Best Android phones under $200 Android Central 2021
There are many great smartphones that are affordable, and you should consider them. We've compiled a list of the top Android phones below $200. Smartphones costing $1,000 or more are quickly becoming commonplace on the market. This can cause headaches for budget-minded people. The Moto G Fast is our favorite choice if you only have a few hundred dollars to spend on a new phone. It has three cameras and a large display to view all your videos and photos. We're not just talking about the Moto Fast. There are seven other phones that offer tremendous value in the low-end market.
Source: Joe Maring/Android Central
The Moto G Fast is the top-rated Android phone we could afford at $200. G Fast's hardware performs far better than what you would expect from a phone at this price. It feels solid when held and doesn't creak or rattle. All buttons feel clicky. Its 6.4-inch LCD screen is also a good size, offering a wide viewing area, good colors and great angles. Although the HD+ resolution doesn't make things as sharp as you would like, it's still a great screen. There are three cameras at the back: a 16MP primary, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro camera. The 16MP sensor produces stunningly detailed and vibrant photos. While the quality is lower than the other sensors, it's still great fun to have them on the back for increased shooting opportunities. The 4,000 mAh battery allows for two days of usage for some people, which is another strength. It can also charge via USB-C, which is a great feature. It's reminiscent of the interface on a Google Pixel. However, Motorola made some thoughtful improvements that enhance the user experience. Moto Display is still the best Android Always-On Display, with Moto Actions allowing users to cut the phone to activate the flashlight or twist the phone to open the camera app. Although only one software update is not ideal, at least you can expect Android 11 in the future. The Moto G Fast works with all US carriers, so you can purchase the phone and use it seamlessly, regardless of whether you are using AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile. Pros: Large screen with minimal bezels
Amazing build quality
Rear cameras can be a lot of fun
Battery life is excellent
Compatible with all U.S. carriers
Storage and RAM are small amounts
Overall, the Moto G Fast is the best. However, there are some flaws. It's an affordable phone that's still offers the best features. Amazon: $200
B&H $200
Moto G Play (2021), the best Android phone alternative under $200
Source: Joe Maring/Android Central
Moto is the market leader in the sub-$200 range, and the Moto G Play (2021), is their most affordable phone of the year. Although it does make some compromises in order to be affordable, the Moto G Play (2021) is still an excellent piece of tech. It's a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD with 720p HD+ resolution. But it does the job. This phone is also well-equipped with respectable bezels, a small waterdrop and a notch. It's a great phone for playing light games or watching videos. The 13MP + 2MP dual rear camera will show more downgrades, but they are serviceable and can be uploaded to any social media app. The Moto G Play (2021), which has a fingerprint sensor in the Moto logo on the rear, is as reliable and fast as you can ask for. You will also find a headphone jack, expandable storage support, and a 5,000 mAh battery. All U.S. carriers are supported. This device has USB-C charging, but no wireless charging, unlike cheaper phones like the Moto G (2020). The Moto G Play (2021) has one problem. Motorola has confirmed that the Moto G Play will only receive an Android 11 platform update. This thing ships with an outdated version of Android (10). Although Motorola's unique take on Android is as strong as the Moto G Fast's, it would have been great to receive at least one update. The Pros: Bright, large HD display
Huge 5000 mAh battery
3.5mm headphone jack
Motorola's custom software
It works with all U.S. carriers.
Only 3GB RAM
Ships with Android 10
Motorola's best alternative - Moto G Play A more affordable Moto, the Moto G Play (2021), features a 6.5-inch HD screen and a 5000-mAh battery. It also has a headphone socket to stream for hours. Amazon: $170
Best Buy - Starting at $120
$170 at B&H
Nokia 2.4 is the best budget Android phone below $200
Source: Nokia / HMD Global
Although none of these phones are expensive, the Nokia 2.4 is a great option if you want to spend as little money as possible. Although you have to make some compromises in order to get such a low price, it is definitely worth looking into. The Nokia 2.4 has a 6.5-inch screen, which is slightly larger than its 4.2 counterpart. You get HD+ resolution of 1600 and a MediaTek processor. 32GB expandable storage is also available (up to512GB). Although the Micro-USB charging port can be annoying, you won't need to use it much thanks to the large 4,000 mAh battery. The Nokia 2.4, just like the 4.2 is powered by Android One. This means that you will get two years worth of Android updates and three years worth of security patches per month, which should last you until 2023. Although the phone comes with Android 10, Android 11 is expected to be available soon. It comes with a nice, textured back in silver, turquoise, or purple colors. There is also a rear fingerprint scanner. A dedicated Google Assistant button allows you to quickly summon the digital assistant whenever you need it. Pros: Metal chassis and texture
Android One offers clean software
Large 4,500 mAh battery
Google Assistant button
You can expand your storage
Low price cons: No IP rating
Weak processor
No NFC
Nokia 2.4 Dual-SIM 32GB Smartphone - Best Budget Nokia 2.4 Dual Sim 32GB Smartphone Do you want to spend as little money as possible? The Nokia 2.4 is the best choice. The Nokia 2.4 is a great choice for basic tasks and it comes at an incredible price. Amazon: $140
Best Buy - $140
Best Samsung Android phone under $200: Samsung Galaxy A12
Source: Samsung
