Best Phones for Teenagers: Reviewing the Latest Affordable Picks

Choosing the right smartphone for a teenager can be tricky. It needs to balance affordability, durability, and features that appeal to tech-savvy teens, like good cameras, solid performance, and long battery life. In 2025, the market is packed with options that deliver on these fronts without breaking the bank. After researching the latest models, here’s a rundown of the best affordable phones for teenagers, based on performance, design, and value for money.

1. Google Pixel 8a

Price: ~$499
Why Teens Love It: The Google Pixel 8a stands out for its clean Android experience, excellent camera, and compact design, making it easy to handle for younger users.
Key Features:

• Camera: 64 MP main camera with Google’s AI-powered editing tools, perfect for social media-savvy teens.
• Performance: Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, it handles gaming, streaming, and multitasking smoothly.
• Battery: 4,492 mAh battery lasts a full day of heavy use.
• Durability: Gorilla Glass 3 and IP67 water/dust resistance make it teen-proof.
  Why It’s Great: The Pixel 8a offers flagship-level camera quality and software updates for years, ensuring it stays relevant. Its vibrant colors also appeal to younger aesthetics.
  Downside: No expandable storage, so teens who hoard photos and videos might need cloud storage.

2. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Price: ~$399
Why Teens Love It: Samsung’s Galaxy A-series delivers a premium feel at a budget price, with a big, bright screen ideal for videos and gaming.
Key Features:

• Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
• Camera: 50 MP main camera with decent low-light performance for TikTok-worthy shots.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
• Storage: Expandable up to 1TB via microSD, a big plus for media-heavy users.
  Why It’s Great: The Galaxy A35 offers a near-flagship experience with Samsung’s reliable software updates and a sleek design that teens will show off.
  Downside: The plastic build feels less premium, and performance can lag in heavy gaming.

3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Price: ~$299
Why Teens Love It: Affordable yet powerful, the Nord N30 is a favorite for teens who want speed and style on a budget.
Key Features:

• Performance: Snapdragon 695 processor handles PUBG and Fortnite with ease.
• Display: 6.72-inch 120Hz LCD, great for gaming and streaming.
• Charging: 50W SUPERVOOC charging gets it to 80% in about 30 minutes.
• Camera: 108 MP main camera for sharp, detailed photos.
  Why It’s Great: Fast charging and smooth performance make it ideal for teens always on the go. The price point is unbeatable for the specs.
  Downside: Software updates are shorter than competitors, and the camera struggles in low light.

4. Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2025)

Price: ~$349
Why Teens Love It: Known for its massive battery, the Moto G Power is perfect for teens who are glued to their phones.
Key Features:

• Battery: 5,000 mAh battery lasts up to two days.
• Display: 6.7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD, vibrant for movies and games.
• Camera: 50 MP main camera with solid daylight performance.
• Extras: Stereo speakers for immersive audio, a must for music-loving teens.
  Why It’s Great: Its long battery life means less nagging about charging, and Motorola’s near-stock Android is simple to use.
  Downside: Slightly bulky design, and the processor isn’t as fast as the Pixel or OnePlus.

5. Nothing Phone (2a)

Price: ~$399
Why Teens Love It: The Nothing Phone (2a) has a unique transparent design and glowing LED Glyph interface that screams cool.
Key Features:

• Design: Transparent back with customizable LED lights for notifications and calls.
• Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip for smooth gaming and multitasking.
• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz for vivid colors and smooth animations.
• Camera: Dual 50 MP cameras for versatile photography.
  Why It’s Great: Its quirky design and fun software make it a standout for teens who want something different.
  Downside: Limited availability in some regions and no wireless charging.

What to Consider When Choosing

• Budget: All these phones are under $500, making them accessible for parents or teens saving up.
• Durability: Look for water/dust resistance (like IP67 on the Pixel 8a) and consider a sturdy case.
• Features Teens Want: Prioritize good cameras for social media, fast performance for gaming, and long battery life for all-day use.
• Parental Controls: Most of these run Android, which supports Google Family Link for monitoring screen time and app usage.
• Future-Proofing: Phones like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 offer longer software updates, keeping them secure and up-to-date.

The Google Pixel 8a is the top pick for its camera and long-term support, but the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and OnePlus Nord N30 5G are close contenders for their value and performance. For teens who prioritize battery life, the Moto G Power 5G is a no-brainer, while the Nothing Phone (2a) wins for style. Each phone caters to different needs, so consider what your teen values most—camera, gaming, or aesthetics—before deciding.

For the latest deals and availability, check retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or carrier websites. Happy phone hunting!