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10 Best Smartphone Under 200 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,191
Display
Build Quality

Most important from
2264 reviews

Display
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is highly appreciated for its sharp and vivid visuals, making it a great choice for media consumption.
Build Quality
Despite its larger size, the phone's design is praised for being user-friendly and easy to navigate from the start.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for a smartphone under $200. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers crisp and vivid visuals, making it great for watching videos or browsing the web. The 128GB of internal storage, with the option to expand up to 1.5TB, ensures you have plenty of space for your photos, apps, and more. Plus, the 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM should handle everyday tasks smoothly, though it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

The triple-lens camera system allows for versatile photography, capturing clear shots whether you're taking group photos or close-ups. Battery life is another highlight, with the Super Fast Charging feature allowing you to quickly recharge and stay connected. The phone's IP54 rating indicates good durability against dust and splashes, making it reliable for daily use. Running on Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, it promises a user-friendly experience coupled with six years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value.

However, keep in mind that the 4GB RAM might limit performance for intensive tasks, and while durable, the build quality might not feel as premium compared to higher-end models. It’s a balanced smartphone that offers great value for its price, especially with the additional $25 Amazon Gift Card included in the launch bundle.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,191
Display
Build Quality

Most important from
2264 reviews

Display
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is highly appreciated for its sharp and vivid visuals, making it a great choice for media consumption.
Build Quality
Despite its larger size, the phone's design is praised for being user-friendly and easy to navigate from the start.
#2

Motorola razr | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Beach Sand

Rating
8.8
Display
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
373 reviews

Display
The crease on the foldable screen is barely noticeable during everyday use, becoming apparent only when consciously focused on or during drawing.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts a full day, and fast wired and wireless charging add convenient power options.
Camera Quality
The camera quality surpasses many Android phones in this price range, capturing sharp photos with impressive low-light capabilities.
Processor
Performance is smooth and fast, handling most apps and even games like Minecraft well on both internal and external screens.
Build Quality
The phone’s build quality feels premium and sturdy, with a stylish design that draws positive attention and sparks conversations.

The Motorola razr 2024 stands out with its iconic flip design and a large 6.9-inch foldable main screen paired with a roomy 3.6-inch external display that’s now 2.4 times bigger than last year’s model. This makes checking notifications or quick tasks more convenient without unfolding the phone. Its 120Hz refresh rate means the screen looks smooth when scrolling or gaming. The device runs on Android 14, offering a clean and up-to-date user experience. For storage, it has a generous 256GB, which is plenty for apps, photos, and videos, and 8GB of RAM to handle multitasking fairly well.

The 50MP main camera is impressive for the price, featuring optical image stabilization and quad-pixel technology to capture sharp photos even in low light. There’s also a 13MP ultra-wide camera for wider shots. Battery life is solid thanks to a 4200mAh battery, easily lasting a full day and supporting fast 30W and wireless charging, which is convenient. The phone’s build quality is premium, with soft vegan leather and a compact, lightweight frame around 188 grams, making it comfortable to hold and stylish.

A drawback is the lack of a headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. While it offers 5G connectivity, the phone provides performance suitable for everyday use but may not meet the needs of heavy gaming or intensive apps. This phone is ideal for those wanting a unique foldable design with solid cameras and battery life under $200, although demanding users might find its power limited.

Rating
8.8
Display
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
373 reviews

Display
The crease on the foldable screen is barely noticeable during everyday use, becoming apparent only when consciously focused on or during drawing.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably lasts a full day, and fast wired and wireless charging add convenient power options.
Camera Quality
The camera quality surpasses many Android phones in this price range, capturing sharp photos with impressive low-light capabilities.
Processor
Performance is smooth and fast, handling most apps and even games like Minecraft well on both internal and external screens.
Build Quality
The phone’s build quality feels premium and sturdy, with a stylish design that draws positive attention and sparks conversations.
#3

Motorola Moto G Play | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue

Rating
8.8
Display
Processor
Camera

Most important from
3429 reviews

Display
Offers a smooth and responsive touchscreen experience with vibrant colors.
Processor
Some lag is present in comparison to high-end models, but it's acceptable for a budget phone.
Camera
The 50MP camera produces decent photos, though some users feel the images are over-processed.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, with one user noting only a 20% drop after a full day of light use.
Operating System
Regular software updates and an upcoming upgrade to Android 14 ensure the phone stays current.
Build Quality
Despite a plastic build, the phone's design and matte finish feel quite decent.

