If you want a new handset but do not want to spend flagship money, TCL’s budget mobiles are well worth a look. They focus on the essentials, keeping costs low while still feeling usable day to day.
Here we have picked out the cheapest TCL mobile phones that are still worth buying in 2026. Every model balances price with real‑world performance, so you can save money without ending up with something painfully slow or frustrating.
Some of these phones are all about getting the lowest possible price, while others cost a little more but give you extra storage, smoother performance or 5G for not much extra. The aim is to help you choose the right compromise for your budget, not just the rock‑bottom ticket price.
These recommendations are based on the actual prices, specifications and owner ratings of TCL mobiles, rather than just chasing the very cheapest deals. We look closely at how each phone is likely to feel in everyday use, using information on storage, connectivity and customer feedback.
Only TCL models that combine a low price with decent user satisfaction make the cut. Weakly rated handsets or those that appear to cut too many corners are set aside, so you are left with budget TCL phones that still feel like sensible, usable buys.
Our goal is to highlight the cheaper end of TCL’s range where your money goes furthest, helping you avoid false economies and pick a phone that will cope with your daily apps and calls without constant frustration.
We started by focusing on the lower priced TCL mobiles available in 2026, then filtered out anything that looked underpowered for modern use or had noticeably poor feedback from owners. That way, every phone here is genuinely affordable but still has enough about it to handle everyday tasks.
Review scores and review counts played a key role: we favoured models with consistently positive ratings and a decent number of reviews, as that usually points to better reliability and fewer annoying issues. We then looked at value‑for‑money features such as storage size and 5G support, picking out handsets that stand out within TCL’s budget range rather than simply being the absolute cheapest.
Finally, we aimed to include a spread of options: from ultra‑cheap phones ideal as spares or starter handsets, through to slightly pricier but still low‑cost models with more storage or faster data. That way you can match a TCL phone to your budget and how you actually use your mobile, while keeping spending under control.
These are the TCL mobiles that offer the best value at the lower end of the range. They run from the absolute bargain models that keep things very simple, up to slightly more expensive phones that add welcome extras like more storage or 5G without straying out of budget territory.
Use the summaries, pros, cons and “ideal for” sections to decide whether you would rather pay the least possible for a basic but capable handset, or spend a little more within TCL’s line‑up for a phone that will feel smoother and more spacious in daily use.
The TCL 501 is one of the very cheapest TCL smartphones you can buy, giving you a straightforward handset for calls, messages and light app use without stretching your budget.
At around £64, the TCL 501 is extremely affordable, making it ideal if you simply need a basic smartphone without any frills. A rating of 4.1 out of 5 from its early reviewers suggests that, despite the low cost, it still does a decent job with everyday tasks like calls, texts and casual browsing. Because the hardware is modest, battery life is often helped by lighter power demands, which can suit users who are not glued to their screens all day. For such a low outlay, it is a handy way to get onto Android without resorting to second‑hand or very old devices.
The main compromise with the TCL 501 is its modest 32GB of storage, which will fill up quickly if you install many apps or take lots of photos and videos. Performance is likely to be basic, so more demanding games or heavy multitasking may feel sluggish compared with slightly pricier TCL models. The relatively small number of reviews means long‑term reliability is less proven than on more popular handsets. If you can stretch the budget, one of the 128GB TCL phones here will feel noticeably more spacious and responsive.
The TCL 501 is ideal if you just need a very cheap smartphone for calls, texts, banking apps and light browsing. It suits children’s first phones, older relatives who only use a handful of apps, or anyone wanting an ultra‑low‑cost backup handset. If your budget is as tight as it gets and your demands are modest, it ticks the basics without unnecessary extras.
The TCL 605 in Midnight Blue blends a low price with generous 128GB storage, making it a standout budget option if you want plenty of room for apps, photos and downloads.
The TCL 605 in Midnight Blue offers a lot of phone for under £100, with 128GB of storage giving you far more breathing room than the cheapest budget models. Its 4.4 out of 5 rating from well over a hundred reviews suggests buyers are generally very happy with day‑to‑day performance for the price. That extra storage means you can install plenty of apps, keep a good library of photos and videos, and still avoid the constant storage warnings that plague many cheap phones. As a main handset for someone on a tight budget, it strikes a very strong balance between cost and usability.
As a budget device, the TCL 605 will not match mid‑range or flagship phones for camera quality, gaming performance or premium design, so you should keep expectations sensible. There is no 5G here, so if you want the fastest mobile data speeds, the TCL 60 R 5G further down this list is a better fit. Some users who push their phones hard with a lot of multitasking may find the processor shows its limits from time to time. If your budget is very tight, the TCL 501 remains cheaper, though with more compromises.
