The best smartphones you can buy today for under $200

Compare the best smartphones under $200

	Editorial choice	Price selection	5G with stylus	Good performance	The cheapest used
Product
Fig
Details	6.5-inch LCD, 90 Hz 1080×2400 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 64GB ROM 4 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 13 MP Macro: 2MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 per cent June 2021	6.6-inch LCD 1080×2408 pixels Samsung Exynos 850 32/64/128GB ROM 3/4/6 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 50 MP Ultra Wide: 5 MP Macro: 2 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 per cent 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: 8MP Macro: 5 MP Depth: 2 MP 5,000 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent December 2021
nice		Advanced software support	5G support It includes a stylus A more versatile camera than its competitors
Bad				Low memory models Poor camera	The performance is lower than other models Low memory options Poor camera
Discounts*

Unfortunately, none of the currently recommended phones have been tested by NextPit. Therefore, this list is prepared based on our personal experiences with models from similar brands, especially in terms of software support, camera features, and current updates. Keep in mind that this list is made with the US market in mind, as a result, some models are only for North America.

Since the last update, the main change is that there are more 5G models in the entry-level category, two of the five models listed above, and the occasional 5G runner phone on sale for under $200. Another welcome change is not just Android updates, but more phones with long-promised software support, especially with important security patches.

NextPit’s Tips: Best 2022 Smartphones Under $200

OnePlus Nord N200: A good fan for 2022

As the only major Chinese brand to sell its phones in the US market, OnePlus has a big reputation to live up to. And it often follows the tradition of offering competitive mobile phones at a good price, and the same is true of the Nord N200 entry-level segment.

OnePlus Nord N200 offers 5G support in the sub-$200 segment, with an efficient memory configuration that brings good performance for daily tasks. OnePlus has managed to include a 90 Hz refresh rate for the 6.5” LCD FullHD+ screen. The only downside is the poor camera setup, with only a 13-megapixel primary camera.

Samsung Galaxy A13: Advanced software support

Although it doesn’t offer top-notch performance, the Galaxy A13 more than makes up for it with the best software update policy in the category. While its main rivals don’t offer a year or two of software updates, Samsung can update its entry-level phones for three years (although in later years, every three months).

Even the camera is slightly more versatile than most models in its price range, with a super wide-angle camera in addition to the (low-resolution and useless) macro and depth sensors. Depending on the range, Samsung offers a larger color palette and memory configurations, barring the low-end 3+32GB option.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021): Note less

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) has a lot going for it (besides the quirky name). Launched at almost double the current market price, the Moto G not only offers 5G support but also good performance, thanks to its Snapdragon 480 SoC, a large screen and styling for productivity tasks.

We’re not sure how long the Moto G Stylus will be available under $200, but all signs point to a steady price drop for the model that’s over a year old. And that leads to Lenovo/Motorola’s weak spot: the lackluster Android update policy. Android 12 should be the last version available for the model, and even the cheapest Samsung model is updated faster than the Moto G.

Nokia G100: above average performance

An unusual idea for this list, the Nokia G100 is a phone that is less than a month old to write this list. However, it packs a capable enough processor, the Snapdragon 662. Although old by today’s standards, the same chip powered many mid-range phones a long time ago.

Another point of interest is Nokia’s recent track record for software updates, which usually matches Samsung’s three-year security updates. But don’t expect the same high-end performance from the camera, as the Nokia G100 packs low-resolution sensors that are barely adequate for family portraits.

Note that the Nokia G100 is available with a 3+32GB memory configuration at a much cheaper price of $139.99, but it doesn’t come with a decent processor, so we can’t recommend it.

Samsung Galaxy A03s: the bare minimum

The Galaxy A03s is our last recommendation on this list, and on special occasions the price goes up to $100. If it is close to the above mentioned models, it is better to go for upgrade options because you get what you pay for the Samsung model.

The Samsung Galaxy A03s are more likely to start updating to Android 12 than their main rivals, which were released at the same time, while most rivals will remain with Android 11 (or worse) forever. Like most basic Android phones, the A03s offer the bare minimum when it comes to usability, performance and features, barring configurations with less memory.

Options for buying a new smartphone

Refurbished, parts for sale and used/refurbished phones

If removing the protective film on your new device for the first time doesn’t bring you joy, you can pick up more expensive smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It is especially advisable to use equipment that carries a renewed warranty. These are smartphones that have been tested and refurbished by reputed companies to ensure that they are of the highest quality.

It’s especially interesting to see refurbished devices come with extended warranties. Just in case the handset gives up the ghost a few weeks down the road, here’s how to protect yourself when you pick one up.

Of course, you don’t have this advantage when you buy a used smartphone from private owners on platforms like eBay, Craigslist or other portals. However, used equipment can be found there at a much reduced price, because there are no additional costs and the middleman is cut out. with the so-calledsell’You’ll also find the safety of older models that online shops still carry in new condition but are no longer in production.

Promotions and sales

Near the end of the year, every consumer electronics device you buy comes with the risk of stumbling upon a bargain less than a few weeks down the road. This can be attributed to sales such as Black Friday and its associated Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles Day, and Cyber ​​Monday, all of which are discount days in October and November.

Most of them happen before the Christmas market rush starts. Smartphones are one of the most popular consumer electronics devices in the market, so you should keep your eyes open for great deals. You can see this year’s sales and announcement dates in the table below.

It’s good to keep an eye on our home page these days. Because we search for offers on every online store and manufacturer’s website and evaluate the offers according to their value. As shown in this article, you can inform yourself of additional test reports and news about the relevant equipment before purchasing.

Sign up with a service provider or payment plan

If your old smartphone is completely broken and unusable, and you need a quick replacement, you can always opt for a payment plan that covers several months of payments. Typically this is tied to a phone plan contract, where you get a new smartphone for free for an additional monthly fee or a one-time low payment. However, there is still a risk of paying more at the end of the contract compared to buying the device now.

On the other hand, you get lower rates with monthly financing plans. You pay the purchase price of the new device with an agreed monthly installment plan and 0% interest. Such financial packages are very popular, but they come with their own risks. For example, if you lose or damage your new smartphone immediately after purchasing it, you must honor the remaining parts for a device that is still unusable or limited in use.

Not satisfied with our list of smartphones under $200? Share your suggestions with us in the comments section below. If the price-performance ratio in this price range isn’t right for you, the other “best of” lists in the following articles may be more your cup of tea.

The article was updated in October 2022 with a complete rewrite and new recommendations for the US market, including 5G options, stylus support, and long-term software update policies. Comments prior to the update have not been deleted, and see older versions of this list.