10 Best Samsung Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly phone with some premium touches. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers clear and vibrant visuals, making it great for watching videos or browsing. The 5000mAh battery is impressive, promising long usage days and quick top-ups thanks to fast charging.

With a triple-lens camera setup, it captures decent photos in various situations, though not at the level of high-end phones, but more than sufficient for everyday snapshots. The 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance for basic tasks like social media, messaging, and light apps, though heavy multitasking or gaming might feel a bit slow. Storage-wise, 128GB is generous for a budget phone and can be expanded up to 1.5TB, so you won't have to worry much about running out of space.

The phone feels sturdy with an IP54 rating, meaning it resists dust and splashes better than many budget competitors. Running the latest Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, it includes helpful features like Samsung Health and Wallet, and promises six years of software updates, which is rare for a phone in this price range. While the 4GB RAM might limit future-proofing for more demanding apps and the camera won't replace a dedicated camera, the Galaxy A16 5G is a reliable, large-screen phone with good battery life, reasonable cameras, and future security updates without a high price tag.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a few premium touches. It has a large 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which means images and scrolling look sharp and fluid—great for watching videos or casual gaming. The 5000mAh battery is impressive, offering long use through your day, and it supports fast charging so you won't be stuck waiting long to recharge.

On the camera front, it offers decent photos with enhanced night mode and a good front camera for selfies, though it won’t compete with higher-end models in low light or detail. The phone uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which handles everyday tasks and games fairly well without noticeable lag, but it’s not meant for heavy multitasking or intensive apps. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD), it has enough space and speed for most users who don’t store tons of files or run many apps simultaneously.

The build is rugged with water and dust resistance, meaning it should withstand daily wear and tear better than many budget phones. It comes with the latest Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.0, so software feels modern and easy to navigate. The phone is unlocked for all carriers and supports 5G, which is a plus for faster internet speeds. The main downsides are that it’s a bit heavier than some might prefer and the camera, while good for its class, isn’t outstanding. If you want a dependable, affordable Samsung phone that covers all basics well with a sharp display and strong battery, the Galaxy A36 5G fits the bill nicely.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with premium features. The 6.4-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2340 x 1080 resolution ensures that content looks crisp and scrolls smoothly. The strong Gorilla Glass adds to its durability, making it less prone to scratches. The phone's battery life is impressive, with a 4500 mAh capacity and support for Super Fast Charging, which means you can use it extensively throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharges.

Additionally, it offers seamless connectivity with 5G support and multiple wireless communication technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The 50MP high-resolution camera, combined with AI features like Nightography and Object Eraser, allows you to capture stunning photos in various conditions and edit them directly on the phone. The 8GB of RAM and premium processor offer adequate performance for most everyday tasks, including social media, streaming, and light gaming. With 256GB of internal storage, there is plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

The One UI based on Android 13 provides a user-friendly experience with smooth navigation and useful features. However, the phone's build quality, while robust, may not feel as premium as higher-end models. Also, the lack of an included charger in the box can be inconvenient. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a lot of value for its price, making it a great option for those needing a capable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.