10 Best Samsung Budget Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong contender in the budget phone segment, offering a large and vibrant 6.7-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and streaming enjoyable. Its 1,900-nit peak brightness ensures good visibility even in bright conditions. The phone is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, which should handle everyday tasks and moderate multitasking smoothly without lag. With 256GB of storage, it offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos, a plus for users who don’t want to worry about running out of memory.

Battery life is impressive with a 4,900mAh capacity, promising long use and quick top-ups thanks to Super Fast Charging 2.0. You can expect around 33 hours of talk time, making it reliable for all-day use. The camera setup focuses heavily on selfies with a 12MP front camera enhanced by AI features like Generative Edit, allowing creative photo edits that remove unwanted elements—this is a neat addition for users who enjoy photography without complex tools. However, while the camera is decent, it may not match the quality of higher-end phones in low light or professional use.

Build quality is solid, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, which means the phone is durable against daily wear and tear. This is a great reassurance for a budget device. The phone runs on the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, offering an updated and user-friendly software experience. Additional features such as water resistance, wireless charging, and a fingerprint sensor enhance its appeal. One minor downside is the absence of a traditional headphone jack, relying instead on USB-C for audio. Also, while the Exynos chip is capable, it might not be the fastest processor compared to some competitors in the same price range. For users seeking a well-balanced, powerful, and durable smartphone with a big bright screen and strong battery life, the Galaxy S25 FE proves to be a compelling choice.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone equipped with a large 6.7-inch display, ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing with clear and detailed visuals. It offers 256GB of storage, which is generous for its price, allowing ample space for apps, photos, and files. The phone features smart capabilities like real-time language translation through the bundled Galaxy Buds FE earbuds, adding value for travelers or those communicating in multiple languages.

The camera quality is solid for everyday use, featuring enhanced front-facing camera capabilities that capture good selfies and an automatic night mode to brighten photos effortlessly. The phone is designed to deliver smooth daily performance for common tasks, making it reliable for basic apps and media consumption. Battery life typically supports a full day of use, complemented by convenient wireless features. The build quality is comfortable and user-friendly, with earbuds designed to stay securely in place during extended wear. Software extras like Circle to Search and Active Noise Cancellation further enhance the user experience.

Some advanced users might find the processor and RAM less suited for heavy multitasking or intensive gaming, reflecting the phone's budget positioning. Additionally, while the device supports 5G connectivity, actual speeds depend on the local network. Nonetheless, the Galaxy A36 5G is a strong choice for those seeking a large screen, ample storage, and extra features at an affordable price, especially when combined with the Galaxy Buds FE for improved audio and communication.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice for a budget phone that doesn’t feel cheap. It features a large 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which means watching videos and scrolling through apps is crisp and fluid. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor with 6GB of RAM, offering reliable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. With 256GB of storage, it provides plenty of space for photos, apps, and files without needing extra memory cards.

Battery life is impressive thanks to its 5000mAh capacity, helping you get through a full day on a single charge. Plus, fast charging means less downtime when you do need to plug in. The cameras are good for the price—especially the front camera, which takes clear selfies, and the Nightography feature helps capture better photos in low light without complicated settings. The build is rugged and water-resistant, so it stands up well to everyday bumps and spills, making it a dependable handset for users who want durability.

It runs on the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, and Samsung promises six years of updates, keeping the phone secure and current for longer than many competitors. One potential downside is the weight at 209 grams, which might feel a bit heavy for some. Also, while the phone handles most tasks well, it’s not designed for very demanding games or heavy multitasking. The Galaxy A36 5G delivers great value for anyone looking for a dependable, feature-rich phone without spending a lot.