10 Best Samsung Budget Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong contender in the budget phone segment, offering a large and vibrant 6.7-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and streaming enjoyable. Its 1,900-nit peak brightness ensures good visibility even in bright conditions. The phone is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, which should handle everyday tasks and moderate multitasking smoothly without lag. With 256GB of storage, it offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos, a plus for users who don’t want to worry about running out of memory.

Battery life is impressive with a 4,900mAh capacity, promising long use and quick top-ups thanks to Super Fast Charging 2.0. You can expect around 33 hours of talk time, making it reliable for all-day use. The camera setup focuses heavily on selfies with a 12MP front camera enhanced by AI features like Generative Edit, allowing creative photo edits that remove unwanted elements—this is a neat addition for users who enjoy photography without complex tools. However, while the camera is decent, it may not match the quality of higher-end phones in low light or professional use.

Build quality is solid, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, which means the phone is durable against daily wear and tear. This is a great reassurance for a budget device. The phone runs on the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, offering an updated and user-friendly software experience. Additional features such as water resistance, wireless charging, and a fingerprint sensor enhance its appeal. One minor downside is the absence of a traditional headphone jack, relying instead on USB-C for audio. Also, while the Exynos chip is capable, it might not be the fastest processor compared to some competitors in the same price range. For users seeking a well-balanced, powerful, and durable smartphone with a big bright screen and strong battery life, the Galaxy S25 FE proves to be a compelling choice.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone equipped with a large 6.7-inch display, ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing with clear and detailed visuals. It offers 256GB of storage, which is generous for its price, allowing ample space for apps, photos, and files. The phone features smart capabilities like real-time language translation through the bundled Galaxy Buds FE earbuds, adding value for travelers or those communicating in multiple languages.

The camera quality is solid for everyday use, featuring enhanced front-facing camera capabilities that capture good selfies and an automatic night mode to brighten photos effortlessly. The phone is designed to deliver smooth daily performance for common tasks, making it reliable for basic apps and media consumption. Battery life typically supports a full day of use, complemented by convenient wireless features. The build quality is comfortable and user-friendly, with earbuds designed to stay securely in place during extended wear. Software extras like Circle to Search and Active Noise Cancellation further enhance the user experience.

Some advanced users might find the processor and RAM less suited for heavy multitasking or intensive gaming, reflecting the phone's budget positioning. Additionally, while the device supports 5G connectivity, actual speeds depend on the local network. Nonetheless, the Galaxy A36 5G is a strong choice for those seeking a large screen, ample storage, and extra features at an affordable price, especially when combined with the Galaxy Buds FE for improved audio and communication.

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a strong contender in the budget phone category, especially for those who want a big, vibrant screen and reliable performance without spending too much. Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes watching videos and scrolling through apps feel fluid and colorful. The 5000mAh battery is impressive and should easily last a full day of typical use, plus the included 25W fast charger helps quickly top up power when needed. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage, it offers plenty of space and speed for everyday tasks, apps, and photos, and you can expand storage further using a microSD card if you don’t mind sharing the second SIM slot.

The phone runs on the Exynos 1280 processor, which handles daily apps and light gaming well, though it might slow down with very demanding games or heavy multitasking. The camera setup is versatile with a 50MP main lens for clear and detailed pictures, an 8MP ultrawide for wider shots, and a 2MP macro camera for close-ups. The front 13MP camera can also record sharp selfies and videos, including 4K at 30fps, which is rare in this price range. Build quality is solid with the bonus of IP67 water resistance, meaning it can handle some splashes and dust better than many competitors.

The phone comes with the latest Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7, promising a smooth and user-friendly experience, plus up to six major software updates, which is great for keeping the phone secure and up to date. The international unlocked model supports 5G and most global networks, but new activations are fully supported only on T-Mobile in the U.S., which might be a limitation for some users. The Galaxy A26 5G delivers excellent display quality, battery life, and cameras for a budget phone, with good software support and solid build, though it may face some network compatibility issues in the U.S. and isn’t designed for heavy gaming or extremely demanding apps.