Smartphones under £100 in 2024: Our Top Picks for You

Are you searching for a low-cost smartphone that saves you money and comes with essential features? Your search has brought you to the right place. We’ve handpicked the best budget smartphones under £100 with a perfect price/performance ratio.

One thing to remember here is that these phones come with some limitations. You may not get cutting-edge specifications, the latest processors, and high-tech cameras – like those phones with hefty price tags.

However, these highly affordable smartphones come with large high-definition displays and standard cameras – good enough to take pictures and videos. You’ll also be able to use the same apps such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Banking software, email, and many others, which run on more exorbitant phones.

Benefits of Budget Smartphones

Planning to buy a smartphone under £100. Here are a few benefits of it:

Affordability

The primary and most obvious benefit of budget smartphones is their cost-effectiveness. These devices cater to individuals on a tight budget, making advanced mobile technology accessible to a wider audience.

Value for Money

Despite being budget-friendly, many smartphones in this category offer a surprising array of features and capabilities. Manufacturers often strive to provide a good balance between performance, camera quality, and essential functionalities, ensuring users get significant value for their money.

Widespread Availability

Budget smartphones are widely available, both online and in physical stores. This accessibility makes them an excellent option for individuals in various regions, including those with limited access to high-end devices or in developing markets.

Sufficient Performance for Everyday Use

For users whose mobile needs are primarily centered around everyday tasks such as calls, messaging, social media, and basic applications, budget smartphones often provide sufficient performance. They can handle routine functions without the need for the extra power demanded by resource-intensive applications or gaming, making them ideal for casual users.

Let’s now take you through a list of the most budget-friendly phones. The ultimate decision is going to be yours, of course. Going through these smartphones one by one will help you choose the best budget smartphone under 100 pounds.

Best Budget Smartphones under £100 in 2024

After a thorough analysis of the specifications, our experts firmly believe that the NUU A23 stands out as the best phone under 100 pounds. Packed with impressive features, including a robust processor, vibrant display, and advanced camera capabilities, this device offers exceptional value for its price point.

Its seamless performance, coupled with a budget-friendly price, makes the NUU A23 a compelling choice for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.

1. NUU A23 Plus

NUU A23 Plus

The NUU A23 Plus is a feature-rich smartphone with an economical and efficient design. This device provides a seamless user experience with its vibrant display and sleek design.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
3850 mAh

Hardware
MediaTek Processor

Display
6.3 inch, 720 x 1560 px

Storage
64GB, expandable

Camera
8 MP

The Good

• Not an expensive device.
• Long lasting battery
• Impressive camera system.

The Bad

• Not suitable for gaming.
• Slow charging speed.

The NUU A23 Plus is a feature-packed smartphone designed for efficiency and affordability. With its sleek design and vibrant display, this device offers a seamless user experience. Powered by a robust processor, it ensures smooth multitasking and swift app navigation. Capture memorable moments with the phone’s capable camera, and enjoy the flexibility of expanded storage.

Stay connected with its reliable network support and revel in a budget-friendly yet high-performance mobile experience with the NUU A23 Plus. The NUU A23 Plus goes beyond the basics, delivering a compelling blend of functionality and style. Boasting a crisp and immersive display, this smartphone offers a visually engaging experience for multimedia, gaming, and daily tasks.

Its advanced camera system lets you capture life’s moments in vivid detail, while the robust battery ensures that you stay powered throughout the day. With an intuitive interface and the latest features, the NUU A23 Plus is designed to keep up with your dynamic lifestyle, providing an exceptional mobile experience without breaking the bank. Stay connected, express your creativity, and enjoy the versatility of the NUU A23 Plus.

Why Buy NUU A23 Plus

• 6.3-inch HD+ vibrant display + detachable
• 3,850mAh battery with USB-C charging
• stock Android 13 (Go edition)
• 64GB internal storage that can be expanded to 512GB with a microSD card
• Compatible with Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and AT&T

2. Alcatel 1 2021

Alcatel 1 2021 Volcano Black

The Alcatel 1 is an all-in-one gadget with a large screen housed in a lightweight, portable package, a unique design, and a camera.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
2000 mAh

Hardware
Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53

Display
5.0 inches, 64.5 cm²

Storage
8GB, expandable

Camera
5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0″, 1.12µm

The Good

• Not an expensive device.
• Durable.
• Impressive camera system.

