Find the best affordable phones suitable for international use.
Traveling the world is an incredible experience, but it can be expensive. One way to save money is to bring a cheap phone that you can use for international calls, texting, and data. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 16 best cheap phones for international travel.
We’ve considered a variety of factors, including price, features, and compatibility with international networks. We’ve also taken into account user reviews and expert opinions to ensure that we’re recommending phones that are truly reliable and affordable.
Whether you’re looking for a basic phone to make calls and send texts, or a more advanced model with a camera and access to apps, we’ve got you covered. We’ve included options from a range of brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, and Nokia, so you’re sure to find the perfect phone for your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today and don’t forget to grab one of these great cheap phones to stay connected while you’re on the go.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Pixel 6a |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G |  |
3.9 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TCL 20 Pro 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia G60 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Pixel 5a 5G |  |
3.7 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A33 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPhone 13 mini |  |
4.2 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Google Pixel 6a
A great budget-friendly phone with a great camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4410 mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance, especially for photos
- Fast and smooth performance thanks to the Google Tensor chip
- Clean and up-to-date Android experience
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience.
- You're on a budget and don't need the latest and greatest features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage or wireless charging.
- You're looking for the absolute best performance in this price range.
Bottom Line:
The Pixel 6a is a great choice for budget-minded travelers who want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks, including taking amazing photos and videos. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget and want a phone that won't let you down, the Pixel 6a is a great option.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
A solid budget phone with a good display and 5G connectivity.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
Reasons to buy :
- Large and vibrant AMOLED display
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera quality is not the best
- Software updates may be slow
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a large, bright display and 5G connectivity.
- You're on a budget and don't need the best camera performance.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a phone with a great camera.
- You want the latest software features.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a solid budget phone with a good display, 5G connectivity, and a decent camera. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget and want a phone that won't let you down, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a great option.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
A stylish and capable mid-range phone with a great display and long battery life.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Stunning Super AMOLED display
- Long battery life
- Water and dust resistant (IP67)
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is not the best in its class
- Price is a bit higher than some other mid-range phones
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a great display and long battery life.
- You're looking for a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible camera performance.
- You're on a very tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a great choice for travelers who want a stylish and capable mid-range phone with a great display and long battery life. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're looking for a phone that's stylish, durable, and has a long-lasting battery, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a great option.
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
A compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD, 750 x 1334 pixels
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
- Camera: 12MP wide
- Battery: 2000 mAh
- Operating System: iOS 15
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance with Apple's A15 Bionic chip
- Excellent camera performance
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Small display size
- Expensive compared to other phones in its class
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery.
- You're a fan of Apple's ecosystem.
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a larger display.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a great choice for travelers who want a compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery. It's not the most feature-rich phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're looking for a phone that's small, powerful, and has a great camera, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a great option.
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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
A budget-friendly phone with a built-in stylus and a large display.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 1080 x 2460 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
Reasons to buy :
- Large display with a built-in stylus
- Long battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is not the best
- Software updates may be slow
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a large display and a built-in stylus.
- You're on a budget and want a phone with 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a phone with a great camera.
- You want the latest software features.
Bottom Line:
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a great choice for travelers who want a budget-friendly phone with a large display and a built-in stylus. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget and want a phone with a large display and a stylus, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is a great option.
TCL 20 Pro 5G
A stylish phone with a curved AMOLED display and 5G connectivity.
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Specifications :
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2388 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Camera: 48MP main, 16MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish design with a curved AMOLED display
- Powerful performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870 5G chip
- Supports 5G connectivity
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is not the best in its class
- Software updates may be slow
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a stylish design and a curved AMOLED display.
- You're looking for a phone with powerful performance and 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a phone with the best possible camera performance.
- You want the latest software features.
Bottom Line:
The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a great choice for travelers who want a stylish phone with a curved AMOLED display and 5G connectivity. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're looking for a phone that's stylish, has a great display, and supports 5G, the TCL 20 Pro 5G is a great option.
Nokia G60 5G
A durable phone with a large display and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 1080 x 2408 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
- RAM: 4GB or 6GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Durable design with IP52 water resistance
- Long battery life
- 5G connectivity
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is not the best in its class
- Performance is not as fast as other phones in its class
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a durable phone with a large display and a long-lasting battery.
- You're looking for a phone with 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible camera performance.
- You want the fastest possible performance.
Bottom Line:
The Nokia G60 5G is a great choice for travelers who want a durable phone with a large display and a long-lasting battery. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're looking for a phone that's durable, has a long-lasting battery, and supports 5G, the Nokia G60 5G is a great option.
Google Pixel 5a 5G
A budget-friendly phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.34-inch OLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4680 mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance, especially for photos
- Fast and smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon 765G chip
- Clean and up-to-date Android experience
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- No water resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience.
- You're on a budget and don't need the latest and greatest features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage or wireless charging.
- You're looking for the absolute best performance in this price range.
- You need a phone that's water resistant.
Bottom Line:
The Pixel 5a 5G is a great choice for budget-minded travelers who want a phone with a great camera and a clean Android experience. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks, including taking amazing photos and videos. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget and want a phone that won't let you down, the Pixel 5a 5G is a great option.
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
A budget-friendly phone with a good display and 5G connectivity.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Good Super AMOLED display
- Long battery life
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera performance is not the best
- Performance can be a bit laggy at times
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with a good display and long battery life.
- You're on a budget and need a phone with 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible camera performance.
