A short disclaimer before we start, low cost is relative when it comes to different items. Smartphones, even older models, are naturally more expensive than flip phones of past generation cellular devices, with new flagship models sometimes costing at least $1,000. A low-cost smartphone probably won’t be under $100 unless you’re looking at some models that are much older with fewer features. This list is comprised of the well-priced smartphones that will get students the most bang for their buck in the long run.
If you are looking for a recently released top of the line model from Samsung, then the Galaxy s10e is the way to go. While not a flagship phone, this model can certainly hold its own and ranges in price at retailers from $500-$700 planting it in the upper mid-range for smartphones. Available in sleek colors of prism blue and black with a gorgeous AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) screen, this phone is sure to capture your attention and heart.
For those of you worried about memory and processing power, the lowest memory option offered is 128 GB and the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 855 chip, suffice to say you won’t be lacking much in either department. Not to mention the smooth and modern design make this phone a delight to carry around without worrying about any clunky frame that won’t sit well in your pocket.
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While the iPhone 8 is most certainly an older model, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer useful. The design is not as up to date or chic as the iPhone X, but the performance of this phone is nothing to sneeze at. With options for storage at either 64 or 128 GB and a 2 GB RAM, this phone runs smoothly and can upgrade to iOS 12.
The battery power while not quite up to par with flagship models, it is able to charge wirelessly which is most definitely a perk for those who somehow manage to tangle their chargers simply by slipping it into their purse or bag. Depending on your storage and provider, this phone can cost anywhere between $500-$800 both of which are still far below the minimum $1000 for the newest iPhone XS.
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The Google Pixel 3 was a highly advertised phone at the time of its release. Many YouTubers sponsored and plugged this product on their channels. For good reason as well. The Google Pixel 3 was a fast, modern, and reliable phone with plenty of great features that enhanced the users’ experience.
The Google Pixel 3A is not a downgrade, but more of a lighter version of the Google Pixel 3. One of the major differences between the two is that the Pixel 3A only has a 64 GB storage option while the 3 goes all the way up to 128 GB and has a slightly more powerful battery capacity. Other then that though, the features of the phone and screen are both high quality and sure to please, and the 3A is $200 cheaper than the 3.
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The iPhone XR is one of the newest models for the iPhone along with the XS. However, for those of you who wish to stay up to date with the latest model but want to save as much money as possible, the XR is the recommended choice between the two. For starters the iPhone XR is already set at a price $200 cheaper than the XS, so don’t let the price difference fool you though because this in no way makes the XS superior. The main differences between these smartphones can be summarized into screen, camera, frame material, and RAM (Random Access Memory).
The screen is the biggest difference, the XS possessing a 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch 19.5:9 1124 x 2436 AMOLED, and the XR a 6.1-inch IPS LCD. The XS rear camera is dual at 12 megapixels, the frame made of steel, and possesses 4 GB of RAM. The XR, on the other hand, has a single rear camera at 12 megapixels, an aluminum frame, and 3 GB of RAM. Overall this adds up and unless you put a lot of stock into a high-quality screen display, the XR is a cheaper option that will undeniably get you your money’s worth.
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For those of you who put more stock into the types of mobile games you can play on your phone, the Honor Play is the recommended choice. Well really, it was advertised as a phone that focuses on mobile gaming but it’s really a great android phone all around. With a built-in GPU Turbo, 4 GB of RAM, and a pretty rocking camera as well all for only around $300 dollars, you would have to be crazy to turn down a deal as great as this.
Since it is a mobile gaming phone the screen takes up nearly the entire body of the phone, 89% in fact. The model contains a great sound system as well with immersive 7.1 Histen audio, however, whether you’re a gamer, a media lover, or just looking for some great savings, you would be hard-pressed to find a phone offer better than this one.
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The OnePlus 6T is perhaps the best value you will get for your money on a smartphone. This phone gives you a sleek and modern design with all the workings of a flagship model and performance at only half the price compared to the usual $1000 models. With top performance features, including a whopping 6 and 8 GB RAM options (most flagship phones top off at 4) this phone runs smoothly and speedily.
More than that, however, this phone includes in-screen fingerprint scanners. Your touch screen will read your fingerprints, this is a feature usually reserved for only top of the line flagship brands and was only recently introduced for widely. The starting price for this phone is around $550, half of what the minimum price would usually be. Most definitely a phone worth your time looking into.
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