TOP 15 best low-cost smartphones: 2024-2025 ranking in terms of price / quality and which one to choose with a good battery

In order for the purchase of a smartphone to deliver positive emotions, you need to decide on a set of characteristics.

Is a large battery important, or do you prefer a powerful processor. There are many models on the market.

How to choose the most suitable one and not spend a lot of money?

We have carefully studied the issue and compiled a rating of inexpensive smartphones at the time of 2024-2025 in terms of price / quality ratio.

The selection took into account the opinions of experts and users, as well as data from technical tests.

Rating of the TOP 15 best low-cost smartphones in 2024-2025

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones by price / quality for 2024-2025
1	Samsung Galaxy A12	Ask for a price
2	Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB	Ask for a price
3	ZTE Blade A5	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones with a good camera
1	ZTE Blade 20 Smart	Ask for a price
2	HUAWEI P40 lite E NFC	Ask for a price
3	TECNO Camon 15	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best low-cost smartphones with a capacious battery
1	Xiaomi Redmi 9A	Ask for a price
2	Realme C21 64GB	Ask for a price
3	TECNO Pouvoir 4	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones for 2 SIM cards
1	Xiaomi Redmi 9C	Ask for a price
2	Oppo A15	Ask for a price
3	ZTE Blade A3	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones with NFC
1	HONOR 9C	Ask for a price
2	Xiaomi Redmi 9	Ask for a price
3	BQ 6430L Aurora	Ask for a price

Choosing an inexpensive smartphone: what to look for?

Before you go to the store, you need to decide on the functionality of the phone. Many parameters and the final price will depend on this.

What you need to pay attention to first:

• Battery capacity. The lower this figure, the more often you will charge the device. We recommend buying models with a battery capacity of 3000 mAh.
• RAM. Designed for temporary storage of information, and directly affects performance. If you are looking for a smartphone for gaming, then this figure should be at least 2 GB.
• Built-in memory and expandable with a flash card. Focus on your needs when evaluating this parameter.
• CPU. Here you can add the number of cores and clock speed. These characteristics directly affect the performance of the device. In the budget segment, it is better to give preference to a MediaTek chipset with a frequency of at least 1.5 GHz and at least 4 cores.
• Additional functions. This includes all the features that you want to see in your phone. You have to choose them yourself.

TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones by price / quality for 2024-2025

Samsung Galaxy A12

The first in the ranking of 2024-2025 is a smartphone from a well-known South Korean brand. The phone is designed for long negotiations, Internet surfing and creating high-quality pictures.

The battery charge is enough for 18-20 hours of active use, or up to 2 days in economy mode. The model has a visually comfortable, large screen with HD + resolution.

The picture quality is good, the color reproduction is natural, the image does not break up into pixels.

The 48 MP camera deserves special attention: the pictures are of high quality and clear. There are several customizable modes, including portrait and macro shooting. The 5MP front camera is small enough for selfies and video calls.

For the convenience of the user, a contactless payment function is provided through the Google Pay service..

The MediaTek Helio P35 processor is standard for this price range, has decent performance and handles most applications well.

32 GB of memory is enough to install basic programs and store photos, if desired, it can be increased using a memory card.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (48, 5, 2, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.5? (1600?720) frequency 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Internet - 4G, LTE;
11. Interfaces - Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0;

Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB

A stylish phone that fits comfortably in your hand. Has anti-slip and matte finish surface.

A large screen with good viewing angles is provided for watching videos. The sound of the speakers is clear and loud.The model has good autonomy: one charge is enough for several days in standard operation.

The smartphone supports 2 SIM cards, and has a Micro-SD slot, with which you can increase the memory capacity by another 512 GB.

Photo and video recording is represented by the presence of a dual camera with a resolution of the main module of 13 MP and a 2 MP depth sensor. The image quality is good for the declared characteristics.

The device has fast response and good processing speed. It does not get very hot during active work.

Wireless interfaces are represented by dual-channel Bluetooth with high data transfer rate, Wi-Fi and NFC.

Regarding the latter, users note that contactless payment does not work on all terminals.. In general, this is an excellent option in the budget segment for solving standard tasks.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio G35;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 53? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Internet - 4G, LTE;
11. Interfaces - NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi;

ZTE Blade A5

Inexpensive phone model for making calls, searching the Internet and using simple applications.

