5 Best Phones Under $800 (March 2026)

Update: We last updated this article on March 13, 2026, with the OnePlus 15R and Poco F8 Ultra.

Searching for the best phone under $800 is like trying to find a good show on streaming services: endless scrolling and the constant fear of missing out on something amazing, something new. While those $1000 flagships do look good, let's be honest: they aren't taking out another mortgage. You don't need to sell your prized possessions to get the best smartphone out there. However, with so many options, it's easy to get confused. So, here are the best phones under $800 that deliver the best bang for your buck.

What to Expect From Phones Under $800

What You Probably Won't Get in $800

Best Phones to Buy Under $800 in November 2025:

1. Samsung Galaxy S25: Best Flagship Phone

Why We Recommend It:

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the most powerful phone in this price range. Don't let its compact nature fool you, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite underneath is an absolute monster. It shares the rest of the DNA with the S25 lineup, so you get the same 7 years of updates, great cameras, and AI features. The S25 is one of the few phones in this segment with a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor and 3x optical zoom. Unlike Apple, you get AI features that are ready to use and available out of the box. There's also wireless charging support and the latest One UI 7 onboard. So, if you want a Samsung flagship to explore its Galaxy software features, this is the best phone under $800.

Who Should Buy It:

For those who want a compact Android flagship with long-term support, the S25 is the one to go for.. With 7 years of updates and the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it won't be outdated anytime soon. Furthermore, you get all the Galaxy AI goodies and an entry into the Samsung ecosystem. It's a great option for those who want a small phone

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you want the best battery life or a bigger screen, the S25 sadly isn't built for you. With its modest 4,000mAh battery, it is best suited for casual users out there. Furthermore, the slow charging speed won't appeal to hardcore enthusiasts out there.

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2. Google Pixel 10: The Most iPhone-Inspired Android Flagship

Why We Recommend It:

If you have been looking to switch to Android or just want a truly smart Android phone, the Pixel 10 is the one for you. Not only does it offer faster performance with Tensor G5, but it also packs some cool AI features. With new features like Magic Cues that can provide contextual information to Camera Coach, all the AI features are not just useful but practical. Furthermore, it is the first base model Pixel with a 10MP telephoto lens. The MagSafe-like wireless charging called PixelSnap makes it a great option for those switching from an iPhone.

Who Should Buy It:

If you want a smartphone with AI features that are useful and work out of the box (ahem, Apple Intelligence), then the Pixel 10 is the one for you. With 7 years of OS updates and the fact that you get the latest Android version before others means it will last longer than your relationship. It will also appeal to those who want a compact phone and are looking to switch to Android from their iPhone.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

Just like every other Pixel phone, the Pixel 10 isn't made for gamers or hardcore multitaskers. The Tensor G5 inside is nowhere close to the Snapdragon 8 Elite or the Apple A18 Pro. The lack of a dedicated vapour cooling chamber and no LTPO support means it cannot dynamically adjust the refresh rate. Google has also downgraded the primary camera sensor to add the new telephoto lens. Last but not least, Pixel still lacks a seamless ecosystem that brands like Samsung and Apple are known for.

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3. Apple iPhone 17: Complete Apple Experience

Why We Recommend It:

The iPhone 17 is the biggest improvement to the iPhone in recent years. It might look the same at first glance until you notice the fresh colors on the back. After years of endless waiting, you finally get a 120Hz ProMotion display on the standard iPhone. Apart from the smooth display, you get a brighter screen at 3000 nits, Always On Display support, and an anti-reflective coating. It's the same experience as the Pro models. Other upgrades include a new 48MP ultrawide angle lens, a bigger battery, and faster 45W charging. Oh, and the base variant now starts at 256GB, so you won't get that storage anxiety.

