The best smartphones you can buy today for under $200 | News 4 Social
The best sub-$200 smartphones compared
Editorial pick
Price pick
5G with stylus
Decent performance
The cheapest usable
Product
Picture
Specifications
6.5-inch LCD, 90 Hz 1080×2400 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 64 GB ROM 4 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 13 MP Macro: 2 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 mAh June 2021
6.6-inch LCD 1080×2408 pixels Samsung Exynos 850 32/64/128 GB ROM 3/4/6 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 50 MP Ultra-wide: 5 MP Macro: 2 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 mAh March 2022
6.8-inch LCD 1080×2400 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 128/256 GB ROM 4/6 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 48 MP Ultra-wide: 8 MP Macro: 5 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 mAh June 2021
6.5-inch LCD 720×1600 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 32/128 GB ROM 3/4 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 13 MP Ultra-wide: 5 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 mAh September 2021
6.5-inch LCD 720×1600 pixels MediaTek Helio P35 32/64 GB ROM 2/3/4 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 13 MP Macro camera: 2 MP Depth camera: 2 MP 5,000 mAh December 2021
Good
Superior software support
5G support
Includes a stylus
More versatile camera than rivals
Bad
Low memory models
Weak camera
Performance is inferior to the other models
Low memory options
Weak camera
Offers*
Unfortunately, none of the current suggested phones were tested by News 4 Social. So this list was prepared based on our personal experiences with other models from the same brands, especially with software support, camera features, and timely updates. Keep in mind that this list was made with the US market in mind, because of that, some of the models are exclusive to North America.
Since our last update, the main change is more and more 5G models in the entry-level category, with two of the five models on the above list, and occasionally a 5G version of the runner-up phone during sales at below 200 dollars. Another welcome change is more phones with long promised software support, with not only Android upgrades but especially the important security patches.
News 4 Social recommendations: The best 2022 smartphones for less than $200
As the only major Chinese brand to sell its phones in the US market, OnePlus has a rather big reputation to fulfill. And it usually honors (no pun intended) the tradition of offering competitive mobiles for good prices, and the same happens in the entry-level segment with the Nord N200.
The OnePlus Nord N200 offers 5G support in the sub-$200 category, with a competent memory configuration that should result in a good performance for daily tasks. OnePlus even managed to include a 90 Hz refresh rate for the 6.5” LCD FullHD+ screen. The only drawback is the weak camera setup, with only a 13 megapixels main camera.
Although not offering top-tier performance, the Galaxy A13 more than balances that with the best software update policy in the category. While its mainstream rivals barely offer one or two years of software updates, Samsung manages to update its entry-level phones for three years (albeit in a trimester schedule in the later years).
Even the camera is slightly more versatile than most models in the price range, with an ultra-wide camera besides the (low resolution and useless) macro and depth sensors. Depending on the region, Samsung even offers a big palette of colors and memory configurations, just avoid the low-end 3+32 GB option.
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) has a lot going for it (besides the convoluted name). Launched at almost double its current market price, the Moto G offers not only 5G support, but decent performance, thanks to its Snapdragon 480 SoC, a big screen, and a stylus to use it for productivity tasks.
We are not sure for how long the Moto G Stylus will be available below $200, but all signs point to a permanent price reduction for a model that is more than a year old. And that leads to Lenovo/Motorola’s weak spot: its lackluster Android update policy. Android 12 should be the last version available for the model, and even the cheapest Samsung model was updated faster than the Moto G.
An unusual suggestion for this list, the Nokia G100 is a phone that is barely one month old as of writing this list. However, it packs a reasonably competent processor, the Snapdragon 662. Although old by today’s standards, the same chip used to power lots of intermediate-level phones not so long ago.
Another highlight is Nokia’s recent track record when it comes to software updates, usually matching the three years of security updates offered by Samsung. But don’t expect the same top-level performance from the camera, since the Nokia G100 packs low-resolution sensors that should barely be enough for family pictures.
Note that the Nokia G100 is also available with a 3+32 GB memory configuration for a very cheap $139.99 but we cannot recommend it since it cannot keep up with the good processor.
The Galaxy A03s is our last suggestion on this list, and on special occasions, its price hovers around $100. If it is priced close to any of the above-mentioned models, it is better to go for the upgrade picks, as you get what you pay for the Samsung model.
Against its main rivals released around the same time, the Samsung Galaxy A03s outshines them by the simple fact that it is being updated to Android 12, while most of the opponents will forever stay with Android 11 (or worse). Like most basic Android phones, the A03s offers the bare minimum when it comes to usability, performance, and features, just avoid the configurations with less memory.
Alternatives to purchasing a new smartphone
Refurbished, sale units, and used/refurbished phones
If removing the protective film for the first time on your new device does not spark you joy, you can pick up more expensive smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It is particularly advisable to use devices that carry a refurbished guarantee. These are used smartphones that have been checked and refurbished by reputable companies to ensure that they are in tip-top condition.
Refurbished devices are particularly interesting to check out when they come with an extended warranty. This is how you protect yourself when picking one up just in case the handset gives up the ghost just a few weeks down the road.
Of course, you do not have this advantage when buying a used smartphone from private owners on platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or other portals. However, used devices can be found for significantly reduced prices there, as there are no additional costs because the middleman has been cut out. With the so-called ‘sale’, you also secure older models that online shops still carry in new condition but which are no longer in production.
Promotions and sales
Towards the end of the year, each consumer electronics device that you purchase is accompanied by an even greater risk of stumbling upon a cheaper offer just a few weeks down the road. This can be attributed to sales like Black Friday and its associated Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles Day, and Cyber Monday, all of which are discount days in the months of October and November.
Most of them happen right before the Christmas shopping frenzy begins. Since smartphones are one of the most popular consumer electronics devices in the market, you should keep your eyes open for great deals. You can check out the dates for this year’s sales and promotions in the table below:
Upcoming bargains and sales dates
Mark these days down in your 2022 calendar:
Event
Date
Singles Day
11 November 2022
Black Week
21 to 25 November 2022
Black Friday
25 November 2022
Cyber Monday
28 November 2022
It’s best to keep an eye on our homepage during these days. Because we search for offers in every online shop and manufacturer’s website and assess the offers according to their value. As in this article, you can inform yourself with further test reports and news about the respective devices before buying.
Sign up for a contract with a service provider or an installment plan
If your old smartphone is completely broken and cannot be used, leaving you in desperate need of an immediate replacement, you can always opt for an installment plan that covers several months of payments. Normally, this is tied to a phone plan contract, where you obtain a new smartphone for free for a monthly surcharge or for a lower one-time payment. However, there is still the risk of paying more for the device at the end of the contract compared to buying it outright now.
On the other hand, you also obtain lower prices with a monthly financing plan. You pay off the purchase price of the new device across an agreed number of monthly installments sans contract and with 0% interest. Such financing packages are extremely popular, but it also comes with their own risks. For instance, if you lose your new smartphone immediately after buying it or if it breaks, you will still have to honor the remaining installments for a device that can no longer be used or is limited in functionality.
Are you not satisfied with the selection of our list of sub-$200 smartphones? Do share your recommendations with us in the comments section below. If the price-performance ratio is not right for you within this price range, perhaps other “Best Of” lists in the following articles might be more your cup of tea:
Article updated on October 2022 with a complete rewrite and new suggestions for the US market, including 5G options, stylus support, and long-term software update policies. Comments prior to the update were not deleted and refer to older versions of this list.
