Compare affordable Samsung Galaxy smartphones
Affordable Galaxy smartphones do not form a separate range at Samsung. There are three ways to get a good deal: with a new model from the A series, with a device that’s past its prime, or with a refurbished Galaxy. Below, the models are listed side by side, with their specifications and the prices charged by each participating retailer. We carry out independent comparisons: we don’t earn any more from one model than from another. Click through to the model that appeals to you; on that page, you can choose the variant and see the price per retailer. You can browse a wider range of all Samsung phones.
Which budget Galaxy is right for you?
Compare the three options based on what you 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, as it runs from the device’s release date rather than from the day you start using it.
Three routes 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, as the model has only just been released; the battery is brand new and you have a shop warranty. You compromise on the processor and camera.
- An older model from the S series: the screen, cameras and build quality of a top-of-the-range model for a fraction of the launch price. Bear in mind that the update cycle will have run its course years ago and the battery will have already undergone numerous charge cycles.
- A refurbished Galaxy: inspected, tested and, where necessary, repaired, 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. Nor does this grade say anything about the battery: check what the seller promises regarding the battery condition and the warranty.
The Samsung deals compare the current prices across all shops, so you can see whether an offer really stands out, whichever route you choose.
How do cheap Galaxy smartphones really differ?
The budget models vary in these respects.
- The range: in 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 produces rich colours. The type of panel used in a specific model is listed in the specifications.
- Water resistance: some models have an IP rating whilst others do not. Furthermore, the level of protection provided by the rating varies from model to model: splash resistance is not the same as submersion. Check the rating before making your choice.
- The memory card slot: some models have a slot for a microSD card, allowing you to add extra storage later. It isn’t included as standard, so check the specifications for each model.
- The remaining update period: the A3x and A5x models will receive six years of Android and security updates; for this year’s models, this runs until early 2032. The number of years remaining for other models is stated 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, messaging, navigating, streaming and banking all work without a hitch. Battery life is also rarely an issue in this category: budget devices often have a generous battery and a power-efficient chip. So, the 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 be using the phone for calls, messaging and navigation, or if it’s intended as a first or spare handset.
Choose an A3x model if you want a single device that does it all and will last you for years to come.
Choose an older top-of-the-range model if camera quality and speed are your top priorities and you want the quality of an expensive handset without paying the full price.
Choose a refurbished model if you want a specific model that’s out of reach when new and visible signs of wear don’t bother you.
What does the number in the name mean?
The first number after the A indicates the class, the second the generation: an A36 follows an A35. You can find out more about how the A series is structured on the page listing all Galaxy A models.
| Class | What it’s designed for | Key features | Price range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0x, A1x and A2x | Making calls, messaging, browsing the internet 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-range model does, apart from the camera and speed | The best cameras and screens in the A series | €€€ |
*Relative price guide within this overview: more € symbols mean a higher price. See the overview above for current prices.
What do you compromise on with a budget Galaxy?
There are four things you’ll notice in practice.
- Low-light photos: at dusk and indoors, you’ll see the difference compared to a top-of-the-range model most clearly. In daylight, the difference is much smaller.
- Demanding games: everyday apps run smoothly, but graphically demanding games require a faster processor than this class offers.
- Charging speed: budget models generally charge more slowly than more expensive devices, so it’s best to charge such a phone overnight.
- Long-term performance: after a few years and a series of Android updates, a basic processor will feel slower than it did on the first day.
An older Galaxy model or a newer one after all?
Divide the price difference by the remaining years of updates and compare the result; this will show you what an older handset actually offers you per year. If the main innovation in a new generation lies primarily in the chip, then the older model is often the smarter choice in practice. You can find out what’s just come onto the market and how it compares with the previous generation under the latest Samsung phones. Samsung devices that have been announced but are not yet available can be found under upcoming phones.
