Technologies
Best Phone Under $200: Cheaper Phones for Just the Basics
Devices that cost less than $200 should still be able to handle most apps, games and simple photography.
Smartphones can be expensive. But even if you’re on a budget, you can still find some great options. These are some of the best phones under $200 and they offer a mix of modern features alongside legacy ports you can’t find on today’s more expensive phones. For example, you can get a phone with a 6.5-inch screen and multiple cameras, plus a headphone jack and expandable storage with a microSD card slot.
However, there are trade-offs to keep in mind. Phones under $200 will likely run slower than their pricier counterparts, lack NFC for contactless payments and may receive only one software update. Most of them won’t support speedier 5G connections, either. But you can have peace of mind knowing that they can support most apps from the Google Play Store and will receive a few years of security updates.
What’s the best phone under $200?
Phones that cost $200 before any discounts are also phones that come with minimal features and many compromises. Of the devices we’ve tested and reviewed, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is our favorite. It nails the essentials, like having a 5,000-mAh battery, four average cameras, and years of software and security updates. There’s the newer Galaxy A13 and the just-released Galaxy A14 (which we need to test), but the A12 still hits that sub-$200 price and can often be found selling for less than $100, or even as a freebie.
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Best phones under $200 of 2023
Samsung’s Galaxy A03S at $160 (roughly ÂŁ130, AU$240) includes plenty of great features and could be a great fit for someone looking for the cheapest possible phone that can handle most essential tasks. The phone’s 6.5-inch screen, capped at 720p resolution, is great for reading the news, watching videos, and playing games. Despite some performance lag found during our review, the phone is good at multitasking. But the phone’s tiny 32GB of storage space could fill up fast, so if considering this phone, it may be worthwhile to consider expanding the storage with a microSD card.
Samsung also plans to support this phone with at least four years of security updates, which at this price range is as good as it gets. On the software side, it’s less clear how many Android versions are scheduled, but the phone ships with Android 11 to start.
Even though Samsung’s Galaxy A13 has succeeded the Galaxy A12, you can still find the $180 Samsung phone at some US carriers, although it is otherwise discontinued on Samsung’s website. For instance, the Galaxy A12 is available at Straight Talk wireless at a lower $130 price. According to Counterpoint Research, the A12 was the best-selling Android phone of 2021, even outselling Apple’s iPhone SE (2020).
In our Galaxy A12 review, we found the phone took nicer photos than the cheaper Galaxy A03S thanks to its four-camera array with a 16-megapixel main camera, but it was still hindered by the same 32GB of onboard storage seen across all of Samsung’s sub-$200 phones.
While we haven’t tested the Galaxy A13, it’s possible that the $190 4G-only version of that phone is worth considering for its 50-megapixel main camera. But if you do plan to buy the Galaxy A12, know that the phone’s 3GB of memory handled multitasking well during our review, but experienced some lag when shifting between horizontal and vertical screen orientations.
The $130 Samsung Galaxy A02S was released in late 2020, and is still listed on Samsung’s website along with some wireless carriers. The phone originally shipped with Android 10, but has since received an update to Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI 4.1. Even though the Galaxy A02S is the lowest-priced phone in Samsung’s Galaxy line, the continued software and security updates should provide buyers with feature refinements along with protection from vulnerabilities.
During our review, we found multitasking to be the phone’s main shortcoming, along with the tiny 32GB of storage space included. The phone also has no fingerprint sensor, which means a security PIN or pattern will be necessary in order to keep the phone secure.
But the phone does include a microSD card slot for adding additional storage, a headphone jack and a large 6.5-inch 720p screen. If you just need a simple phone primarily for phone calls, texting and taking the occasional photo, then the Galaxy A02S could be a worthwhile choice.Â
How we test phones
Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games, and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it.Â
We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:
- Display.
- Design and feel.
- Processor performance.
- Battery life.
- Camera quality.
- Features.
We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and nighttime scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We run a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.