You probably think of Samsung's best phones as the Galaxy S21 or Note 20. These phones are big and flashy and will break your budget. The Galaxy A12 is an excellent choice if you want to get a Samsung phone but are looking to save money. The Galaxy A12's display is impressive. The phone measures 6.5 inches and is edge-to-edge. It also has a teardrop selfie cam with a small bezel at the bottom. The A12 is a great choice if you enjoy a lot of media consumption. The A12 has four cameras at the back. They include a primary 16MP camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro sensor, and two MP depth sensors. Although the image quality isn't spectacular, the cameras can be used for social media and some image-taking (especially when using the ultra-wide camera). The Galaxy A12 also features expandable storage, a very large 5,000 mAh battery and USB-C charging. Samsung's One UI software is loaded with tons of settings and features. Pros: A modern display with very small bezels
Large 5,000 mAh battery
Charges using USB-C
Samsung's One UI software
Expandable storage cons: Plastic back cheap
No NFC
Best OnePlus Android phone under $200: OnePlus Nord N100
Source: Android Central
OnePlus has made a name for its flagship-quality phones at lower prices. However, it was only with the Nord introduction series that it began to make budget-level phones. North America is unlikely to see the original Nord or the forthcoming Nord 2, but those living in Canada and the U.S. can still get the Nord N10 5G, N100, and other true value phones from the Nord lineup. The OnePlus Nord N100 package is less than $200. The OnePlus Nord N100 comes with a 6.52 inch LCD screen, a 5,000mAh lithium battery, 64GB on-device storage, and the possibility to expand it up to 512GB using the microSD card slot. It also features a triple camera setup at the back, a fingerprint sensor, as well as dual stereo speakers up front. The N100's only problem is that it comes with Android 10 and OnePlus OxygenOS 10.5. There's no word on when or if it will get Android 11 or other future updates. This is a great choice if you have always wanted a OnePlus smartphone but can't afford one. If you have the budget, you could also consider the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, which is around $240. Pros: Large, bright display
Large 5,000 mAh battery
Charges using USB-C
OnePlus's OxygenOS Software
Expandable storage cons: Plastic back cheap
Official waterproofing is not available
Ships with Android 10
Moto G Power (2021), the best battery for an Android phone below $200
Source: Joe Maring/Android Central
We loved the Moto G Power (2020), so it was a great surprise when Motorola announced a sequel. Our excitement was somewhat dampened by the information about the upgrades or downgrades that will be included with the model 2021. The Snapdragon 662 processor is a significant step down from the 665 in 2020, and the clock speed of the new model is slower. The 2020 model had an HD+ display, while the 2021 model has a maximum resolution of 720p. Motorola retained the headphone jack but removed NFC, wireless charging and IP water resistance from the spec sheet. These issues are compounded by the fact that this device ships with Android 10 but will not receive an update to Android 11. The Moto G Power (2021) is a sturdy, powerful, and affordable Android smartphone. This is just not the second act that we expected. This offering is a great choice if you are looking for a 3-camera setup, large screen and a huge battery. The Pros: Bright, large HD display
Huge 5000 mAh battery
3.5mm headphone jack
Motorola's custom software
It works with all U.S. carriers.
Chipsets slower than the 2020 version
Ships with Android 10
Motorola's best battery - Moto Power 2021 (Unlocked 32GB Memory Powerhouse Phone) The Moto G Power (2021), while a step back in terms screen and chipset, is still a great choice for many. Amazon: $187
Best Buy: Starting at $149
B&H $200
Blackview BV5900 is the best rugged Android phone below $200
Source: Blackview
A case is a great way to protect your phone from everyday use. However, there are phones that are built to last. The Blackview BV5900 is one such phone. If you are prone to falling or work in a physically demanding setting, the BV5900 might be a good choice. The rugged design of the BV5900 is evident, with durability ratings. You get an IP68 dust/water resistance rating and a MIL STD-810G certificate. The BV5900 can withstand drops up to 5 feet. The BV5900 has many other features that go beyond its design. It boasts a huge 5,580 mAh battery, USB C charging, NFC for contactless Google Pay payments and a fingerprint sensor. The BV5900 has 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, which can be expanded to 128GB. The BV5900 is not for everyone. However, if you know you would benefit from a ruggedized phone like this, you should definitely take a look at it. Pros: Rated for military-grade durability
IP68 dust/water protection
Gigantic 5,580mAh battery
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
NFC for Google Pay
Some people might find the USB-C charging Cons Design too complicated
The rugged Blackview BV5900 is the best choice for butterfingers. It has a military-grade durability rating, IP68 protection and is extremely durable. Amazon: Starting at $130
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, the best international Android phone below $200
Source: Xiaomi
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 completes this list. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is the final item on this list. It's an international phone so there is no warranty for U.S. customers. These are the only real drawbacks. Redmi Note 9 is an impressive phone. The 6.53-inch Full HD+ display features very slim bezels with a discreet hole-punch cutout to accommodate the selfie camera. There are a variety of colors available from Xiaomi, with Forest Green our favorite. The Note 9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and 4GB RAM. It also has 128GB expandable storage and a massive 5,020 mAh battery. We also love the USB-C fast charger, 3.5mm headphones jack and IR controller on top of the phone. Although Xiaomi's MIUI software is a bit slow at times, it is an amazing phone in every way. The Note 9 can still be used to get great mileage, even though it is no longer available. Pros: Beautiful design
Display with slim bezels, 6.53 inches FHD+
Four rear cameras
128GB storage
5,020 mAh battery
The cons of Fingerprint sensor: It doesn't come with any warranty
Support for all U.S. LTE bands is not available
Redmi Note 9 DualSim is the best international Xiaomi Redmi Note 9. It's a great option for anyone who doesn't mind traveling internationally. It is beautiful, powerful, and very affordable. Amazon: $180
