The outer display remains sufficiently spacious, allowing users to view widgets, notifications, and even glance at a few applications without needing to unfold the device entirely. Foldable phones are excellent; once unfurled, they resemble conventional smartphones, yet they collapse into an exceptionally portable form factor. This Razr model features minor enhancements in resilience, offering a vibrant display and a power reserve that persists throughout an entire day of typical usage.
While its cameras can capture acceptable images, they do not represent a primary advantage of the standard Razr (for superior imaging capabilities, consider the Razr Ultra). Nonetheless, the ultrawide lens proves convenient for collective photographs, and the outer display can function as a preview screen, enabling everyone to ensure their inclusion within the frame.
Alternative Affordable Smartphones to Explore
While we strongly advise remaining with the devices previously mentioned, here are additional options that merit attention.
Samsung Galaxy A26 for $300: For those who desire a Samsung device without wishing to invest extensively, I believe the Galaxy A26 (6/10, WIRED Review) offers unparalleled value. Operation is robust, its power endurance extends throughout the day, it boasts an IP67 ingress protection rating, and the camera module is satisfactory. It even accommodates expandable storage (nevertheless lacking a headphone jack), and Samsung guarantees six years of software enhancements, a commitment unmatched at this price point. If patience permits, Samsung might introduce a subsequent model within the upcoming one or two months.
Samsung Galaxy A36 for $400: Given its elevated cost, one might expect the A36 to be superior to the A26, wouldn’t you agree? Incorrect. The Galaxy A36 (6/10, WIRED Review) achieves numerous strengths, including a more luminous screen, decent power longevity, and competent cameras; however, its internal storage is non-expandable, and its performance was strangely less fluid. While the six years of extended software maintenance is appealing, if the phone is already aggravating to use, I find it difficult to envision its state in half a decade. It’s an acceptable device, but superior options exist. (It becomes a more advantageous purchase at its discounted price of $230.)
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G for $200: TCL’s 60 XE (7/10, WIRED Recommends) features a glare-reducing matte display, known as Nxtpaper, designed to attenuate blue light ingress into your eyes for improved slumber and mitigated ocular strain. While there’s no conclusive proof that blue-light filtering mechanisms are effective, if you disregard such assertions, this remains an excellent economical smartphone boasting an agreeable matte display. A toggle situated on its flank allows you to alternate between various viewing configurations, transforming the display to resemble a grayscale or vibrant E Ink interface—ideal for aficionados of e-readers. Operation is satisfactory, the imaging sensor is acceptable, and additional features such as an audio port and microSD memory card slot are included. The sole drawback is that the display becomes challenging to discern under intense solar illumination.
Moto G 2026 for $200: The Moto G 2026 is available in this stunning rose hue! It presents as a visually appealing device, and an acceptable $200 smartphone. Operation is sluggish, consequently, I believe it’s more advisable to acquire the Moto G Power 2026 when it becomes discounted. Its imaging capabilities are minimally acceptable, yet it permits users to conduct cashless transactions, utilize 5G networking, and execute routine operations with some forbearance.
Moto G Play 2026 for $180: Motorola’s latest Moto G Play 2026 integrates 5G capability for the inaugural time. Nevertheless, its operation remains notably slow, with applications and web pages requiring multiple seconds for instantiation. If you seek to spend a minimal amount, this device will suffice, but I suggest you opt for the Moto G Power 2026 instead, particularly once it invariably becomes discounted. Though the Power’s operational speed isn’t outstanding, it’s considerably superior to the Play’s, offering more robust imaging sensors and greater functionalities.
Motorola Edge 2025 priced at $550: This Edge model features a cascading display, an impressive visual phenomenon where the device’s glass borders seamlessly merge into its flanks, yielding a virtually edgeless appearance. Such handsets are a vanishing type because, as it happens, their glass peripheries can interfere with the touch interface, rendering devices bothersome to operate. While this isn’t a significant concern with this model, my primary grievance is that its performance feels somewhat too hesitant for a smartphone in this cost bracket. Furthermore, its inadequate software update policy simply renders it difficult to endorse when compared to rivals such as the Pixel 9a.
