Looking for the best budget smartphones in the UK under £100? You don’t have to settle for slow performance or terrible cameras anymore. In 2026, several brands offer reliable, feature-packed phones at ultra-affordable prices — perfect for students, backup devices, seniors, or anyone who wants solid value without overspending.
Here’s a carefully researched list of the top 10 best cheap smartphones under £100 in the UK, focusing on performance, battery life, display quality, and everyday usability.
1. Samsung Galaxy A05s
Why it stands out: Big display + trusted brand reliability
- 6.7-inch FHD+ display
- Snapdragon processor
- 5,000mAh battery
- 50MP main camera
Samsung’s A-series remains a safe bet for budget buyers. The Galaxy A05s offers smooth performance for social media, browsing, and streaming — all under £100 during UK sales.
2. Xiaomi Redmi 13C
Best for: Performance on a tight budget
- MediaTek Helio processor
- 6.74-inch display
- 5,000mAh battery
- Up to 128GB storage
Xiaomi consistently dominates the affordable smartphone market. The Redmi 13C delivers impressive speed for its price range and excellent battery endurance.
3. Motorola Moto G04
Best clean Android experience under £100
- Near-stock Android
- 6.6-inch display
- 5,000mAh battery
- 50MP camera
Motorola’s Moto G series is known for smooth performance and minimal bloatware. Ideal for users who prefer a simple, clutter-free Android interface.
4. Nokia G22
Best for durability and repairability
- 6.5-inch HD+ display
- 3-day battery life claim
- User-repairable design
Nokia focuses on sustainability. The G22 is designed to be repair-friendly, making it a smart long-term budget choice.
5. Honor X6a
Best for battery life
- Massive 5,200mAh battery
- 50MP camera
- 6.56-inch display
If battery life is your top priority, the Honor X6a easily lasts a full day (and often more) with moderate use.
6. TCL 406
Best display comfort features
- 6.6-inch display with eye-care modes
- 50MP AI camera
- 5,000mAh battery
TCL offers solid value and display-focused features that reduce eye strain, great for extended screen time.
7. Realme C51
Best for fast charging under £100
- 33W fast charging
- 50MP camera
- 5,000mAh battery
Realme packs premium-style features into ultra-budget pricing. Fast charging is a rare bonus at this price point.
8. Alcatel 1B (2022)
Best ultra-cheap option
- Compact design
- Android Go Edition
- Lightweight performance
Perfect for light users who mainly use calls, WhatsApp, and basic browsing.
9. OPPO A17
Best design under £100
- Premium leather-style back
- 50MP AI camera
- 5,000mAh battery
OPPO combines style and reliability, making the A17 a fashionable yet affordable pick.
10. Itel P40
Best for huge battery on extreme budget
6,000mAh battery
Large 6.6-inch display
Affordable entry-level pricing
Ideal for users who prioritize battery life above everything else.
Want More?
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What to Expect from a £100 Smartphone in the UK
At this price range, you can realistically expect:
- Smooth social media use (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)
- HD or FHD+ large displays
- 50MP main cameras (AI-optimized)
- 5,000mAh+ battery life
- 4GB RAM minimum (recommended)
You shouldn’t expect flagship-level gaming or premium glass builds — but for everyday tasks, these phones deliver excellent value.
Best Budget Smartphone Under £100 – Quick Recommendation
If you want the overall best pick, go for the Samsung Galaxy A05s or Redmi 13C.
If battery life matters most, choose Honor X6a or Itel P40.
If you want clean Android, pick Moto G04.
Keep In Mind
The UK budget smartphone market under £100 has improved dramatically. Whether you need a reliable daily driver, a backup device, or a first phone for a teen, there are excellent choices available in 2026.
With brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, and Nokia competing aggressively, you no longer need to spend £500+ to get a dependable smartphone.