Let’s be real—smartphones aren’t just gadgets anymore; they’re lifelines. But here’s the thing: not everyone wants (or can afford) to drop $1,000+ on a shiny new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. Good news? You can still find reliable, functional, and surprisingly feature-packed phones under $100 in 2025.
If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly smartphone, this guide is for you. Whether you’re looking for a backup device, a kid’s first phone, or just a no-fuss daily driver, these $100 smartphones are actually worth it.
In this article, we’ll break down the top 7 phones under $100, compare their pros and cons, and help you figure out which one best fits your lifestyle. And FYI, some of these budget phones might shock you with the features they’re packing (yes, you can still get big screens, solid cameras, and 4G/5G support without breaking the bank!).
Why Consider a Phone Under $100?
- Affordability: Perfect for tight budgets or as a secondary device.
- Durability: Many cheap phones are actually sturdier because they use simpler builds.
- No Overthinking: You won’t stress over scratches, drops, or theft.
- Great for Specific Needs: Ideal for seniors, kids, or business backup.
📊 Fun fact: According to Statista, 14% of smartphone users in the US opt for budget phones under $150 in 2024–2025.
Top 7 Phones You Can Buy for Under $100 in 2025
1. Nokia C110
- Display: 6.3-inch HD+
- Performance: MediaTek Helio processor
- Battery: 3,000 mAh
- Pros: Simple, durable, easy to use
- Cons: Basic camera, limited storage
👉 Best for seniors or as a “just the essentials” phone.
2. Samsung Galaxy A03s (Refurbished Option)
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+
- Performance: Octa-core, 3GB RAM
- Battery: 5,000 mAh (all-day use!)
- Pros: Big screen, Samsung reliability
- Cons: Slower updates, limited storage in base model
👉 Perfect if you want Samsung quality without Samsung prices.
3. Motorola Moto E (2023 Model)
- Display: 6.5-inch Max Vision
- Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon budget chip
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Pros: Long battery life, clean Android UI
- Cons: Basic camera
👉 Great for people who hate bloatware.
4. BLU G63
- Display: 6.8-inch Full HD
- Performance: Octa-core with 6GB RAM
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Pros: Huge display, decent gaming performance
- Cons: Lesser-known brand, fewer software updates
👉 If you want a large-screen phone under $100, this one’s a winner.
5. TCL 30 Z
- Display: 6.1-inch HD+
- Performance: Quad-core chip
- Battery: 3,000 mAh
- Pros: Lightweight, slim design
- Cons: Battery drains faster with heavy use
👉 Best for minimalists and light users.
6. Ulefone Note 16 Pro
- Display: 6.52-inch
- Performance: MediaTek Helio with 4GB RAM
- Battery: 4,400 mAh
- Pros: Rugged, reliable, affordable
- Cons: Camera quality is average
👉 Great for travelers or construction workers who need durable budget phones.
7. Alcatel 1B (2023 Edition)
- Display: 5.5-inch compact screen
- Performance: Entry-level Qualcomm chip
- Battery: 3,000 mAh
- Pros: Compact and lightweight
- Cons: Small screen, lower resolution
👉 Perfect as a backup device or kid’s first phone.
Comparison Table
| Phone Model | Screen Size | Battery | Best For | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nokia C110 | 6.3” HD+ | 3,000 mAh | Seniors, basic use | $90 |
| Samsung Galaxy A03s | 6.5” HD+ | 5,000 mAh | Samsung fans, daily driver | $95 |
| Motorola Moto E | 6.5” HD+ | 5,000 mAh | Clean Android lovers | $99 |
| BLU G63 | 6.8” FullHD | 5,000 mAh | Big screen fans, casual gaming | $100 |
| TCL 30 Z | 6.1” HD+ | 3,000 mAh | Light users, minimalists | $89 |
| Ulefone Note 16 Pro | 6.52” HD+ | 4,400 mAh | Rugged users, travelers | $100 |
| Alcatel 1B | 5.5” | 3,000 mAh | Kids, backup phone | $80 |
Things to Look for in a $100 Phone
- Battery Life → Anything 4,000 mAh+ is a win.
- Screen Size → Bigger isn’t always better; compact can be practical.
- Storage & RAM → Look for at least 3GB RAM and 32GB storage.
- Brand Reputation → Stick to known brands or reliable sellers.
- Refurbished Options → You can often get better models for under $100 refurbished.
Conclusion
So, is a $100 phone in 2025 worth it? Absolutely—if you pick the right one. From Samsung’s reliable Galaxy A03s to BLU’s massive G63 display, there are plenty of options that deliver solid performance without torching your wallet.
Remember: don’t just grab the cheapest phone. Think about your actual needs (battery life, durability, size) and buy accordingly. IMO, budget phones are the smartest move if you want value without stress.
👉 Which one would you pick? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this with a friend who’s hunting for a cheap but good phone.