Choose the TCL 605 in Midnight Blue if you want a main phone that still feels comfortable to use every day but you need to stay under £100. It is a strong fit for students, casual users and families who want lots of storage for photos, social media and a few games without constant clearing out. If you do not need 5G and care more about space and usability than absolute rock‑bottom price, this is a very sensible pick.
This black TCL 605 offers the same 128GB storage and budget‑friendly performance as the blue version, wrapped in a more understated finish.
Functionally matching the Midnight Blue version, the black TCL 605 delivers the same generous 128GB storage at around £99, which is superb at this price point. A solid 4.3 out of 5 from over a hundred reviews indicates that users find it smooth enough for social media, streaming and everyday apps. The classic black finish will appeal if you prefer a more discreet look that blends in at work or with a smart case. Compared with ultra‑cheap 32GB phones, it should feel far less cramped and need much less micro‑managing of apps and media.
While the black TCL 605 is well priced, it offers the same core package as the Midnight Blue model, so there is no extra performance benefit for choosing one over the other. You still miss out on 5G, which may matter if you want the quickest data speeds or plan to keep the phone for several years. As with most budget phones, camera quality and gaming performance will lag behind more expensive handsets. If you do not mind the blue finish, it may come down purely to whichever version is cheaper or more easily available at the time.
The black TCL 605 is well suited to anyone who likes the idea of a cheap phone with 128GB storage but prefers a more understated look than bright colours. It works well as an affordable work phone, a simple upgrade from an older handset, or for users who store plenty of media but are not chasing cutting‑edge performance. If you are splitting hairs between the two 605 finishes, simply choose the colour you prefer or whichever is better value when you buy.
The TCL 60 R 5G keeps the price low while adding faster 5G connectivity and 128GB storage, making it a smart step up if you want a cheap phone that feels more future‑proof.
The TCL 60 R 5G stands out by adding 5G to the value mix while still coming in close to the £100 mark, which is excellent for a 128GB 5G handset. A 4.5 out of 5 rating from dozens of buyers shows that users are broadly very satisfied with how it performs in real life. Faster 5G data means speedier downloads and smoother streaming where coverage allows, helping this phone remain usable for longer as networks evolve. Combined with 128GB of storage, it offers a great balance of future‑proofing and low cost, particularly if you are moving from an older 4G device.
Although it includes 5G, the TCL 60 R 5G is still a budget phone, so you should not expect high‑end camera performance or top‑tier gaming power. It does cost slightly more than the TCL 605 models, so if you have no interest in 5G and are really counting every pound, you might not see the benefit of paying extra. Like most budget handsets, some corners will be cut in build materials and premium niceties, so it may not feel as plush as pricier rivals. If you mostly use Wi‑Fi and rarely rely on mobile data, the 5G advantage will matter less in everyday life.
Go for the TCL 60 R 5G if you are still on a budget but want a phone that feels a bit more future‑proof thanks to 5G speeds and ample 128GB storage. It is a good match for commuters who stream on the go, anyone on a 5G contract, or buyers planning to keep their phone for several years. If you can stretch slightly beyond the very cheapest TCL models, this gives you a more rounded experience without leaving the budget bracket.
This listing of the TCL 60 R 5G in Space Grey mirrors the other 60 R 5G model, offering affordable 5G speeds and 128GB storage in a sleek, budget‑friendly package.
This TCL 60 R 5G listing offers the same core strengths as the other Space Grey 60 R 5G: 128GB of onboard storage, 5G connectivity and a sharp price tag around £109. Its 4.4 out of 5 rating from over 40 reviews confirms that most owners feel it delivers more than enough for everyday use and light entertainment. If you are shopping around different retailers or listings, it is reassuring to see consistently strong feedback for the same underlying phone. For a cheap handset that does not feel immediately outdated, it hits a very appealing sweet spot.
Because this is effectively a duplicate listing of the same TCL 60 R 5G hardware, there is no added benefit beyond retailer choice, and pricing may vary slightly. You still face the usual budget‑phone compromises in areas like camera quality and overall polish. If this listing happens to be more expensive than the other 60 R 5G option, there is little reason to favour it unless availability or delivery terms are better for you. For those who do not need 5G, a TCL 605 could save a bit more money.
This TCL 60 R 5G listing is ideal if you have settled on the 60 R 5G but are comparing different retailers or configurations to get the best deal. It suits value‑conscious buyers who want 5G and plenty of storage, yet still need to rein in overall spending. If the price and availability line up in your favour, it is an easy way to get a capable, low‑cost 5G handset.
