Great Low-Priced Smartphones

Before we get to the list, though, here are some tips for finding a great low-priced smartphone.

Buy an older model. Richard Fisco, Consumer Reports’ head of electronics testing, says there’s often little difference in technology between today’s phones and the models they replace. And choosing last year’s model can yield significant savings.

Case in point: The iPhone 12, which cost $830 when it came out in 2020, can now be had for $600. The OnePlus 9, released in 2021 with a $729 starting price, now costs $500.

Look at lesser-known brands. Samsung and Apple aren’t the only companies that make top-rated phones. Google, OnePlus, and others have designed models that impress our testers, too. A couple of those options are listed below.

Buy refurbished. One person’s trade-in is another person’s treasure, especially when it saves money. But do your homework. Not all retailers refurbish phones with the same care.

Refurbished phones sold in Apple’s stores and on its website have a new battery, a new outer shell, a new white box, and even a new 1-year warranty in case anything goes wrong. Samsung has similar standards for the refurbished phones sold on its website.

But refurbished phones offered by other retailers might not have new batteries or a full-year warranty, and they sometimes come packaged without a charging cord. So before buying a refurbished phone, always inquire about its condition, the return policy, and whether the device is covered by a warranty. Look for the “certified pre-owned phone” designation to make sure the hardware and software have been carefully inspected for any flaws.

Need more ideas? Here’s a look at some of Consumer Reports’ highest-rated phones for $600 or less. Members can check out our full smartphone ratings for additional details.