Top 10 Best Cheap Mobiles Phones for the UK for 2024 Reviewed

Getting one of the best cheap mobile phones is ideal if you’re on a budget – and popular manufacturers often release affordable smartphones that don’t compromise on quality. In fact, the best cheap mobiles will allow you to enjoy the benefits of the latest iOS and Android updates without breaking the bank.

However, only a handful of affordable mobiles can provide a reliable and long-lasting service, and finding the right ones can be a challenge because of the size of the market. In this guide, we’ve prepared a list of the best cheap mobile phones in the UK to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Budget Smartphones in the UK for 2024 Ranked

Although we’re confident that the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the best budget smartphone this year, it faces tough competition. You’ll find a great selection of cheap mobile phones for sale on our list, which includes models to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Here are our top cheap mobile phones picks for the UK:

1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE — Overall, the best cheap mobile phone in 2024 with an impressive camera and 120 Hz screen.
2. Google Pixel 6a — Fantastic battery duration and a vivid OLED display make this phone a superb pick this year.
3. Apple iPhone X — Ideal for multitasking and productivity, with a beautiful stainless steel frame and a glass back for wireless charging.
4. Honor X8 — Slim, light Android budget phone that provides excellent performance.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 — Great low-cost handset with 1,080 x 2,400 resolution on a crisp 6.43-inch AMOLED screen.
6. Samsung Galaxy M13 — A highly secure and customizable device with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
7. Huawei P Smart — Dual SIM support and ample storage that you can upgrade to store a substantial amount of multimedia files and data.
8. Apple iPhone 8 — Exceptional balance between performance and affordability makes this iPhone a great pick even after a few years.
9. Samsung Galaxy A13 — User-friendly interface and a good main camera that supports HDR.
10. Nokia G21 — Budget-friendly smartphone with modern features and good battery life.

How Long Will the Best Cheap Phones Last?

Although budget-friendly mobile phones can’t match the quality and longevity of the flagship phones from their lines, they’ve come a long way in recent years. As a result of continuous advancements in manufacturing and technology, budget smartphones offer a decent lifespan and performance. Typically, these devices will last two to four years before their performance noticeably declines.

However, your usage patterns with these devices can prolong or shorten their lifespan, making maintenance a top priority if you need a long-lasting phone. For example, investing in one of the best Android antivirus apps can keep your phone clean of viruses and other malicious software that could slow it down.

In addition, maintain ample storage space by keeping your phone free from unnecessary apps, and download the newest updates to the OS whenever possible. Doing this will maximize the life of your phone battery, which determines the lifespan of the device as a whole.

You should also pay attention to the hardware and software support the manufacturer guarantees for each model before making a decision. For example, Google guarantees three years of Android support and four years of security updates for its Pixel phones, making the 2022 Google Pixel 6a an excellent pick.

Are Cheap Android Phones Better Value Than Budget iPhones?

Choosing Android over iPhone means you’ll have access to an open ecosystem of official and third-party apps, which makes it a versatile operating system and perfect for users who prefer a diverse selection of apps. In addition, numerous manufacturers make cheap Android phones and focus on features like large displays, expandable storage, and higher megapixel cameras than are available with budget iPhones.

On the other hand, iPhones are known for their seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem. While you may find more apps for an Android phone, their performance can vary across different devices, while using an iPhone guarantees a user-friendly experience and optimized apps without inconsistency. Besides their reliability, iPhones are also better for security-conscious users because of their long-term software support.

The Top Cheap UK Mobile Phones Reviewed

Now that you’ve seen our list of the best cheap mobile phones and we’ve covered what their operating systems are best for, we’ll dive into the details of each of the affordable phones on our list and talk about their features, pricing, hardware, and more.

1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE — Overall, the Best Cheap Mobile Phone in 2024

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE delivers unbeatable performance and responsiveness for its price, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 865 chip, 6GB of RAM, and 120 Hz screen. Besides the high refresh rate, its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen offers beautiful, crisp colours and deep blacks, making it one of the best Samsung phones today.