We take into account additional phone features, like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays, and other useful extras. And we, of course, weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price, so you know whether a phone represents good value.
Read more: How we test phones
Phones under $200 FAQs
Are cheaper phones worth it?
Phones that are under $200 just focus on the essentials, which means you’ll have to make some compromises. You’ll be able to make phone calls, text, video chat, browse the web and run most Android apps on these devices. But you shouldn’t expect NFC for mobile payments, 5G connectivity or — unfortunately — much included storage space.
However, these phones otherwise function well and could be what you’re looking for if all you need is a good communication device. They also include features that are becoming increasingly harder to find in more expensive phones, such as an included charger in the box, a headphone jack on the phone, and a microSD card slot for adding more storage.
That said, if you’re finding that your phone needs go beyond basic communication, you may want to consider phones that are under $300 or phones under $500, if you can expand your budget.
What about phones that are even cheaper, like under $100?
Phones under $100 do exist, but they usually come with significant compromises.
For instance, the TCL 30 Z is one of the cheapest Android 12 phones available, at $90. Though we haven’t tested this phone, I have noticed that it uses the antiquated micro-USB port for charging.
Most other Android phones and wireless headphones, even those in the budget price range, now use USB-C for charging, meaning you might find yourself scrambling for a charger if you misplace it. The phone is also getting only one major software update to Android 13 and two years of security updates, which is short but comparable to some phones sold under $300.
We haven’t reviewed any flip phones recently, but anyone looking for a device made specifically for phone calls should be well-served by most available options. Flip phones support 4G signals and — more importantly — HD Voice for clearer voice calls. Some flip phones even support modern apps like WhatsApp and the Google Assistant, albeit in a more limited way compared with how these services function on a smartphone. The , for instance, is a flip phone running on the brand’s KaiOS, which supports downloadable apps and services.
More phone advice
Technologies
Russia hits Ukraine’s power grid, leaving 600,000 without electricity
Russia’s missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure left hundreds of thousands without power, amid disputes over a proposed ceasefire.
Russia launched an overnight strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing power outages for at least 600,000 residents in the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said there was extensive damage to 26 power system facilities and four oil and gas installations, as posted on X.
He said the missile attack on the energy sector was deliberate and large‑scale, noting that it contradicted the supposed energy ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the strike was meant to show disrespect toward the United States, something Russia had not done before.
The assault follows accusations from the Ukrainian president that Russia breached Trump’s proposal for both sides to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities in order to lower oil and diesel prices.
Initially, both Russian and Ukrainian officials denied any knowledge of an energy ceasefire, but Ukraine has welcomed the concept while Russia says negotiations are continuing without confirming an agreement.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that, regarding the agreement’s status, they refer to Zelenskyy’s reaction, adding that Zelenskyy claimed he had not heard of such an agreement, welcomed clarification, and was open to a ceasefire, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is breaking news; please refresh for updates.
Technologies
Philippine Central Bank Braces for ‘Godzilla El Niño’ Amid Inflation Struggles
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is preparing for a severe ‘Godzilla’ El Niño and oil shocks as inflation surges and rice prices climb.
BANGKOK — To combat inflation hitting three-year peaks, the Philippine central bank is preparing for a catastrophic “Godzilla” El Niño alongside a persistent oil price shock.
Governor Eli Remolona explained that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is now utilizing scenario-based policy planning that accounts for weather severity and oil costs. Speaking Wednesday during a panel at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, he distinguished between a standard El Niño and the “Godzilla” version, which he described as being significantly more damaging.
Remolona warned that the peak impact on pricing is likely between November and February, emphasizing that the central bank’s primary goal remains maintaining price stability.
“We’re holding our breath,” he remarked, “but we have to be prepared for the worst.”
These weather threats are placing additional strain on a highly susceptible Southeast Asian economy. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows inflation climbed to 7.2% in September, up from 6.1% in August, driven partly by an 18% surge in rice costs.
