What Is the Least Expensive Phone? | Starting at $20

The question seems simple, but the answer depends entirely on what you expect a phone to do. If you want a device that makes calls, sends texts, and runs a few basic web apps, the TCL Flip 2 is genuinely the cheapest option. However, if you need a smartphone that supports modern apps like Gmail, banking, or social media, the budget floor jumps considerably.

The Cheapest Phones Available in the US (2026)

The table below breaks down the cheapest new phones currently available at major US retailers, separated by category so you can compare based on what you actually need.

What You Actually Get for $20: TCL Flip 2 Realities

The TCL Flip 2 is a 4G flip phone with a 2.8-inch color display and a physical keypad. It runs KaiOS 4G, not Android. That distinction matters: you get web-based versions of WhatsApp and Google Maps, but you cannot install Instagram, Spotify, Netflix, or your bank’s app. The phone works on all major US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) using a 4G SIM, but it does not support 5G networks. It released in 2024 and remains widely available in 2026 at Walmart, Best Buy, and carrier stores.

This phone is genuinely useful for someone who wants a reliable talk-and-text device with a long battery life and a satisfying flip mechanism. It is not useful for anyone expecting a smartphone experience. If that describes you, the minimum entry point changes.

When You Need a Real Smartphone: The $149 Floor

If you need access to standard Android or iOS apps, there is no workaround. The Motorola Moto G 2025 currently sits at approximately $149, while the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G costs $169.99. Both run Android 14, support 5G, and handle everyday apps without frustration. Per PCMag’s testing, the Galaxy A16 delivers a 6.5-inch 90Hz screen, a 5,000 mAh battery, and an IP67 water-resistance rating—specs that match phones double its price.

A common mistake is buying a KaiOS feature phone expecting smartphone performance. The price gap between $20 and $150 exists for a real reason: app support, software updates, and a touchscreen interface cost money to produce. You are getting what you pay for.

If you are ready to choose, explore our breakdown of the best and cheapest phones with full specs and price comparisons to find the right model for your needs and carrier.

Should You Consider the Summit 5G or Used Phones?

The Summit 5G is sold exclusively at Walmart and is technically the cheapest 5G phone in US retail. However, it is a gray-market device with no official manufacturer documentation, unclear model number, and limited US carrier support. For most buyers, it introduces more risk than savings.

Used phones offer lower prices—a used iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21 can often be found under $200 on eBay. But you forfeit the manufacturer warranty, battery health is a gamble, and the device may be locked to a specific carrier. For a phone you rely on daily, the $149 new floor is usually the smarter bet.