Buying a new smartphone isn’t an exciting and fun venture for everyone. Not only can the options seem overwhelming, but if you’re working within a tight budget, you can feel limited and unsure of which direction to go in. The good news is that smartphones have come a long way and consumers no longer need to feel like they have to spend top dollar just to get a decent device. Pretty much every price point is covered, so it comes down to what features and specs you’re looking for and whether you’re brand and operating system specific.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the best cheap phones that you can get in the UK. There are bound to be at least a few devices on this list that grab your attention and fit your needs.
Motorola Moto G10 – the Best Budget Phone UK
For those who want the type of phone that performs well all-round and can even act as a great starter smartphone, the Motorola Moto G10 is a great option. Motorola has been churning out dependable devices for quite some time now, building a strong reputation for itself. That factor alone can give you the confidence to go ahead and make the purchase.
The best budget phone for UK customers is arguably the Motorola Moto G10 for several reasons. Its price tag is almost shockingly low, prompting people to ask how it’s even possible. Just be sure you don’t get swayed by the other Motorolas in the “G” range, as the G10 is the best most feature-packed model. A few standout specifications include the fact that it’s rain and splashproof (IP52 rating) and offer an excellent grip since it’s not glass. It has also undergone a massive performance boost in comparison to earlier models. Users tend to love the fact that it’s also expandable up to 1TB of storage.
The display is 6.5″, offers a fast-charge battery, Android 11 operating system and the battery should easily last you two days of use before it requires charging.
What about the negatives? There are only a few noticeable ones that may or may not be deal breakers for you. If you like the convenience of wireless charging, you won’t find that option here. There is also no Wi-Fi 6, and for the gamers out there, the display isn’t the best quality and may leave you wanting more. Still, if you’re after a budget phone, there are more pros here than cons.
Best Mid-Range Phone UK – Realme 9 4G
Now maybe you’re looking to step the budget up a few levels, which means you can venture outside of Motorola. One smartphone well worth checking out is the Realme 9 4G. While not the cheapest of the budget smartphones, once you start looking at the specifics, you’ll understand the price increase. Many people are wary of giving this phone a chance in the UK since Realme isn’t as well-known as the bigger brands, but it deserves attention.
Some of the features of this device include a 6.4″ display; 128GB storage; an Android 12 operating system; an incredibly long-lasting battery, which can go just over 28 hours of use before it needs charging; and for those who like social media, gaming, and other entertainment options, this one will deliver. This one is also 4G rather than 5G, but for many users that’s not a big deal.
The only cons with this one are that it’s not particularly exciting looking, but it’s all about the quality, and in that regard, you won’t be disappointed. It’s almost hard to believe how they can pack so much into such an affordable price point. This could easily win the title of the best budget phone in the UK.
Best Budget Mobile Phone – Apple iPhone SE3 (2022)
Another solid contender on the list of the best budget mobile phone options in the UK is the Apple lovers out there. Apple smartphones are notoriously pricey, so it makes sense to look at older models. They will still be a great phone, but then you’re not spending a fortune to get it home. The Apple iPhone SE3 (2022) can be found at a very reasonable price. Sure, it’s going to cost you more money than the others listed so far, but this is a budget-friendly way to get into the world of Apple.
This device is also perfect for those who don’t like the trend that has smartphones increasing in size as of late. If it seems as though the smartphones are too big and too clunky for your liking, the Apple iPhone SE3 will be a pleasant surprise thanks to its streamlined design and compact size. This is evident with the smaller 4.7″ display, which, for many users, is plenty big enough. Other notable highlights are that it uses the iOS 15 operating system, comes in three different storage sizes and has a 12MP camera.
Looking for faults with this one? You’re going to need to look closely because even the processor is impressive, especially in the budget category of smartphones. Perhaps the only con is the battery life, which isn’t the longest but is far from terrible.
Best Cheap Phone – Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro
Next, we’ve got the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro which also has a list of impressive features that are making buyers take a second glance. Where this device excels is in its battery life. In terms of budget price points, it’s hard to beat the battery life of the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro, not to mention it supports fast charging.
It’s for these reasons that gamers in particular like what this has to offer. There is even a liquid cooling chamber inside the device which is perfect for long gaming sessions. It ensures the phone doesn’t overheat, which is bad for the device and chips away at its lifespan.
Those looking for more detailed specs of the phone will be interested to learn it has a 6.43″ AMOLED display. It also supports 3G and 4G in the UK, and runs on Android 11, with the promise from the manufacturer that there will be an Android 12 update. It includes expandable storage, Wi-Fi 5, and more.
Best Cheap Phones – Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
So, what if you had a Samsung phone in mind but the price of the new model is just too steep? Try looking for the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G if it’s still available to you. This is a great way to get a top-of-the-line phone at a heavily discounted price bringing it into budget territory. This one is 5G ready and you can pick from several colours. It supports fast charging, has a dual-SIM + SD card, a 48MP main camera, and a wide-angle option. Performance is impressive, just as you’d expect from a Samsung, and even the refresh rate is decent.
All in all, if your heart is set on a Samsung, this is the budget-friendly way to go, but when you stack it up next to other phones on the list, it may not rank as high.
Budget Doesn’t Need to Be a Limiting Factor
All too often people assume that, just because you’re working with a budget, it acts as a limiting factor. That isn’t the case with smartphones as you can find some that are decent, and even impressive devices at lower price points. It won’t feel like you’re trading in quality for the price; instead, you’re getting a fabulous deal.