What $200 buys in 2026
After this year’s price increases, the Moto G (2025) is the only new unlocked phone we have confirmed at a regular list price under $200. It covers the basics well: a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen, 128GB of storage with microSD expansion up to 1TB, a headphone jack, a nano-SIM slot plus eSIM, and Motorola-confirmed support for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
What you give up at this price:
- Screen sharpness. The LCD is 1604 x 720 (HD+), noticeably softer than a Full HD screen.
- Speed. It has 4GB of RAM; Android Police found the interface stuttered at times.
- Low-light photos. Android Police reported weak detail in dim light.
- Water resistance. We have not confirmed an IP rating for the US model.
- Support length. Motorola lists security updates through December 2027, a shorter runway than the 2026 Motorola phones.
Other options near $200
We list phones by their regular unlocked list price, not by sale prices. These are the closest alternatives, and store sales sometimes bring them under $200:
- Moto G Play (2026), $249.99: security updates listed through December 2028, but only 64GB of storage.
- TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, $249.99: a matte Full HD reading screen and a headphone jack.
- Galaxy A17 5G, $269.99: an AMOLED screen and six promised Android upgrades.
If you can stretch to $300, our best phones under $300 guide compares five picks.
Refurbished and prepaid phones
- Refurbished phones can get you a higher-end model for the same money. Buy from a seller with a real warranty and a stated battery condition, and check the remaining software support. Our refurbished vs new guide has a checklist.
- Prepaid carrier phones often cost less than $200, but they are usually locked to that carrier for a period. Read unlocked vs carrier-locked phones before you buy one.
Check your carrier first
Motorola confirms AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon support for the Moto G (2025). Still run the exact model through your carrier’s compatibility checker before you buy, especially on Verizon.
FAQ
- What is the best phone under $200 in 2026?
- The Moto G (2025), at $199.99 unlocked from Motorola. It is the only new unlocked phone we have confirmed at a regular list price under $200.
- Why are there so few new phones under $200?
- Memory chip prices rose sharply in 2026, and Samsung and Motorola raised the US list prices of several budget models by $50 to $100. For example, Motorola launched the Moto G Play (2024) at $149.99; the Moto G Play (2026) now lists at $249.99.
- How long will the Moto G (2025) get security updates?
- Motorola's support site lists security updates through December 2027. The Moto G (2026) and Moto G Play (2026) are listed through December 2028.
- Is a prepaid carrier phone a better deal?
- It can be cheaper up front, but prepaid phones are usually locked to one carrier for a set period. Check the unlocking terms before you buy if you might switch carriers.
- Should I buy a refurbished phone instead?
- If $200 is a hard limit, a refurbished phone from a seller with a real warranty can get you a better screen or camera. Check how long the model will still receive security updates first.
