The Best Budget Phones to Buy This Fall

A reliable smartphone is essential, but you don't need to spend $1,000+ for a great experience. This guide is your resource for finding the best deals on powerful and affordable smartphones this fall.

Quick Take: You can find a great, modern smartphone for under $150. This guide shows you where to find the best deals on budget-friendly unlocked phones and how to choose the right one for your needs.

❌ Myth vs. ✅ Fact

Myth: "A phone under $150 is probably a slow, outdated flip phone."

Fact: "Modern budget smartphones from trusted brands like Motorola and Samsung run the latest versions of Android and are perfect for calls, texts, and all your favorite apps."

🔍 Pro-Tip: You can also use our search to find other deals or specific models. Just type what you're looking for, for example: "unlocked phones under $100" or "cheap Motorola phone".

🛒 Where to Find the Best Deals on Budget Phones

Here are the best places to look for a great deal on a new smartphone.

Woot: A Treasure Hunt for Phone Deals

Woot's "Phones & Accessories" category is a true deal-hunter's paradise. It's a mix of unlocked phones, smartwatches, and gear, so it takes a moment to browse, but you can find incredible bargains on new and refurbished models if you check regularly.

➡ See the Best Phone & Accessory Deals on Woot

Walmart: Best for Ultra-Affordable Options

You can explore a range of budget-friendly cell phones at Walmart, with many options under $50. It's a perfect place to find a solid starter phone without breaking the bank.

➡ See All Cell Phones Under $50 at Walmart

Target: Best for No-Contract Freedom

Explore unlocked cell phones from $100 to $150 at Target and find the perfect budget-friendly device for calls, texts, and everyday apps without being tied to a contract.

➡ See Unlocked Phones from $100-$150 at Target

🤔 What a Budget Smartphone Can (and Can't) Do

A budget phone is a smart choice for millions. It helps to know where they shine.

✅ What Budget Phones Are GREAT For:

Everyday Apps: Social media, banking, email, and messaging apps run smoothly.
Navigation & Travel: GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze work perfectly.
A Great First Phone: An excellent, affordable choice for a teenager's first smartphone.
A Reliable Backup: A great option to have as a secondary or travel phone.

❌ What They're NOT For:

These phones aren't built for demanding tasks like professional photography or high-end gaming. If you need a flagship camera or top-tier processing power, a more powerful phone is a better choice.

💰 The $0 Alternative: How to Get a Phone Completely Free

If your budget is truly zero, there are still ways to get a great phone. Legitimate government programs and online reward platforms can help you get a device for free.

➡ Learn How to Get a Free Phone Here

🏆 Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Budget Phone

Unlocked vs. Locked: "Unlocked" means you can use the phone with any carrier. "Locked" phones are tied to a specific carrier. Unlocked offers more freedom.
Don't Expect a Pro Camera: The camera is the biggest difference between a $150 phone and a $1,000 phone. They're great for everyday snaps, but won't compete with a flagship's photos.
Check the Android Version: Look for phones running a recent version of Android for the latest security updates and app compatibility.

💡 Insider Trick: Consider a Carrier Deal

While this guide focuses on buying phones outright, carriers like Mint Mobile often offer incredible deals (and sometimes a free phone) when you sign up for one of their already cheap plans.

✅ The Takeaway

You don't need to overspend to get a fantastic smartphone. By shopping smart and focusing on what you truly need, you can get a reliable, modern phone that fits your budget perfectly.

P.S. Looking for other budget-friendly tech? Check out our guides to the Best Budget Laptops and Best Budget Tablets. For all our expert advice, explore our Command Center for Free Stuff & Smart Savings Guides!