Find the best value phone in 2026

Great phones don't have to break the bank:

Balanced Specs - Good performance without excess
Essential Features - Everything you need, nothing you don't
Long Support - Software updates for years
Proven Reliability - From trusted manufacturers

Budget:

Any price Under £150 Under £300 Under £500 Premium

Best Phones under £150 for best value

Best Pick

Lively PN035089

36.5 Best Value Score

6.8" Snapdragon 4GB RAM 32GB 4850mAh

Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a simple, easy-to-navigate interface with a large 6.8" screen and a dedicated Urgent Response button for safety. The phone is exclusively tied to Lively's service, which includes 24/7 access to a support team for assistance with health concerns, rides, or emergencies. This device is best for seniors seeking a straightforward, safety-focused smartphone with built-in human support rather than high-end specs.

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Price £43

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

TracFone XT2413V

30.4 Best Value Score

6.5" 4GB RAM 64GB

Why we recommend this ▼

Its standout feature is the included one-year Tracfone service plan with 1500 minutes, texts, and data, bundled with a refurbished phone. The 6.5-inch 90Hz display and Snapdragon 680 processor offer solid basic performance for the price. This is best for users seeking an extremely low-cost, pre-paid smartphone solution with service included for a full year.

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Price £51

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Apple MGHA4ZM/A

25.1 Best Value Score

0 0 0

Why we recommend this ▼

Its durable FineWoven micro-twill construction, made from 100% recycled content, provides a smooth, eco-friendly alternative to leather. The strong MagSafe magnets allow it to snap securely to an iPhone, even over a case, and it supports Find My for location tracking. This accessory is best for iPhone users who prioritize a minimalist, sustainable way to carry up to three cards securely.

Price £49

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Qinmay2025012101

21.9 Best Value Score

0 0 0

Why we recommend this ▼

This case stands out with its dual-layer construction of TPU and hard PC, offering heavy-duty drop and shock protection for the iPhone 17. Its integrated card slot securely holds up to two cards, eliminating the need for a separate wallet. It's best for iPhone 17 owners who prioritize rugged phone protection and want to consolidate their daily carry essentials.

Price £16

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Best Phones under £300 for best value

Best Pick

Samsung SM-G973

62.3 Best Value Score

6.1" Exynos 9820 12MP 8GB RAM 128GB 3400mAh

Why we recommend this

Its 6.1-inch Super AMOLED display offers a sharp 3040x1440 resolution and is protected by durable Gorilla Glass 6. The versatile triple-camera system, featuring a variable aperture main sensor and an ultrawide lens, provides strong photographic flexibility for its generation. This phone is best for users seeking a compact, high-resolution Android device with a headphone jack and expandable storage.

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Price £279

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Best Phones under £500 for best value

Best Pick

Ray-Ban Meta 0RW4012_601SSB50

22.1 Best Value Score

0 0 0

Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the integration of a 12 MP camera and Meta AI for hands-free capture and live translation in six languages, all within a classic Wayfarer frame. The discreet open-ear audio system provides quality sound without isolating you from your surroundings, supported by up to eight hours of battery life with a case extending it to 48 hours. These glasses are best for travelers and urban commuters seeking a subtle, hands-free device for capturing moments, getting translations, and managing notifications.

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Price £375

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Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Standard (Gen 2) cellphone

Premium Phones for best value

No phones found for this category.