Do you want a great phone but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Many people think good phones cost a fortune. But that’s not true! You can find amazing phones for less than $200. It can be tricky to pick the best one when there are so many choices. You might worry about getting a phone that’s too slow or doesn’t work well.
This is why we’re here to help. We know how hard it is to find a budget-friendly phone that still does everything you need. You want a phone that takes good pictures, runs your favorite apps smoothly, and has a battery that lasts all day. You shouldn’t have to break the bank for these things!
Keep reading, and we will show you the best phones you can get for under $200. We’ll explain what makes them great and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a phone that fits your needs and your wallet. Let’s dive in and find your next awesome, affordable phone!
Top Phones Under $200 Recommendations
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, or other CDMA carriers.
- Vivid 6.7” Super AMOLED Display – Enjoy a stunning Full HD+ screen with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits brightness for crystal-clear viewing, even in sunlight. 25W Charger Included!
- Powerful Performance – The Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage (expandable via microSDXC - uses shared SIM slot) ensure smooth multitasking and fast speeds.
- Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
- All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.
- 4G LTE Bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 (This model does not support 5G)
- Display: PLS LCD | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 25W wired
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility. A power adapter is NOT included.
Snagging a Smart Phone Without Breaking the Bank: Your Guide to Phones Under $200
Finding a good smartphone doesn’t always require a huge budget. You can find amazing phones for under $200 that do most of what you need. This guide will help you pick the best one for you.
What to Look For: Key Features in Budget Phones
When you’re shopping for a phone under $200, some features are more important than others.
1. Display: How Good Does the Screen Look?
- Size: Most phones in this price range have screens between 6 and 6.7 inches. Bigger screens are great for watching videos or playing games. Smaller screens are easier to hold and use with one hand.
- Resolution: Look for HD+ resolution at least. This means the picture will be clear and sharp enough for everyday tasks.
2. Performance: How Fast Does it Run?
- Processor (CPU): This is the “brain” of the phone. A decent processor means your apps will open quickly and you can switch between them smoothly. Look for phones with at least an octa-core processor.
- RAM (Memory): RAM is like your phone’s short-term memory. 4GB of RAM is a good starting point. It lets you run a few apps at once without the phone slowing down too much.
3. Camera: Capturing Your Memories
- Megapixels (MP): While megapixels aren’t everything, more can mean a clearer picture. Look for a main camera with at least 13MP. Many phones also have extra lenses for wider shots or close-ups.
- Low-Light Performance: Some budget phones struggle in dim light. Read reviews to see how well the camera performs when it’s not super bright.
4. Battery Life: Power That Lasts
- mAh (Milliampere-hour): This number tells you how big the battery is. Aim for a battery of at least 4,000mAh. This should get you through a full day of normal use.
5. Storage: Space for Your Stuff
- Internal Storage: This is where your apps, photos, and videos are saved. 64GB is a minimum. If you take lots of pictures or download many apps, look for 128GB.
- Expandable Storage (MicroSD card slot): Many budget phones let you add more storage with a memory card. This is a great way to save money and still have plenty of space.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most phones under $200 use plastic for their bodies. This keeps costs down and makes them lighter. While not as fancy as glass or metal, plastic can be quite durable.
- Screen Protection: Some phones have stronger glass on the screen, like Gorilla Glass. This helps prevent scratches and cracks. Check the specs for this feature.
- Water Resistance: Don’t expect full waterproofing at this price. Some phones might offer splash resistance, which is better than nothing.
Factors That Make a Phone Great (or Not So Great)
- Software Updates: Will the phone get new software updates? Updates fix bugs and add new features. Companies like Google (Pixel a-series) and Samsung often provide good software support.
- Bloatware: Some phones come with many pre-installed apps you don’t need. Too much bloatware can slow down your phone.
- Speaker Quality: If you listen to music or watch videos without headphones, good speakers are a plus.
- Charging Speed: How fast does the phone charge? Faster charging saves you time.
User Experience and Use Cases: Who Are These Phones For?
Phones under $200 are perfect for a variety of users.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: They are great for teens or older adults getting their first smartphone. They offer essential features without being overwhelming.
- As a Backup Phone: Keep one in your bag for emergencies or if your main phone breaks.
- Everyday Tasks: These phones handle browsing the web, social media, email, and light gaming with ease.
- Students: They are affordable and can handle schoolwork, communication, and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phones Under $200
Q: Can I play games on a phone under $200?
A: Yes, you can play many mobile games. Simple and casual games run very well. More demanding 3D games might run slower or with lower graphics settings.
Q: Are these phones good for taking pictures?
A: They can take decent pictures, especially in good lighting. For professional-looking photos, you might need to spend more. Many budget phones offer good enough cameras for social media and everyday shots.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: If you store many photos and videos or download lots of apps and games, aim for 128GB or a phone with a microSD card slot. If you mainly use streaming services and cloud storage, 64GB might be enough.
Q: Will these phones last a long time?
A: With good care, a phone under $200 can last a few years. The battery might not hold a charge as long after a couple of years, but the phone itself can still be useful.
Q: What’s the difference between a phone under $200 and a more expensive one?
A: More expensive phones usually have better cameras, faster processors, higher-resolution screens, premium materials, and more advanced features like wireless charging or better water resistance.
Q: Should I buy a used or refurbished phone instead?
A: Refurbished phones can be a great option to get a higher-end model for less. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller with a warranty.
Q: Can I get 5G on a phone under $200?
A: It’s becoming more common, but not all phones under $200 have 5G. If 5G is important to you, check the phone’s specifications carefully.
Q: How important is the brand name for budget phones?
A: Brand name can matter for software support and build quality. Companies like Samsung, Motorola, and some lesser-known brands offer good value in this price range.
Q: Will these phones feel slow compared to expensive ones?
A: They might feel a bit slower when running very demanding apps or multitasking heavily. For everyday use like browsing and social media, they perform well.
Q: Can I use these phones for work?
A: Yes, for basic work tasks like email, scheduling, and document viewing, they are perfectly capable. For very intensive mobile work, you might need a more powerful device.