Who Should Buy It:

If you have been waiting to buy your 1st iPhone or looking to upgrade from an older one, the iPhone 17 is the one to get. You get all the perks of the Pro model without that expensive price tag. Except for the telephoto lens and aluminium design, there isn't much that you are missing out on. The A19 chipset, upgraded cameras, faster 45W charging, and bigger battery make it an easy recommendation.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you want the absolute best of what iPhones have to offer, you can skip the iPhone 17. It looks the same as last year's model and still doesn't have a telephoto lens for zooming in. For those looking for a bigger display or long lasting battery, the Pro Max still remains the ultimate option.

4. Motorola Razr Plus 2024: Flagship Flip Phone

Why We Recommend It:

Remember when flip phones were cool? Motorola time-traveled and brought one back on steroids. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra or the Razr Plus 2024 is the best flip phone under $800. It has a huge 4-inch cover screen, bigger than the 3.4-inch one on the Z Flip 6. Unlike Samsung, you can run every app on the outer display without restrictions. What's the advantage of this form factor, you ask? Well, it is pocketable as the phone can fit inside your smallest pocket. You can also take selfies on the outer screen, control music playback, check emails, or catch up on Instagram trends without even opening the inner screen. Wait, that's not all; once you unfold the phone, a massive 6.9-inch screen is waiting for you, bigger than the 6.7-inch one on the Z Flip 6. The rest of the package is pretty good, too, as you get AI features, premium design, and one of the fastest charging on a flip phone

Who Should Buy It:

If you want a stylish and compact phone that will turn heads wherever you go, the Razr Plus 2024 is for you. From the premium vegan leather finish to its massive cover screen, it's perfect for all the flip phone enthusiasts. Motorola close to stock Android software, also making it a versatile option. Last but not least, it's ideal for those who want a small phone for checking notifications and a bigger one for drafting those lengthy work emails.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

Motorola's lacklustre support when it comes to software updates can be a major letdown for many. Android 16 will be the last update for the Motorola Razr 2024, and Motorola's rollout frequency hasn't been stellar to begin with. Furthermore, the lack of an ultrawide-angle lens and relatively small 4,000mAh battery means it's only meant for casual users.

5. OnePlus 15R: Performance Beast With Massive Battery

Why We Recommend It:

The OnePlus 15R is one of the most powerful phones you can buy under $800. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and features a massive 7,400mAh silicon-carbon battery that easily lasts more than a day. The 165Hz AMOLED display and gaming features like bypass charging make it a great phone for performance enthusiasts.

Who Should Buy It:

This phone is perfect for gamers and power users who want top performance and excellent battery life. If you watch a lot of content, play mobile games, or want a phone that lasts all day without worrying about charging, the OnePlus 15R is a great option.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you care about versatile cameras or premium flagship features like wireless charging, this phone may not be ideal. The camera setup is fairly basic compared to other phones in this price range.

Honorable Mentions

1. Motorola Razr 2025: Best Mid-Range Flip Phone

Why We Recommend It:

Want a flip phone that is heavy on AI features and light on your pocket? The Motorola Razr 2025 is the perfect balance of both. This affordable flip phone not only has a huge 3.6-inch cover screen but also has an eye-grabbing design. It has a massive 6.9-inch inner display. Once you unfold the phone, you can take advantage of all the Moto AI features. You can ask for a summary of your notifications, create a playlist based on a screenshot, or add items to your grocery list. Speaking of photos, there's a dual camera setup on the back, although it does miss out on a telephoto lens. Apart from AI features, you also get Moto Secure for privacy and Smart Connect to share content from your phone to your TV. There's a sizeable 4,500mAh silicon carbon battery with support for 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Who Should Buy It:

The Razr 2025 delivers the foldable experience at a price point where most competitors simply don’t exist. t’s compact, stylish, and well-built, with strong battery life that lasts over a full day. The 120 Hz AMOLED panel feels premium, and Motorola’s AI features give it a modern touch. At under $700, it’s an attractive entry point into foldables, competing well against more expensive clamshells like Samsung’s Z Flip 7.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

The Dimensity 7400x isn't built for performance-oriented users and cannot keep up with the latest flagships. Furthermore, the lacklustre software support and smaller cover screen mean it cannot keep wup ith the Flip 7 or the Razr 2024 Plus.

