Let’s begin with a clear definition of our target audience. When referring to “cheap unlocked Android smartphones” in the USA, the price range typically falls between $50 to $200. These phones offer basic to mid-range features and are suitable for users looking for affordable options without being tied to a specific carrier.
Cheap unlocked smartphones are not known for the best performance or best features in the market. Instead, they offer a fair trade-off between features and price, so they are perfect for people who don’t have a large budget or who don’t want to spend much on a smartphone.
This article looks at the best smartphones in this sub-$200 category.
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The top affordable unlocked Android smartphones
Let’s look at some affordable unlocked Android smartphones available in the USA in 2024.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: Offers 5G connectivity, a decent display, and fair performance for between $125 and $165 on Amazon, depending on the memory option you want. It was released in December 2023 and so is still quite up to date.
Google Pixel 6a: Known for its excellent camera and clean Android experience, priced at about $149.97. The Pixel 6a is a little dated now, considering that it was released in 2022. But Google still supports it with software updates and it’s camera is still as attractive as ever.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): Features long battery life and reliable performance, and is currently available at discounted deal of $199.99 on Amazon.
Nokia C210: Released in 2023, this is a good mid-range option with a good balance of features and price. At the time of writing this, it is listed for $110 on Amazon.com.
Nokia C300: A budget-friendly option with essential features, priced at about $139.99 on Amazon and BestBuy.
These smartphones provide a range of features to suit different needs and budgets below $200. All of them work on all the major U.S. carriers – Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T – as well as the mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that ride on their networks.
Where to buy them
Apart from Amazon and BestBuy, both of which have already been mentioned, other places where you can buy these cheap unlocked Android smartphones are eBay, Walmart, and The Wireless Place, among others.
If looking for even more affordable cell phone options and do not necessarily care for smartphones, have a look at the Nokia 2660 Flip and its alternatives.