At Simpatico we’re used to helping companies of all sizes with their business mobile phone contracts. Which is how we know that not every client requires the latest and greatest models. Frankly, many businesses would rather look after their bottom line and buy the mobiles that simply get the job done at the lowest cost. Perhaps you need mobile contracts for a small business and don’t want to break the bank, or have multiple staff to purchase handsets for? If so, this is the guide you need.
We’ve curated a list of the best budget phones for businesses in 2025. We’ll take a deep dive into lower cost models from well-known manufacturers like Nokia and Motorola, as well as budget specialists such as TCL and Oppo, who can provide exceptional value for money on their handsets. We’ve broken down the strengths and weaknesses of 5 cheap business phones to help you decide which is right for your company.
Table of Contents
Best For Budget-Conscious Business Users
TCL 501
Who It’s For:
- Companies buying multiple handsets for staff and need a low-cost option
- Small businesses or freelancers who need basic features
| Strengths | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Very affordable, making it a great bulk-purchase option | Limited performance may struggle with multitasking |
| Good for everyday business tasks like calls, texts and emails | Small storage capacity may limit business files and apps |
| Compact and lightweight |
Our Review
If you’re after a business phone that can get the job done, without breaking the bank, the TCL 501 is the model for you. It was first introduced in 2024 as a budget-friendly phone appealing to users who require essential features of a modern business smartphone, such as calls, emails and messaging, without the hefty price tag associated with high-end phones.
The TCL 501 comes with a 6 inch LCD display in 540 x 1092 resolution. This is fine for essential business functions such as emailing, messaging and browsing, but it lacks the clarity and crispness of higher-end models. Nevertheless, it works fine for everyday business tasks. We wouldn’t recommend it for those who prioritise exceptional screens and want to watch HD video on the commute, but you probably knew that already when you looked for budget business phones.
It runs on a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM. It also makes use of a nifty virtual RAM feature, which uses some of your internal phone storage to boost the total RAM up to 6GB. In 2025 it’s not that difficult to use 2GB of RAM with a few browser tabs and some basic apps running, so this is a welcome feature. Although it won’t offer the same performance levels as having 6GB of physical RAM, it can help you out if the phone starts to struggle.
In terms of storage, the phone offers 32GB of internal storage, which admittedly isn’t much if you store business files and folders locally on the device. However, you can expand this up to 1TB with a microSD card. We’re big fans of expandable storage at Simpatico, and find it frustrating that flagship models now tend to retail without this option, so it’s nice to see the budget manufacturers fill this gap in the market.
Battery life is another important consideration when you’re out and about in business meetings or the daily commute. The TCL 501 comes with a 3000mAh capacity battery, which doesn’t sound much on the surface compared to the latest Samsungs or iPhones. However, as the device has less to power you can get a decent amount of battery life from it and it should last a day without needing to charge. If you do need to charge, the phone supports 10W wired charging via USB-C.
While the TCL won’t handle intensive tasks or heavy media usage, it was never designed to. This phone is for professionals need a backup phone, or only require basic communication needs while working. Although it doesn’t excel in speed, multitasking capability or performance, its expandable storage and fantastic affordability make it our choice for companies who prioritise budget over advanced features.
Best For Storage And Media Consumption
TCL 505
Who’s It For:
- Business users for need ample storage for files and presentations
- Professional who read and review documents frequently
- Users who attend virtual meetings on their phone
| Strengths | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Large storage capacity lets you keep company files and documents on the device | May not handle intensive tasks or multitasking smoothly |
| Big display with smooth refresh rate for good viewing experience | Lacks a fingerprint sensor for convenient access |
| Decent camera for capturing images |
Our Review:
The second TCL device on our list, the TCL 505 is a budget-friendly business phone that aims to deliver a strong multimedia experience, without impacting your company’s cash flow. With a 6.75 inch HD+ display, featuring a 90hz refresh rate, it offers smooth visuals on a screen size comparable to an iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The phone also comes with TCL’s NXTVision; a display technology that aims to offer sharper images and more vivid colours to improve the viewing experience.
It comes with the same MediaTek G36 processor at the TCL 501 model, but pairs with twice as much RAM at 4GB. Like the 501, it also features an extra 4GB of virtual RAM to take the total maximum to 8GB. This configuration offers enough RAM for all of your essential business tasks such as emails, calls and messaging with enough left over for browsing, social media and some light multitasking. In terms of performance, it offers more than its cheaper 501 counterpart.
If you need to take company photos you’ll appreciate the 50MP dual cameras on offer, capable of capturing detailed images in various lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is 5MP and can be used for video calls or attending virtual meetings. Combined with the device’s impressive-for-the-cost screen, it becomes a very attractive option for users who require some video and photography features, without the heavy cost of a flagship phone.
Powering this extra functionality is a 5010mAh battery, which gives extended usage without worrying about finding a socket to plug into or having to carry a mobile power bank with you. When you do need to top it up, it has a 10W charging support via USB-C.