The Bad

• Not suitable for gaming.
• Bad charging speed.
• Low Ram.

One of the best budget smartphones under £100 is the Alcatel 1 2021. If you want something simple and light in your pocket, this phone is the right fit for you. Available for only £54.97, Volcano Black is a feature-rich that comes with the latest operating system – Android 11. Thanks to the compact 5” display, this phone gives a sleek and premium look.

Another notable feature is that it doesn’t lag. The preloaded apps are smart, run fast, and occupy less space. A large battery enables it to launch apps 20% fast compared to the previous Android version.

The data saver option ensures that the apps in the background don’t use mobile data. Moreover, the auto-start restriction gives you more control as the apps function smartly. With its super-saving mode, you can boost the response speed and multi-task without putting pressure on the battery.

A non-slip cover eases the fingers and lets you take great photos with its 5 MP and 8GB storage to save them as memories. The eye-comfort mode is also integrated to ease your viewing experience by lowering eye strain. Lastly, it comes with some jaw-dropping elements like the anti-fingerprint back case to keep stains at bay.

Why Buy Alcatel 1 2021, Volcano Black

• Unlocked and SIM-free
• 4G capability for fast network speed
• 5MP rear and 2MP selfie camera
• MediaTek MT6739 Quad Core Processor with 1GB RAM
• The inbuilt storage of 8GB, expandable with a 2GB MicroSD
• 5” FWVGA+ Display
• One-handed functionality for high comfort
• 4G connectivity

3. Nokia G11

Nokia G11

The Nokia G11 smartphone has the newest AndroidTM 12, two years of OS and three years of security updates, and a triple rear camera. It also has a three-day battery life.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
Li-Po 5050 mAh

Hardware
Octa-core

Display
6.5 inches, 102.0 cm²

Storage
32GB, expandable

Camera
13 MP, PDAF

The Good

• Excellent battery life.
• Durable device.
• Cheap price.

The Bad

• The battery is not removable.
• Charging speeds have not improved.
• Haptics are still not as good as rivals.

Once the pioneer in the handset industry, Nokia makes its presence felt every now and then with amazing smartphones for every market segment. Nokia G11 Charcoal 6.5″ 32GB, 3GB is another handset from the tech giant that fulfils the customers’ needs without straining their budget.

It is the best budget smartphone under 100 due to its long battery time, as it keeps you connected for three days. You can talk to your loved ones, watch movies, play games, and do much more without worrying about its battery draining. With its 18W fast charge capability, you’ll never be left stranded.

Sensing our appetite for a large display, Nokia loaded its G11 Charcoal with a 6.5” screen which can be used as a mini TV at home. With a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling through social media, taking photos and doing other tasks is smooth and lag-free.

Talking about photos, how can we not talk about the stunning triple-rear camera to take spectacular photos and videos around the clock? The quality of the selfie camera is a point worth mentioning. So, whether you are taking family portraits in the day, breathtaking close-ups, or landscapes even in low light, Nokia G11 is your go-to phone for only £99.

Why buy Nokia G11 Charcoal

• Unlocked & SIM Free
• 4G Ready for super-fast fast network speeds
• Ultra-sharp Triple 13, 2 and 2 Megapixel rear camera
• 8 Megapixel selfie camera
• 5” HD+ 90Hz Display
• Super-fast Unisoc T606 Octa Core Processor + 3GB of RAM
• Android 11 OS
• 32GB Storage + 512GB MicroSD Card Slot

4. Motorola Moto E20

Motorola Moto E20

The Motorola e20 is a smartphone with a large display, a quick octa-core processor, and an AI dual camera system that is designed to entertain.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
Li-Po 4000 mAh

Hardware
Octa-core

Display
6.5 inches, 102.0 cm²

Storage
32GB, Expandable

Camera
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)

The Good

• Solid built.
• Big screen.
• Fingerprint recognition.

The Bad

•  Poor 720p display.
• Sluggish performance.

Another smartphone from Motorola stands out for its features and stylish exterior. With Moto E20 in your hand, feel the enhanced digital experience at your fingertips. Enable voice control functionality by pressing a dedicated button and interacting with Google Assistant for whatever tasks or questions.

