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10 Best Budget Android Phones 2025 in the UK

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Smartphone 8GB RAM Unlocked Dual-Sim-Free - Navy A

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,382
Processor
RAM
Battery Life
Processor
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
RAM
The A55 5G is a significant upgrade over previous models like the A53 5G, boasting improved RAM and CPU performance for a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
Display
The screen quality is impressive, typical of Samsung's reputation, and the battery life has notably improved, offering 2 more hours of screen time compared to the A53 5G.
Camera
Despite its budget price, the ultrawide camera competes closely with higher-end models, delivering satisfactory photo quality.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone designed to offer solid performance for everyday use. It comes with a decent processor (A-Series, 2.75 GHz) which should handle common tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming efficiently. The 8GB RAM is sufficient for smooth multitasking and ensures that the phone runs multiple apps without significant lag.

With 128GB of storage, there is plenty of space to store photos, apps, and other data, though it may fill up quickly if you store a lot of media files or large apps. The 6.6-inch UHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate stands out, offering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling, which is great for watching videos and playing games. The Samsung Galaxy A55 comes with Android 14, which is one of the latest versions, ensuring you have the most recent software features and security updates.

Additionally, the phone supports dual-SIM, making it convenient for those who need to manage two phone numbers. The device is unlocked, so it can be used with any carrier. The three-year warranty against manufacturing defects is a significant plus, providing peace of mind for your purchase. This phone may not be ideal for those seeking top-tier performance or the latest camera technology, but it offers excellent value for those needing a reliable and capable device for everyday use.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,382
Processor
RAM
Battery Life
Processor
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
RAM
The A55 5G is a significant upgrade over previous models like the A53 5G, boasting improved RAM and CPU performance for a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
This phone offers excellent value for money, with a fast processor and good battery life, lasting up to 3-4 days on a single charge.
Display
The screen quality is impressive, typical of Samsung's reputation, and the battery life has notably improved, offering 2 more hours of screen time compared to the A53 5G.
Camera
Despite its budget price, the ultrawide camera competes closely with higher-end models, delivering satisfactory photo quality.
#2

Samsung Galaxy A15 Black 4G 128GB

Rating
9.8
Processor
Battery Life
Display
Processor
The Samsung Galaxy A15 4G version offers higher performance speeds than its 5G counterpart, with benchmark scores that compete well with more expensive phones.
Battery Life
With support for fast charging, the device charges efficiently, taking around 90 minutes to fully charge with an 18W charger.
Display
The phone's Full HD screen is impressive, featuring adaptive brightness that adjusts to your surroundings, enhancing visibility.
Camera
While the camera delivers decent photos with accurate colors, the video stabilization and night mode could use improvement.

The Samsung Galaxy A15 Black 4G is a budget-friendly Android phone with some compelling features for its price range. It boasts a 2.2GHz MediaTek MT6789V/CD Octa-Core Processor to handle everyday tasks smoothly and includes 4GB of RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking. The 128GB of internal storage offers ample space for apps, photos, and videos without the immediate need for an SD card.

The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels ensures vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it great for media consumption and general use. The 50-megapixel main camera is impressive for a budget phone, likely delivering good photos in various lighting conditions. The phone runs on Android 14.0, ensuring you have the newest features and security updates.

The device is lightweight at 200 grams and has a sleek design. The Samsung Galaxy A15 offers a solid mix of performance, storage, display quality, and camera capabilities for its price, making it a suitable option for those seeking a reliable and affordable Android smartphone.

Rating
9.8
Processor
Battery Life
Display
Processor
The Samsung Galaxy A15 4G version offers higher performance speeds than its 5G counterpart, with benchmark scores that compete well with more expensive phones.
Battery Life
With support for fast charging, the device charges efficiently, taking around 90 minutes to fully charge with an 18W charger.
Display
The phone's Full HD screen is impressive, featuring adaptive brightness that adjusts to your surroundings, enhancing visibility.
Camera
While the camera delivers decent photos with accurate colors, the video stabilization and night mode could use improvement.
#3

Motorola Moto g85 5G (6.67'' pOLED display, water repelent design, 50MP AI camera, 32MP, 120Hz, 30W, Dolby Atmos, 128/256 GB, Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, 5000mAh, dual SIM), Urban Grey

Rating
9.6
Processor
Battery Life
Camera
Processor
The Motorola Moto g85 5G has cured all the problems faced with previous models, offering a seamless experience with its speedy performance.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively fast, reaching full charge in just an hour, with the battery lasting a full day.
Camera
The camera is quick and responsive, capturing photos without delay.
Software and Updates
Stock Android keeps the phone speedy and reliable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.

