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 (or even from the year before) are still going to serve you well. Here are four cheap phones we love.
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Asus ZenFone 3
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/asus-zenfone-3/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Asus’ latest ZenFone 3 packs a premium design and materials into a brilliant, affordable phone.
The bad: Its cluttered user interface nags you with notifications until you turn them off. The glass rear is also a fingerprint magnet.
The cost: $223.94
The bottom line: The ZenFone 3’s beautiful looks, premium build and satisfying camera give it an advantage over other inexpensive phones — it’s worth your time and attention.
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Motorola Moto G4
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-moto-g4/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Moto G4’s big, bold screen and junk-free software make it a pleasure to use throughout the day. Its ability to survive a dunking will appeal to the clumsy among us.
The bad: Processor performance is great for everyday tasks, but gamers will want to shop elsewhere.
The cost: $179.99 (Amazon Prime members) to $249.99
The bottom line: With its big, bold screen, water-resistant design and rock-bottom price, the Moto G4 is a dazzling deal.
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ZTE Blade V8 Pro
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/zte-blade-v8-pro/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: The ZTE Blade V8 Pro has a long battery life, a fun camera with neat tricks and is cheap compared to other mid-range phones like this.
The bad: The phone is heavy, the fingerprint sensor needs more polish and the camera app has a tendency to quit out unexpectedly.
The cost: $229.98
The bottom line: The ZTE’s Blade V8 Pro has long battery life and a budget price, but the Asus ZenFone 3 is simply better.
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Motorola Moto G4 Play
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-moto-g4-play/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: Motorola’s Moto G4 Play is the most affordable phone in the G4 line. It’s splash-resistant, comes loaded with a near stock version of Android 6.0, has great battery life and can be used on any major carrier in the US.
The bad: The G4 Play lags when playing games and taking panoramic photos. The display can be hard to read in direct sunlight and you won’t be able to customize the phone using Motorola’s Moto Maker website.
The cost: $149.99
The bottom line: If you’re on the hunt for an affordable phone with pretty long battery life, the Motorola Moto G4 Play deserves your attention. But the regular Moto G4 gives you even better features for just a little more cash.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Associate Editor Patrick Holland, Senior Edior Andrew Hoyle, Senior Associate Editor Lynn La, Senior Editor Aloysius Low, and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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