: Cheap iPhones typically use premium materials like glass and metal, whereas many budget Androids use plastic housings to keep costs down.
According to recent expert reviews from WIRED , these are the top-rated budget devices currently on the market: buy cheap android or iphone
: Budget Androids often include features rarely found on any iPhone, such as headphone jacks and expandable storage. They also provide high-refresh-rate displays (120Hz) and faster charging at lower price points than Apple. : Cheap iPhones typically use premium materials like
: Google Pixel 10a . Noted for its high-quality camera and clean software experience. : Google Pixel 10a
While Androids are cheaper to buy initially, iPhones generally maintain a much higher . If you plan to sell your phone in a year or two to upgrade, a used iPhone will often fetch a significantly higher price than a similarly aged budget Android.
Choosing between a cheap Android and a cheap iPhone depends on whether you value (Android) or build quality and long-term resale value (iPhone). Android offers the absolute lowest entry prices, with functional new smartphones starting as low as $110, while the "budget" iPhone experience starts at a higher tier of around $599. Best Cheap Android and iPhone Options (2026)