Best Smartphones Under $200 – August 2025

Finding a good smartphone when you don’t have much to spend used to feel almost impossible. Back then, cheap phones meant slow chips, dull screens, and batteries that gave up too fast. Things are not like that anymore, though. These days, you can find the best smartphones under $200 that actually run smoothly, show nice colors on the screen, take solid pics, and even connect to 5G networks.

Every phone in this list has its own thing going for it. Some last really long on a charge, some take better photos, and others just feel clean to use.

None of them are perfect, of course, but each one deserves a look. The point here isn’t to pick one “winner,” but to show you why each phone can be a smart pick if you’re watching your budget.

That way, you can pick a phone that matches your priorities instead of getting lost in confusing spec sheets.

The Google Pixel 7a is well-known for its camera, which is still impressive even by 2025 standards.

With a 64MP main sensor, it captures crisp photos that rival phones two or three times its price.

Google’s computational photography makes low-light images sharper and more detailed than most budget phones can manage.

Editing tools like Magic Eraser help remove unwanted objects with just a tap, giving casual users pro-level results.

Beyond photography, the Pixel 7a stands out with its clean software. Google provides fast updates and security patches, keeping the phone smooth and safe over time.

The 6.1-inch OLED display delivers vivid colors and good brightness for videos and games. Performance is steady thanks to Google’s optimizations, and the phone can handle multitasking with ease.

Battery life stretches through a day of regular use, which is all most people need. If you care about photos and reliable software, the Pixel 7a makes perfect sense.

For under $200 in refurbished form, it’s tough to find another phone that comes close.

Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G brings features rarely found in this price range. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is large, colorful, and smooth with its 120Hz refresh rate.

Watching movies or scrolling through social media feels fluid and sharp. Add to that a 5,000mAh battery, and you’ve got a device that keeps going well past a full day.

This mix of screen quality and battery longevity makes it ideal for heavy media users.

The phone runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, and it deals with the normal daily apps just fine. It’s not crazy fast, but it doesn’t lag all over the place either, which is what really matters.

The main 50MP camera takes alright shots, especially when the sun’s out. They’re not pro-level, but for casual snaps and sharing with friends, it’s more than good enough.

Design-wise, it’s slim and practical, with a headphone jack and expandable storage — two features many brands have abandoned.

At $174.99 (if you search), the Galaxy A16 5G gives you a flagship-level display experience without the flagship cost.

If you want a phone that feels made for binge-watching and browsing, this one deserves your attention.

Apple’s iPhone SE 2022 may look dated, but what it packs inside still impresses especially for its price.

This is one of the few iPhones you can find for less than $200, so if you are an Apple fan, your options are limited.

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers speed that most budget phones can’t match. Apps load quickly, gaming feels smooth, and iOS updates keep it relevant years after launch.

It may be three years old, but pre-owned models under $200 make it a smart way to access the Apple ecosystem on a budget.

The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is small compared to modern phones, but some users still prefer compact devices.

It’s comfortable to hold and easy to use one-handed. The single 12MP rear camera benefits from Apple’s software tuning, producing sharp and accurate photos.

Battery life is modest, but fast charging helps make up for it. For users who want iOS, reliable performance, and a compact phone, the iPhone SE 2022 is a reliable choice even today.

The HMD Fusion offers something few phones under $200 dare to try: customization. Its modular design allows you to attach “Smart Outfits” that change its capabilities.

You can add an outfit that improves audio, one that boosts gaming controls, or one that enhances camera performance.

With this capability, the HMD Fusion feels more like a mid-range phone at the very least. If you want your mobile phone to adapt, then this is a device to consider.

Another decent addition to this device is its 108MP dual-camera setup which is rare on a device at this price point.

The images are sharp and the details are crisp, a good device for casual photography. Its 6.56-inch display is quite bright, and it offers just enough for outdoor use.

With 5G included, browsing and streaming are quick. While it may not have the raw polish of bigger brands, its innovative design earns it a spot on this list.

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G shines when it comes to power management. It houses a decent 5,110mAh battery, which easily lasts through a day and a half for most users.

On top of that, the 80W fast charge gets the battery back up in about half an hour, give or take. That means you don’t spend all day stressing about battery life, you just plug in quickly and keep going.

The phone’s 6.67-inch AMOLED screen runs at 120Hz, so scrolling feels smooth and games don’t look choppy. It’s not the fanciest panel out there, but for the price, it feels more than fine.

Running on the Snapdragon 695, it’s strong enough for the daily stuff — apps, chats, a bit of light gaming too. The main cam is a 50MP shooter, which turns out pretty good pics for the money.

OxygenOS on top keeps the software clean and quick, which makes using the phone less of a hassle. And for around $200, the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G mixes battery life, speed, and decent cameras in a way that just works.

The best smartphones under $200 in 2025 show just how far budget devices have come.

All the mobile phones on this list are not mediocre; they offer top performance in specific areas. Thus, making a choice will be based on your preference.

If you are an image freak and love reliable updates, then the Google Pixel 7a will be a perfect fit for you.

For those who value display and battery, no other device comes close to the Galaxy A16 5G.

The iPhone SE 2022 is simply for Apple fans; it gives an option for Apple lovers on a budget.

Innovation in budget phones is not common, so HMD Fusion with the modular design brings something unique to this class.

Lastly, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G comes with a lasting battery and fast charging, a selling point that some users will appreciate.