Minimal Phone, available for $450: Seeking to lessen your dependence on a modern mobile device? The Minimal Phone (scoring 6/10 in the WIRED Review) incorporates an e-paper touch display and a tactile keyboard, yet operates on Android. This implies that all desired applications remain accessible through the Google Play Store; however, the user experience will be substandard, attributable to the device’s sluggish refresh rate (video playback will be quite challenging) and its diminutive monochrome display. Nevertheless, this presents a respectable alternative (or potentially a supplementary device) if your aim is simply to detach from incessant doomscrolling.
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, priced at $200: The updated Galaxy A17 shows minimal deviation from its forerunner—it continues to be exasperating to operate, possibly even more so in the current year. Its meager 4 GB of RAM perpetually impeded all operations. In a critical situation, I would lack confidence in the A17’s ability to provide dependable assistance. On the positive side, its camera performs adequately, it offers an extended software update period, and the AMOLED display is pleasing—besides its provision for expandable storage. However, operating this device demands considerable forbearance, thus it is exclusively suited for individuals with extremely modest requirements.
The Samsung Galaxy A16, retailing for $155: Samsung’s Galaxy A16 is currently one generation superseded, though it can be acquired on discount for approximately $155. Its operational speed is exceedingly slow. While Samsung indeed pledges six years of software enhancements, such an impressive update timeframe becomes inconsequential when the device operates at a maddeningly slow pace, prompting desires to discard it. Should you intend to use this gadget infrequently yet desire a product from a reputable manufacturer that ensures security, the Galaxy A16 is acceptable. Its operational capability simply fails to compete with other handsets in a comparable price range.
The Nuu N20, available at $130: Immediately following my evaluation of the Galaxy A16, I transitioned to the more economical Nuu N20. I was quite astonished. Admittedly, it can still exhibit slowness, however, the performance of this device, costing nearly $100, is considerably superior and more tolerable. I operated it for seven days without encountering significant issues. There was, however, one exception: the GPS functionality on this gadget is subpar. During the infrequent instances I utilized it for automotive guidance, it encountered difficulty pinpointing my whereabouts and was tardy in refreshing the map. The other significant drawback? The N20 presently operates on Android 14, hence it is already obsolete, and the
company informed me that there is no definitive timeline for system enhancements.
Sonim XP Pro 5G for $550: This robust mobile device is exclusively available via Verizon, though I evaluated it using Google Fi and encountered no connection problems. (Fi operates on T-Mobile’s infrastructure.) I intentionally subjected this Android device to numerous falls onto concrete, and its display remained intact. It’s remarkably resilient, which is primarily its compelling selling point. Taken independently, it isn’t entirely captivating—you can acquire more potent, feature-laden devices for a similar investment. Its imaging system is notably inferior, habitually producing indistinct images unless one remains perfectly motionless. However, its operational speed is acceptable, it is equipped with 256 GB of internal memory with an expandable storage slot for a microSD card, and includes a configurable key assignable to initiate a quick action or launch a specific application.
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite for £249: Nothing’s Phone (3a) Lite (6/10, WIRED Review) stands as a perplexing addition to its product range. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, a comparable option in terms of cost, is already on the market (CMF serves as Nothing’s subsidiary brand), and broadly speaking, more advantageous handsets are available for the same expenditure. Its photographic capabilities are underwhelming, and it comes with an abundance of unnecessary pre-installed software, which seems to defy Nothing’s guiding principles. Operational efficiency is satisfactory, and likewise, its power autonomy is adequate, but furthermore, this device was not released in the United States.
Which Mobile Devices Warrant Evasion?
If you’re considering an economically priced handset, endeavor to favor established manufacturers. Numerous exceedingly inexpensive smartphones can be discovered on Amazon, but you will soon entrust the acquired device with your private data and images—thus, it’s crucial to ascertain that it originates from a trustworthy vendor with sound security protocols (or at minimum, possess evidence of regularly distributing security updates).
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