The price of a smartphone seems to go up each year with each new launch. The newest iPhone 17 series starts at $799 for the base model but goes up to $1,199 for the Pro Max. That's quite the departure from the $499 price tag of the OG iPhone.
Samsung and Google have followed this trend, though some of their "budget-friendly" models, like the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, will only set you back $600.
The best way to score a cheap smartphone is to take advantage of carrier deals. This could be a switching incentive, a BOGO deal, a trade-in offer, or a pre-order promotion. Either way, you'll likely purchase the phone via monthly installments from a major carrier like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. We've found some fantastic deals on iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixels, and more so you can get a new cell phone without having to mortgage your house.
Cheap iPhones less than $30/month
The Apple iPhone isn't exactly known for being cheap, but by taking advantage of carrier deals or choosing the right model, you do not have to pay an arm and a leg for one. Older models like the iPhone SE or iPhone 14 will cost less than the latest iPhone lineup.
We've found cheap iPhones that cost less than $300 upfront, and the monthly bill is less than $30/month. If these models don't speak to you, check out more iPhone deals from carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile.
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone Air 256GB
- 6.5 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 17 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Cheap Samsung phones less than $30/month
If you're not a die-hard Apple fan, you likely want to snag a Samsung phone. Samsung is best known for its Galaxy devices, which are on par with the high price tag of the iPhone. The latest Samsung Galaxy device is the S25 series, which starts at $799 and goes up to $1,659 for the S25 Ultra. But don't worry; plenty of Samsung Galaxy phones perform well and cost less than $300 upfront. Check out the best Samsung Galaxy deals going on right now.
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S25 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy A17 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 5MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Cheap Google Pixels less than $30/month
The Google Pixel is a relatively newer name in the smartphone game, but packs a punch. Best known for its fantastic photo-taking capabilities and sleek design, the latest Pixel 10 lineup starts at $799. Older models like the Pixel 7 are still great and can be found at a lower price point from carriers like Mint Mobile. Check out some of the best Google Pixel phones for less than $300 upfront, or find a Google Pixel deal from a carrier.
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 10 Pro 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 10 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 9a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Cheap phones for $0 down
If you do not want to put any money down and want one monthly payment that covers the cost of your phone and plan. We've also found those.
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Pixel 9a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Moto G Stylus 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Cheap plans for your cheap phones
Indeed, you often have to be on an expensive cell phone plan to get a phone for cheap, but it's not always the case. You can get budget-friendly unlocked phones and bring them to a prepaid phone plan—such as one of our picks for the cheapest unlimited data phone plans—for a lot less than you would have to pay for the big three carriers' postpaid unlimited plans. Here are some of the most popular MVNO plans you can sign up with today.
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US Mobile Unlimited Starter
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View at US Mobile |
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Lyca Mobile $12.25 Unlimited 1-Month Plan
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View at Lyca Mobile |
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Ultra Mobile 6-Month Plan
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View at Ultra Mobile |
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Red Pocket Unlimited Premium Plan
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View at Red Pocket |
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Pay As You Gig Plan
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View at Cox Mobile |
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Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Data
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View at Spectrum Mobile |
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best low-budget phone?
There are a lot of great low-budget phones out there. The iPhone SE is the most consistently high-performing budget-level smartphone. The Google Pixel is also a great budget device if you're not a loyal Apple fan.
How do I get a free phone?
If you have a phone to trade in and you are ready to switch to any of the major carriers, you should be able to get a phone for free. Also, if you qualify for government assistance, you may be able to get a free phone and plan.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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