These days, smartphones are a big part of how we stay connected, get things done, and unwind with some entertainment. But I’ve learned that getting a decent phone doesn’t have to wipe out your wallet. Thanks to how fast mobile tech is moving, there are now quite a few phones under $200 that come packed with features we used to only see in much pricier models.
In this article, I will be sharing some of the best smartphones you can get for under $200 as of June 2025. I am a bit careless with smartphones, so I love to stick to a tight budget because I buy these phones often. Whether you are like me or you just need a really decent smartphone for a low price, there should be a device on this list that meets your needs.
Best Smartphones Under $200
1. Meizu Mblu 22 Pro
The Meizu Mblu 22 Pro offers one of the best hardware setups I’ve seen in this price range. It runs on the MediaTek Helio G81, which handles daily tasks and light gaming surprisingly well, no annoying lag. That’s a big plus if you’re like me and want a bit more speed without spending extra.
What really caught my eye is the 6.79-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. At under $130, that’s rare. Scrolling feels super smooth, which makes apps and social media more enjoyable to use.
The 50MP main camera does a decent job in daylight. It’s not a photography powerhouse, but for casual shots, it holds up just fine.
Priced between $99 and $129, this phone feels like a smart pick if you’re after solid performance on a tight budget. And honestly, it’s nice to see Meizu making a bit of a comeback—they’ve clearly still got a good eye for value.
2. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Samsung rarely shows up in the sub-$200 space with a phone as capable as the Galaxy A15 5G. It brings 5G connectivity to budget-conscious buyers, which is a big deal in 2025 as faster mobile networks become more widespread. For people who want a future-ready phone but don’t want to overspend, this is a sensible option.
The Galaxy A15 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, which is optimized for 5G and performs well for day-to-day activities. With 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage (expandable via microSD), it handles multitasking and media storage easily.
Samsung has included a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade over typical LCD panels in this price segment. The screen is bright, colorful, and great for watching videos or browsing apps. The 50MP main rear camera is also capable of producing sharp images under good lighting, and the 13MP front camera is more than enough for selfies and video calls.
Another reason to choose the A15 5G is Samsung’s software support. This smartphone should receive up to two major Android updates and regular security patches, which is not common at this price point.
Best Smartphones Under $200
3. Moto G Play (2024)
I think Motorola’s G Play phones have always been about keeping things simple and affordable. The company seems not to be trying to impress with flashy specifications, but even with its basics, it holds on to its own.
It comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display and runs on the MediaTek Helio G37 chip, which should be fine for everyday tasks—things like texting, checking social media, watching videos, and making calls. It’s clearly not built for heavy gaming or demanding apps, but for someone who just needs a phone that gets the job done, the performance should be more than enough.
Where the Moto G Play (2024) stands out is battery life. It packs a 5,000mAh battery, which, combined with Motorola’s light software, is expected to last up to two days on a single charge with moderate use.
Software-wise, it sticks close to a stock Android experience. That means a clean, uncluttered interface without a lot of pre-installed apps or flashy gimmicks. For under $150, it looks like a practical, straightforward phone that focuses on the essentials—and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.
4. Oppo A18
When I look at what the Oppo A18 offers, it actually sounds like a solid option for anyone on a budget. The 6.56-inch HD+ LCD screen doesn’t have the highest resolution, but the 90Hz refresh rate should make things like scrolling and swiping feel smoother than usual for this price. That lower resolution might even help with battery life and reduce strain on the processor, which seems like a fair trade-off.
It runs on the MediaTek Helio G85, which I’d expect to handle everyday tasks like messaging, video streaming, and some light gaming pretty comfortably. With 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the specs look generous for this segment, especially for people who don’t want to worry about storage limits right away.
What really catches my attention is the software. Oppo’s ColorOS is known for packing in useful extras—things like a smart sidebar, app cloning, and a proper dark mode. From what I’ve seen, these small additions can go a long way in making a phone feel more polished and easy to live with. For the price, the A18 definitely comes across as a practical, no-fuss choice.
The Oppo A18 also includes a 5000mAh battery, which easily gets through a full day of active use. Its design is slim and attractive, making it a good choice for users who care about aesthetics as well as function.
Best Smartphones Under $200
5. Meizu Mblu 22
For shoppers looking to spend the least amount possible while still getting a decent smartphone, the Meizu Mblu 22 is a worthy candidate. Priced between approximately $79 and $89, it delivers a lot for its cost.
It uses the Unisoc SC9863A processor, an entry-level chip built on 28nm architecture. This isn’t a powerhouse, but it supports smooth operation for basic tasks like calling, chatting, and light browsing. The phone’s 6.79-inch screen runs at HD+ resolution and has a 90Hz refresh rate, which is impressive for a sub-$90 device.
Battery life is another strong point. The Mblu 22 has a 5,000mAh battery that offers extended use over a full day. The main rear camera includes an F1.8 aperture, allowing it to take better photos in low-light conditions compared to many other smartphones in this range. It will not replace a DSLR, but it’s competent for everyday snapshots and sharing on social media.
Conclusion
Getting a good smartphone for under $200 isn’t the compromise it used to be. These days, brands are cramming in solid displays, better cameras, big batteries, and even 5G, all without breaking the bank. The Meizu Mblu 22 Pro is a standout if you care about screen quality and performance, while the Galaxy A15 5G brings future-ready connectivity at an affordable price. Motorola and Oppo have gone all in on long battery life and easy-to-use software, and if you’re really trying to stretch your dollar, the regular Mblu 22 is hard to beat for the price.
