WIRED's 2026 roundup of cheap phones highlights a shifting budget market: the days of a solid $300 smartphone are largely gone. The publication notes that manufacturers added roughly $100 to most budget models in response to the memory shortage, making it "very tough" to find phones worth considering below $400. That leaves buyers with a choice between stretching their budget or settling for older hardware.
The guide's top pick, the Google Pixel 10a, costs $499—not cheap by historical standards, but WIRED argues it delivers near-flagship performance for the price. Its dual camera, 120-Hz screen, and seven-year software support make it the strongest value in the current market. The article also recommends the iPhone 17e as the best budget iPhone, plus several Samsung and Motorola options, including a folding phone for those willing to compromise.
For business-minded shoppers, the bigger takeaway is carrier financing. WIRED warns that ads touting monthly payments, like $36 for a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, obscure the total cost—often over $1,000—and can lock customers into a network until the device is paid off. Buying a capable phone outright, even at $500, may be the cheaper long-term move. The guide also suggests considering last year's flagship models or used devices as alternatives to new budget phones.