What are the best cheap phones in 2026 whether used or new?
I'm on a mission to find about 5 of the cheapest phones just to play about with, and see what they can do particularly those that can be flashed to Linux.
So there are a few I've found so far, TCL 501 although Linux can't be installed to the TCL 501 but it does run Android 14 a cheap phone to mess about with and do basic tasks, I wonder how it functions as an everyday basic smartphone?
The next one is the old LG G3 which I've seen from YouTube videos can be a bit laggy but considering you can get one of these with a new battery for less than 10 pounds you can't really grumble and you can install Linux to it such as Ubuntu Touch... a good cheap phone to experiment with maybe. I have ordered one that cost me just over a fiver and a new LG genuine battery for 4.99 I look forward to playing about with it and seeing how it performs with a light Linux OS or just as it is.
Nexus 5 probably another laggy performing phone but I've heard its not a bad performer for what it is and apparently runs Linux such as Ubuntu Touch just nicely however I've not managed to find one yet that isn't faulty or cracked or missing parts.
There was also the HONOR 9 which you can get for less than 20 pounds but I got outbid on the last ones I tried to win and the rest I've found all have cracked screens so I'm yet to find one in half decent condition.
Any recommendations on what other cheap phones to look for to tinker with?
I'm on a mission to find about 5 of the cheapest phones just to play about with, and see what they can do particularly those that can be flashed to Linux.
So there are a few I've found so far, TCL 501 although Linux can't be installed to the TCL 501 but it does run Android 14 a cheap phone to mess about with and do basic tasks, I wonder how it functions as an everyday basic smartphone?
The next one is the old LG G3 which I've seen from YouTube videos can be a bit laggy but considering you can get one of these with a new battery for less than 10 pounds you can't really grumble and you can install Linux to it such as Ubuntu Touch... a good cheap phone to experiment with maybe. I have ordered one that cost me just over a fiver and a new LG genuine battery for 4.99 I look forward to playing about with it and seeing how it performs with a light Linux OS or just as it is.
Nexus 5 probably another laggy performing phone but I've heard its not a bad performer for what it is and apparently runs Linux such as Ubuntu Touch just nicely however I've not managed to find one yet that isn't faulty or cracked or missing parts.
There was also the HONOR 9 which you can get for less than 20 pounds but I got outbid on the last ones I tried to win and the rest I've found all have cracked screens so I'm yet to find one in half decent condition.
Any recommendations on what other cheap phones to look for to tinker with?
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