- You need a phone with the fastest performance.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a great choice for travelers who want a budget-friendly phone with a good display, long battery life, and 5G connectivity. It's not the most powerful phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget and want a phone that won't let you down, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a great option.
iPhone 13 mini
A compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR, 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 2406 mAh
- Operating System: iOS 15
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance with Apple's A15 Bionic chip
- Excellent camera performance
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Small display size
- Expensive compared to other phones in its class
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery.
- You're a fan of Apple's ecosystem.
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a larger display.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The iPhone 13 mini is a great choice for travelers who want a compact and powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery. It's not the most feature-rich phone on the market, but it's more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. If you're looking for a phone that can do it all, this might not be the best choice. But if you're looking for a phone that's small, powerful, and has a great camera, the iPhone 13 mini is a great option.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
A solid budget-friendly option with a large display and long battery life.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
- Cameras: 108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Excellent display with a high refresh rate
- Long battery life
- Fast charging capabilities
Reasons to avoid:
- Average camera performance
- Performance may be limited for demanding tasks
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a cheap phone with a large screen and long battery life.
- You don't need the best camera performance.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone that can handle demanding games or apps.
- You prioritize camera quality.
Bottom Line: The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a great option for budget-minded travelers who need a phone with a large screen, long battery life, and fast charging capabilities. While the camera performance isn't top-notch, it's still adequate for most everyday use. If you're willing to sacrifice some performance and camera quality, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a great value for the price.
Realme 9 Pro+ 5G
A stylish and powerful phone with a standout camera system and fast charging.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 4500mAh, 60W fast charging
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent camera performance, especially in low light
- Fast charging capabilities
- Sleek and stylish design
- Good performance for everyday tasks
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited storage options
- No expandable storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality and fast charging.
- You want a stylish and modern phone.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You have a limited budget.
Bottom Line: The Realme 9 Pro+ 5G is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize camera quality and fast charging. The phone's stylish design and solid performance make it a great option for everyday use. However, the limited storage options and higher price point may be a deterrent for some.
Oppo Reno7 5G
A sleek and stylish phone with a focus on photography and video recording.
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Specifications:
- Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 4500mAh, 65W fast charging
- Cameras: 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent camera performance, especially for video recording
- Fast charging capabilities
- Sleek and stylish design
- Good performance for everyday tasks
Reasons to avoid:
- Slightly higher price compared to other options
- No expandable storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize video recording quality.
- You want a stylish and modern phone with a focus on photography.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You're on a very tight budget.
Bottom Line: The Oppo Reno7 5G is a great choice for travelers who value camera performance, especially for video recording. The phone's sleek design and fast charging capabilities add to its appeal. However, the price point may be a concern for some budget-conscious travelers.
Vivo X70 Pro 5G
A premium smartphone with a powerful camera system and fast charging.
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Specifications:
- Display: 6.56-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 4700mAh, 44W fast charging
- Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent camera performance with a powerful telephoto lens
- Flagship-level performance
- Stunning AMOLED display with a high refresh rate
- Premium design
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price compared to other options
- No expandable storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a phone with the best camera performance possible.
- You want a premium phone with flagship-level performance.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
Bottom Line: The Vivo X70 Pro 5G is a top-tier smartphone that offers excellent camera performance, a stunning display, and powerful performance. If you're looking for the best camera possible and are willing to pay a premium price, the X70 Pro 5G is a great option. However, the high price and lack of expandable storage may make it less appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
Asus Zenfone 9
A compact and powerful phone with a unique design and excellent camera system.
Specifications:
- Display: 5.9-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 5G
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 4300mAh, 30W fast charging
- Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and easy-to-use design
- Powerful performance
- Excellent camera performance
- IP68 water and dust resistance
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price compared to other options
- No expandable storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a compact and powerful phone with a great camera.
- You're willing to pay a premium for a unique and high-quality device.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
Bottom Line: The Asus Zenfone 9 is a unique and compelling option for travelers who appreciate a compact and powerful phone with a great camera. While it's on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Zenfone 9 delivers exceptional performance and a truly premium experience.
Sony Xperia 10 IV
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A mid-range phone with a long battery life, a large display, and a solid camera system.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.0-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh, 30W fast charging
- Cameras: 12MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto
Reasons to buy:
- Long battery life
- Large display
- Solid camera performance
- IP65/68 water and dust resistance
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited RAM
- Average performance for demanding tasks
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a phone with a long battery life.
- You want a phone with a large display and a solid camera.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone that can handle demanding games or apps.
- You prioritize the latest features and high refresh rates.
Bottom Line: The Sony Xperia 10 IV is a great option for travelers who prioritize long battery life and a large display. The phone's solid camera performance and IP65/68 water and dust resistance make it a reliable choice for everyday use. However, the limited RAM and average performance may be a concern for users who need to handle demanding tasks or games.
So, there you have it – our picks for the 16 best cheap phones for international travel. Whether you’re looking for a phone to keep you connected while you explore new destinations or a backup device to keep your data safe, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Remember, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider the features that are most important to you, such as battery life, camera quality, and connectivity options. And don't forget to factor in the cost of international roaming and data plans.
With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect cheap phone to make your next trip abroad a breeze. Just remember to keep your phone safe, and enjoy the experience!
Traveling internationally is an exciting and enriching experience, but it's important to stay connected and safe. A reliable phone is essential for navigating new cities, staying in touch with loved ones, and accessing important information. And with so many great options available, there's no reason to break the bank on a new phone.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem