10 Best Cell Phones Under 100 2026 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 Xiaomi Redmi 15C offers a large 6.9-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is impressive at this price point and makes scrolling and basic visuals feel fluid. The screen resolution of 720 x 1600 is decent for everyday use but won’t deliver the sharpest images compared to more expensive phones. Its 6000mAh battery stands out by providing excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day or more, which is great if you want reliable usage without frequent charging.

The camera setup includes a 50MP main lens, which is quite good for capturing clear photos in good lighting, though video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 fps, and the front 8MP camera does a fair job for selfies and video calls. With 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, the phone offers ample space for apps, photos, and everyday tasks without feeling too cramped. The Helio G81 processor is capable enough for basic apps, social media, and some light gaming, but it may slow down with heavy multitasking or demanding games.

Running on Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 15, it provides a modern and user-friendly experience, although the absence of NFC means no contactless payments. Connectivity works well with T-Mobile in the USA and many global networks, but note it doesn’t support 5G and lacks NFC. The phone also includes useful features like a rear fingerprint sensor and face unlock. For users on a tight budget looking for a large screen, strong battery, good storage, and a solid camera for casual use, the Redmi 15C is a competitive choice. However, if you want sharper display quality, faster performance, or 5G connectivity, higher-priced options might be better suited.