By Boost Mobile
Published January 20, 2026
With new flagship phones reaching well past the $1,000 mark, it’s no surprise that many smartphone shoppers are looking for the best deals on budget phones. We’ve tested many of the top affordable phones of the year and compiled our list of the best smartphones for 2026 that you can snag for under $300.
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need to drop a paycheck (or three) to get a great phone. In 2026, budget devices are far better than the flimsy options of the past: with better cameras, faster chips, smarter software, and price tags that don't cause emotional distress. Whether you’re team iPhone, Android, or Google, there’s a wallet-friendly winner waiting for you.
You don’t need a trust fund to get an iPhone that feels like it belongs in your pocket this year. In 2026, Apple’s more affordable models still deliver the core values that make people love their phones: fast chips, great cameras, long‑lasting software support, and a design that often redefines the industry. Think of these as the sleek, sensible picks that let you keep your wallet intact while still flexing something genuinely nice in your hand.
Bottom line: this isn’t about compromising on quality; it’s about making a smart, informed choice for your next phone. All the Apple devices on our list will ensure you’re getting modern hardware, a clean UI, and a price that doesn’t set you back, everything budget‑minded phone shoppers actually want.
Apple brought back the “e”, and apparently it stands for everything you really need. The iPhone 16e delivers the same processing power with its A17-series chip as last year’s flagships, but in a lighter, more colorful package. Expect excellent photos, fast performance, and Apple’s new Adaptive Battery Mode that squeezes out every drop of energy to keep you doomscrolling all day long.
If you want an iPhone experience without the typical flagship sticker shock, the 16e is the device to beat.
Last year’s top phone is this year’s budget champion. The iPhone 15 still punches way above its weight class with a gorgeous OLED display, dependable battery life, and the same 48MP camera that made the internet collectively say “Wait, that was taken on a phone?” It’s future-proofed with years of software updates, making it a smart buy throughout 2026.
And because it’s a year older, you can lock in major savings while getting a phone you’ll love.
Samsung’s budget lineup in 2026 proves that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise. These phones bring the sleek design, bright displays, and capable cameras you expect from Samsung, but at prices that leave your wallet feeling relieved.
Whether you’re hunting for a daily driver that can handle everything from social media scrolling to binge streaming, or just want a solid phone that won’t break mid-year, Samsung’s budget options hit that sweet spot. And when paired with a Boost Mobile plan, you can enjoy 5G speeds and reliable coverage without stretching your monthly budget.
Think of it as getting the full Samsung experience, just smarter, easier on your wallet, and fully capable of keeping up with your day-to-day.
The FE version of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy series should not be underestimated, as it has many of the same features as the S25, like an upgraded telephoto lens, a bright 120Hz display, and an efficient Exynos chip.
The S25 FE doesn’t just shine when it comes to the specs either, it’s fully built out for real-life use with impressive low-light photography, responsive gaming performance, and a sleek design that feels premium for the price.
While many of the Samsung A series are great affordable smartphone options, the A36 brings a level of performance previously unseen in the line, with improved night photography, upgraded processing speeds, and a design that looks suspiciously close to the S-series.
It’s the perfect phone to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you’re gaming or running a dozen apps at once, the A36 can keep up with any super-user.
Google’s budget-friendly Pixel phones continue to stand out in 2026 for one simple reason: they make high-end features accessible to those of us on a budget.
From the clean, uncluttered Android experience to AI-powered photography and consistent software updates, affordable Pixels punch well above their price. Whether you’re capturing stunning low-light shots, managing multiple apps, or enjoying the latest Google innovations, these devices are sure to deliver.
Google’s A-series continues to be the MVP of budget smartphones, and the Pixel 9a is no exception. With the new Tensor G4a chip, AI-powered photography, and the cleanest version of Android you can get, it’s basically the quiet genius of the budget world. The camera alone makes it worth the price with its outstanding low-light shots, portraits, and Zoom Enhance all feel straight-up magical
If you love smart features without the luxury-phone markup, the 9a is the ultimate “oh wow” pick.
The Pixel 10 packs premium performance into an affordable package, starting with its vibrant 6.3" Actua display and ultra smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The upgraded camera system is the real star of the show, with a 48MP main lens, ultrawide, and 5x telephoto that delivers crisp, clear shots, no matter what you're shooting.
Powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chip and backed by the Titan M2 security core, the Pixel 10 feels fast, secure, and smarter than ever thanks to built-in Google AI. Add strong battery life with Qi2 wireless charging and durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and you get a phone that delivers features way above its price point, especially when paired with an affordable Boost Mobile plan.
If photography is what matters most to you, the Pixel 10 is the clear winner. Thanks to its 48MP main lens, ultrawide and telephoto options, and Google AI-powered photography, it packs a cinematic punch in the budget smartphone department.
The iPhone 16e and Galaxy S25 FE are also stand out choices, with night modes, imaginative portrait effects, and versatile zoom capabilities. For most casual photographers, these budget phones produce photos nearly indistinguishable from premium models.
Phones under $200 are surprisingly capable in 2026. Options from Boost Mobile, like the Samsung Galaxy 25 FE or the iPhone 16e offer solid performance, reliable battery life, and decent cameras. While they may lack high-end specs like 120Hz displays or multiple telephoto lenses, they’re perfectly capable of meeting your daily needs like messaging, browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
When it comes to premium power at a budget-friendly price, the Samsung Galaxy 25 FE is the best Android option possible.
The “best” prepaid smartphone deal depends on what you’re looking for: performance, camera quality, battery life, plan features or software updates.
This year, phones like the iPhone 16e, Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, and Pixel 9a/Pixel 10 are major standouts in the field of low-cost devices. They deliver flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost, so you are free to choose the device that matches your unique needs and budget.
When it comes to prepaid phone plans, Boost has you covered with a range of affordable options, whether you’re looking for device discounts, a locked-in low monthly rate, or a ton of premium data.
Yes, many 2026 budget phones are designed to handle streaming and moderate gaming. Devices like the iPhone 16e, Galaxy S25 FE, and Pixel 10 feature powerful processors (A17, Exynos, Tensor G5), smooth displays, and ample memory.
While they may not match premium gaming phones for ultra-high graphics, they run most games and videos smoothly, making them ideal for everyday entertainment.
When choosing the perfect budget phone, look for:
Performance: A fast processor and sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking
Battery life: Long-lasting and preferably fast or wireless charging
Display: Bright, sharp, and high refresh rate for smooth visuals
Camera: Versatile lenses and AI enhancements for good photos
Software updates: Phones that get regular updates last longer
Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi, and reliable network compatibility
Pairing a budget phone with one of our Unlimited plans can provide the most value possible, giving you 5G speeds and affordable data while keeping your device fully functional.
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