As for the storage we’ve mentioned, the phone comes with 128GB of internal storage which offers plenty of space for storing company documents or photos captured on the device’s camera. You can expand this up to 1TB using the device’s microSD storage, which offers more than enough space for most users. If your company makes use of cloud storage, as many do, you won’t need to worry about ever filling this device.
The upgraded capacity and screen performance against the TCL 501 make the TCL 505 a great option for users who need a little bit more from a business phone, whether that’s bigger storage capacity or a screen that’s capable of decent video playback.
Best For Looks
Oppo A38
| Strengths | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Looks great | No 5G connectivity |
| Various quality of life features, such as dual SIM, NFC for contactless payments and expandable storage | |
| Fantastic battery life |
If you want something that looks more expensive than it is, the Oppo A38 could be the business phone for you. It’s perfect for professionals who want a sleek, modern-looking device without breaking the bank. It combines a bright display and a stylish form factor, making it ideal for business users who care about aesthetics and need a reliable phone for daily tasks.
Although it’s now approaching its second birthday, the Oppo A38 still offers a very nice balance between design and performance, with everyday business tasks being handled with ease. With a screen size of 6.56 inches, the screen real estate is greater than what you’d get on an iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25, and approaches their respective Pro and Plus models.
It’s a screen that performs rather well, offering a 1612×720 HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. It won’t compete with an iPhone’s 2556×1179 resolution – but you wouldn’t expect a budget phone to. The screen is bright enough to use outdoors at 720 nits, making it a good option for those who use the device in different settings: on the train, the underground or in a coffee shop meeting for example.
It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and combined with 4GB RAM. Like the TCL models we’ve already mentioned, it offers extra performance through 4GB of extended RAM. This makes it more than enough to handle everyday work tasks on the device, and add in some light gaming if you need to pass the time between meetings.
The camera is a 50MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor. For a budget phone, it’s surprisingly good and captures sharp images in good lighting. You’ll be able to use the phone for scanning documents, taking product photos or capturing recording meetings. In low-lighting, the camera is usable but images are noticeably worse. The 5MP front camera can be used for video calls and virtual meetings, but won’t offer flagship level clarity, which is to be expected of a phone in this price range. That being said, decent webcams are relatively inexpensive these days to use as an external camera for meetings, with the device running the meeting software.
One of the standout features of the Oppo A38 is its 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day or more with typical business use. Whether you’re on calls, emails, or using productivity apps, the phone remains powered throughout a busy schedule. It also supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging, meaning you can get a quick boost during short breaks.
There are a few other quality of life features offered by the Oppo A38 that we’re really big fans of. For example, dual SIM support lets you manage both work and personal numbers on one device, or use a local SIM card if your work involves traveling abroad. Another is the expandable storage, letting you increase the device’s 128GB of storage space; perfect when you need to store company documents, product photos or lots of meeting notes. Having NFC technology on the device means you can use the Oppo A38 for contactless payments, which is ideal when you don’t want to faff about getting your cards out on the underground or in your local coffee shop. Finally, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor gives you a quick and secure way to unlock the device and lets you keep your confidential documents safe.
A budget phone jam packed with some many features does have to include some drawbacks to keep the costs down. In this case, the Oppo A38 comes with 4G connectivity instead of the most up-to-date (and fastest) 5G. This is a real shame, because users out and about would definitely benefit from a faster internet connection. However, if you can mainly use the device in places with WiFi or carry a mobile 5G pocket router, then you needn’t worry. However, if browsing speeds are important to you and you won’t be able to access a better connection then the Oppo A38 may not be for you.
Best For Battery Life And Longevity
Nokia G22
| Strengths | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Easy to repair and acquire replacement parts | No 5G connectivity |
| Very long-lasting, and helps to reduce electrical waste | Lackluster display |
| Incredible battery life |
The Nokia G22 emphasises sustainability and user repairability. Environmental concerns are no longer a matter of principle, but rather a legal necessity for many companies. Mobile phone manufacturers have realised that offering environmentally sustainable mobile phones gives the opportunity for companies to contribute towards a greener future and help to meet their corporate social responsibilities.
This is where the Nokia G22 comes in. An Android device that performs well and can handle everyday business tasks, but also comes with replacement parts readily available that you can install yourself. This makes the Nokia G22 a great option for companies who wish to get the longest lifespan from a phone without needing to purchase expensive replacements when something goes wrong.
Its screen is a generous 6.5 inches, with 720 x 1600 pixels and 90Hz refresh rate. The screen isn’t the sharpest, and its resolution certainly won’t blow anyone away who is used to higher-end devices, but the refresh rate offers smooth scrolling which will be important when you’re scrolling through those company documents or long emails. The screen includes Gorilla Glass 3 to protect against damage, which isn’t the newest screen protection available, however you can also replace the screen yourself so it’s not a bad trade off.