Supports 2 SIM cards and has a slot for a memory card. The interface of the device is quite simple and convenient, there are practically no pre-installed applications in the menu.The smartphone shows good battery life, a full charge is enough for the whole day.

The diagonal of the screen is 6.09 ?, decent color reproduction, clarity and contrast are moderate, do not cause visual discomfort.

The Blade A5 has good cellular reception, and the presence of Wi-Fi allows you to use the device as a hotspot.

Separately, I would like to note the build quality, each detail is carefully verified and adjusted to each other, the phone is pleasant to hold in your hand.

Photo and video recording are ordinary, the camera provides only standard functionality.

The pictures are clear, with accurate exposure and natural color reproduction. The quality of the front shot is average. There is a radio and a wired headphone jack. In general, this is a good option in terms of price / quality ratio.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 3200 mAh;
3. Processor - Unisoc SC9863A;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.09? (1560×720) clock frequency 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2;

TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones with a good camera

ZTE Blade 20 Smart

Another Chinese smartphone that does not lose relevance in 2024-2025. Has a stylish streamlined design with unusual color schemes.

For the convenience of the user, an event indicator is provided on the front panel, you will not miss an important call or message.In this model, great attention is paid to the display: it is of high quality, limited by thin frames, does not flicker and has good anti-glare properties.

Oleophobic coating repels dirt from the screen surface. An 8-core processor and 4 GB of RAM allow you to run any games and applications.

The triple camera also pleased: it practically does not produce noise, it shoots well at night and has accurate autofocus.

Blade 20 Smart battery capacity is 5000 mAh, which is enough for 20 hours of active video viewing and games.

The model has a large amount of built-in memory, which can be increased with an SD card. The disadvantage of the model is a combined slot for SIM cards; you can install either an additional number or a memory card.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio P60;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (16, 8, 2 PM);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 128 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.49? (1560?720);
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

HUAWEI P40 lite E NFC

Good smartphone with 2 sim support. Has a good mid-range processor, which easily copes with the majority of tasks.

Allows you to correctly use many heavy applications and play. There is a lot of built-in memory, plus you can expand the configuration using an SD card.

In addition to the standard security settings, the model is equipped with an accurate fingerprint sensor located at the back of the device.. There is a working NFC module for contactless payments.

Another advantage of the phone is a triple camera with 48 MP resolution of the main unit and shooting video in Full-HD format.

The footage is of high quality, with accurate color reproduction, exposure and white balance..

Battery life can reach several days. This is one of the best smartphones in this price segment. The disadvantages include the lack of Google services. But manufacturers offer an alternative replacement.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2;
2. Battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
3. Processor - HiSilicon Kirin 710F;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (48, 8, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.39? (1560×720), frequency 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

TECNO Camon 15

Unlike most models in this price segment, Camon 15 has a good complete set.

In addition to the standard charging block and USB cable, it includes: headphones, a silicone case and a protective glass. The smartphone has a bright, almost frameless screen, which is comfortable to watch videos and play.

The memory capacity of the phone is quite large, with the help of an SD card it can be increased by another 256 GB.

Processor performance ensures fast response and allows you to work efficiently with heavy applications.

The model has a capacious battery, as well as a power management function, with which you can not charge the device for several days.Another advantage of the smartphone is high-quality shooting.

The main module consists of 3 cameras and a dual flash, this engineering solution allows you to take high-resolution pictures. The front camera is also good, it has 16 MP.

Phone security is implemented using Face Unlock 2.0 face recognition technology, a fingerprint scanner and the usual password and pattern functions.

Dark theme for visual comfort. The disadvantage is the plastic case, which does not have scratch protection.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor - Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (48, 16, 2, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.6? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth0, Wi-Fi;

TOP 3 best low-cost smartphones with a capacious battery

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

High-quality model with a set of basic functions. Perfect for work smartphone for negotiations, watching videos and surfing the Internet.

It has a powerful 5000 mAh battery, this charge lasts for 13 hours of continuous video viewing or 38 hours of talk time.

The 8-core processor supports most of the games with heavy textures, and does not heat up for a long time in high performance mode. The phone supports fast charging.

