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In the past, if you wanted a really cheap phone, you’d have to forego a lot of modern functionality and typical features that make smartphones worthwhile. Nowadays, not so much!
In this guide, I’ll show you some of the best Android phones under $250 in 2023. Read through this guide to discover some of the best budget Android phones you can buy if you’re working with a really small budget.
What are the Best Android Phones Under $250 in 2023?
They may not be as many as regular-priced devices, but you’ll certainly find cheap Android phones on the market. Of course, you’ll have to reduce your expectations on faster CPUs or wide ranges of zoom lenses if you want a cheap phone.
However, in many cases, you’ll find cameras that are enough for the job and even large displays with adaptive refresh rates. These days, even the best affordable phones offer 5G connectivity.
After thorough research, comparisons between brands, and insight from expert testers, below are my recommendations for the best Android phones under $250 in 2023:
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
If you only have $200 to spend on a smartphone, Samsung’s Galaxy A14 5G is the brand to beat. In comparison to the A13, the A14 is a bit odd. Samsung kept the same internal components as the A13, including the same MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and the same rear camera array.
However, what’s different in this brand is the design adopts the same “camera island” design as the Galaxy S23 series and is more in line with the rest of Samsung’s smartphones. The entire phone seems a little more substantial in the hand, and for the price, the engraved design on the rear is rather attractive.
Better yet, the A14 5G display’s resolution was increased to 1080p while maintaining its 90Hz refresh rate. Even though it’s still an LCD panel, the screen quality is impressive at $200. So if you absolutely must have one of the best Android phones under $250 in 2023, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is where you should start your search.
Samsung Galaxy A03s
There aren’t many differences between the Galaxy A03s and the Galaxy A02s that came before it. There’s the same set of subpar cameras, the same 720p LCD at 60Hz, and an older version of Android, but you’ll also see a few glaring distinctions.
Unlike the Galaxy A02s, the Galaxy A03s has a fingerprint sensor integrated into its power button, making it easier to access the phone. It also has three gigabytes of RAM, not much but still a significant improvement on the two GB in the A02s. Samsung also shifted from a budget-friendly MediaTek chipset to a (still) budget-friendly Snapdragon chipset. No one is expecting this to cause a miraculous change in performance, but since Samsung has promised quarterly updates, it might still work well into 2026.
All in all, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is another great pick among the best Android phones under $250 in 2023. At a price of $160, I think it’s particularly great if you need the absolute cheapest phone around. However, if you have a few more dollars to spare, I’d recommend the top pick in this guide for a considerably better experience.
Also, if you already own the Galaxy A02s, I wouldn’t advise upgrading to this model since both devices are almost entirely similar in build and performance. Also, quite sadly, despite the notable distinctions, the performance (in terms of cameras and capacity) is still poor compared to regular-priced devices.
Moto G Stylus
I’ll say the Moto G Stylus is a particularly surprising option on this list because it’s hard to believe a stylus device is that cheap. It stands out among the cheapest Android brands with its fairly adequate performance, 6GB RAM, a MediaTek chipset, and a 90Hz display. You’ll also love its powerful battery life — experts swear that it can last for more than two full days between charges.
Sadly, the camera is not so great due to a somewhat tacky beauty filter embedded permanently in its software. It also lacks 5G capability, charges very slowly, and has just one speaker. But in terms of functionality and stylus experience compared to the price, no one can deny that the Moto G Stylus is one of the best Android phones under $250 in 2023.
Ultimately , if you’re big on using the top and most recent Android features, you’re better off increasing your smartphone budget. However, if you’re on a much tighter budget, try out any of my suggestions on the best Android phones under $250 in 2023. If you want advice on the best budget 5G Android devices, check out this guide .
Author:Joan Agie
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Unihertz Tank 2 is the successor to the original Tank , trading a few features for some new ones, and maintaining some of its predecessor’s specs. Tank 2 has more RAM, a higher resolution night camera, and a higher screen refresh rate, uses the same processor (bummer), and has a smaller battery capacity. We love the Tank’s legendary battery life and are sad to see that reduction in battery capacity. The Tank 2 keeps the looks of its predecessor, though.
Other specs include a 6.81-inch display protected by Panda Glass MN228, a Gorilla Glass alternative . The upgrade in the display is that it now has 90Hz refresh rate. The main camera and fast charging remain the same. The really new addition is a 720p laser projector with 40 lumens brightness, so you can project the movie on your Tank 2 to a big screen. Who needs a trip to the cinema any more?
Unihertz Tank 2
As a rugged smartphone, there is full water and dust protection, as well as shock protection. There is a 108MP rear camera with the bumped up infrared night vision, as well as a powerful flash with multiple modes. Lastly, there is a toolkit providing features to help you navigate the great outdoors. In all, Unhertz Tank 2 is slightly taller, wider, and thinner than its predecessor. And it weights 30g less.
