6 Amazingly Cheap Phones That Perform Like Flagships


6 Amazingly Cheap Phones That Perform Like FlagshipsPin

If you’re in the market for a cheap mobile phone, but you don’t want to scrimp on quality, here are six amazing cheap phone options for 2021…


Cheap mobile phones don’t have to suck, though most of them do. If you go the Chinese phone brand route, you will get plenty of bang for your buck. Xiaomi phones are an obvious example. But there are caveats that you need to keep in mind…

If something goes wrong with your Xiaomi phone, you’re pretty much stuck – Xiaomi’s UK customer support is essentially none existent. And then there’s the software: it’s definitely not to everyone’s tastes. And with Android updates, nothing is guaranteed.

For this reason, if you’re looking for the best possible cheap mobile phone, I would always advise that you stick to established phone brands – Apple, Google, and Samsung. Sticking with established, trusted phone brands means you get great software support, excellent customer service, and the best possible tech for your money.

How We Chose Our Picks For The Best Cheap Mobile Phones

  • Value For Money: The phone HAS to deliver plenty of value for money, meaning great performance, excellent software, brilliant camera performance, and great battery life. Only when these factors are met do we recommend a phone.
  • Software Support: Android and iOS updates keep your phone up to date, safe, and protected from viruses and hackers. For this reason, it is super important to have your phone running on the latest software. This is why all our recommended mobile phone options below are there; they’re all brilliant with respect to software support.
  • Camera Tech: Cameras are important, even on cheaper mobile phones. Thankfully, since camera tech has come such a long way in a short space of time, you no longer have to pay top dollar for a decent camera phone. You can now get cheap mobile phones with awesome cameras.
  • Battery Life: Simple, but totally necessary. What’s the point of having a phone if it doesn’t have good battery life? Good battery life is essential. You need it. And the more battery life you have the better.

Best Cheap Mobile Phones: Our #1 Picks

Right now, the following mobile phones are our #1 picks for anybody that is looking for the best possible “cheap” mobile phone. All of the phones listed below are great options, though some are better than others in certain respects as you see below once we go into more detail.

1 – Pixel 4a

If you want 5G performance, an OLED display, and one of the best cameras in the business, then Google’s Pixel 4a – or the Pixel 4a 5G – is arguably the best option on the market right now.

Google Pixel 4a Size and DimensionsPin

The design is smart and slick, it runs a very capable processor (the 765G), so it will handle most things you can throw at it, and its camera is utterly superb, completely in a league of its own at this price point.

You also get stock Android as well as iPhone-grade software support from Google. As soon as a new Android update drops, you’ll get it. No more waiting around for months. I used this phone for six months straight and it was utterly fantastic.

The only reason I switched was because I got the Pixel 5.

> VIEW DEALS


2 – RealMe 7

RealMe is a relatively new brand in the phone market. But do not be put off by this – RealMe makes some truly outstanding Android phones. And the RealMe 7 is a fine example of this.

How To Screenshot RealMe PhonePin

The RealMe 7 is priced like an ultra-budget phone but it runs the kind of specs you’d find inside a $800 Samsung phone. You have 6GB of RAM, a 90Hz display, a 5000mAh battery, and a stunning 48MP main camera leading its quad-lens camera module on the rear.

If you want truly ground-breaking value for money, killer design, and flawless performance, the RealMe 7 is essentially unbeatable right now.

> VIEW DEALS


3 – Samsung Galaxy A71

The Samsung Galaxy A71 is a brilliant mid-range phone. It is a little more expensive than the RealMe 7, but that’s just because it is a Samsung phone, so you’re paying a brand tax.

samsung-galaxy-a71-specs-price-ultimate-mid-range-phone-2Pin

The Galaxy A71 isn’t quite as good as the Galaxy S21, but it isn’t that far off it either. You have a 6.7in Super AMOLED display, a 4500mAh battery, microSD support, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

You also get 25W fast charging abilities, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730 CPU, and Android 10 out of the box. Add in a very solid quad-lens camera fronted by a 64MP sensor and you’re looking at one of the best phones – at any price point – on the market right now.

> VIEW DEALS


4 – The Google Pixel 3a

I own this phone. I use it every day. The Google Pixel 3 was a great phone, but its cheaper stablemate, the Pixel 3a, is utterly brilliant. It’s compact and lightweight and it has an OLED display and it is also rocking one of the best cameras in the business. And for the asking price (less than £300), it is more or less unbeatable in 2020’s budget mobile phone market.

google-pixel-3aPin

Made by Google, the Pixel 3a will get three years worth of Android updates guaranteed, meaning should you buy this phone today, you’ll still be getting Android updates in 2023. The camera is stunning; it’s better than the iPhone 11’s. And you have killer battery life.

