Best Budget Smartphones in 2026
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Budget phones are finally “good enough” for most people—if you prioritize software support, reliable cameras, and carrier compatibility. Below are the best budget-friendly picks that are easy to recommend in the US right now.
Top picks
Google Pixel 9a — Best for long-term updates + best “budget” camera
If you want the least-hassle budget phone that stays secure for years, Pixel 9a is the cleanest pick. Why it wins: Google’s long update policy + consistently strong photo processing in the A-series.
- Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[1], the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design[2]
- Take amazing photos and videos with the Pixel Camera, and make them better than you can imagine with Google AI; get great group photos with Add Me and Best Take[4,5]; and use Macro Focus for spectacular images of tiny details like raindrops and flowers
- Google Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 30 hours[2]; turn on Extreme Battery Saver and it can last up to 100 hours, so your phone has power when you need it most[2]
Pros
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7 years of OS + security updates (Pixel 8 and later, including 9a).
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Great everyday photos (especially people/pets) for the money.
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Useful Pixel safety/security features baked in.
Cons
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Not the fastest for heavy gaming.
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Charging speeds aren’t class-leading.
Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip: Skip if you want maximum screen size or fastest charging for the same spend—Samsung’s A-series can fit better.
Scores: Performance 4/5 · Software support 5/5 · Ease of use 5/5 · Value 4/5
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G — Best for a big, smooth display + long support
A36 is a sweet spot if you watch a lot of video, scroll endlessly, and want strong long-term support. Why it wins: Samsung moved the budget bar up with 6 generations of OS upgrades + 6 years of security updates on this model line.
- AFFORDABLY AWESOME AND ALWAYS RELIABLE: Galaxy A36 5G offers premium features and smart extras designed to elevate your everyday life — all at a price that brings exceptional value.
- AWESOME SCREEN, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7” display of Galaxy A36.¹ Whether you're gaming, streaming or browsing, enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity.
- FIND AWESOME FAST: What’s your favorite influencer wearing? Where’d they go on vacation? What’s that word mean? Don’t try to describe it — use Circle to Search with Google and get the answer in a snap.² With Galaxy A36 5G, simply circle it on your screen.
Pros
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6 OS generations + 6 years security (excellent for the category).
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Big, modern screen experience.
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Often a better “family phone” (easy to live with, fewer compromises).
Cons
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Cameras can be hit-or-miss in low light vs Pixel.
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Make sure you’re buying the US Version (avoid random import variants).
Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip: Skip if your #1 priority is the best point-and-shoot camera—Pixel 9a is safer.
Scores: Performance 4/5 · Software support 5/5 · Ease of use 4/5 · Value 4/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G — Best for saving money while still getting solid support
If A36 isn’t priced where you want it, A35 is the “still-good” fallback with dependable basics. Why it wins: strong Samsung ecosystem features + respectable update commitment for a lower tier.
- 6.6 FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1080x2340 pixels, 1000unit (Peak), 389ppi, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3
- 128GB, 6GB RAM, Expandable MicroSD, Exynos 1380 (5nm) Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 8MP, f/2.2, ultrawide + 5MP, f/2.4, macro, , 4K Video, Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.2, wide
Pros
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Up to 4 years OS updates + 5 years security.
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Solid overall balance (screen/camera/storage options).
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Easier to find accessories/cases than most budget models.
Cons
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Shorter support than A36.
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Double-check it’s unlocked and not a carrier-only variant.
Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip: Skip if you keep phones for a long time—A36’s longer support can be worth it.
Scores: Performance 3.5/5 · Software support 4/5 · Ease of use 4/5 · Value 4/5
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G — Best for the cheapest “safe” new phone
This is the one I point to when someone just needs a phone that works, with real update support—without spending much. Why it wins: strong baseline features plus Samsung’s A-series update promise.
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPERSMOOTH: Whether watching shows, playing games or reading online, the ultra-clear, superfluid display¹ of Galaxy A15 5G brings your content to life; Plus, Vision Booster lets you to enjoy the bright 800-nits screen experience
- STORE MORE & WORRY LESS: With improved internal storage of up to 128GB and up to 1TB² of expandable storage, Galaxy A15 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them
- MANAGE PERSONAL DATA w/ CONFIDENCE: Securely manage your files and rest easy knowing your sensitive data is safeguarded with the fortified layers of Knox Security
Pros
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Up to 4 years OS updates + 5 years security.
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Great pick for teens/backup phones/second lines.
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Usually easy to activate on major carriers (unlocked listings).
Cons
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Slower performance for multitasking.
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Camera is fine in daylight, weaker at night.
Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip: Skip if you’re sensitive to lag or you game—move up to A35/A36.
Scores: Performance 3/5 · Software support 4/5 · Ease of use 4/5 · Value 5/5
Motorola Moto G Power (2025) — Best for battery-first buyers
If your top frustration is “my phone dies,” this is the budget lane Motorola still owns. Why it wins: battery-focused design and a big-screen experience that’s easy to enjoy day-to-day.
- Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
- Super-bright 6.8" display + Bass Boost. Enjoy boundless entertainment on a massive, 120Hz display and stereo speakers with 1.7x more powerful bass***.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Go over a day on a single charge with a 5000mAh battery and blazing-fast charging—even charge wirelessly.*
Pros
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Battery-centric design (built around long runtimes).
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Big display + smooth scrolling vibe for the price.
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Commonly works well as a “work phone” or travel spare.
Cons
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Software support is typically shorter than Google/Samsung (I couldn’t verify a long-term guarantee on Motorola’s public support page).
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Camera processing is usually mid-pack.
Social proof: See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip: Skip if you want the longest updates or best camera—Pixel/Samsung fit better.
Scores: Performance 3.5/5 · Software support 2.5/5 · Ease of use 4/5 · Value 4/5
Quick compare
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Keep it the longest: Pixel 9a (7 years updates)
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Big-screen + long support: Galaxy A36 5G (6 OS gens / 6 years security)
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Best cheaper Samsung: Galaxy A35 5G (4 OS / 5 years security)
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Lowest-cost “real” pick: Galaxy A15 5G (4 OS / 5 years security)
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Battery-first: Moto G Power (2025)
Buying guide
1) Choose updates first (my main metric)
If you keep phones 3+ years, prioritize the models with the clearest update commitments:
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7 years: Pixel 9a
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6 years: Galaxy A36
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4–5 years: Galaxy A35 / A15
2) Avoid the wrong Amazon listings
On Amazon, budget phones are full of “almost right” versions.
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Prefer listings that explicitly say US Version and Unlocked.
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Be careful with international variants, “global” bundles, and carrier-only models.
3) Pick based on your biggest pain point
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Photos of people/pets: Pixel 9a
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Big screen + smoother feel: Galaxy A36
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Absolute lowest spend: Galaxy A15 5G
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Battery anxiety: Moto G Power (2025)
FAQs
Which budget phone lasts the longest in 2026?
For long-term software support, Pixel 9a is a standout because Pixel 8 and later models (including 9a) get 7 years of updates.
Should I buy a cheaper international model to save money?
Usually no. International variants can mean different bands, weird warranty coverage, and inconsistent carrier support. I’d stick to US Version / Unlocked listings unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Is Samsung or Google better for budget phones?
Google usually wins on camera processing and clean software, while Samsung often wins on big-display value and broader model options. For updates, both are strong on the specific models above.
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