- Unihertz Tank 2 Specs
- Unihert Tank 2 Availability
- Unihertz Tank 2: Price And How To Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions about Unihertz Tank 2 Is Unihertz Tank 2 waterproof? How much does the Tank 2 phone weigh?
- Buyer’s Guide Verdict
- Alternatives And Competition
Unihertz Tank 2 Specs
- 2G mobile network bands : GSM, GPRS, EDGE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz. TDSCDMA (Band 34/39)
- 3G mobile network bands : UMTS, WCDMA, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 MHz. CDMA2000 (Band BC0/BC1)
- 4G mobile network bands : LTE-FDD 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25/26/28A/28B/66), LTE-TDD (Band 34/38/39/40/41).
- 5G mobile network bands : No
- SIM Card Type : Dual Nano SIM Card
- Dimensions: 179 × 86 × 23 mm
- Weight: 530 g
- OS: Android 13
- Display: 6.81 inches , 2340 × 1080 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, Panda Glass MN228 protection
- Build : IP68 water and dust resistance. Shock resistance. MIL-STD-810H military standard.
- CPU: MediaTek MT6789 Helio G99 Octa-Core 2.0-2.2GHz
- RAM Memory: 12GB
- Extended RAM : 8GB
- ROM/Storage Memory : 256GB LPDDR4
- Micro SD: No
- Rear Camera: 108MP Main Camera + 64MP Night Vision Camera + 16MP Wide Angle Camera
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), G-Sensor, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light Sensor, Compass, Baroceptor
- Facial Recognition: Yes
- Infrared Port: Yes
- USB: USB Type C, OTG
- Programmable Key: Yes
- Loudspeaker: Mono
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Yes
- FM Radio: Yes
- NFC : Yes
- Wi-Fi: WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Wi-Fi Direct, WI-FI Display, Wi-Fi Hotspot (V2.0）
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, Bluetooth 4.1+HS, Bluetooth 5.1
- NFC: Yes
- GPS: GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou + Galileo
- Battery: Non-Removable 15,500mAh
- Charging Speed : 66W fast charging
- Wireless Charging : No
Unihert Tank 2 Availability
Unihertz ships to USA, Canada, UK, the European Union, and the Oceania region only.
Unihertz Tank 2: Price And How To Buy
Here are a few commonly asked questions about the Unihertz Tank 2.
Is Unihertz Tank 2 waterproof?
Yes, the Tank 2 is waterproof. It has an IP68 ingress rating, meaning that it can survive being dunked in water of up to 1 and half metres for up to 30 minutes.
How much does the Tank 2 phone weigh?
Unihertz Tank 2 is quite a heavy smartphone, weighing in at 530 grams.
Buyer’s Guide Verdict
Is Unihertz Tank 2 an upgrade to its predecessor? Not quite. We are not quite sure what to make of the Tank 2. It is difficult to call it a proper upgrade to the original Tank smartphone. Why? It uses the same design, has the same chipset, and has a smaller battery capacity. On a brighter note, it has faster battery charging, more RAM, and a higher refresh rate display. Lastly, we come to the projector, which appears to be its main selling point, as that is lacking on the first Tank.
Our honest opinion here at MobilityArena is that Unihertz Tank 2 ought to have been equipped with a more capable chipset, preferably one that supports 5G connectivity. If you do not need the projector, Unihertz Tank 2 is no upgrade from the original Tank.
Our Buyer’s Guide Verdict is a recommendation based on the specs of the device and a general guide to help you understand how much value a device offers for its price. It is not an endorsement of the device. Ask questions and use your judgement when buying any device; MobilityArena takes no responsibility for your buying decisions .
Alternatives And Competition
The first competition is the original Unihertz Tank itself. And you should see our detailed Unihertz Tank review , as well.
UleFone Armor 12 5G is a more powerfulrugged smartphone
A competing rugged smartphone in the same price range at this time: UleFone Armor 12 5G, which shows up with a more powerful, more advanced processor that supports 5G networks and underwater photography. Both are rated IP68 MIL-STD-810. It has more RAM – 12GB, but is a downgrade in screen resolution (only 6.52 inches, 720 x 1600 pixels) and protection (no toughened glass), battery size (only 5180mAh), and battery charging (only 18W). It costs $399.99, which is the same as the Unihertz Tank.
In January 2023, DOOGEE introduced the DOOGEE V Max , and it is identical to Unihertz Tank in many ways, including in having a 22000mAh battery and a 108-megapixel camera. The V Max supports 5G networks, though, which is missing in the Tank.
If what you want is the most powerful rugged smartphone available at this time, look at the AGM G2 Guardian , which sports a Qualcomm QCM6490 5G chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and a 7000mAh battery, and costs twice as much.
Lastly, if you are buying the Unihertz Tank 2, you definitely do not want to be holding up a 530g phone to your head for phone calls; you should buy earbuds and/or a wired earpiece for your telephone calls. Otherwise, prepare to experience cramps in your arm and hand.