Add in beautiful software, a gorgeous, simple-to-use UX, and its pocketable size and you’re looking at what is probably the best value mobile phone on the planet right now. If you like Android, this is the phone to get. I positively love mine.

> VIEW DEALS


5 – Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Best Cheap iPhone)

If you want to go the iPhone route, the iPhone SE 2020 is basically Apple’s answer to the Google Pixel 3a. Based on the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE 2020 is a small, compact iPhone that features a 4.7in LCD display, Apple’s TouchID home button, and a 12MP single-lens camera.

iPhone SE 2020 ReviewPin

Inside you have the same CPU as Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro, the A13, so performance is off the charts. It runs Apple’s iOS 13, though it will get iOS updates for years to come – right up until the late-2020s. For software support, Apple’s iPhones cannot be beaten.

The specs aren’t quite as good as the Pixel 3a’s, the iPhone SE 2020 lacks an OLED display and has less RAM, the battery life is just average, and the camera isn’t as good, but the overall package, if you’re an iPhone fan, is very compelling. This is the cheapest phone Apple makes and it serves up some very impressive value for money.

> VIEW DEALS


6 – Moto G8 (The Ultra-Cheap Android Phone Option)

If you want to go ultra-cheap, our current pick for the best ultra-cheap mobile phone has to be the Moto G8. This phone retails for around £150, meaning you can buy it outright and then pick and choose what SIM only plan you want.

moto g8Pin

The Moto G8 does lack the finesse of Google’s Pixel 3a and Apple’s iPhone SE 2020. But it is A LOT cheaper, so that’s to be expected. Still, you do get quite a lot of bang for your buck with this phone. I mean, just check out the Moto G8’s specifications below:

Moto G8 Specs

  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold + 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64 GB
  • Display: 6.3 inches
  • Camera: 48 MP (wide) + 16 MP (ultrawide) dedicated video camera (1080p) + 5 MP depth sensor
  • Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery + Battery charging 18W

VIEW DEALS (opens in a new tab)” rel=”nofollow noopener” class=”rank-math-link” data-lasso-id=”19557″>> VIEW DEALS


Cheap Mobile Phones FAQ – Wrapping Up… 

6 Amazingly Cheap Phones That Perform Like FlagshipsPin

Best Cheap Mobile Phone For Camera Tech?

If you want the best possible camera performance on your phone, and you’re operating on a budget, the Pixel 3a is the one to go for. It has a single-lens camera that punches way out of its weight class. It wipes the floor with Apple’s iPhone 11 (and it is better than half the price).

Google’s Pixel camera tech is, in my opinion, the best camera setup in the business. Sure, it doesn’t have multiple lenses and loads of bells and whistles but the reason for this is simple – you don’t need this when you have machine learning as sophisticated as what’s used inside the Pixel 3a.

The iPhone SE 2020, while respectable in the camera department, cannot hold a candle to the Pixel 4a. And neither can the Moto G8. If camera performance is important to you, the Pixel 3a is the one to go for – it is leagues ahead of the iPhone SE 2020 and Moto G8.

Best Cheap Mobile Phone For Performance?

For performance, Apple’s iPhone SE 2020 is the clear winner. It runs on Apple’s A13 CPU, the same SoC that powers the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. The A13 Bionic chip is the fastest, most potent mobile processor on the planet – it wipes the floor with everything.

In this context, the iPhone SE 2020 is untouchable. Although, performance isn’t everything. The iPhone SE 2020 does not have an OLED display, its camera isn’t all that, and it costs more than the Pixel 3a. In this respect, you need to figure out what’s more important to you – great specs and camera performance or speed and raw performance?

Best Cheap Phone For Updates?

Apple’s iPhone SE 2020 is the best for updates out of these three phones; it will get iOS updates well into the late-2020s, whereas the Pixel 3a will only get three years worth of Android updates, taking you up to around 2023.

Is this important? Kind of, although it depends on how long you plan on running the phone. If you only plan on running the phone for a year or two, it’s a moot point – both the iPhone and Pixel will be covered for updates during this time frame.

If you plan on holding onto your phone for as long as possible, the iPhone SE 2020 is the victor – it will get iOS updates for at least the next six years, possibly more…

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB