Best Low-Budget Samsung Smartphones to Buy in 2026
How we chose
We focused on current, widely available Galaxy models that deliver the strongest value under a tight budget. Criteria:
- Longevity: OS & security update policy (years of support)
- Display quality: OLED/AMOLED where possible, 90–120Hz preferred
- Battery & charging: 5,000–6,000mAh and 25W charging support
- Cameras: Reliable 50MP main sensor, useful ultrawide if included
- Essentials: 5G (where available), NFC (region-dependent), microSD, and headphone jack on select models
Prices vary by region and retailer. Where a model is region-specific (e.g., F-series/M-series), we note it.
Top Picks (TL;DR)
- Best under $200: Galaxy A16 5G – 6.7″ Super AMOLED 90Hz, 5,000mAh, modern 5G at a true entry price. Availability expanding across markets since early 2025.
- Best ultra-budget 5G: Galaxy A06 5G – 6.7″ PLS LCD 90Hz panel, 5,000mAh, IP54; great basics for less.
- Best battery life: Galaxy M15 5G – 6,000mAh battery, Super AMOLED, multi-year updates (region-specific).
- Best budget all-rounder: Galaxy A15 5G – proven value with long updates and AMOLED 90Hz.
- Best Battery combined with good Display: Galaxy F15 5G – Super AMOLED, 6,000mAh, multi-year updates.
Galaxy A16 5G — Best under $200
Why it’s great: A true budget 5G phone with a 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED 90Hz display, 5,000mAh battery, and a 50MP main camera. Excellent day-to-day smoothness for social, streaming, and maps; clean modern design and IP54 splash resistance in many markets. Availability expanding across markets since early 2025.
Best for: Anyone who wants a new Samsung 5G phone with an OLED screen at the lowest possible price.
Highlights: 6.7″ Super AMOLED 90Hz · FHD+ · 5,000mAh · 25W charging · 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro · side fingerprint · Android 14/One UI 6.x+ with multi-year updates.
Galaxy A06 5G — Best ultra-budget 5G
Why it’s great: Brings 90Hz smoothness and a large 6.7″ PLS LCD display to the lowest price tier, plus a Dimensity 6300-class 5G chipset, IP54 dust/splash resistance, and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. Great for students and as a backup phone.
Best for: Tight budgets that still want 5G and a big screen.
Highlights: 6.7″ PLS LCD 90Hz · 5,000mAh · 50MP main + 2MP depth · IP54 · Android 14/One UI 6.x with multi-year updates.
Galaxy M15 5G — Best battery life
Why it’s great: Massive 6,000mAh battery, Super AMOLED display, and long update policy (in supported regions). Great standby time and reliable day-to-day performance; designed for endurance.
Best for: Users who prioritize battery life above all else.
Highlights: 6.5″ Super AMOLED · 6,000mAh · 5G · multi-year OS/security updates · microSD.
Galaxy A15 5G — Best budget all-rounder
Why it’s great: A proven budget crowd-pleaser with AMOLED 90Hz, 5,000mAh, and a 50MP main camera. Offered with up to 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of security in many regions, making it an easy recommendation for longevity.
Best for: A balanced pick when you want a great screen plus long support.
Highlights: 6.5″ Super AMOLED 90Hz · 5,000mAh · microSD · (often) 3.5mm jack · generous update policy.
Galaxy F15 5G — Best Long Battery & Display Combo
Why it’s great: Brings Super AMOLED and a 6,000mAh battery to a very affordable price, with multi-year OS and security support. A strong choice if you buy locally.
Best for: Buyers who want all-day battery and a vivid display on a strict budget.
Highlights: 6.5″ Super AMOLED · 6,000mAh · 5G · long update policy · microSD.
Comparison Table (at a glance)
| Model | Display | Refresh | Battery | Cameras | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A16 5G | 6.7″ Super AMOLEDFHD+ | 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 50MP + 5MP UW + 2MP | Strong value under $200; rollout expanding |
| Galaxy A06 5G | 6.7″ PLS LCD | 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 50MP + 2MP depth | Ultra-budget 5G, IP54 rating |
| Galaxy M15 5G | 6.5″ Super AMOLED | 90Hz (region) | 6,000mAh | 50MP triple | Battery champ; long updates |
| Galaxy A15 5G | 6.5″ Super AMOLED | 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 50MP triple | 4 OS + 5 yrs security |
| Galaxy F15 5G | 6.5″ Super AMOLED | 90Hz | 6,000mAh | 50MP triple | Long Battery Life |
Tip: Many budget Galaxies still include microSD (check SKU) and a 3.5mm jack on A- and M-series. Chargers may be sold separately; phones typically support 25W.
Buying advice (quick)
- Display first: Budget OLED at 90Hz feels more premium than a faster LCD, but Samsung’s PLS LCD panels are still solid.
- Check the policy: Prefer models with 4+ years of OS / 5 years security where offered.
- RAM/storage: Aim for 6GB/128GB minimum; use microSD for media.
- Networks/NFC: Confirm 5G bands and NFC for your region before ordering.
- Battery & charging: 5,000–6,000mAh lasts longer; consider a 25W USB-C PD charger.
Final thoughts
If you want maximum value in 2026, the Galaxy A16 5G is the easiest pick under $200. Need a rock-bottom 5G entry? Galaxy A06 5G is the go-to. For battery monsters, look to the Galaxy M15 5G (or F15 5G). The Galaxy A15 5G remains a safe, widely available all-rounder with one of the best update policies in its class.
Want to check this the flagship devices here, Top Smartphones of 2025: Best Flagship Phones for Camera, AI & Performance.