The Motorola Moto g85 5G stands out in the budget Android phone category with its impressive set of features. It is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, which, combined with 12GB of RAM, ensures a smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some heavy-duty apps. This phone offers substantial storage options, with up to 256GB available, allowing users to store ample media and apps without immediate concern for space.

A key highlight is the 6.67-inch pOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for media consumption and casual gaming. This display is further enhanced by Dolby Atmos sound, promising an immersive entertainment experience. The camera setup is notable, featuring a 50MP AI camera with Optical Image Stabilization, ensuring sharp and stable photos, ideal for photography enthusiasts on a budget.

Battery life is robust with a 5000mAh battery, likely to last a full day with typical use, and the inclusion of 30W fast charging is a practical feature for quick recharges. The design is both functional and stylish, with a water-repellent build that provides some protection against accidental splashes.

However, there may be some limitations. Although the phone is equipped with Android 13, Motorola's track record with software updates is less stellar compared to other brands, which might be a concern for users who prioritize long-term software support. Additionally, while the phone boasts a high RAM specification, the actual necessity of 12GB or expandable 24GB RAM may not be fully utilized by typical budget phone users, potentially making this feature more of an overkill than a necessity.

In conclusion, the Moto g85 5G is well-suited for users looking for a robust and feature-rich phone without breaking the bank, especially those keen on display quality and camera capabilities, albeit with some trade-offs in software update expectations.

Rating
9.6
Processor
Battery Life
Camera
Processor
The Motorola Moto g85 5G has cured all the problems faced with previous models, offering a seamless experience with its speedy performance.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively fast, reaching full charge in just an hour, with the battery lasting a full day.
Camera
The camera is quick and responsive, capturing photos without delay.
Software and Updates
Stock Android keeps the phone speedy and reliable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Android Phones

Choosing the right budget Android phone can be a bit overwhelming given the numerous options available. However, by focusing on a few key specifications, you can find a phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to make the best choice for you.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of your phone. It determines how fast and efficiently your phone can run apps and perform tasks. In budget phones, you will typically find processors from brands like Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek, or Exynos. For light users who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, and social media, a lower-end processor like Snapdragon 400 series or MediaTek Helio A series will suffice. For more demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, look for mid-range processors like Snapdragon 600 series or MediaTek Helio G series.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and smooth performance. It allows your phone to handle multiple apps at once without slowing down. Budget phones usually come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM. If you are a light user, 2GB might be enough, but for a smoother experience and better multitasking, aim for at least 3GB or 4GB of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much space you have for apps, photos, videos, and other files. Budget phones typically offer 16GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or download many apps, opt for at least 32GB or 64GB. Additionally, check if the phone has a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which can be a cost-effective way to increase your storage capacity.
Battery LifeBattery life is essential for ensuring your phone lasts throughout the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Budget phones usually have batteries ranging from 3000mAh to 5000mAh. For light users, a 3000mAh battery might be sufficient, but for heavy users or those who are often on the go, a battery of 4000mAh or more is recommended to avoid frequent recharging.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. Budget phones typically have HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) resolution screens. For basic use, an HD display is adequate, but for better clarity and a more enjoyable viewing experience, a Full HD display is preferable. Also, consider the screen size; larger screens (6 inches and above) are better for media consumption, while smaller screens are more compact and easier to handle.
CameraThe camera quality is important if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Budget phones often have single or dual rear cameras with resolutions ranging from 8MP to 16MP. For casual photography, an 8MP or 12MP camera will do, but if you want better photo quality and more features like portrait mode or wide-angle shots, look for phones with higher resolution cameras and additional lenses.
Software and UpdatesThe software experience and update frequency can impact your phone's performance and security. Budget phones may not always receive the latest Android updates promptly. Look for phones that come with the latest Android version out of the box and check the manufacturer's track record for providing updates. A phone with a clean, near-stock Android experience can also offer better performance and less bloatware.