Top 7 Best Budget Phones Under $600 in 2026

You no longer need to spend $1,000 for a great smartphone. Today’s best budget phones have bright OLED screens, cameras that beat flagships from a few years ago, water resistance and — crucially — software update promises long enough to keep them for five years or more.

These are the seven best phones under $600, ranked by camera, battery, display, software support and overall value.

How we chose

We compared each budget phone against its closest rivals at the same price using manufacturer specifications, independent test data and long-term owner feedback from verified buyers. Every pick is scored out of 10 on performance, value, build quality and longevity — see our editorial policy. We never accept payment for placement.

The 7 best budget phones in 2026

1. Google Pixel 9a — Best overall

The Pixel 9a takes the best photos at this price, has a big battery and comes with seven years of Android and security updates — exceptional for a budget phone. Clean software and features like Call Screen make it easy to live with.

Charging is slow and there is no telephoto lens, but overall it is the phone we would buy.

2. Apple iPhone 16e — Best iPhone on a budget

The iPhone 16e is the cheapest way into the current iPhone experience. It shares the fast A18 chip, supports Apple Intelligence and has excellent battery life.

It has a single rear camera, a 60Hz screen and no MagSafe, but for iMessage, FaceTime and Apple ecosystem users it is great value.

3. Samsung Galaxy A56 — Best Samsung

The Galaxy A56 feels like a flagship in the hand, with a big bright screen and fast charging. Samsung promises six generations of Android updates.

Cameras are good rather than great, but it is a superb all-rounder.

4. Nothing Phone (3a) — Best design

Nothing phones look like nothing else, and the Phone (3a) backs up its style with a telephoto camera — rare at this price — and clean, fast software.

Update promises are shorter than Google or Samsung, and US carrier support is limited.

5. Samsung Galaxy A36 — Best under $400

The A36 gives you most of the A56 experience for less: the same long update promise, a great screen and fast charging.

Its processor is slower, but for social media, streaming and messaging it is plenty.

6. CMF Phone 2 Pro — Best under $300

Nothing’s CMF sub-brand delivers a surprisingly complete phone for very little money, with a bright AMOLED display, multiple cameras and fun modular accessories.

Availability varies by region, so check before buying in the US.

7. Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025) — Best with a stylus

The Moto G Stylus is the only affordable phone with a built-in pen — great for quick notes and sketches. It has a big screen and clean software.

Software update support is shorter than Samsung or Google.

Comparison at a glance

Product	Best for	Our score
Google Pixel 9a	Best camera and software	8.7/10
Apple iPhone 16e	iPhone users	8.5/10
Samsung Galaxy A56	Big screen and fast charging	8.5/10
Nothing Phone (3a)	Style and zoom	8.3/10
Samsung Galaxy A36	Tight budgets	8.2/10
CMF Phone 2 Pro	Maximum value	8.0/10
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025)	Note-takers	8.0/10

What to look for in a budget phone

• Update promise: Google and Samsung offer six to seven years on budget phones — the biggest factor in longevity.
• OLED with 90–120Hz makes a cheaper phone feel premium.
• Water resistance (IP67/IP68) protects against the most common accidents.
• 128GB storage minimum, especially without a microSD slot.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best phone under $500?

The Google Pixel 9a is the best overall thanks to its camera, battery and seven years of updates.

Are budget phones good enough?

Yes — modern budget phones handle social media, streaming, photos and navigation with ease. Flagships mainly add better zoom cameras, faster charging and premium materials.

Which budget phone has the longest updates?

Google Pixel and recent Samsung Galaxy A models offer six to seven years of updates.

Want to compare with flagships? See the best smartphones overall.