10 Best Smartphone Under 200 2026 in the United States

The Motorola Moto G - 2025 offers a large 6.7-inch HD+ display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and general use feel smooth, though the resolution (1604x720) is on the lower side, so images won't be as sharp compared to higher-end phones. Its 5000mAh battery is a strong point, promising long daily use with quick TurboPower charging to get you back up quickly. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor that combines pixels for better low-light photos and a decent 16MP front camera for selfies, which is quite good for this price range.

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset paired with 4GB RAM (expandable with RAM Boost) provides reliable 5G speeds and handles everyday tasks smoothly, though it might slow down under heavy multitasking or gaming. Storage at 128GB allows plenty of space for apps and media, plus you can add up to 1TB with a microSD card, which is a big plus. The phone runs Android 15, offering a fresh and user-friendly experience with useful features like Always On Display and dual SIM support.

Build quality feels premium thanks to its vegan leather back and Gorilla Glass 3 screen, with some water-repellent protection, but it is not waterproof. Priced under $200, this phone strikes a nice balance between performance, battery life, and camera quality, making it well-suited for users wanting a large screen and solid features without spending much. Those prioritizing a sharp display or very fast performance for gaming may find this model somewhat limited.

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.

The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) offers a solid package for a smartphone under $200, making it a good choice for everyday users. Its 6.6-inch display supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and animations feel fluid, though the screen resolution is on the lower side (1612x720), so images and text won’t be as sharp as higher-end models. Battery life is impressive thanks to a large 5000mAh battery, capable of lasting a full day of regular use with fast 18W charging to quickly top up. The 50MP camera uses a Quad Pixel system to improve low-light shots and includes a Macro Vision lens for detailed close-ups, delivering decent photo quality for this price range but not quite matching premium phones. Powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, the phone handles everyday tasks smoothly, like browsing, social media, and casual apps, though it may struggle with heavy multitasking or demanding games.

Storage is generous at 128GB, and you can expand it with a microSD card up to 1TB, giving plenty of room for photos, music, and apps. The design stands out with a soft, fingerprint-resistant vegan leather back, offering a comfortable and premium feel not always found in budget phones. Running Android 14, it provides a clean and up-to-date software experience with useful features like Always On display, dual SIM support, and water resistance for added durability. While the modest screen resolution and average RAM limit high-end performance, users seeking a fast, reliable 5G phone with good battery and camera capabilities under $200 will find the Moto G 5G (2024) to be a very reasonable choice.