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This is a historical US buying guide for mid-to-late 2022. “Cheap” means a normal unlocked price, before trade-in credits, carrier bill credits, new-line requirements, prepaid activation or refurbished discounts. On that basis, the Google Pixel 6a was the best overall Android value; the 2022 iPhone SE was the best inexpensive iPhone; Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G won for screen and battery; OnePlus offered the strongest sub-$300 bargain; and Motorola’s Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) was the practical choice for a stylus and large battery.
If you are reading this as an early-2022 guide, substitute the Pixel 5a 5G for the Pixel 6a: Google did not launch the 6a until July 28, 2022.
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Quick comparison
| Phone | 2022 US price signal | Best for | Display | Main advantage | Biggest compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 6a | About $449 at launch; verify retailer and storage | Camera and overall Android value | Compact OLED, 60Hz | Computational photography and clean software | No microSD, headphone jack or high-refresh panel |
| Apple iPhone SE (2022) | $429 US launch price | Inexpensive iOS and small phones | 4.7-inch LCD | A15 Bionic performance | Small battery, dated bezels and no Night mode |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G | $449.99 US launch price | Large screen, battery and flexibility | 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED | Balanced hardware, microSD and IP67 | Slower processor and only 25W charging |
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G | Under $300 in contemporary US coverage | Lowest-cost 5G with a good display | AMOLED | 33W charging and headphone jack | Shorter support life and weaker cameras |
| Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Varied by carrier and configuration | Stylus, endurance and a large phone | Large display; verify exact variant | Integrated stylus, microSD and headphone jack | Camera and update support lag rivals |
Launch-price references: Apple’s technical specifications identify the 2022 SE and its storage tiers at Apple Support; Samsung announced the A53 at $449.99 in the US in its launch announcement. Prices in this table are not today’s prices and exclude promotions.
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1. Google Pixel 6a: best overall
The Pixel 6a combined Google’s Tensor processor with unusually strong image processing for a midrange phone. It was the safest recommendation for buyers who wanted dependable photos, a relatively compact OLED screen and a straightforward Android experience. Google’s Pixel support hub is the appropriate place to check the dated update policy for the exact model and region.
#1 Best Overall
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Choose it for
- Still photography, portraits and Google’s computational camera features.
- One-handed use without the iPhone SE’s old LCD-and-bezel design.
- Google software and voice or call features.
Accept these trade-offs
- The 60Hz display scrolls less smoothly than the A53’s 120Hz panel.
- Storage is fixed; there is no microSD slot or headphone jack.
- Battery endurance was adequate rather than class-leading, and availability varied by country and retailer.
Pick the A53 instead if display size, refresh rate, expandable storage or a 5,000mAh battery matters more than camera processing. Pick the SE instead if peak processor speed or iOS is the priority.
2. Apple iPhone SE (2022): best cheap iPhone
Apple’s third-generation SE launched at $429 in the United States. Its A15 Bionic chip delivered the strongest raw performance in this group, while 5G, wireless charging, IP67 water-and-dust resistance and Touch ID added practical value. Apple lists 64GB, 128GB and 256GB versions in its official specifications.
Choose it for
- iOS, existing Apple devices and Apple’s long-established update support.
- Gaming or demanding apps in a genuinely small handset.
- Reliable video recording and a physical Home button.
Accept these trade-offs
- The 4.7-inch LCD and large bezels look dated beside modern Android phones.
- There is one rear camera and no Night mode.
- Battery life is weaker than most similarly priced Android alternatives.
- The 64GB entry tier can fill quickly with photos, video and games.
This is the best inexpensive iPhone, not a universal winner. The Pixel 6a and A53 offered larger or better screens, stronger battery-oriented designs and more camera flexibility.
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- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
3. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: best screen and battery balance
Samsung’s A53 launched in the US at $449.99 with Android 12 and One UI 4.1. Its 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz Super AMOLED display, 5,000mAh battery, microSD slot, 64-megapixel stabilized main camera and IP67 rating made it the most versatile large-screen option. Samsung’s specification sheet documents the hardware.
Choose it for
- Streaming, reading and smooth scrolling on a large panel.
- Long days away from a charger and expandable storage.
- A balanced camera system that includes an ultrawide camera and optical stabilization.
Accept these trade-offs
- The Exynos 1280 is sufficient for daily use but behind the SE’s A15 and the Pixel’s Tensor in demanding work.
- 25W charging is modest, and Samsung sold the charger separately.
- Macro and depth cameras add less value than the main camera; extra lenses should not be mistaken for flagship versatility.
- One UI includes Samsung apps and customization that some buyers may find busy.
The A53 was especially compelling before the Pixel 6a arrived. After launch, Google’s camera and processor advantages made the Samsung a preference-based choice rather than an automatic Android winner.
4. OnePlus Nord N20 5G: best under $300
Contemporary 2022 coverage placed the Nord N20 among the leading sub-$300 5G phones, highlighting its AMOLED screen and 33W wired charging (contemporary roundup). It was a sensible low-cost purchase when display quality and charging convenience mattered more than camera results or long ownership.
