionably generally at the front runner cost factor. It’s simply a little unsatisfactory to see Samsung pick a much less excellent chipset for the global variation of a gadget. Nevertheless, at the bargain factor, it’s a rather sure thing that you’ll obtain Exynos under the hood, so look very closely to make certain it’s a current chip, and you must be simply great.
- Budget-minded products: Samsung understands exactly how to develop an economical phone, and it understands exactly how to do it well. I would certainly make certain you inspect the high quality of Gorilla Glass made use of for both the screen and the back panel, and do not fret excessive concerning the plastic structure– it needs to take a tumble or 2 without much problem.
- 3rd video camera’s the appeal: Regardless of which Samsung gadget you acquire, you can ensure a triad of back cams– they’re basically standard-issue now. That claimed, not all 3rd cams are developed equivalent. Often, Samsung piles its inexpensive choices with specialized macro sensing units, while some somewhat extra superior designs obtain telephoto equipment. If you wish to utilize your phone video camera to its maximum degree, I would certainly try to find the last, as macro digital photography can commonly be taken care of by an ultrawide video camera.
- Hang onto the earphone jack: Nowadays, it can be difficult to discover particular video camera attributes that you may have matured with, like changeable batteries or the headphone jack. While I do not assume the previous gets on its back at any time quickly, there are still a couple of inexpensive Samsung phones with earphone jacks. You may need to try to find a somewhat older version to ensure assistance, however it’s a very easy means to maintain your preferred wired earphones to life.
- Galaxy AI for everybody: Trying to find new AI-powered attributes on your following mobile phone is one more among one of the most prominent methods to make a choice. Typically, I would certainly state it’s a rather sensible point to think about, however when you’re searching for inexpensive Samsung phones, your choices are restricted. You’ll discover handy techniques like Circle to Look and Object Eraser on a couple of Galaxy A tools, however one of the most budget-friendly choices like the Galaxy A16 lose out.
- Worth vs cost: It may seem backwards, however often the most effective means to conserve cash isn’t with the most affordable phone. Rather, you may wish to consider the number of updates a phone will certainly obtain and contrast it to just how much that phone prices. Also if you end up paying a bit extra expense, you’ll most likely have that phone for longer and have the ability to extend its worth over even more years.
- Is opened a choice: Samsung often places its most affordable phone in a complicated setting by securing them to a service provider. If that holds true, you might need to think about the prices of relocating your number and updating your phone. Fortunately, nonetheless, is that Samsung likewise supplies lots of opened designs, which would certainly enable you to bring them to any type of provider, maintaining your contact number right where it is. That claimed, service providers are generally much better able to supply equipment price cuts together with your regular monthly solution, which might be a fast means to conserve cash.
- No question concerning longevity: It hasn’t constantly been a warranty amongst inexpensive Android phones, however every phone in Samsung’s Galaxy A schedule includes some type of IP rating versus water and dirt. If you stick to even more budget-friendly choices like the Galaxy A16 5G, you’ll obtain somewhat reduced IP54 defense, while some costs chooses like the Galaxy A56 grab IP67 qualification.
Why you must trust me
Ryan Haines/ Android Authority
Most Of Us need to begin someplace, and when I was provided the chance to start examining Android phones below at Android Authority , Samsung’s spending plan array was my play area. Prior to I also found out exactly how to take correct evaluation images, my very first evaluation was of the Galaxy A11, and I have not recalled. Certain, I have actually because found out exactly how to take images and make the most affordable Android phones look half-decent, however I have not neglected my origins.
Nowadays, my evaluation duties are a little bit broader– I cover whatever from the inexpensive Samsung phones I began with to one of the most pricey Android tablet computers and front runners on the marketplace. With my enhanced range, I have actually discovered what it requires to make a wonderful costs gadget and exactly how to make an outstanding spending plan choice stand apart from the group, and I recognize where most inexpensive phones often tend to fail.
Given that I have actually been below, I have actually assessed (or a minimum of invested extensive time with) every generation of the Galaxy A1X schedule, from the A11 I began with to the Galaxy A16 5G gone for the beginning of 2025. Both phones are nearly as various as can be, yet lug a great deal of Samsung through-lines and reveal a lots of progression throughout the years, particularly pertaining to develop high quality and software application updates.
What do you try to find many in an economical Samsung phone?
17 ballots
Additionally, while I have actually had my hands on a lots of Android phones throughout the years, my point of views aren’t based only on subjective information. I have actually likewise functioned very closely with my associate and our internal screening wizard, Robert Triggs, to find out a standard collection of criteria that places whatever from the Exynos 1580 to the Snapdragon 8 Elite on a rather equal opportunity. It’s enabled us to produce an extra conclusive position of what places one phone in advance of one more, and includes a little scientific research to an or else extremely individual area.
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