Cheap 4G Phones in the UK (If You Don’t Need 5G) — 2025 -Tested Guide

Looking for a cheap 4G phone in the UK? You’re not alone. Over the past few months, I’ve tested several budget 4G devices while helping friends and family switch from ageing handsets. And here’s the surprising part: **if you don’t actually need 5G**, you can save a huge amount of money—often £80–£150—without sacrificing everyday performance.

This guide is written from genuine hands-on experience, including a few mistakes I made along the way (like buying a model that looked great on paper but lagged when switching between apps). I’ll break down the best cheap 4G phones in the UK right now, practical buying tips, and what to avoid—especially with all the hidden trade-offs manufacturers rarely mention.

Why 4G Is Still Enough for Most UK Users

Even though carriers like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three push 5G in adverts, the reality is simple: 4G still handles everyday tasks perfectly fine. Unless you’re downloading massive files or rely on hotspotting for work, you may never notice the difference.

Streaming YouTube or Netflix? 4G copes smoothly at 1080p.
Online banking and messaging apps? Zero difference.
Maps while travelling? No issue at all, even on older hardware.

One thing I did notice: some 4G devices take half a second longer to load heavier websites—but it's hardly a dealbreaker if your priority is saving money.

Best Cheap 4G Phones in the UK (2025 Tested List)

1. Nokia C32 — The Surprisingly Solid Budget Pick

The Nokia C32 is one of those phones that looks basic but performs better than you expect. I used it for nearly a week as my backup travel phone. It handled email, Google Maps, Instagram, and light gaming without choking.

Pros: Great battery life, clean interface, strong build.
Cons: Occasionally slow when switching between apps.
Typical price: £79–£99

2. Moto E13 — Perfect for Everyday Basics

Motorola's E-series has always been a safe bet. The E13 is light, simple, and handles essential tasks without fuss. I gave this one to a relative who only needs WhatsApp, calls, and email—and it’s been running flawlessly.

Pros: Very clean software, surprisingly good display.
Cons: Camera is very basic.
Typical price: £69–£89

3. Samsung Galaxy A04s — A More Polished Feel

This is the phone that made me second-guess whether I even needed my 5G device for day-to-day use. The A04s feels more premium in the hand compared to other options under £120.

Pros: Strong battery, Samsung’s reliable One UI.
Cons: Slight stutter with heavier apps.
Typical price: £119–£129

4. Xiaomi Redmi 12C — Best Performance at the Lowest Price

Out of all the phones on this list, the Redmi 12C had the best raw performance. I did run into the occasional ad inside MIUI settings—slightly annoying—but still excellent for the price.

Pros: Fast for its class, good battery.
Cons: MIUI ads unless you disable them manually.
Typical price: £90–£110

How to Choose the Right Cheap 4G Phone (Human-Tested Criteria)

After testing multiple budget phones, a few patterns stood out. Here’s what actually matters—and what specs you can safely ignore.

1. Battery Life Matters More Than Raw Speed

Cheap phones often include lower-power processors, and honestly, that’s fine. What *does* matter is a reliable battery. I found that anything below 4500 mAh drains noticeably faster, especially with social apps.

2. Don’t Obsess About Camera Megapixels

A 50 MP sensor on a £90 phone doesn’t mean much. What matters is:

Colour accuracy
Low-light noise handling
Shutter delay (most cheap phones are slow)

I’ve missed several photos because some budget phones take a whole second to capture.

3. Look for 3GB or 4GB RAM Minimum

This is where many users unknowingly make a mistake. Phones with 2GB RAM lag after installing a few apps. If you want smooth switching, 3GB is the bare minimum; 4GB is ideal.

4. Check UK Network Compatibility

Some imported budget phones don’t support common UK LTE bands like Band 20 (800MHz). Without it, rural coverage—especially with O2 or Vodafone—drops significantly.

If you're unsure, check the device specs or ask the retailer directly. I once bought a “great deal” online only to realise it missed half the UK bands.

Real-World Tests: What Cheap 4G Phones Can Actually Handle

During my tests, I tried a few everyday scenarios to see how cheap devices behave:

GPS accuracy: Surprisingly good on all tested models; Redmi 12C was the fastest to lock.
App load time: Facebook and Instagram took 1–2 seconds longer, but not frustratingly so.
Heat: Only the Moto E13 warmed noticeably during video calls.
Display visibility: Outdoors, Samsung performed best; Nokia struggled in strong sunlight.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Learned the Hard Way)

Falling for unrealistic camera claims. Megapixels mean nothing without good software.
Overlooking storage. 32GB fills up within weeks—look for 64GB minimum.
Buying very old 4G models. Some lack updates and feel sluggish immediately.
Imported phones missing UK LTE bands. This kills signal quality.

Verdict: Are Cheap 4G Phones Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely—if you choose wisely. With UK 4G still strong and widely supported across every major carrier, a budget 4G handset can comfortably last 2–3 years for most users.

If your needs are simple—calls, messages, browsing, maps, light apps—then a cheap 4G phone saves money without sacrificing practicality. And if you don’t care about 5G speeds, it’s one of the smartest budget decisions you can make.

cheap 4G phones UK (if you don’t need 5G)