In addition, it has the best build quality of all the cheap Samsung mobile phones we’ve seen. While the manufacturer uses polycarbonate for its back panel, its durability is ensured thanks to its aluminium frame.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE deserves first place on our list because of its snappy performance for streaming and gaming, but it also has the best cheap smartphone camera you can buy. With a versatile triple-camera system, this smartphone lets you capture detailed and vibrant shots in various lighting conditions. We rate this device as the best budget camera phone on our list.

Thanks to the 4,500mAh battery capacity of this smartphone, you can expect it to last a full day of moderate usage, going down to 9 hours if you’re gaming at 120 Hz or performing similar resource-heavy tasks. However, the phone supports fast charging and offers excellent power consumption optimization features to preserve the battery.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE supports 5G connectivity, which ensures faster download and upload speeds for seamless streaming, browsing, and social media use. It also comes with ample internal storage, which you can always increase according to your needs with a microSD card.

2. Google Pixel 6a — Fantastic Battery Duration

The Google Pixel 6a boasts an impressive battery that allows you to continuously stream videos with the screen brightness set to maximum for as long as 13 hours without charging.

Google’s Pixel Adaptive Battery technology ensures ideal usage optimization and reliability of the 4,410mAh battery. This makes it a great pick for workers and especially those away from power sources, such as travellers and commuters.

While the rear camera doesn’t match the quality our top pick offers, you’ll appreciate the device’s 8MP selfie camera, which takes advantage of Google’s advanced editing features. For example, the Face Unblur feature makes it near-impossible to take a blurry selfie. With Magic Eraser, you can delete unwanted background details from your photos, such as objects and people, with a single tap.

It also stands out from the competition with its ability to capture 4K videos at 30 or 60fps since most other phones can’t go over 30. And although Android is highly-customizable by default, Google’s Material You theming options allow you to tweak the phone’s look exactly how you want, from font colour to wallpapers. It’s also worth mentioning that the phone doesn’t come with any bloatware, meaning you won’t have to delete pre-installed apps to free up storage.

Unlike our top pick, though, the Google Pixel 6a doesn’t have a microSD slot to expand storage, and its screen refresh rate tops out at 60fps – but that’s unlikely to impact users who don’t play high-speed games or overload the device with apps.

3. Apple iPhone X — Ideal for Multitasking and Productivity

The Apple iPhone X is a compelling choice for anyone looking to buy a cheap iPhone that provides a premium experience. Although a few years old, this model boasts a powerful A11 Bionic chip and receives regular software updates, making it the best budget phone for Apple users.

Besides its performance, its modern design makes it an excellent entry-level iPhone. Choosing the iPhone X lets you experience the defining features of the modern iPhone range, including Face ID, an OLED Super Retina display, and a near-bezel-less design.

The iPhone X’s Super Retina display remains a standout feature that presents vibrant colours and makes it feel far from outdated. Combined with its powerful A11 Bionic chip and multitasking features such as Split View, the screen’s high quality makes this phone an excellent pick for productivity and entertainment.

In addition, thanks to its edge-to-edge design and slim bezels, the iPhone X maximizes the screen-to-body ratio, making the device feel larger than older iPhone models with similar dimensions. Users find the iPhone X’s dimensions to find an excellent balance between having a large display and a compact design that easily fits pockets and bags.

However, many people complain about the “notch” design that Apple introduced to accommodate the TrueDepth camera system. Users complain that it can be distracting, especially while watching content in full-screen mode. However, it’s a feature that didn’t go away fast, and it’s still a common design element for Apple’s latest iPhone models.

4. Honor X8 — Slim, Light Android Budget Phone

The Honor X8 comes with excellent specs and features, including its Honor RAM Turbo technology that lets you open around 20 apps simultaneously without having to relaunch them completely, matching the performance of much more expensive Android models.

It features a large, 6.7-inch LCD panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a 93.6% screen-to-body ratio. In addition, it has a TUV Eye Protection certificate, meaning you are more likely to avoid the vision risks that come with prolonged screen use with this device – another factor which makes it the best phone under £200 for entertainment.

