In 2026, purchasing a flagship phone is often unnecessary due to the advancements in the budget smartphone market. You can now find many features such as high-quality OLED screens and capable chipsets for a reasonable price. This guide highlights the best options available under £500 after testing several recent models.
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Due to a RAM shortage linked to AI development, smartphone prices have risen. However, all models in this guide are priced below £600, and many are even cheaper.
### Best Budget Phone Overall: Samsung Galaxy A37
Price: £349 at Amazon
The Samsung Galaxy A37 promises updates until 2032 and offers a smooth software experience. It is a reliable all-rounder, featuring a glass back that mimics more expensive models. The Exynos 1480 chipset provides good performance, and the phone's durability is enhanced with a higher IP68 rating compared to its predecessor, the A36.
### Best Cheap Phone for Battery Life: Motorola Edge 70 Fusion
Price: £379 at John Lewis
The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion boasts a massive 7,000mAh battery, allowing it to last up to two days on a single charge. It runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and is relatively close to stock Android, which enhances usability. However, the model’s vibrant color options are limited to the lower-capacity version.
### Best Cheap Phone for Camera: Google Pixel 9a
Price: £349 at Argos
The Google Pixel 9a excels in photography, offering high-quality images and AI-powered editing features like Magic Eraser. It maintains a clean Android interface and commits to seven years of updates, providing long-term value.
### Best Cheap iPhone: Apple iPhone 16e
Price: £599 at John Lewis
Designed as the successor to the iPhone SE, the iPhone 16e allows access to iOS at a reduced cost. Though it lacks certain features and has only one camera, it remains a solid long-term choice due to Apple's strong update policy.
### Best Phone Under £150: TCL 60R 5G
Price: £129.99 at eBay
The TCL 60R 5G is a budget-friendly option with decent specs for basic smartphone needs. It features a large display and a solid battery life but offers limited software support, making it less sustainable in the long run.
This analysis is based on real-world testing over a week, focusing on everyday tasks and various performance benchmarks, including gaming and general usability. The phones were assessed on their capabilities in routine activities, such as using Google Maps and social media browsing.
### Conclusion
These recommendations highlight strong budget phones available in 2026, emphasizing that you do not have to break the bank to get a quality smartphone.