Google’s $499 Pixel 10A is our pick for the best overall cheap phone, even though it’s only slightly improved over last year’s Pixel 9A. The new phone’s top-notch camera is unmatched among other handsets priced under $500. Plus, crucially, the company’s promise of seven years of software and security updates means the phone could last long enough to use until it finally gives out. Plus, its ability to send photos and files to an iPhone over AirDrop is a nice bonus, especially for people with friends using iOS handsets. One major caveat to this recommendation is that the base model comes with 1
Best Cheap Phone of 2026: You Don’t Need to Pay a Lot for Your Next PhoneThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra -- priced at $1,300 -- comes packed with maximum features that, for most people, is more than necessary. For the rest of us, last year's $800 Galaxy S25 is a standout among its Galaxy counterparts. Even with the release of the S26, the S25 remains a solid pick because it has much of the same hardware, software and AI capabilities as it pricier (and newer) peers. The Galaxy S25 has a very capable triple rear camera setup that is versatile in capturing bright outdoor scenes and candid moments inside under mixed lighting. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is ideal for And
Best Samsung Phone of 2026… But the Signature's seven years of software support and security updates is the biggest feature that needs to make its way to Motorola's Razr line. If the Razr Ultra is meant to be just as flashy and useful as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, then long-term software support should be table stakes. …
… Samsung and Google's under-$500 phones often offer superior software and security support. Samsung, for one, guarantees its Galaxy A phones six years of software updates, and the $499 Pixel 10A gets seven years. …
… A lack of storage can have a detrimental effect on your phone's performance overall and can also mean there's not enough room available for crucial software updates to be installed. …
… Jump to details Pros Fast 68W charging Lots of storage Good photography for a low-cost phone Cons Slower processor Only two years of software updates, three years of security updates Best for under $200 Samsung Galaxy A17 5G $175 at Amazon 6.4/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased… …
… It still gets seven years of software and security updates, so buyers will be able to keep it around for years and expect some AI features from newer Galaxy phones to trickle down, too. …
… The Galaxy A07, for instance, saw particularly high sales in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America -- possibly due to Samsung providing six years of software and security updates for its lowest-cost phone. …
… Google Pixel 10: Specs Samsung Galaxy S26 Google Pixel 10 Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.3-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz variable refresh rate Pixel density 411ppi 422ppi Dimensions inches 5.89x2.82x0.28 in… …
… You’ll also get dual-band GPS, a customizable action button and a battery that doesn’t completely disappoint it outlasts both the smaller Galaxy Watch 8 and the Pixel Watch 3 by a couple of hours . Why we like it: The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic combines refined hardware with powerful software. …
… Currently, the Razr gets three years of software updates and four years of security updates, and I'd like to see Motorola get somewhere closer to the seven years provided for Google's Pixel phones. …
… Much of its improvement comes from software. AI is everywhere in this lineup , including Advanced Selfie for refining skin tone and texture and an upgraded Photo Assist that lets you change backgrounds, recolor clothing or remove objects using Galaxy AI prompts. …