Another crucial factor that makes it the best smartphone under £200 in the UK is its durable battery that can easily last over two days with moderate usage. Running resource-heavy apps will reduce its battery duration to around 15 hours, an outstanding result for its price. In addition, using the 22.5W charger can take the battery from 0-100% in just over an hour, making this phone an ideal pick for users who are always on the go.

It also offers impressive connectivity and a dual SIM slot on the upper left edge. On the bottom edge, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack, a noise-cancelling microphone, and a USB Type-C port for your charger. On the right edge, you’ll find volume adjusting buttons and its power button, which also doubles as the fingerprint scanner.

However, its design and build don’t have a premium or sturdy feel, so we suggest pairing the phone with a reliable phone case to protect it from falls.

5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 — Great, Low-Cost Handset

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is one of the best Xiaomi phones with slim bezels and an impressive AMOLED screen with 1000 nits peak brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. That means it’s an exceptional pick for everything from web browsing to watching your favourite TV shows and movie streams.

This cheap Xiaomi phone also boasts excellent speakers that, paired with its large screen, provide an excellent entertainment experience.

Xiaomi didn’t stray from its traditional design with the Redmi Note 11, as it has a solid frame that’s not easy to break and has a simplistic, elegant look. Its screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which offers exceptional scratch resistance, and the phone has an IP53 rating, meaning it’s resistant to dust and liquid sprays.

Although it has no revolutionary features or hardware, this model performs well in almost every aspect. It has a powerful rear camera that shows sharp focus and enhanced colours, and its selfie camera performs well for its price range. However, Xiaomi limited the phone’s video recording to 1080p at 30fps, which reduces its flexibility.

In addition, Xiaomi released the Redmi Note 11 last year, meaning it will receive at least three major Android updates and four years of security updates, making it one of the best cheaper phones for long-term use.

6. Samsung Galaxy M13 — Highly Secure and Customizable

The Samsung Galaxy M13 is a stylish smartphone with a smooth feel and a crisp 6.6-inch display. It runs on Android 12 but has the Samsung signature One UI 4 overlay, which makes it a user-friendly device ideal for all age groups.

Its native support for Samsung Knox security features allows you to rest easy knowing this device and your data are safe in the hands of a child or senior family member who’s less familiar with technology.

Unlike most cheap unlocked mobile phones, the Samsung Galaxy M13 comes with minimal bloatware, and Samsung went an extra step to avoid pre-installing Google apps that overlap with similar Samsung apps. That means you won’t have to spend an hour optimizing the phone’s storage and app tray by deleting duplicate apps, like Themes or Gallery, and it saves you some storage space.

However, the Exynos 950 chipset delivers underwhelming performance for resource-heavy programs and gaming. You can enjoy less demanding titles on this phone, and they’ll sound excellent on some of the best gaming headphones, thanks to the device’s support for Dolby Atmos, but running resource-heavy games like Call of Duty Mobile will result in stutters and frame drops.

While it may not be able to run the latest mobile games, the Samsung Galaxy M13 is the best budget Samsung phone for entertainment because of its large screen and rich sound.

7. Huawei P Smart — Dual SIM Support and Ample Storage

The Huawei P Smart runs on Android-inspired EMUI 10.1, which brings various advanced features and its app store – the Huawei AppGallery. One notable feature to mention is Huawei MeeTime, which lets you enjoy immersive video calls with other Huawei users even in weak network conditions.

In addition, EMUI 10.1 Smart Screenshot helps you take screenshots or capture specific parts of the screen by knocking on the display in different ways. You’ll find many similar, innovative apps in its Huawei AppGallery that are well-optimized for Huawei devices, resulting in a smooth performance of this device despite its low-performance chipset.

The Huawei P Smart provides plenty of space to store all your favourite documents, apps, music, and other data without worrying about running out of storage. If 128GB isn’t enough, its microSDXC slot allows you to increase the storage to a higher capacity, up to 1TB.

This budget-friendly Android phone features a modern look with a textured back that enhances grip and minimizes fingerprint smudges. It also has a discreet quad-lens camera rear configuration with a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. This versatile setup allows it to capture high-quality shots, but the quality of its pictures drops when you zoom in.

