cheap unlocked Android phones UK under £150

Cheap Unlocked Android Phones in the UK Under £150 (2025 Guide)

What’s happening with ultra‑budget Android phones in the UK right now

In 2025, finding a genuinely usable unlocked Android phone for under £150 is harder than ever — but not impossible. Thanks to deals at major UK retailers and declining costs for older hardware, there are a few new SIM-free options in that budget. These won’t be flagship beasts, but they’re perfectly fine for basic use: browsing, calls, messaging, and light apps. I dug into the latest stock, friend recommendations, and Reddit forums to find the most reliable picks.

Top Android Phones Under £150 to Consider

Here are some of the best cheap unlocked Android phones you can pick up in the UK right now:

• Samsung Galaxy A16 (4G, 128 GB) — One of the few widely available new SIM-free options in this price range. Argos lists this model for **£139.99**. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Samsung Galaxy A05s (4G, 64 GB) — Also on Argos for **£129.99**, this phone gives decent performance for basic users. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Motorola Moto G55 5G (256 GB) — Surprisingly, Argos has a 5G‑capable Moto G55 in this price bracket at **£149.99**, though storage is high‑end for a £150 phone. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Xiaomi Redmi 14C (128 GB) — A solid pick with large storage, listed on Argos for **£129.99**. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Doogee S Punk (rugged) — If you don’t mind less mainstream brands, BrandShop UK lists this rugged Android phone for **£139.99**. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Ulefone Power Armor 16S — This is a very niche pick: a rugged phone with a big battery, available for **£149.99**. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What to Watch Out For (Pitfalls)

• Performance: These budget phones often have very modest chips — don’t expect high-speed gaming or heavy apps to run smoothly.
• Software updates: Recurring problem on cheap Android: manufacturers may not provide long-term Android or security patch support.
• Storage space: Even when storage seems high (like 128 GB), the usable portion can be limited by system files. Always check “available storage” after setup.
• Build quality: At this price, expect more plastic, lower IP rating, and possibly heavier phones.

How to Make the Most of These Phones

Here are some tips from my own experience and research to stretch value:

• Use a micro‑SD card (if supported) to expand storage rather than relying on the internal memory.
• Disable or uninstall bloatware: Some budget Androids come with pre-installed apps you’ll never use — removing them helps performance.
• Use “Lite” versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Twitter Lite) to keep resource usage low.
• Set up automatic backups to Google Photos / Drive so you don’t worry about losing data despite the phone’s low spec.

Is It Worth Buying a Used / Refurb in This Range?

Often, yes. The new‑but-cheap market is very limited under £150, so many buyers go for second‑hand or refurbished. On Reddit, users frequently recommend older but capable devices:

> *“There are cheaper phones … Moto G, or a previous-gen flagship … That’s been my setup … Previously had a moto G 5g plus …”* :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

If going used, check IMEI blacklisting, condition of battery, and whether it’s been factory reset properly.

Why Cheap Android Phones Are Still Relevant in 2025

Not everyone needs a £600 flagship. For many people — students, older users, or second‑device buyers — these £100–£150 phones do more than the job. In 2025, thanks to competition and surplus inventory, there are real unlocked options that are **SIM-free, usable, and durable enough** for basic smartphone needs.