With its immersive display capabilities, now you enjoy your favourite content even more, thanks to the huge 6.5” Max Vision HD+ screen. The smart touch resistive technology ensures that it responds to every command instantly, be it a touch, tap, or swipe.

The octa-core processor makes multi-tasking fun and exciting. One tap on the ‘batwing’ moto logo awakens and device and frees you from the worries of complicated passcodes and pattern locks. The same goes for locking.

Blurry and unfocused images are a thing of the past now. With Motorola Moto E20’s ultra-sharp, fast-focusing 13 MP rear camera, you can capture life-like photos better than any of its peers.

The AI camera lets you take pictures and make videos like a pro. The 2MP depth-sensing front camera is also great and ensures your selfies are worth posting on social media.

Why buy Motorola Moto E20 Graphite Grey

• 4G Ready for the super fast network speeds
• Ultra-sharp Dual 13 + 2 Megapixel rear camera & 5 Megapixel selfie camera
• 5” HD+ Display
• Super-fast Unisoc T606 Octa Core Processor + 2GB of RAM
• Android 11 GO OS
• 32GB Storage + 1TB MicroSD Card Slot

5. Xiaomi Redmi 9AT

Xiaomi Redmi 9AT

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G25 (12 nm) chipset and Octa-core processor. The Xiaomi Redmi 9AT Android smartphone comes with Android 10 and MIUI 12.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
Li-Po 5000 mAh

Hardware
Octa-core

Display
6.53 inches, 102.9 cm²

Storage
32GB, Expandable

Camera
13 MP

The Good

• Excellent battery life.
• Superb display.

The Bad

• Non-Removable battery.
• No Infra-red connectivity.
• Reverse charging is not available.

At only £99, who doesn’t want a phone with a massive battery that lasts for more than a month? If you do, head to your nearest smartphone retailer and ask for Xiaomi Redmi 9AT. With this phone, you’ll enjoy a massive battery with a standby time of 34 days.

It seems like a gimmick; however, it is not. The secret behind its long-standing charge life is that the 5000mAh battery has a charge cycle count as high as 1000. Simply saying, you can use this budget phone for days with no worries of it running out.

If you are a fan of battery longevity, you’ll get your money’s worth. Its reliable performance is backed by the MediaTek Helio G25 processor, which ensures a lag-free experience. For a more fluid and responsive gaming experience, Xiaomi has integrated the HyperEngine game technology, which also promises life-like visuals.

The 13MP AI back camera takes the shooting of images to a whole new level. It comes with a wide 6.53 HD+ display for non-stop fun. Lastly, there’s a textured design at the back to prevent fingerprints so that the device remains pristine for years.

Why buy Xiaomi Redmi 9AT

• 4G Ready for super-fast network speeds
• Unlocked & SIM Free
• Ultra-sharp 13 Megapixel rear camera & 5 Megapixel selfie camera
• 53” HD+ Display
• Super-fast MediaTek Helio G25 Octa Core Processor + 2GB of RAM
• Android 10 OS
• 32GB Storage + 512GB MicroSD card slot

6. Cubot King Kong Mini 2

Cubot King Kong Mini 2

The Cubot King Kong Mini 2 is a rugged and compact smartphone designed for durability in challenging environments. With its robust build and water-resistant features, it combines toughness with portability for users who need a reliable device in tough conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
3000 mAh

Hardware
Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53

Display
4.0 inches, 41.3 cm²

Storage
32GB, Expandable

Camera
13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)

The Good

• Excellent battery life.
• Waterproof.
• Durable body.

The Bad

• Frequent screen glitches.
• Small display.

Cubot King Kong Mini 2 makes it to our list of best budget smartphones under £100. Although it is small compared to other budget phones in the list, it definitely packs a punch. Priced at only £99.97, it comes with a 4” QHD+ small screen.

This feature makes it easy to carry in your hand or pocket and to operate using one hand. Cubot King Kong Mini 2 is a pocket-rocket smartphone that is big on performance. It comes equipped with an MT6761 processor making it capable of handling everyday tasks without putting extra pressure on the battery.

Cubot manufacturers have gone for the metal casing on the sides to make it sturdy. An imported soft plastic package enhances the durability of its corners. Moreover, the body is thick and made with skid-proof material to withstand crashes and extreme environments.