While its rear camera won’t perform well in bright daylight, showing some exposure problems, the selfie camera delivers excellent quality for the price. You can expect realistic colours and minimal blurriness, making it an excellent pick for individual and group selfies in various circumstances.

8. Apple iPhone 8 — Exceptional Balance Between Performance and Affordability

The Apple iPhone 8 is an iconic product of the Cupertino-based giant and still holds the title of the best entry-level iPhone. Thanks to Apple’s commitment to the longevity of its products, the iPhone 8 still receives software updates, which improve its security, add features, and ensure optimization with App Store products.

The iPhone 8’s compact size is ideal for users who prefer a device that easily fits in pockets or can be used with one hand. Although it lacks the IP68 water and dust resistance of newer iPhone models, the iPhone 8 is a durable device, thanks to a combination of glass and aluminium construction.

Thanks to its powerful A11 Bionic chip, this device delivers solid performance for an older model. It effortlessly manages light tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media and rarely lags when multitasking across graphics-intensive apps and gaming.

While Apple’s continuous support for this device makes it adaptable to modern features and trends, it lacks Face ID. However, it has the company’s classic Touch ID feature, which provides a fast and secure way to unlock your phone, make purchases, and authenticate apps and services.

9. Samsung Galaxy A13 — Highly User-Friendly Interface

The Samsung Galaxy A13 offers reliable performance and battery duration without breaking the bank, making it one of the best cheap Android phones. As one of the more recent models, it has a three-year guarantee for Android updates, meaning you’ll have all the advanced Android features long-term.

The Samsung Galaxy A13 offers a quality rear camera, which is hard to find in this price range, especially in good lighting. It lets you take some high-quality snaps and supports HDR, a feature that helps the phone’s camera highlight each detail in a photo. Although it delivers a better camera performance than most budget phones, it can’t take 4K or 60fps videos.

Like the Samsung Galaxy M13, the phone runs on a budget processor and 4GB of RAM, meaning it’s not suitable for gaming or demanding apps. However, it offers reliable performance while you complete your daily tasks, browse the web, or watch your favourite shows and movies.

While the quality of its LCD screen can’t match the more expensive OLED models, it delivers a crisp, vivid image. It also has a modern look with small bezels and a teardrop notch at the top of the display. These features make it an excellent device for entertainment and everyday use, which gives the Samsung Galaxy A13 great value for your money.

10. Nokia G21 — Ultra Budget-Friendly Smartphone

The Nokia G21 is the best option for budget-conscious buyers, as it costs just £99 and doesn’t skimp on features or build quality. In addition, it offers some of the best budget phone features, including a 90Hz refresh rate, a 50MP rear camera, and an extremely durable battery. As a cheap, basic mobile phone, it’s a winner and the option to go for if you’re looking for the cheapest smartphone around.

The Nokia G21 has a minimalistic design with a matte finish that makes it feel premium to the touch and easy to hold. It features some consumer-friendly additions, including a 3.5mm headphone port, space for two nano-SIMs, and a microSD card slot.

Although it has a lot to offer, there are some limitations its users encounter. For example, it has a single speaker on the bottom, so you shouldn’t expect top-notch audio quality from this device. Its chipset isn’t stunning either, meaning you won’t be able to play demanding games or run resource-heavy apps on this phone.

However, it delivers undeniable value for your money with its premium-looking design, a wide array of modern features, and a clean Android system free of bloatware, which makes it the best budget smartphone under £100.

Comparing The Best Budget Phones

Here is a master table to help you make a head-to-head comparison between the devices on our list based on their batteries, storage capacity, dimensions, and other features.

Key Factors to Think About When Shopping for Cheap Smartphones

Finding the best cheap smartphone for UK users in today’s market is a challenge in and of itself. The really difficult part, though, is to find a budget-friendly device that doesn’t sacrifice essential features or hardware quality.

It’s crucial to weigh your options carefully, so consider these factors while shopping for affordable mobiles:

Software Updates

Users often overlook the importance of software updates while buying a new smartphone, especially when on a tight budget. These updates decide a device’s long-term usability and security, meaning you should prioritize devices from reliable manufacturers.

