10 Best Budget Smartphones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a compelling choice within the budget-smartphone category, featuring a vibrant 6.2-inch ProScaler display with a 2340 x 1080 resolution, which offers clear and sharp visuals for everyday use. Its Snapdragon processor running at 4.47 GHz combined with 12 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for most applications, making it well-suited for users who juggle multiple apps.

Storage-wise, the 128 GB capacity may suffice for many, though heavy media consumers might find it limiting if they prefer storing large amounts of data or many apps. The Galaxy S25's AI camera, including rear and front features, is designed to enhance portrait and low-light photography, although it may not match the high-end smartphones' camera capabilities, potentially limiting its appeal to photography enthusiasts. Battery life is a strong point, with a 4000 mAh capacity that should support a full day of moderate usage. Features like fast charging and wireless charging add convenience for users on the go.

The phone runs on Android 15 with Samsung's One UI 7, delivering the latest Android features and a user-friendly interface tailored to enhance productivity. Build quality is robust, with the inclusion of water resistance offering a degree of protection against accidental spills. Weighing 5.7 ounces, it's a lightweight device, further enhancing its portability. The Galaxy S25 is unlocked, allowing flexibility in choosing carriers, which is an excellent feature for travelers or users considering a switch. Some might find the absence of a traditional audio jack and the necessity to rely on USB-C for audio connections a slight inconvenience. The Galaxy S25 presents a well-rounded package with solid performance, making it especially appealing to those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on key features. It offers a large and bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and watching videos will feel fluid and sharp. The phone runs on the Exynos 2400 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, providing good performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming without lag. Storage is 128GB, enough for most users to store apps, photos, and videos comfortably.

For camera lovers, the S25 FE includes a 12MP front camera with AI-powered photo editing tools, which helps improve selfies by removing unwanted elements and enhancing details automatically. The rear camera setup is geared towards capturing high-resolution, vivid shots. Battery life is a strong point here, with a sizable 4900mAh battery that supports fast charging, promising a full day of use without frequent recharging.

The phone comes with Android 16.0 and Samsung's One UI 8, providing a modern, user-friendly interface with timely software updates. Build quality is sturdy, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better resistance to drops or scratches, which is impressive for this price range. It’s lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry around. While powerful, the Exynos processor may not match the highest-end chips in speed or gaming performance, so heavy users might notice some limits. Also, it lacks a traditional headphone jack, relying on USB-C for audio. Its combination of display, battery, camera enhancements, and durable design makes the Galaxy S25 FE a great pick for budget-conscious buyers who want a dependable, feature-packed Android smartphone.

The OnePlus Open is an impressive smartphone that stands out in the budget-smartphone category, especially thanks to its foldable design and high-end features. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, it offers ample space and speed for multitasking, which is perfect for users who juggle multiple apps or enjoy gaming. The Snapdragon processor ensures smooth performance, and the 4805 mAh battery, paired with 67W fast charging, means you won't be left waiting too long for a recharge.

One of the highlights is its camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, which includes a versatile triple camera setup. The 48MP primary and ultra-wide lenses, along with a 64MP periscope zoom lens, allow for stunning photography, making it suitable for anyone who values camera quality, whether for casual snaps or more serious photography.

The display is another strong point, featuring a 7.82-inch foldable interior screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The thin and lightweight design makes it comfortable to handle, although some users may find foldable phones less durable compared to traditional options. While the OnePlus Open is packed with premium features, its pricing may not align with strict budget-conscious shoppers, as it leans towards the higher end. Additionally, being a foldable phone, it may come with concerns regarding long-term durability and repair costs compared to standard smartphones. The promotional offers for Google One and YouTube Premium may not be appealing to everyone, especially those who already have subscriptions to these services.

The OnePlus Open caters well to tech-savvy users looking for a high-performance, feature-rich smartphone but may be less attractive to those on a tight budget or who prefer more traditional phone designs.