Five best low-cost Samsung smartphones

A Samsung smartphone on a wooden bench. Photo: Unsplash

Samsung's Galaxy A series and the Galaxy S24 FE special edition prove that affordable prices can come with long-term support and up-to-date features.

SamMobile shares five models that have the best price-to-feature ratio.

In the under $500 segment, Samsung relies on AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, large batteries, and six-year Android updates. This allows even the initial devices to remain relevant for several years, giving the company time to "mature" the software with new features.

Galaxy A56

This 6.7-inch, 120 Hz, Super AMOLED model features a new Exynos 1480 processor with AMD graphics and up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

Samsung Galaxy A56 smartphone. Photo: ek.ua

The three main cameras are led by a 50MP sensor, and the powerful 5,000mAh battery supports 45W wired charging. Samsung promises six major Android updates, making the device ideal for gamers and those who need a long-lasting gadget.

Galaxy A26

Starting at $299, it offers a 6.7-inch, 120 Hz AMOLED screen and an Exynos 1380 chip paired with 6 or 8 GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy A26 smartphone. Photo: ek.ua

There is a microSD slot for expanding storage, and the three-component camera is based on a 50-megapixel module. The 5,000-mAh battery charges at 25 watts and provides a day of active use.

Galaxy A36

For $399, the Galaxy A36 offers the same Exynos 1380 processor, 5G modem, and 6.7-inch, 120 Hz display.

Samsung Galaxy A36 smartphone. Photo: ek.ua

The device is available with up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, but it lacks a microSD slot. The rear camera features a 50MP sensor, and the 5,000mAh battery supports 45W charging. It's an attractive option for those who need a balance of performance and price.

Galaxy A16

The company's most affordable 5G smartphone features a 6.7-inch, 90 Hz display and an Exynos 1330 chipset.

Samsung Galaxy A16 smartphone. Photo: ek.ua

With configurations offering 4 to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage, the Galaxy S24 FE will satisfy basic needs. The trio of cameras, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, takes decent pictures for its class.

Galaxy S24 FE

Although the initial price is significantly higher, regular Samsung promotions allow you to purchase it at a much lower price.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE smartphone. Photo: ek.ua

The device resembles the top-of-the-line Galaxy S24/S24+, featuring a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz display and an Exynos 2400 chip. It is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The three-times optical zoom camera provides high-quality photos, and seven years of Android support makes this model a worthwhile long-term investment for those willing to expand their budget slightly.

We also wrote that Apple plans to significantly revise the naming conventions of its mobile operating systems. If these changes are implemented, iOS 18 could be renamed iOS 26 in fall 2025, with subsequent updates receiving a number corresponding to the last digits of the current year.

As a reminder, more than 29 million PIN codes that appeared in the leaked databases showed an alarming trend: every tenth user chooses the same four digits. It means that it is much easier for criminals to find a combination that gives them access to your smartphone, SIM card, and personal data.