For example, the Samsung Galaxy M13 launched last year, but Samsung guarantees it will receive at least three major Android updates. That means it will enjoy all the benefits of future security updates, app optimization, and other Android services for at least three years.

Ensuring your future phone has software and security updates will keep the device relevant for years, increasing its longevity and functionality. You should avoid phones that receive no support from their manufacturers, as you’ll likely need to invest in another model, negatively impacting your budget.

Display Quality

While shopping for a budget-friendly smartphone may come with cost-saving measures, you shouldn’t compromise on display quality. It’s a critical feature that can significantly impact your overall user experience. Although 720p displays can translate to cost savings and long battery life, consider investing in a phone with a 1080p display if you need more flexibility.

Besides the resolution, consider the screen size of your future phone based on your needs and preferences. For example, a larger phone may be ideal for multimedia consumption, browsing, and gaming, but it won’t be as portable as a smaller phone. Consider a small screen if you are always on the go and need a phone that’s easy to pocket or use with one hand.

You shouldn’t overlook a phone’s brightness and colour accuracy, as these qualities can enhance your user experience. A phone with a bright display will have excellent outdoor visibility, even when exposed to direct sunlight, meaning you won’t have to seek shades to read a message or a notification while outside.

Colour accuracy ensures apps, photos, and videos on your phone look as intended, meaning you should avoid phones with overly saturated colours. In addition, you can look for features like Apple’s True Tone, which ensure colour accuracy and brightness fit your surroundings.

Cameras

While you won’t find a budget phone capable of producing professional-grade images, you should consider models that can capture decent photos without breaking the bank. One of the key aspects to consider in budget phone cameras is the megapixel count. While higher megapixels don’t guarantee superior image quality, they can contribute to capturing more detailed shots, especially in well-lit conditions.

You should also look for ultra-wide, depth, and macro sensors that assist in capturing detailed close-ups or offer a wider field of view than the main sensor. For example, if you often take photos of friends and family or landscapes and landmarks, an ultra-wide sensor can help you fit everything that matters into the frame.

Battery Life

The duration of a phone’s battery between charging can influence your satisfaction and the device’s usability. Although budget-friendly smartphones can’t match the durability of the newest flagships, there are still models that offer respectable battery performance to meet your daily needs.

The capacity of a phone battery is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and determines how long your phone can last on a single charge. Phone batteries with around 4500mAh can provide satisfactory performance for most users and excellent value for money. However, if you are always on the go or engage in prolonged gaming sessions on your phone, consider buying a budget phone with a higher battery capacity of at least 5000mAh.

In addition, look for features such as Google Pixel’s Adaptive Battery technology and ultra-power-saving modes that can help you preserve the device’s battery life in emergencies.

Conclusion – What’s the Best Cheap Mobile Phone for Sale in the UK in 2024?

After reviewing and comparing each device on our list, we’re confident the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the best budget Android phone this year. It delivers unbeatable value for your money and justifies its “flagship killer” nickname even today. However, if you prefer iOS, the Apple iPhone X provides impressive performance without breaking the bank.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE boasts a crisp 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for gaming, entertainment, internet browsing, and other activities. Combined with the Snapdragon 865 chipset and a 4,500mAh battery, this phone can provide a full day of entertainment.

Besides its superb performance, it provides user-friendly and customizable interaction with its One UI Android interface. With its winning combination of impressive specifications and user-centric features, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE delivers a premium experience at an accessible price point.

Cheap Mobile Phones UK FAQs

Ilijia Miljkovac

Technology Writer

Ilijia Miljkovac

Technology Writer

Ilijia Miljkovac is a Techopedia writer with seven years of experience covering all things tech. He writes about cybersecurity topics, spanning VPNs, antiviruses, and hosting, helping to inform B2B and B2C audiences about the latest products and services. He's written for publications such as Business2Community, TheTechReport, Comparitech, and more. When he's not working, Ilijia spends his time hiking in nature or holed up in his apartment gaming.

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