Affordable Cell Phones: The Best and Cheapest Cell Phones of 2021

Many people always want to have the latest smartphone model from their favorite brand. For others, however, affordability is the top priority. Many manufacturers therefore also offer budget-friendly models with scaled-back features. We take a closer look at these and more in the following article.

Buying an affordable cell phone: Which providers offer cheap cell phones?

Major smartphone manufacturers have long been responding to the segment of consumers who are more price-conscious when buying a smartphone. Apple’s SE series and Samsung’s A-series models are examples of affordable smartphones. So if you’re looking to buy a new phone, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank.

A cheap Apple iPhone: Is there such a thing?

If you're looking for an affordable cell phone, you don't have to steer clear of the major carriers. Apple, for example, offers good alternatives to its high-end models. While these more affordable devices aren't fully loaded with the latest features, they still hold their own. Given the generally high price point of Apple products, the term "affordable" is likely relative for some buyers.

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The iPhone X and iPhone Xs are still excellent smartphones, but they're now very affordable.

Buy an affordable cell phone without a contract from Samsung

Samsung also has some real bargains on offer. If you're looking for affordable cell phones, you should definitely check out what this Korean manufacturer has to offer. The models in the Galaxy A series are particularly worth considering. In terms of price, Samsung definitely has the edge over Apple, as these models start at just 199 CHF.

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Buy a Huawei smartphone at a great price

If you're looking for affordable cell phones, you can't ignore the Huawei brand. Their pricing strategy is the opposite of Samsung's and Apple's. Here, you'll mainly find affordable smartphones rather than high-end devices. Of course, this means you'll have to compromise on some technical features. These compromises become apparent alongside the low price.

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Even affordable Huawei phones still feature modern designs.

Buy a OnePlus phone without a contract at a low price

OnePlus also has a few models that fall into the “budget phone” category. The Nord series is particularly affordable. However, the choice of materials isn’t ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, as the plastic isn’t as durable as the metal used by competitors. So if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone, you’ll need to decide what’s most important to you.

Affordable cell phones without a contract from Xiaomi

The Chinese company Xiaomi is making increasing inroads into the German market with a wide range of products. Alongside home appliances, smartphones account for a large portion of its product lineup. If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone, Xiaomi phones are definitely worth checking out. However, despite being made of plastic , their weight is noticeable.

Mobile phone guide on Handy-Abovergleich.ch

Nokia cell phone deals under 200 CHF

The nearly forgotten manufacturer Nokia is still a player in the smartphone market. If you’re looking for a phone without a contract and want to keep the features to a minimum, you should check out their offerings. Their product lineup is straightforward and well-organized. So if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone, Nokia is a good choice.

Honor – just like a Huawei smartphone, but more affordable

Another brand to consider if you're looking for an affordable cell phone is Honor. This Huawei subsidiary offers many smartphone models at affordable prices. There are still no major differences compared to the parent company's phones.

Other providers of good, affordable cell phones

Smaller manufacturers also offer a variety of cell phone deals. But you don’t have to settle for unknown brands. Everyone has probably heard of brands like OPPO, Alcatel, and Motorola. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find even more providers of affordable smartphones.

What features should an affordable cell phone have?

If you want to buy a smartphone at an affordable price, you don’t have to miss out on the latest technological innovations. However, as a buyer, you need to be aware of which factors are truly important when making a purchase. The following points should definitely be on your list.

Decent battery life

When comparing the two major manufacturers, Apple and Samsung, in terms of maximum audio playback time, the figures range from 40 to 107 hours, with Apple falling toward the lower end of that range. However, due to other factors such as processor and display technology, battery capacity alone is not a reliable indicator. Furthermore, battery consumption depends heavily on user behavior.

Even budget smartphones now come with bezel-less displays

Current Operating System and Update Security

The older the smartphone (including its operating system), the sooner it will be left out of future updates. However, with the affordable high-end models from major manufacturers, there’s no need to worry about that just yet.

Sturdy construction

The low price of well-known smartphones isn’t a coincidence. In addition to cost-cutting measures in the technology used, there are often differences in the quality of the materials. As a general rule, a smartphone’s casing should contain as little plastic as possible. Sturdy materials like glass or aluminum are preferable.

Sufficient processing power and RAM

We consider 4 GB of RAM to be the absolute minimum required to ensure a decent user experience. In recent years, however, manufacturers have been outdoing one another, so there’s little need to worry about a slow phone.

Affordable smartphones start at just 200 francs.

How to buy a smartphone on a budget – where can you save money?

What factors contribute to the low price of a new smartphone? Unlike high-end models, the technical specifications are often scaled back. Read on to find out where you can save money when making a purchase.

cell phone camera

Depending on how often you use it, you can save quite a bit of money here. If you only take a few snapshots now and then and aren’t particularly passionate about photography, a camera that’s as simple as possible will suffice. Features like an ultra-wide-angle lens, focus options, and zoom settings would be unnecessary in this case.

Storage capacity

When it comes to storage capacity, it all depends on how you use your smartphone. If in doubt, you should opt for a model with expandable storage . While Apple doesn't offer this option, it does have models with sufficient storage capacity in its lineup.

Dual SIM

The ability to use two SIM cards in a single device is mainly used by people who use their smartphone for both personal and business purposes. This effectively eliminates the need for a second device. The second SIM slot is also useful when traveling abroad. To avoid expensive roaming charges, you can simply insert an affordable prepaid SIM card from the country you’re visiting. If you rarely need these features anyway, you can skip them when making your purchase.

Additional features

Smartphone manufacturers are getting more and more creative. But if you’re looking to buy an affordable model, there are certainly some features you can do without. After all, 5G capabilities, wireless charging, and fast charging can really drive up the price. If you want to keep things simple, you’ll be rewarded with a lower purchase price.

Buying a cell phone without a contract – is a cell phone plan cheaper or more expensive?

Generally speaking, buying a cell phone as part of a subscription plan is cheaper at first. In the long run, however, you’re not only paying for the mobile service but also paying off the cost of the smartphone in installments. Anyone looking to buy a cell phone in Switzerland without a subscription should keep this in mind. Budget-friendly phones are already affordable, so paying in installments isn’t necessary.

Buy a smartphone at a great price – high performance at a low price

If you want a smartphone at an affordable price, you’ll have to make some compromises. Technically, however, these devices are often still well-equipped, and there’s plenty of choice even in the lower price range. Many major manufacturers offer budget-friendly options alongside their high-end, fully-featured models. If you’re not tied to a particular brand, you should also check out smaller manufacturers, where you can save quite a bit of money.

It doesn't always have to be the latest smartphone, as shown in the picture.

FAQs for Affordable Cell Phones

What is the best budget-friendly cell phone?

The Redmi Note 9 is way ahead of the pack here.

How much does the cheapest smartphone cost?

The Redmi 9C costs 130 CHF .

When is a cell phone the cheapest?

About a year after a model is released, you can find a bargain.

Is it a good idea to buy a used smartphone at a low price?

Yes, because it has already experienced the biggest drop in value. Plus , buying used electronics is sustainable.

Where can I find affordable cell phones without a contract?

You can find great deals on various online platforms. It’s also often worth stopping by an electronics store to pick up a smartphone at a good price.

Buying a cell phone without a contract in Switzerland – is that a good idea?

Yes, because budget smartphones in particular are easy to pay for in one lump sum. With a subscription plan, a monthly fee for the device is added.