Rank #3
- Compatibility: Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro, Boost, Mint, Ultra, Ting, and Consumer Cellular. If your carrier is not listed, please confirm compatibility with your preferred carrier. This device is 4G/LTE only and does not support band 71 or 5G. This device is not compatible with networks like AT&T, Cricket, Verizon, or Tracfone and does not include a SIM card.
- All of the Essentials: The Unnecto Bolt One has a 5" screen, 5MP main camera and 2MP front facing camera.
- Connect Everywhere: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type C ensure that you can connect however you need.
- Software: Android 14 Go runs in parallel with the 2GB of RAM and 1.3 GHz Quad core processor.
- Customizable Storage: with 32GB of internal storage and an additional 512GB of expandable storage with a microSD card, the Bolt One offers the flexibility to expand your device's capacity, providing additional space for photos, videos, and files.
Choose it for
- A hard budget below $300.
- An AMOLED panel, slim design and faster charging than the A53 or SE.
- A headphone jack and microSD support.
Check before buying
- Unlocked and carrier variants can differ. Confirm the exact model’s LTE and 5G bands for AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon before ordering.
- Software support was shorter than Apple’s, Google’s and Samsung’s typical propositions at this price.
- The camera system and budget Snapdragon-class performance were adequate, not exceptional; there was no meaningful ultrawide option.
Do not buy it solely because the box says 5G. Band support, update life and the phone’s actual cash price matter more than the network label.
5. Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): best for a stylus and endurance
This recommendation is specifically the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), not the Moto G Stylus (2022), the 2021 5G model or a later generation. Motorola’s US product page and support portal are the places to verify the carrier variant and specifications.
Choose it for
- Quick notes, annotations and basic editing with the integrated stylus.
- A large screen, large battery, microSD expansion and headphone jack.
- A relatively uncluttered Android interface.
Accept these trade-offs
- Camera quality and software support were less competitive than Pixel and Samsung alternatives.
- Display refresh behavior and other specifications varied by model and region.
- The stylus is convenient but basic; it is not an S Pen replacement.
Pixel 5a or Pixel 6a?
For a guide dated before July 28, 2022, the Pixel 5a 5G belongs in the shortlist. It offered excellent still photography, a large OLED display and strong battery endurance, but availability was mainly restricted to the US and Japan. The older processor, lack of wireless charging and limited storage flexibility made the Pixel 6a the more forward-looking choice once it shipped. Contemporary comparisons are documented by Tom’s Guide.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
How to choose beyond the headline
Performance
The SE’s A15 led for raw speed and gaming headroom. Tensor prioritized Google’s machine-learning and camera features. The A53 and Nord N20 were comfortable for ordinary apps but offered less long-term performance margin. Motorola’s result depended heavily on the exact 2022 carrier configuration.
Display and battery
A high refresh rate makes scrolling smoother, not automatically brighter or more accurate. The A53 supplied the clearest all-round screen-and-endurance package; the Nord N20 brought AMOLED to a lower price. Battery capacity alone is not runtime: processor efficiency, screen size, refresh rate, signal strength and software all matter. The SE’s compact battery was its clearest hardware compromise.
Camera priorities
Pixel’s processing was the strongest still-photo argument. The SE was dependable in daylight and video but lacked Night mode. Samsung supplied useful main-camera stabilization and an ultrawide lens, while the Nord N20 and Moto were best treated as good-light cameras. Megapixel count and the number of small secondary sensors are poor substitutes for processing, stabilization and autofocus.
Storage and ownership
Choose enough storage for the years you expect to keep the phone. The SE’s 64GB and the Pixel’s fixed storage require more cloud management; the A53, Nord N20 and Moto alternatives could accept microSD cards. Cloud storage can become a recurring cost. Check the manufacturer’s dated Android-version and security-update commitment, delivery history, region and carrier policy rather than relying on “future-proof” language.
Quick Recap
Unlocked, carrier and refurbished checks
- Confirm the exact model number, US regional variant, SIM or eSIM capability and supported LTE/5G bands.
- Separate the unlocked cash price from “free” or $0 carrier offers. Those offers may require a new line, an eligible unlimited plan, trade-in and 24- or 36-month bill credits while service continues.
- Verify warranty, return window, charger inclusion and storage tier.
- For refurbished phones, check battery-health guarantees, activation-lock status, seller reputation and warranty. A repaired phone’s water resistance should not be assumed.
- Compare the total cost with a newer model. By 2023–2026, a 2022 phone may have less remaining support, older batteries, discontinued parts or a price too close to a replacement.
The shortest decision guide
- Want iOS or the smallest phone? Choose the iPhone SE (2022).
- Want the best camera and Android experience? Choose the Pixel 6a.
- Want a large, smooth display and strong battery? Choose the Galaxy A53 5G.
- Need to stay below $300? Check the OnePlus Nord N20 5G, with carrier bands and update life verified.
- Want a stylus, big battery and expandable storage? Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022).
- Shopping before the Pixel 6a launch? Use the Pixel 5a 5G in its place.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
