10 Best Cell Phones Under 100 2025 in the United States

The Moto G Play (2024) offers a good balance of features for a budget-friendly phone under $100. Its 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides decent visual quality and smooth scrolling, although the resolution is somewhat low at 1600 x 720 pixels. The device shines with its impressive battery life, thanks to a robust 5000mAh battery, ensuring extended use without frequent recharges.

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM deliver sufficient speed for daily tasks and light entertainment, though it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The 50MP camera is a strong point, capturing vibrant and sharp photos, although the effective resolution is 12.5MP due to pixel binning. Storage is ample with 64GB onboard, and it can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card, which is great for users needing additional space.

Running on Android 13, the operating system is modern and user-friendly, offering a smooth experience. The build quality is solid with a sleek, stylish design and splash protection, but it's not designed to be submerged in water. While the phone includes useful features such as stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos sound, and built-in GPS, it lacks some higher-end capabilities found in more expensive models. For those seeking an affordable, reliable phone with good battery life, a decent camera, and expandable storage, the Moto G Play is a commendable choice. Power users or those requiring higher performance may need to look elsewhere.

The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked is a preowned device, available for under $100, which offers great value considering its brand and features. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels provides clear and vibrant visuals, though it might feel small for users accustomed to larger screens. The build quality remains high with a robust aluminum and glass design that is both durable and premium-feeling.

Performance-wise, the A11 Bionic chip and 2GB of RAM handle basic tasks efficiently, but may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking. The 64GB of internal memory is decent for this price range, providing ample space for apps, photos, and files, though it isn't expandable. The iPhone 8 runs on iOS 16, ensuring up-to-date software and access to the latest features and security updates. Camera quality is impressive, featuring a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, both of which are capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. However, low-light performance may not be as strong compared to newer models.

The battery life is a bit of a letdown, with a non-removable 1821 mAh battery offering moderate usage but likely requiring daily charging. Wireless charging is a convenient feature for an older model. This iPhone 8 is factory unlocked and compatible with all service providers, adding flexibility for users who may want to switch carriers. Given its excellent condition despite being preowned, this phone is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable yet capable device from a reputable brand. Its main drawbacks are the smaller screen size, limited battery capacity, and potential performance issues with more demanding apps.

The Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked is a good option if you’re looking for a reliable phone under $100. It works with AT&T and T-Mobile networks but not Verizon, so it's important to check compatibility with your carrier. With a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, it’s clear and vibrant, although it might be small for some users. The 12MP rear camera is capable of 4K video recording, which is impressive for this price range, but don’t expect the same quality as more recent models.

Running on iOS 15 with an A10 Fusion chip, it offers decent performance for basic tasks, but heavy apps and multitasking might slow it down. The 32GB storage can fill up quickly if you store many photos, videos, or apps, and there’s no option to expand it with a memory card. The battery life, with up to 14 hours of talk time, should get you through the day with moderate use, although it’s not as long-lasting as newer phones.

The build quality is sturdy with its aluminum body, but it’s worth noting that it's a certified pre-owned device, meaning it’s second-hand and the battery capacity is at least 80% compared to new. It comes with a charger and USB cable but no SIM card. If you’re after an affordable iPhone for everyday use and are okay with the limitations, this could be a suitable choice.