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 CostMvp S25Ultra is a budget-friendly smartphone that stands out with a large 6.6-inch HD+ screen, offering clear visuals and bright colors suitable for watching videos or browsing. Its 5000mAh battery is quite impressive for this price range, promising long usage without frequent charging, and the included Type-C port means faster charging than older micro USB standards. Running on Android 12, it provides a modern and user-friendly experience, which is a plus for those wanting an up-to-date system.

The 4GB RAM helps keep daily tasks smooth, while the MediaTek MTK6737 quad-core processor is modest but sufficient for basic apps and light multitasking. Storage-wise, it has 32GB onboard with the option to add up to 256GB via a microSD card, allowing plenty of space for photos and apps. Camera capabilities include a 16MP rear dual camera and a 13MP front camera, good enough for casual photos and selfies but not for high-end photography.

One downside is the 4G network support, which may limit speed compared to newer 5G phones, but still covers most standard needs. Also, it lacks a headphone jack, which means you’ll need wireless or USB-C headphones. This phone is well suited for users looking for an affordable, reliable device for everyday communication, media consumption, and basic photography without advanced features or cutting-edge performance.

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.