Lately it seems like smart phones are getting crazy expensive. But when it comes to cheap, good phones, we’re living in a world of plenty. Costs have dropped and software is getting better, which means that inexpensive phones with last year’s parts are still going to serve you well. Here are four of the top cheap phones we love.
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Motorola Moto G5 Plus
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-moto-g5-plus/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The splash-resistant Moto G5 Plus has a near stock version of Android Nougat, a good camera and video, and a metal build — and it’s extremely kind to your wallet.
The bad: There’s no near-field communication on the U.S. model, and audio sounds tinny through the built-in speaker.
The cost: $284.99 to $299.99
The bottom line: With a long list of features you want and only a few that you don’t, there is no better budget phone than Motorola’s Moto G5 Plus.
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Apple iPhone SE
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-se-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: A small, hand-friendly design. Solid speed. Good front and rear cameras. More built-in storage (up to 128GB). The lowest priced iPhone you can buy.
The bad: Older giant-bezel design and limited screen size are love-it-or-hate-it. Hardware hasn’t changed since its 2016 debut.
The cost: $399.99
The bottom line: The iPhone SE is one year older, but its added storage options and strong performance running iOS 10 still makes it a great choice for small-phone fans.
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Alcatel Idol 5S
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/alcatel-idol-5s/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: The Idol 5S has a premium build, amazing speakers, a fingerprint reader and it runs Android Nougat — all while being affordable.
The bad: It has the shortest battery life of any phone we’ve tested in the past two years.
The cost: $279.99
The bottom line: The Alcatel Idol 5S is an otherwise great budget phone, but the battery is its Achilles’ heel.
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Motorola Moto E4
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-moto-e4/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: The Moto E4 has a near stock version of Android Nougat, a fingerprint reader, a removeable battery, a selfie flash and is splash resistant — all while being ridiculously cheap.
The bad: The display is hard to see in sunlight and the camera is slow to process photos.
The cost: $129.99
The bottom line: The Moto E4 is the cheapest Motorola phone but doesn’t compromise too much on its amenities.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior Editor Patrick Holland, Senior Associate Editor Lynn La, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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