2. RedMagic 10 Pro: Affordable Gaming Phone

Why We Recommend It:

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, then the Red Magic 10 Pro is perfect for you. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it can easily handle any game you throw at it. And to maintain that sustained performance, there's an ICE-X cooling system with liquid metal. If that's not enough to satisfy the gamer in you, there's a dedicated turbo fan that runs at 23,000 RPM.

Who Should Buy It:

This device is a perfect match if you're a dedicated mobile gamer who prioritizes high performance, long battery life, and shoulder triggers. It’s particularly compelling if you want flagship-level gaming capabilities without paying flagship prices. The active cooling system makes it ideal for extended gaming marathons and a great content consumption experience.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you want long-term software support or great cameras, the Red Magic 10 Pro isn't for you. It also lacks perks like wireless charging, IP rating, and e-SIM support, which are crucial for some users. Furthermore, with just one year of OS updates and clunky software, it isn't the mainstream phone you expect.

3. Poco F8 Ultra: Premium Flagship Killer

Why We Recommend It:

The Poco F8 Ultra delivers flagship-level hardware at a lower price. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and features a large 6.9-inch OLED display with extremely high brightness. You also get a versatile triple camera setup with a 5x periscope zoom, which is rare in this price range.

Who Should Buy It:

This phone is ideal for users who want powerful performance, great cameras, and fast charging in one package. If you watch a lot of content, play games, or want flagship features without paying flagship prices, the Poco F8 Ultra is a strong option.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you prefer a clean software experience or wider US network compatibility, this phone may not be the best choice. HyperOS may feel heavy for some users, and Poco phones are still not as widely supported in the US.

4. Nothing Phone (3)

Why We Recommend It:

Nothing Phone (3) is the newest and most controversial phone on this list. This is the most expensive phone from the company, which it calls a "true flagship". Apart from the weird-looking design, there are plenty of upgrades; the Phone (3) brings over the Phone (2). You get a Glyph Matrix that replaces the older Glyph LEDs. While you won't find the bleeding-edge 8 Elite here, it has the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.

Who Should Buy It:

Those who are comfortable with a unique or weird-looking phone, depending on how you see it, the Nothing Phone (3) is a good option. With a clean software experience and no ads, it offers a great experience. There's also 5 years of OS updates and 7 years of security patches. Another upgrade is the new 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x zoom, which was missing on the Phone (2). All of this is backed by a 5,100mAh Silicon Carbon battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t the best fit for everyone. It uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which, while capable, is not the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite found in some rival flagships. The US variant also gets a smaller battery compared to its Indian sibling, and the lack of Glyphs can be a turn-off for many users. If you want the best performance, superfast charging, or the best design, the Phone (3) isn't made for you.

5. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Why We Recommend It:

Last but not least is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, which is a recent addition to the list. It offers most features of the S25 series at a budget-friendly price. The S25 FE has all the Galaxy AI features, respectable performance, and a triple camera setup on the back. You get the same 7 years of updates, making it a good pick for those who care more about the experience than the specifications.

Who Should Buy It:

The S25 FE is the perfect option for those looking to dip their toes into the Samsung ecosystem. It has the same display size as the S24 Plus with Samsung Dex, IP68 rating, and wireless charging support. With all the Galaxy AI features and attractive pricing, it's a good alternative to the base Galaxy S25.

Who Shouldn't Buy It:

If you want top-tier specifications with amazing cameras, the S25 FE isn't for you. As the name suggests, it's a mid-range phone for casual users. The 8 GB of RAM is a major bottleneck if you want to run multiple apps at once. Moreover, the heating issues on the Exynos 2400 only add to the misery.

These are all the best phones that you can currently purchase for under $800. Make sure to bookmark this page, as we will constantly update this space when a new phone arrives in this segment.