Another feature of King Kong Mini 2 is its impressive camera range of a 13MP primary camera accompanied by a 500mA LED flashlight. So, you can take great pictures even in low light conditions. The selfie camera comes with a beauty mode and gives you the freedom to take selfies even in harsh weather.

To ensure smooth running, Cubit King Kong Mini 2 is powered with a software version of Android 10. Lastly, you can do all tasks on this phone, like every other phone in the budget segment, such as using Google apps, social media, deploying the dark theme, and much more.

Why buy Cubot King Kong Mini 2

• Unlocked & SIM Free
• 4G Ready for the ultra-fast network speeds
• Ultra-sharp 13 Megapixel rear camera & 8 Megapixel selfie camera
• 4” QHD+ Display
• Super-fast MediaTek MT6761 Quad Core Processor + 3GB of RAM
• Android 10 OS
• 32GB Storage + 128GB MicroSD Card Slot

Interesting read: Best Phones Under $500

7. TCL 305

TCL 305

The TCL 305, unveiled in January 2022, boasts a 6.52-inch display and is powered by the MT6761 Helio A22 chipset, offering a reliable performance.

With a substantial 5000 mAh battery, 64 GB storage, and 2 GB RAM, it provides a balance of features for a budget-friendly Android smartphone experience.

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery
Li-Po 5000 mAh

Hardware
Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53

Display
6.52 inches, 102.6 cm²

Storage
32GB, Expandable

Camera
13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide)

The Good

• Excellent battery life.
• Superb display.

The Bad

• Less RAM.
• Charging speeds have not improved.

There are many reasons to buy this exceptional smartphone without spending too much. Available in only £89.97, TCL 305 Space comes with a longstanding battery of 5000mAh and a smart manager to optimize operations lowering the stress on the battery.

Another remarkable aspect that makes it the best budget smartphone under 100 is its 6.52” HD+ V-notch NXTVision display. The stunning display with a 20:9 ratio lets you immerse in every detail of your favourite movies and videos.

To maximise your visual experience, TCL has incorporated multiple eye-care modes for comfortable viewing. The reading and eye-comfort modes cause less strain on eyes even after hours of use.

Capture beautiful moments with the 13MP triple camera on the back, which comes with face tracking, panorama modes, and other options to enhance your shooting capabilities.

The Android 11 Go version helps launch an app 20% faster than the phones with the previous Android editions. All apps consume less space, save data, and enable a swift experience, making it one the go-to budget phones.

How can we talk about its Helio A22 quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM, and expandable memory up to 512GB to store whatever you want? The face key set up to access the TCL 305 via facial recognition or fingerprint makes sure that all your data is safe and secure.

Why buy TCL 305?

• Unlocked & SIM Free
• 4G Ready for super-fast network speeds
• Ultra-sharp Triple 13 + 2 + 2 Megapixel rear camera & 5 Megapixel selfie camera
• 52” HD+ Display
• Super-fast MediaTek Helio A22 Quad Core Processor + 2GB of RAM
• Android 11 OS Go Edition
• 32GB Storage + 512GB MicroSD Card slot

Which is the Best budget smartphone under £100? A Comparison

Is a Budget Smartphone under £100 Worth it?

Absolutely, they are worth every penny of your hard-earned money. Buying a budget phone doesn’t mean you are compromising on everything. More often than not, these phones come with a few features that match the leading flagship models. However, you may have to sacrifice a thing or two and understandably so.

For this, determine and figure out which features you require, and which ones are negotiable. Do you want a long-standing battery, a fast processor, a better camera, or a large screen size? Once you know what you want, you are in a better position to purchase the best budget smartphone under 100 that’ll take care of your needs.

Care to have a better budget? Why not read a guide on the best phones under £200.

So, based on your required features, which smartphone are you buying without breaking the bank? Do let us know in the comment section.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after careful evaluation of various smartphones in the under 100 pounds category, it is evident that budget-conscious consumers have a range of excellent options to choose from. Each contender has its unique strengths, whether it’s the NUU A23 with its impressive specifications, sleek design, and advanced features or other competitive models offering a balance of affordability and functionality.

Ultimately, the best smartphone under 100 pounds will depend on individual preferences and specific needs. Nevertheless, these budget-friendly options demonstrate that quality and performance need not be sacrificed for affordability, providing users with a diverse selection of reliable devices in this budget range.