The Moto G Play 2024 offers a solid package for a budget smartphone. Its Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM should provide decent performance for everyday tasks and entertainment, although it may struggle with more demanding applications. The 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch for smoother visuals, though the 720p resolution might not be as sharp as higher-end models.

The 50MP camera, while promising, effectively captures 12.5MP images by combining pixels, which should still be good for general photography but may fall short in low-light scenarios compared to more advanced sensors. With 64GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1TB via microSD card, there’s ample space for media and apps. The standout feature is the 5000mAh battery, which should easily last a full day or more on a single charge.

Running on Android 13, the phone provides up-to-date software with a user-friendly interface. The build quality includes a sleek design with a durable matte finish and splash protection, though it’s not fully waterproof. The addition of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support enhances the multimedia experience. However, the phone's weight and plastic build may feel less premium. If you need a reliable and capable smartphone under $200, the Moto G Play 2024 is a strong contender, particularly for those who prioritize battery life and storage expansion.

Rating
8.8
Display
Processor
Camera

Most important from
3429 reviews

Display
Offers a smooth and responsive touchscreen experience with vibrant colors.
Processor
Some lag is present in comparison to high-end models, but it's acceptable for a budget phone.
Camera
The 50MP camera produces decent photos, though some users feel the images are over-processed.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, with one user noting only a 20% drop after a full day of light use.
Operating System
Regular software updates and an upcoming upgrade to Android 14 ensure the phone stays current.
Build Quality
Despite a plastic build, the phone's design and matte finish feel quite decent.

Buying Guide for the Best Smartphone Under 200

Choosing a smartphone under $200 can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, you can find a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on the specifications that matter most to you and understand how they impact your overall experience. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartphone, and it's important because it's what you'll be looking at and interacting with the most. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. A larger display (around 6 inches or more) is great for watching videos and playing games, while a smaller display (around 5 inches) is more compact and easier to handle. Resolution matters too; higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) offer sharper images, but even HD (720p) can be sufficient for everyday use.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can last on a single charge. It's measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A higher mAh value generally means longer battery life. For example, a battery with 4000mAh or more is ideal for heavy users who spend a lot of time on their phones, while a battery around 3000mAh might be sufficient for moderate use. Consider your daily usage patterns to decide what battery capacity you need.
Camera QualityThe camera quality is crucial if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Look at the megapixel (MP) count, but also consider other factors like aperture size and additional features like image stabilization. A higher MP count (12MP or more) can capture more detail, but good software and lens quality are also important. If you take a lot of photos, especially in low light, look for phones with good reviews on camera performance.
ProcessorThe processor is the brain of the smartphone, affecting its speed and performance. In budget smartphones, you might find processors like Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 series or MediaTek Helio series. A more powerful processor (higher series number) will handle multitasking and gaming better. If you use your phone for basic tasks like browsing and social media, a lower-end processor will suffice. For gaming or heavy apps, look for a mid-range processor.
StorageStorage determines how much space you have for apps, photos, videos, and other files. Budget smartphones typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or apps, opt for 64GB or more. Also, check if the phone supports expandable storage via microSD card, which can be a cost-effective way to increase storage.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how well your phone can handle multitasking and run apps smoothly. Budget smartphones usually come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM. For basic use like calling, texting, and light app usage, 2GB might be enough. However, for smoother performance and better multitasking, especially if you use multiple apps simultaneously, 3GB or 4GB is recommended.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the smartphone. Even in budget phones, you can find devices with good build quality. Look for phones with sturdy plastic or metal bodies. Consider how the phone feels in your hand and whether it seems durable enough to withstand daily use. A well-built phone will last longer and provide a better user experience.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the phone. Most budget smartphones run on Android. Ensure the phone has the latest version of the OS or at least a recent version with the promise of updates. A newer OS version will have better security, features, and app compatibility. If you prefer a clean and simple interface, look for phones with minimal bloatware or custom skins.

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