Compare Affordable Samsung Galaxy Smartphones
Affordable Galaxy smartphones are not a separate series at Samsung. There are three ways to save money: with a new model from the A series, with a device past its prime, or with a refurbished Galaxy. Below, the models are listed side by side, along with their specifications and the prices charged by each participating store. We conduct independent comparisons: we don’t earn more from one model than another. Click through to the model that interests you; on that page, you can choose the version and see the price per store. You can browse a wider selection of all Samsung phones.
Which affordable Galaxy is right for you?
Compare the three options based on what you’ll pay per remaining year of updates. Within the same price range, each option offers something different: processing power, camera quality, or battery life. The update period makes them comparable, since it starts from the device’s release date and not from the day you start using it.
Three paths to an affordable Galaxy
Each route leads to a slightly different outcome.
- A new model from the A series: You get almost the full update cycle, since the model just hit the market; the battery is brand-new, and you have the store’s warranty. You’ll have to compromise on the processor and camera.
- An older model from the S series: the screen, cameras, and build quality of a top-of-the-line model for a fraction of the launch price. Expect that the update cycle has already run its course and the battery has already gone through several charge cycles.
- A refurbished Galaxy: inspected, tested, and repaired where necessary, with a warranty from the seller. The condition grade refers to the exterior, not the functionality, so signs of wear and tear say nothing about performance. That grade also says nothing about the battery: check what the seller promises regarding battery condition and the warranty.
The Samsung deals compare the current prices from all stores side by side, so you can see if an offer really stands out, no matter which route you choose.
How do budget Galaxy smartphones really differ?
The budget models vary in these areas.
- The series: for the A series, the first digit after the “A” is the most important: it determines how fast the chip is, how good the screen is, and how many cameras are on the back.
- The screen: most models have an AMOLED screen, which is easy to read outdoors and delivers deep colors. The specific panel used in a particular model is listed in the specifications.
- Water resistance: some models have an IP rating, while others do not. The level of protection provided by the rating also varies by model: splash resistance is not the same as submersion resistance. Check the rating before making your choice.
- The memory card slot: some models have a slot for a microSD card, allowing you to add more storage later. It’s not included by default, so check each model’s specifications.
- The remaining update period: the A3x and A5x models receive six years of Android and security updates, with this year’s models receiving updates through early 2032. The number of years remaining for other models is listed on their specification pages.
What every budget Galaxy can already do
The basics are the same across the board. Android with One UI, Samsung’s own user interface, runs on every device in this overview, and making calls, sending messages, navigating, streaming, and banking all work without a hitch. Battery life is also rarely an issue in this price range: budget devices often have a generous battery and a power-efficient chip. So your choice comes down to speed, camera, storage, and how long you want the device to last.
Choose an entry-level model from the A Series if you’ll mainly use the phone for calls, messaging, and navigation, or if it’s intended as your first or backup phone.
Choose an A3x model if you want a single device that does it all and will last you for years.
Choose an older top-of-the-line model if camera quality and speed are your top priorities and you want the quality of a high-end phone without the new price tag.
Choose refurbished if you want a specific model that’s out of reach when new and visible signs of use don’t bother you.
What does the number in the name mean?
The first number after the A indicates the class, and the second indicates the generation: an A36 follows an A35. For more details on how the A series is structured, see the page listing all Galaxy A models.
| Class | What it’s designed for | Standout features | Price range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0x, A1x, and A2x | Making calls, messaging, browsing the web, and watching videos | Simple processor, large screen, generous battery life | € |
| A3x | One device for everything, for years to come | The balance between price and performance | €€ |
| A5x | Everything a top-of-the-line model does, except for the camera and speed | The best cameras and screens in the A series | €€€ |
*Relative price indication within this overview: more € symbols mean a higher price. See the overview above for current prices.
What do you sacrifice with a budget Galaxy?
You’ll notice four things in practice.
- Low-light photos: at dusk and indoors, you’ll see the difference from a top-of-the-line model most clearly. In daylight, the difference is much smaller.
- Graphically intensive games: everyday apps run smoothly, but graphically intensive games require a faster processor than this class offers.
- Charging speed: budget models generally charge more slowly than more expensive devices, so charge this type of phone overnight.
- Long-term performance: after a few years and a series of Android updates, a basic chip will feel slower than it did on day one.
An older Galaxy model or a newer one?
Divide the price difference by the remaining years of updates and compare the result; this will show you what an older device actually saves you per year. If the main improvement in a new generation lies primarily in the chip, then the older model is often the smarter choice in practice. You can find what’s just hit the market and how it compares to the previous generation under the latest Samsung phones. Samsung devices that have been announced but aren’t yet available can be found under upcoming phones.