As the top global importer of rice, the Philippines faces significant food security risks. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has cautioned that new droughts could deplete local supplies.
Increased imports from the Philippines may further strain a global market already impacted by export restrictions and El Niño. This trend is reflected in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s rice price index, which has risen for six straight months to its highest level in 20 months.
In an effort to control rising prices, the central bank increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5% in August.
In a note released Wednesday, HSBC Bank’s senior ASEAN economist Aris Dacanay suggested that the BSP will likely implement another 25-basis-point increase to 5.25% next week, followed by a similar hike in December.
Technologies
CNBC Daily Open: Zelenskyy heads to UK for talks on fresh support
U.K. Prime Minister is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as European leaders rally to show support for the country.
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Hello, this is Justina Lee writing to you from Singapore. Welcome to another edition of CNBC’s Daily Open.
Taiwan has agreed to purchase 30% of gas sourced from a proposed liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The latest economic data coming out of Asia on Wednesday offers clues to the region’s growth outlook, with China’s producer prices rising at its fastest pace in over four years.
Meanwhile, over in Europe, the U.K. is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What you need to know today
U.S. President Trump said at a rally that Taiwan has agreed to purchase 30% of gas sourced from a proposed liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, adding that the deal “guarantees a success.”
Trump has been increasing pressure on South Korea to participate in the project, cautioning earlier that he would charge the country more and threaten to double charges if Seoul failed to sign soon. South Korean media outlets speculated that Trump was referring to higher tariffs.
Zelenskyy to meet UK Prime Minister
U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as European leaders rally to show support for the country. Zelenskyy will reportedly meet with EU leaders on Friday, on the second day of the European Council summit.
Burnham is expected to tell Zelenskyy that he has asked his ministers to draw up further sanctions, military support and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks.
It comes after Russia unleashed an attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight, leaving at least 600,000 people without power in the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions.
ASML results
ASML, a bellwether for the global chip industry, posted its third-quarter results on Wednesday. The Dutch semiconductor equipment maker said that some of its customers are expressing interest in placing orders for its critical semiconductor tools for 2029 and 2030 as AI demand remains buoyant.
The comments will likely comfort investors who have been looking to assess the longer-term demand outlook for ASML’s lithography machines.
Asia’s economic data
On Wednesday, traders continue to digest the latest economic data coming out of Asia, as they look for clues about the region’s economic outlook.
China’s producer prices in September rose at its fastest pace in over four years, due to higher fuel prices driving costs up for businesses.
Data out of Singapore on Wednesday showed that GDP growth softened to 5.4% in the third quarter, after hitting a four-year high in the prior quarter. A decline in the city-state’s manufacturing sector contributed to the slowdown, though this was offset by an expansion in the construction sector.
Over in the Philippines, the country’s central bank is bracing itself for a “Godzilla” El Niño, which is exacerbating the effects of a prolonged oil shock, as it tries to tame inflation from three-year highs.
Meanwhile, Korean automaker Hyundai Motor revealed it is planning a “strategic” $15.5 billion investment in the country by 2032. The company said India is a strategic core market to the firm’s emerging-market growth and expansion plans.
Higher oil prices weigh on sentiment
In the oil markets, Brent and WTI prices rose Wednesday amid concerns over supply disruptions as tensions in the Middle East continue to heat up between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
And finally…
Judge indefinitely blocks Trump White House from banning 3 media outlets
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., late Tuesday night issued an order indefinitely blocking the White House from enforcing the ban on three media outlets announced by President Donald Trump in mid-September.
The preliminary injunction by Judge Timothy Kelly extends his existing block on Trump’s ban of MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House complex.
Kelly, in a written opinion, said the three outlets were likely to succeed on a claim in their lawsuit challenging the ban that they were denied due process by Trump having summarily ordered them barred from the White House without a chance to argue against that action first.
— Dan Mangan
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