If you’re after a Pay as you go phone which will cost you less than £200, you’re in the right place. Even though they may not have the latest features that many newer, more expensive phones do, budget smartphones use the same apps that pricier phones do, and plenty come with high-definition screens, speakers with impressive audio quality, great cameras that are easy to use and powerful batteries to keep your day on track.
If you’re after a hardworking phone with the features which are important to you, here are the models we think you’ll like – all with a price tag that comes in under £200 to buy outright.
TCL 10L
The TCL 10L combines revolutionary NXTVISION technology and smart performance with excellent value for money. Maximise entertainment on the expansive 6.53-inch FHD+ Dotch display with a dedicated display chipset and wireless Super Bluetooth audio - you can even connect up to four headphones or speakers for family and friends. Unleash your inner photographer with the versatile 48-megapixel AI quad-camera system with automatic colour and exposure adjustment. Use the 2-megapixel Depth Camera to capture real-time bokeh, discover easily-missed details with the 2-megapixel Macro Camera, and take in the full view on the 8-megapixel Wide-Angle Camera. Plus, the 16-megapixel Front Camera is perfect for flattering selfies. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor means fast, fluid interactions, powered by a 4,000mAh battery for long-lasting usage.
motorola moto g8 power
If you’re a keen gamer, photographer, or you just want immersive entertainment on the go, the motorola moto g8 power could be the perfect fit. Watch your favourite films on the 6.4-inch Full HD+ display and experience crystal-clear audio with dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby. If you’re after shareable snaps, the rear AI-powered 16-megapixel quad-camera system with 8-megapixel telephoto and ultra-wide angle cameras and 2-megapixel macro camera will let you shoot a range of subjects, from dramatic landscapes to the smallest details. You can even take gorgeous selfies with the 16-megapixel selfie camera. Get up to three days of battery life on a single charge thanks to the hardworking 5,000mAh battery, and let the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with 4GB of RAM smoothly bring games and videos to life.
Samsung Galaxy A12
The Samsung Galaxy A12 packs a huge amount of clever tech into a slim, lightweight phone with a 6.5-inch Infinity-V Display. Take clear, colour-rich photos with the 48-megapixel Main Camera, and use the 5-megapixel Ultra Wide Camera to capture stunning views and landscapes. Adjust your subject’s focus with the 2-megapixel Depth Camera and capture easily-missed details with the 2-megapixel Macro Camera. You can even show your best side with the 8-megapixel Front Camera with Live Focus. The Octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM means fast, efficient performance for busy days, and you can store what matters on the 64GB of internal storage which can be boosted up to 1TB with a MicroSD card. The 5,000mAh battery is built for gaming, scrolling and binge-watching box sets, and you can power up in a flash with 15W fast-charging.
Sony Xperia L4
A brilliant all-rounder, the Sony Xperia L4 has an impressive 21:9 Wide 6.2-inch display, a slim, lightweight design and a triple rear camera. You can completely immerse yourself in movies and games on the high-definition screen, and you can split the display into two separate windows and run different apps at once for simple multitasking. The triple rear camera has a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens plus a depth camera for beautiful, expansive shots – and you can even use bokeh effects, which blur the background so your subject has greater focus for perfect portrait style shots. Everything’s powered by a long-lasting 3,580mAh battery, and you can even fast charge to power up in a flash when you need to.
Huawei P Smart 2019
The P Smart 2019’s most impressive features are its crystal-clear display and its dual AI-powered camera – neatly wrapped up in a sleek, curved exterior which fits perfectly in the hand. The 6.21-inch FullView display offers outstanding clarity and a spectrum of rich, striking colours – effortlessly bringing games and films to life. It’s powered by an advanced Kirin 710 octa-core chipset, which keeps apps running smoothly, even when you’re switching between them. The rear 13- and 8-megapixel cameras with a wide f/18 aperture allow for more in your shots – you can capture vivid colours and detail and use the natural bokeh effect for subjects you want to focus on. You can even take the perfect selfie in real time on the 8-megapixel front camera, as its AI technology chooses the perfect settings as you’re taking a photo – so you don’t have to edit it later.
Samsung Galaxy A20e
If you’re after a budget phone with a superb screen and camera, the Samsung Galaxy A20e is a brilliant choice. The 5.8-inch HD+ edge-to-edge Infinity-V Display gives you more of the shows, movies and games you love in high definition. 15W Fast Charging technology gives you a quick power boost during the day so you can keep viewing, watching, playing and listening. The dual rear camera has a 13-megapixel lens and a 5-megapixel Ultra Wide Camera, which has a 123-degree field of view to capture the whole scene, and you can make more of each selfie with a clever 8MP front camera with Selfie focus. Samsung’s fast One UI operating system is great for multitasking – switch between apps quickly for a fuss-free experience.
Over time, you will find that you spend more than £200 on owning and using a phone – especially if you need extra minutes or data, which happens from time to time. However, there are ways to keep the cost of owning a phone down, including getting a Pay as you go SIM and using WiFi to browse and send messages.
If you’re looking to spend a little more - or less - on your mobile, we also have a range of phones under £100 and phones under £300.