The manufacturer has also provided the possibility of installing a 512 GB memory card so that you can store a large amount of information on the device.

The interface is intuitive, the shortcuts in the curtain are easily customizable. The network catches well.

The quality of the images corresponds to the declared resolution of 13 MP. Detailing is average, in cloudy weather there is “noise”.

Focusing manual, there is a macro mode. The front camera has a resolution of 5 MP. The case of Redmi 9A is made of plastic, has a stylish design and several color options.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio G25;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13.5 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.53? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi;

Realme C21 64GB

This smartphone is designed specifically for practical people. Has a stylish, non-staining body and rich functionality.

The screen is unlocked using a fingerprint sensor or Face-ID. It has two slots for SIM cards and one for a memory card up to 256 GB. You can use one phone as both work and personal. The quality of network reception is good, the earpiece is loud.

The screen is large, bright and contrasting, with the ability to adjust the color temperature and a dark theme.

There is no oleophobic coating on the display glass, this is perhaps one of the few shortcomings of the model.

Realme C21 has a contactless payment feature, which is rare in this price range.

The processor provides stable performance and efficiently performs daily tasks. The powerful battery provides good autonomy. The triple camera performs as advertised and delivers beautiful, clear shots.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio G35;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (13, 2, 2 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.5? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

TECNO Pouvoir 4

Large screen model with a large 6000 mAh battery, designed specifically for watching videos, searching for information and working in simple applications.

For lovers of good sound, the smartphone has loud stereo speakers. There are useful little things on the body, such as an event indicator and a voice assistant call button.

The display with an oleophobic coating has thin bezels, flicker-free and comfortable at any viewing angle. In the settings there is a dark theme, eye protection and adaptive brightness.

Pouvoir 4 has 4 AI controlled camera modules. You no longer need to set the settings yourself - the program will do it for you.

Pictures are detailed, with excellent color reproduction and sharpness..

The front camera with a resolution of 8 MP has its own dual flash. Wireless interfaces are represented by dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, NFC is absent.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2;
2. Battery capacity - 6000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (13 MP), front 8 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 7? (1640?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;

TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones for 2 SIM cards

Xiaomi Redmi 9C

This phone is built for active use.. Its ribbed surface makes it comfortable lies in the hand and is not scratched, the matte finish hides dirt.

It has a capacious battery for active work on the Internet, calls and watching videos. Two SIM cards allow you to manage with one phone and be always in touch.

The signal reception quality is high, Redmi 9C also supports Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and NFC.

The dual camera shoots well, the application has a small set of photo editing tools.

The model is not designed for demanding games, but the performance is enough for daily tasks.

The main advantage of the smartphone is a capacious 5000 mAh battery, the charge lasts for several days. The device charges quite quickly - on average, this process takes 2.5 hours.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio G35;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.53? (1600?720) frequency 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

Oppo A15

Budget model with good autonomy. Has an ergonomic design with large bezel-less screen.

Visual comfort when watching videos is provided by large viewing angles, brightness and accurate color reproduction. In bright sunlight, the display remains readable.

Sensor responds quickly to touch. The speaker is loud, does not distort the voice. This smartphone has many useful features, one of them is automatic call recording when calling from an unknown number.

You can also set up the Smart Panel from the apps you use most often.

The camera consists of 3 modules, and produces sufficiently high-quality images with low noise effect..

The device does not support the contactless payment function, this should definitely be taken into account when choosing. OPPO A15 is not suitable as a gaming device, but it has a good performance in everyday use.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4230 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765);
4. Number of cameras - 3 (13, 2, 2 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.52? (1600?720) 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces – Bluetooth0, Wi-Fi;

ZTE Blade A3

Inexpensive smartphone from a Chinese brand. Distinctive features of the model - compact size and low battery consumption.

Suitable for calls, searching for information and launching simple applications.Despite the modest functionality, it has a built-in NFC module, which allows you to make payments with one touch.

The phone perfectly catches the network, and also supports LTE, with its help you can distribute the Internet to any device.

The device gives accurate geolocation and is suitable for use as a navigator. The speaker is loud, the sound is quite clear, without interference and noise. The display is visually comfortable, there is no grainy effect, distortion, viewing angles are large.

