Best smartphones under $200 – October 2025

Finding a good smartphone under $200 is not as hard as it used to be. The budget segment has grown fast, and in 2025, it is full of phones that deliver solid design, clear screens, smooth day use, and even 5G links without cutting too many corners.

This guide looks at the best models you can buy right now for less than $200, giving you a fair look at what makes each one stand out. Whether you need a backup phone, a daily driver that won’t break the bank, or a gift for someone who just needs the basics done right, these options cover all sides.

Motorola has kept its Moto G line simple, clean, and reliable. The 2025 model keeps that same goal alive while giving users a more refined look and better speed.

It comes with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ screen that offers strong color and fair sharpness for video and app use. Inside, it runs a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip with 4GB of RAM, which is plenty for daily use and smooth app switching. It also has 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

Battery life is one of its best points. With a 5000mAh cell, the Moto G (2025) can last two full days if you don’t push it too hard. It also has a clean version of Android 15, free of heavy skins or ads, which makes it ideal for users who want a near-stock feel. The 50MP main cam takes sharp daytime shots with good tone, and the 16MP front cam is fine for casual snaps.

The Moto G (2025) earns its place on this list for being balanced: it does not try to be fancy but instead nails the basics with a stable system, a bright screen, and a strong build for its price.

Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G is one of the cheapest phones with true 5G support, which is still rare under $200. It has a 6.7-inch 90Hz HD+ panel, giving smoother motion while scrolling or playing light games. It runs on an Exynos 1330 chip and includes 4GB/6GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage, which is more than enough for media and app use at this price.

The A16’s build feels solid, with a simple matte rear that resists smudge. Samsung’s One UI Core 6.1 brings useful tweaks and long update support, which is a major plus for buyers who want more than one year of use. The 50MP main lens gives fair shots in daylight, and the 5MP wide lens adds framing range that many budget phones skip.

Its 5000mAh cell can last a full day and a half, and charging speed is fair at 25W. The Galaxy A16 5G deserves a spot here because it blends Samsung’s polish with a low price and full 5G use — a mix that’s hard to find at this range.

The CMF Phone 1, made by Nothing’s sub-brand, stands out through design. It looks different — simple yet bold — with replaceable back plates and bright color picks. It’s not just looks, though; it runs on the same MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip used in some midrange phones, making it one of the most powerful in the budget field.

The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is rare for under $200 and gives sharp visuals, deep color, and smooth touch use. It runs a trimmed-down version of Nothing OS, meaning clean icons and a few preloaded apps. The 50MP Sony sensor offers sharp photos with strong focus in most light, and the 16MP front lens keeps selfie detail high.

Battery life hits about 1.5 days on average on its 5000mAh battery, with 33W quick charge and optional wireless charge pads sold by CMF. It’s also one of the few phones in this price class that feels premium in both touch and sound, thanks to stereo speakers. The CMF Phone 1 earns its place for bringing mid-tier specs, creative design, and smooth system use to a tight budget.

DOOGEE is known for its rugged models, but the Blade 10 shows a softer, sleeker side. It keeps a light yet firm frame, paired with a large 6.56-inch Full HD+ panel. Inside, it runs on a Unisoc T606 chip, paired with 4GB of RAM (+4GB virtual boost) and 128GB of space. It might not top benchmarks, but it handles multitasking and social media with ease.

The Blade 10’s main charm lies in its clean UI and strong battery life. It has a 5150mAh pack that lasts nearly two days of moderate use. It also supports 18W charging, which takes approximately 90 minutes to fill up. The 50MP rear lens captures clear shots with quick focus and crisp detail in daylight, although low-light work is not its strength.

This phone earns its place through endurance and ease of use. It’s for users who want a simple, solid phone with a bright screen, big battery, and enough power for daily life without worry.

While slightly older, the Moto G 5G (2024) remains one of the most complete phones under $200. It supports 5G, uses a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip, and carries a large 6.6-inch 120Hz display — the same refresh rate found in far pricier models. It also packs 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, which makes it future-proof for light users.

The dual speaker setup with Dolby Audio gives clean sound, and Motorola’s software still feels fresh with minimal clutter. The 50MP camera produces well-lit shots with natural tones, and the 8MP front cam does well for video calls. Its 5000mAh battery and 18W charging keep it running well into the second day.

It deserves to be here because it offers full 5G, smooth visuals, and a tidy system at a lower price than newer models. It’s one of the few phones that still gives both a headphone jack and expandable storage, keeping it practical for long use.

These phones show how much value budget users can now get for less than $200. The Moto G (2025) delivers simplicity and strength, the Galaxy A16 5G brings stable 5G with Samsung polish, the CMF Phone 1 offers modern style and raw speed, the DOOGEE Blade 10 gives battery power and clean use, and the Moto G 5G (2024) balances all-around features at a fair cost.

Picking one depends on what you need most: 5G, design, long life, or a clean Android. But all of them prove that in 2025, you can spend under $200 and still walk away with a phone that looks good, runs well, and lasts long enough to be worth every dollar.