Best budget phones for internet browsing

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What to look for

If you want an affordable internet-friendly phone, consider the following:

Data compatibility

Enabling mobile data on your phone is essential when it comes to internet browsing.

While away from home, you won’t always be able to connect via Wi-Fi, and although public spaces such as cafes and trains often have open networks, these are best avoided due to the risk of malware and viruses.

Mobile data lets you access the internet and other apps you need when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Currently, 4G and 5G are the most popular in the UK, especially with 3G shutdown already in progress.

For a full upgrade, check out some of the best 5G-enabled phones.

Speed

Having a fast phone is also important for internet browsing. But how do you know if your phone has enough speed?

The processor in your phone handles how fast information is passed around. It controls every command you ask; therefore, if your processor is slow, your phone will be slow as well.

If your processor isn’t fast enough, you’ll find yourself frustrated at the lagging and stuttering when you try to click on links or open webpages.

Some of the best budget phones for internet browsing right now feature Octa-core or Snapdragon processors, and Apple’s A13 and A14 Bionic chips make the latest iPhones run even faster than their predecessors.

Battery life

If your phone has small battery life, it won't last long before needing to be charged again.

Also, if you're on low charge while out and about, it may prove difficult finding somewhere to plug your charger in! 

Choosing mobile phones with the best battery life will let you keep browsing and using the internet all day long, whether it's for photography, streaming music, or accessing apps. 

For decent battery, choose phones with anywhere between 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh capacity. Don't worry, though; if your phone has less capacity than this, there are plenty of ways to make battery life last longer. 

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is an extremely quick type of memory that stores information about your active and background apps. 

The more RAM you have on your phone, the more apps that can continue running without slowing down overall performance. 

It’s handy to have a large amount of RAM when browsing the internet in case you have lots of pages or apps open in the background. 

Most everyday smartphone users will want between 2GB and 8GB of RAM.

Operating system

Your operating system is the most important software on your phone, as it runs basically everything!

The operating system supports all your phone's basic functions, as well as powering its interface so you can perform tasks. 

You must keep your phone's operating system up to date with the latest version, as these contain important bug and security fixes. If you're running an old version, you may find compatibility issues with certain apps. 

Keeping your phone up to date with the latest operating system also ensures you receive the best protection available while using the internet. 

The latest major mobile operating system releases are:

• Android 13
• iOS 16 (iOS 17 currently in beta, scheduled for full release September 2023) 

Screen size

A big screen is important for internet browsing because it means you won’t have to struggle with reading online articles, as well as gaming or watching movies.

However, some smartphone users do still prefer small screens because of how compact they are and how easy it is to carry them around.

Best budget phones for internet browsing

Can you buy an affordable internet-friendly handset and still be high-tech?

Absolutely!

Check out our selection of budget phones for internet browsing and you’ll be surfing the net cost-effectively in no time:

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G

Price: £207.99 (or £8.67 per month for 24 months)

This phone also offers:

• UFS 2.2 flash memory technology with sequential write speed increased by up to 100%
• 90Hz refresh rate (50% more than smartphones with 60Hz)
• 4,096 different brightness degrees automatically adjusted to your optimal level
• Smooth real-time gaming experience
• Seamless video calls without delay

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G

Undecided about the Redmi Note 10 5G? Discover which Xiaomi phone is right for you.

Nokia C12

Price: £79.99 (was £97.99)

This phone also offers:

• Fewer pre-loaded apps to maximise storage and data retention
• Rigorous testing for durability, helping to protect it in case of accidental drops
• HD+ screen that’s also comfortable to hold
• Night and Portrait modes on front and rear cameras
• Hours of talk time, weeks of standby

Buy the Nokia C12

Torn between Nokia handsets? Use our guide to learn which Nokia is right for you.

Nokia G22

Price: £147.99

This phone also offers:

• Sustainable parts made from 100% recycled plastic
• QuickFix repairability, so you don’t need to worry if a breakage happens
• 3-day battery life; capable of around 800 charging cycles
• Up to 3 years of warranty and updates
• Added RAM for improved user experience

Buy the Nokia G22

Want to explore Nokia more? Check out our other Nokia phone deals.

Motorola e13

Price: £89.99

This phone also offers:

• Water-repellent design
• Dolby Atmos audio and ultra-wide HD+ display
• Fast internet connection
• Uninterrupted video chats
• Advanced camera capabilities

Buy the Motorola e13

TCL 40SE

Price: £126.99

This phone also offers:

• Pristine clarity and popping colours
• Eye care modes that allow you to see comfortably and clearly in sunlight; also, an intuitive screen softens the brightness for bedtime
• 50MP AI triple lens camera
• 128GB storage for keeping safe everything that matters
• Smooth performance across dozens of apps open simultaneously

Buy the TCL 40SE

Need a bit more info? Get further details with our TCL 40SE review.

TCL 403

Price: £71.99

This phone also offers:

• Movie-like visuals thanks to an 18:9 aspect ratio
• Two eye-care modes for ultimate comfort during online viewing
• Two-in-one hyper camera ideal for macro photography
• HDR mode reveals more colours for low light photographs
• Fast, responsive user interface that launches apps quickly and smoothly

Buy the TCL 403

Tempted by TCL? Discover which TCL phone is right for you.

Doro 8100

Price: £199.00 (or £8.30 per month for 24 months)

This phone also offers:

• Layout setup from when you first turn it on
• Triple lens camera and crisp display
• Integrated QR reader
• Night mode for low light shots
• Response by Doro assistance button in case of emergency

Buy the Doro 8100

Unsure about the 8100? See which Doro phone is right for you.

More budget phones for internet browsing

If a budget phone is high-priority for you, take a look at some of our recommendations for the best phones under £100.

Also, you may find an affordable handset you like for under £300; be sure to check what’s available with Asda mobile.