Blade A3 has a removable battery. If you buy additional accessories, you can significantly extend the life of the device, or take batteries with you as spares.

Users note the average quality of shooting, but for this price segment, this is quite justified.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 2600 mAh;
3. Processor - Unisoc SC9832E;
4. Number of cameras - 1 (8 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 5.45? (1440?720);
9. OS - Android 9;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

TOP 3 best inexpensive smartphones with NFC

HONOR 9C

Has a large amount of RAM and a high-performance processor. Model pleases with responsiveness, a large frameless display and eye protection technology from UV exposure.

The screen matrix is ​​of high quality: it ensures the juiciness of the picture and eliminates the flickering effect. The viewing angles are as wide as possible.

HONOR 9C is perfect for gaming and heavy applications.The 4000 mAh battery allows you to actively use the device without frequent recharging.

64 GB internal storage expandable via SD card up to 512 GB.

A triple camera with modules that complement each other shoots with high quality, in addition, the application settings have modes for various weather conditions. Its one plus is the built-in NFC, which works through the program in the AppGallery.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
3. Processor - HiSilicon Kirin 710;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (48, 8, 2 MP), front 8 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.39? (1560?720) 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi;

Xiaomi Redmi 9

A model with a rather rare Full HD screen in this price segment. The display is bright, colors juicy, sharp and contrasting.

Watching videos is visually comfortable from any angle, there is a manual brightness adjustment. The manufacturer took care of the protection of the case: the kit comes with a case and a protective film.

The phone has a long battery life, the battery capacity is 5020 mAh. 4 GB of RAM is enough to work correctly with most applications, as well as games.

The security of the device is controlled by a fingerprint scanner. Redmi 9 has NFC, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast data transfers.

Separately, I would like to note the build quality and thoughtful ergonomics of the smartphone. Among the disadvantages, users refer to the camera as average in quality.

It is optimal for amateur shooting and social networks, but for high-quality shots you need to look for something else. The model is optimal for high-quality communication, watching videos and working in applications.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5020 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio G80;
4. Number of cameras - 4 (13, 8, 5, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.53? (2340x1080);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi;

BQ 6430L Aurora

Our rating is closed by a new product from BQ. The smartphone has a large frameless screen and high-quality matrix with protection against burnout. There are two ways to unlock the screen: either using the fingerprint scanner or Face Unlock.

Performance indicators are decent, allow you to work comfortably in most applications.

The main camera consists of 4 modules, the pictures are very good. The front camera has a resolution of 20 MP, which is especially appreciated by selfie lovers. The phone has three slots: 2 for SIM cards and a separate one for a flash card.

Maximum supported memory - 62 + 128 GB. The powerful battery guarantees 24 hours of normal use. With the help of the NFC module, you can conveniently pay without taking out a bank card.

BQ 6430L Aurora is a stable smartphone with the best value for money.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
3. Processor – MediaTek Helio P60;
4. Number of cameras - 4 (16, 2, 0.3, 0.3 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Memory card support - yes;
8. Screen - 6.4? (2310?1080);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

Which firm to choose?

Among the variety of choices, it is better to give preference to proven brands with extensive experience and a customer-oriented company policy.

Here is some of them:

• Xiaomi is a Chinese corporation that occupies a leading position in the production of smartphones. It produces both budget models and high-performance flagship smartphones.
• TECNO is a Manchester City partner supplying smartphones to football players. All models of the brand have a proprietary HiOS graphical user interface.
• Samsung is a popular South Korean manufacturer of equipment with a long history. It has a wide price range and high build quality. It has its own payment system Samsung Pay.
• ZTE - a company specializing in the production of budget smartphones. The manufacturer keeps the price by using low-cost case materials and saving on advertising, in return offering high-quality phones with rich features.
• HONOR is a Chinese brand of cost-effective smartphones. Models are offered in a wide price range. A special emphasis is placed on the introduction of advanced production technologies.

Conclusion

The article examined in detail the leaders of the ratings of inexpensive smartphones in 2024-2025. We hope that we were able to highlight all the nuances and help you make the right choice.Which model did you like the most? Share your opinion in the comments.

Customer Reviews

Useful video

From the video you will get acquainted with the review of the best inexpensive smartphones: