A comprehensive guide to the best unlocked GSM phones under $200, their benefits, and where to buy them.
Looking for a new smartphone but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! The world of unlocked GSM phones under $200 is surprisingly robust, offering a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a casual user, a student, or just need a reliable backup phone, there are great choices available without sacrificing quality.
This guide is your one-stop shop for finding the best unlocked GSM phones under $200 in 2024. We’ve carefully curated a list of five top contenders, taking into account factors like performance, battery life, camera quality, and overall value. We’ll break down each phone’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Don’t let the low price tag fool you – these phones are capable of delivering a smooth and enjoyable user experience. From crisp displays to long-lasting batteries, you’ll be surprised at what you can find for under $200.
So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just need a simple and reliable device, read on to discover the best unlocked GSM phones under $200 that will exceed your expectations!
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TCL 20 Pro 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Pixel 5a 5G |  |
3.7 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G |  |
3.9 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TCL 20 Pro 5G
The TCL 20 Pro 5G offers a premium design and a large, vibrant display at a surprisingly affordable price.
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Specifications :
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Cameras: 48MP main, 16MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 4,500 mAh, 18W fast charging
Reasons to buy :
- Stunning AMOLED display with a high refresh rate
- 5G connectivity
- Powerful processor for smooth performance
- Excellent value for money
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance could be better
- Plastic build quality
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're looking for a phone with a great display and 5G connectivity at a budget-friendly price.
- You prioritize a smooth user experience and don't need the best camera performance.
Don't buy it if:
- You require top-notch camera quality.
- You want a phone with a premium build.
Bottom Line:
The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a compelling option for budget-minded buyers who prioritize a beautiful display and 5G capabilities. It offers a solid overall experience with smooth performance and a decent camera, but it falls short in terms of build quality and camera performance compared to some of its competitors. If you're on a tight budget and need a phone with a large, vibrant display, the TCL 20 Pro 5G is a great value. However, if you want the best possible camera performance or a premium build, you may want to consider other options.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
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The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G delivers solid performance and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price point.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch TFT LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 15W fast charging
Reasons to buy :
- Long battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Affordable price
- Familiar Samsung software experience
Reasons to avoid :
- LCD display with low resolution
- Camera performance is average
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize a long-lasting battery and 5G connectivity on a budget.
- You prefer the Samsung software experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a high-quality display.
- You prioritize excellent camera performance.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and 5G connectivity. Its affordability and familiar Samsung software experience make it an attractive option for many. However, the LCD display with low resolution and average camera performance may be a dealbreaker for some. If you need a phone with a high-quality display and a strong camera, you may want to consider other options. But for those who value long battery life and 5G connectivity at an affordable price, the Galaxy A32 5G is a decent choice.
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Google Pixel 5a 5G
The Google Pixel 5a 5G offers a clean software experience, excellent camera performance, and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.34-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Cameras: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4,680 mAh, 18W fast charging
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance
- Clean and up-to-date Android software experience
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- 60Hz refresh rate display
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize camera quality and a clean software experience.
- You want a phone with long battery life and 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a high refresh rate display.
- You want wireless charging capabilities.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 5a 5G is a great choice for users who prioritize camera performance and a clean software experience. It offers excellent value for money with its powerful processor, long-lasting battery, and 5G connectivity. However, the lack of a high refresh rate display and wireless charging may be a drawback for some. If you need a phone with a fast display and wireless charging capabilities, you may want to consider other options. But for those who prioritize camera quality, software experience, and battery life, the Pixel 5a 5G is a strong contender.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G offers a fast processor, 5G connectivity, and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Cameras: 64MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP monochrome
- Battery: 4,500 mAh, 33W fast charging
Reasons to buy :
- Fast processor for smooth performance
- 5G connectivity
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- AMOLED display with a high refresh rate
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is average
- No expandable storage
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a phone with fast performance and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price.
- You want a phone with a high refresh rate display and 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize excellent camera performance.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a strong contender for budget-minded buyers looking for a phone with a fast processor, a long-lasting battery, and a high refresh rate display. It's a great value for money and delivers a solid overall experience. However, the average camera performance and lack of expandable storage may be drawbacks for some users. If you prioritize camera quality or expandable storage, you may want to consider other options. But for those who want a phone with fast performance, 5G connectivity, and a smooth display experience at an affordable price, the Nord N20 5G is a compelling choice.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) offers a unique stylus experience, a large display, and a long-lasting battery at an affordable price.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 1640 x 720 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 10W fast charging
Reasons to buy :
- Unique stylus experience
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Low-resolution LCD display
- Average camera performance
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a phone with a large display and a stylus for note-taking and drawing.
- You prioritize long battery life and an affordable price.
Don't buy it if:
- You require a high-quality display.
- You prioritize excellent camera performance.
Bottom Line:
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a compelling option for users who need a phone with a stylus for note-taking and drawing. Its large display and long-lasting battery make it suitable for productivity and entertainment. The affordable price point further enhances its appeal. However, the low-resolution LCD display and average camera performance may be a drawback for some users. If you need a phone with a high-quality display and a strong camera, you may want to consider other options. But for those who value a stylus experience, a large display, and long battery life at an affordable price, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a solid choice.
Finding a great unlocked GSM phone under $200 can be a challenge, but it's definitely possible. The devices we've highlighted offer a fantastic balance of affordability, features, and performance. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver, a budget-friendly option for a kid or teenager, or a backup phone for travel, you'll find a perfect fit on this list.
It's important to consider your specific needs and prioritize features that are important to you. Do you need a long-lasting battery, a sharp camera, or a large screen? Consider your usage patterns and choose the phone that best meets your requirements.
Remember, the best phone for you is the one that fits your budget and lifestyle. Don't be afraid to explore different options and compare prices before making your final decision. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect unlocked GSM phone under $200 that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. We encourage you to do your research and compare the features and specifications of each phone to find the one that best suits your individual preferences. Happy shopping!