10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the UK

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers solid features for everyday use. Its 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 provides a clear and reasonably vibrant display, suitable for watching videos and browsing. The phone’s 5,000 mAh battery is a significant plus, promising long battery life that should comfortably last a day for most users. This makes it a reliable choice for those who need their phone to last through busy days without frequent charging.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy A16 is equipped with 4 GB of RAM and a processor adequate for standard tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The 128 GB of storage is generous for a budget phone, allowing users to store plenty of apps, photos, and videos.

The camera performance might not be top-tier, which is an area where budget phones often compromise. It’s functional for casual photography but may not satisfy users looking for high-quality photos, especially in low-light conditions. Build quality is decent, but users should be mindful of its plastic construction, which is typical at this price point. It doesn’t feel as premium as higher-end models, but it’s lightweight and practical for everyday handling. The phone runs on Android, and while it comes with guaranteed software updates, the duration of support is unspecified, which could be a drawback for users looking for long-term use.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a good choice for budget-conscious users needing a reliable device for basic use, with the added benefit of 5G connectivity for faster internet speeds.

The Samsung Galaxy A05 presents itself as a noteworthy contender in the budget-phone category, offering several appealing features for users seeking affordability without sacrificing crucial smartphone functionalities. The device sports a large 6.7-inch screen, which provides ample display space for browsing and media consumption, although the resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels might not deliver the crispest visuals compared to higher-end models. With a 64GB storage capacity, this phone offers a decent amount of space for apps and media, and the 4GB RAM should handle everyday tasks with reasonable efficiency, though it may struggle with more intensive multitasking.

Powering the Galaxy A05 is a processor from the A-Series, with a quoted speed of 300 MHz, which suggests it is more suited for basic usage rather than demanding applications or gaming. The inclusion of Dual LTE ensures good connectivity options for most users. Samsung typically ensures that their devices within this range offer satisfactory longevity for daily use.

Camera quality isn't detailed in the brief, but those looking for standout photography features might want to manage their expectations, as budget phones often have serviceable but not exceptional camera systems. The build quality, typical of Samsung's reputation, should be robust enough for general use, though not necessarily premium. Running on Android, users can expect an intuitive software experience, though the duration of software updates remains unspecified, which could potentially affect long-term usability. The Samsung Galaxy A05 is a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers prioritizing basic features and a large display in their devices.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G appears to be a solid choice for a budget phone. The standout feature of this phone is its 6.6-inch UHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth visuals and a high-resolution viewing experience. Coupled with its 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, this phone should handle most apps and multitasking quite well.

Additionally, the 2.75 GHz A-Series processor should offer decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The dual-SIM capability is a bonus for users who travel frequently or need to manage two numbers. Build quality seems reliable, and the three-year warranty is reassuring. The phone comes with Android 14, which is a positive.

The inclusion of 256GB of RAM in the specs seems to be a mistake and should be clarified. The need for one C battery, which is included, suggests that battery life might be an area of concern.