7 Best Smartphones Under $700 in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Google Pixel 9	50MP main camera, AI editing, and clean Android
Best value	Samsung Galaxy A37 5G	Super AMOLED display, IP68 protection, and six OS upgrades
Best for battery life	Motorola Edge 2025	5200mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
Best budget pick	Motorola Moto G Power 2025	5000mAh battery, wireless charging, and expandable storage
Also recommended	Google Pixel 7 Pro	5x optical zoom and Macro Focus
Also recommended	Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026	Active stylus and 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED display
Also recommended	Google Pixel 10a	30+ hours of rated battery life and a bright Actua display

How we chose and tested

We evaluated smartphones based on real-world performance across key categories including camera quality, battery endurance, display technology, and software support. Our assessment prioritizes devices that deliver consistent value, with particular attention to long-term software updates and build quality. We considered products from multiple manufacturers to provide balanced recommendations across different user preferences and ecosystems.

The best smartphones under $700 right now

Google Pixel 9 - Best overall

The Pixel 9 delivers flagship-level photography through advanced AI processing and Google's clean Android experience, making it the most complete package under $700.

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Key highlights

AI-powered camera with Magic Editor and Best Take features
2700-nit Actua display for excellent outdoor visibility
7 years of software and security updates
Tensor G4 processor with Gemini AI integration
IP68 water and dust resistance

Pros

50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras with Macro Focus
Actua display reaches up to 2700 nits peak brightness
Seven years of updates from its first U.S. Google Store availability
Clean software experience without manufacturer bloatware

Cons

Base storage limited to 128GB without expansion options
Charging speeds lag behind some competitors
Can get warm during extended camera use

Who it is for: Photography enthusiasts who want AI-powered editing tools, users who value clean Android software, and anyone needing a bright display for outdoor use.

Skip if

You need expandable storage, want the absolute fastest charging, or prefer a more compact phone design.

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G - Best value

The Galaxy A37 5G pairs a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with an Exynos 1480 processor, IP68 protection, and six generations of OS upgrades. This listing is the standalone U.S. model with 128GB of storage.

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Key highlights

6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Exynos 1480 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage
Six OS upgrades and six years of security updates
5000mAh battery with Super Fast Charging 2.0
IP68 water and dust resistance

Pros

Large AMOLED screen for videos and everyday browsing
Long software support commitment
50MP main camera with optical image stabilization
U.S. model with a one-year U.S. warranty

Cons

128GB storage in this configuration
Wall charger sold separately
6.7-inch screen may be too large for compact-phone buyers

Who it is for: Samsung users who prioritize a large AMOLED display, software support, and a U.S. warranty.

Skip if

You need a compact phone or more built-in storage in the linked configuration.

Motorola Edge 2025 - Best for battery life

The Motorola Edge 2025 combines a 5200mAh battery with 68W TurboPower charging and 15W wireless charging. Its battery and charging features make it a strong fit for users who spend long stretches away from an outlet.

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Key highlights

5200mAh battery with 68W TurboPower charging
15W wireless charging support
6.7-inch 1220p display with 120Hz refresh rate
MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor
8GB RAM and 256GB built-in storage

Pros

Large battery with fast wired charging
Wireless charging option
256GB storage in the linked U.S. model
Unlocked for major U.S. carriers

Cons

Wall charger is not included
Wireless charger sold separately
6.7-inch display may be too large for compact-phone buyers

Who it is for: Users who prioritize battery capacity, quick recharging, and a large screen.

Skip if

You want a compact phone or a charger included in the box.

Motorola Moto G Power 2025 - Best budget pick

The Moto G Power 2025 combines a 5000mAh battery, a 6.8-inch 120Hz display, and expandable storage. Wireless charging and IP68/IP69 protection make it a practical budget pick.

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Key highlights

5000mAh battery with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging support
6.8-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate
8GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable by microSD up to 1TB
50MP main camera with optical image stabilization
IP68/IP69 protection and Gorilla Glass 5

Pros

Wireless charging support
Expandable storage for media and files
Stereo speakers with Bass Boost
Water and dust resistance

Cons

128GB built-in storage
Large 6.8-inch screen
Wireless charger sold separately

Who it is for: Budget-conscious buyers who want expandable storage, a large screen, and wireless charging.

Skip if

You prefer a compact phone or want an OLED display.

Also Good

Google Pixel 7 Pro (Renewed) - 5x optical zoom and Macro Focus in a new device; its update period is shorter than that of newer Pixels.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026 - built-in active stylus, 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, and 68W charging.
Google Pixel 10a - rated for 30+ hours of battery life, with an Actua display reaching 3000 nits peak brightness.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your next smartphone under $700:

Camera priorities: If photography matters most, focus on computational photography capabilities rather than megapixel counts. Google's Pixel phones excel here with AI features that enhance photos automatically. Look for optical image stabilization and good low-light performance.

Battery needs: Evaluate both capacity and charging speed. The Motorola Edge 2025 combines a 5200mAh battery with 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Consider your daily routine and access to charging throughout the day.

Software support: Check the support window for the exact model, measured from its original release rather than your purchase date. Google provides seven years for Pixel 8 and later phones and five years for the Pixel 7 Pro; Samsung promises six OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the Galaxy A37.

Display preferences: OLED panels offer better contrast and battery efficiency than LCD. Refresh rates of 90Hz or higher make scrolling smoother. Consider brightness levels if you frequently use your phone outdoors.

Ecosystem considerations: The picks here run Android. If you prefer iOS, compare new iPhones sold directly by Apple and check the total price, carrier requirements, and storage before buying.

FAQ

What's the best phone under $700 for photography?

The Google Pixel 9 is our photography pick for its AI editing tools, 50MP main camera, and 48MP ultrawide camera. For optical zoom, the new Pixel 7 Pro listing provides a 5x telephoto lens.

How long should a phone under $700 last?

With proper care, expect 3-4 years of reliable use. Software support is crucial, phones with 5-7 years of updates (like Pixels and recent Samsung models) will remain secure and functional longer than those with shorter support periods.

Are renewed phones worth buying under $700?

Renewed phones can be an option, but condition, battery health, and warranty terms vary by listing. Compare those terms with a new phone before buying; the picks above link to new devices.

What features should I prioritize at this price point?

Focus on display quality (OLED preferred), battery capacity (4000mAh minimum), software support (3+ years), and camera versatility. Avoid getting distracted by high megapixel counts or processor specifications that don't translate to real-world benefits.

Should I choose Android or iOS under $700?

The selections here are Android phones. If you prefer iOS, compare Apple's new iPhone options against your budget and carrier requirements. Choose based on your existing apps, services, and preferences.

Published April 21, 2026 Last updated September 5, 2026