It’s powered by a Unisoc T606 4 core processor and comes with 4GB of RAM. This lets it handle basic business applications such as email, document editing and web browsing adequately, but it may struggle with more demanding apps or heavy multitasking. The 64GB of storage isn’t the greatest, but it can be expanded with a microSD card which will gives a low-cost option for storing business files and multimedia.
Speaking of media, the Nokia G22 comes with a 50MP main camera, as well as a 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. The camera performs well in well-lit conditions, and will be able to capture on-site photos or scan company documents. In low-light, the performance does diminish as you’d expect. The front-facing 8MP camera is perfectly fine for video conferencing or capturing selfies if you need to populate your company’s social feeds.
A real standout feature of the Nokia G22 is its battery life. Its 5050mAh battery doesn’t have super demanding components to power, which means it can easily go the entire day without needing to be charged even with consistent use. However, we have seen reports on the web of the battery lasting “up to 3 days.” Of course, the real amount you’ll get depends on not only how long you’re actively using the device but also what you’re running on it, with more demanding processes likely to use up more battery. It’s nice to know that you can run your devices intensively and be able to pick up a replacement battery very easily if it degrades. Without wanting to sound too old, being able to easily replace a battery was something you took for granted years ago and it is something that we miss.
Like the Oppo A38, the Nokia G22 is only available with 4G connectivity which might limit this device to people who don’t need the fastest internet connection, or are able to use it in areas with a good WiFi connection. But despite this, we love the idea of being able to replace phone parts yourself and not be forced into a 2-yearly upgrade cycle when parts have become damaged or worn out.
Best For Clean Android Experience
Motorola Moto G35
| Strengths | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Clean Android experience | Still camera performance is only adequate |
| 5G connectivity | No charger included |
| Capable of capturing 4K video |
The Motorola Moto G35 offers reliability and solid performance, at a great price tag. It stands out for its clean Android experience, making it a good choice for businesses that value simplicity, efficiency and smooth performance. Unlike many modern smartphones, the Motorola Moto G35 doesn’t add in unnecessary apps, skins and other UI overlays which lets the device run faster and maximises its storage space.
Its screen is a real gem for its price point. It offers a generous 6.7 inch screen, making it equally sized to the Samsung Galaxy S25 plus, in full HD+ and a 120Hz refresh rate. The scrolling and responsive touch experience is therefore a cut above the other budget models in our list. it also supports HDR10, and achieves a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits which lets you use the device indoors and outside.
The Moto G35 is powered by a Unisoc T760 processor with 8 cores and paired with 4GB of RAM. Ideally, we’d like to have seen a little more RAM to fully take advantage of the processor, but its clean Android experience that reduces bloatware means it performs adequately in most situations: sending emails, editing documents and web browsing are achieved with ease. The device may struggle with heavier multitasking or heavy app usage.
In terms of its camera, the Moto G35 comes with a 50MP f/1.8 main camera and an 8MP ultrawide secondary camera. The camera is more than capable of capturing images for company social media feeds, scanning important documents, or taking project photos on-site. We’re not entirely sure that it’s good enough for product photos or anything to be used in marketing, but it does perform reasonably well for its price point. What does set the G35 apart from its budget rivals is the ability to capture 4K video (albeit in 30fps only). This gives it a bit of an advantage of other models in its price-range.
It comes with a 5,000mAh battery sufficient to get you through a day of standard usage. Its 18W charging means you can top up relatively quickly should you find yourself in a pinch, but interestingly the Moto G35 doesn’t come with a charging cable in the box so you’ll need to source a third party one.
Unlike some of its cheap business phone rivals, the Motorola Moto G35 does have 5G connectivity, so you can be confident of achieving blazing fast internet speeds when you’re in areas that have 5G coverage. Even if you primarily connect to WiFi, we do enjoy having 5G as an option when out and about – something just seems frustrating about going back to 4G once you’ve experienced better.
For the money, we believe that the Motorola Moto G35 offers a fantastic all-round experience, and would be a great addition for companies who require steady, reliable performance from their mobile devices.
Summary
The days of each new mobile phone generation offering a huge leap in terms of technology are gone, and with that, the need to always buy the latest and greatest models. You can now get incredible value for money from mobile phones when you only want to perform their basic functions, without fancy AI features or professional-grade cameras.
Which model you should choose will depend on your use-case, but to summarise our article above, we’d recommend:
TCL 501 – for those on a tight budget
TCL 505 – for those who want lots of storage
Oppo A38 – if you want a stylish all-rounder
Nokia G22 – for a long-lasting, sustainable option
Motorola G35 – for a clean, distraction-free experience.
All of these models are available to purchase in our business mobile phone shop, with some cracking low-cost deals available on all of the UK’s major networks. But if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, or you’d like to discuss larger bulk orders for your company, then please contact us for a chat with one of our friendly team.
