In the age of the side hustle, your smartphone is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. For writers, bloggers, and content creators, a reliable, fast, and comfortable device is essential for capturing ideas, editing drafts, and managing clients on the go. The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune on a flagship device to build a mobile office.We’ve scoured Amazon for the best budget-friendly smartphones—all priced at $400 or less—that offer the performance, screen quality, and battery life needed to turn your downtime into dollars.Here are 5 cheap cellphones you can use to write online and make money:
1. Google Pixel 9a: The Smart Writer’s ChoiceThe Google Pixel ‘a’ series consistently delivers a premium experience at a mid-range price, and the Pixel 9a is no exception. It’s the ideal phone for writers who value a clean, efficient software experience and powerful AI tools.
Why it’s great for writing: The Pixel 9a runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, ensuring smooth performance when switching between research, writing apps, and cloud storage. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is bright and clear, making long editing sessions easier on the eyes [3]. Furthermore, the integration of Google’s AI features, like the advanced Gemini assistant, can be a game-changer for quick research, summarizing articles, or generating initial content outlines [4].
Key Specs: 6.3-inch Actua Display, Tensor G4 Processor, 8GB RAM, Excellent Software Support.
Amazon Price: Frequently available for under $400 [1] [2].2. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: The Endurance KingWhen your work day stretches beyond eight hours, you need a phone that can keep up. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is built for endurance, combining a massive battery with a stunning display.
Why it’s great for writing: The star feature is the huge 5,000 mAh battery, which can easily power you through a full day of writing, researching, and client communication without needing a midday charge [9]. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is large and vibrant, providing ample screen real estate for comfortable typing and split-screen multitasking—a huge benefit for mobile productivity [8].
Key Specs: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Display, 5,000 mAh Battery, 6GB RAM, 25W Fast Charging.
Amazon Price: Typically priced at $399.99 [6].3. Motorola Moto G Stylus (2025): The Note-Taker’s DreamFor writers who rely on quick, handwritten notes, on-screen annotations, or precise editing, the Moto G Stylus is a unique and invaluable tool in the budget category.
Why it’s great for writing: The built-in, pressure-sensitive stylus allows you to jot down ideas the moment inspiration strikes, sign documents, or make precise edits to a PDF or image without fumbling with a keyboard [10]. Paired with a large 6.7-inch pOLED display, this phone is designed for both consumption and creation. Its long-lasting battery life also ensures the stylus is ready when you are [11] [12]
Key Specs: Built-in Stylus, 6.7-inch pOLED Display, Long-lasting Battery, Unlocked for all major US carriers.
Amazon Price: Available for under $400 [10].
4. OnePlus Nord N30 5G: The Multitasking PowerhouseThe OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a fantastic option for the writer who juggles multiple apps, browser tabs, and documents simultaneously. It offers high-end specifications where it counts for productivity.
Why it’s great for writing: With a generous 8GB of RAM, the Nord N30 5G handles heavy multitasking with ease, preventing frustrating slowdowns when you have your word processor, a dozen research tabs, and a communication app open [17]. The 50W fast charging means you can top up the 5,000 mAh battery in minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing your writing flow.
Key Specs: 8GB RAM, 5,000 mAh Battery, 50W Fast Charging, 6.7-inch Display.
Amazon Price: Often available for well under $300 [16].5. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: The Ultimate Starter PhoneIf you are just starting your online writing journey and need the absolute best value, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is the perfect entry point. It provides all the essentials without the premium price tag.
Why it’s great for writing: Despite its low price, the A16 5G features a large AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade over standard LCDs for comfortable reading and typing [15]. It also supports expandable storage, allowing you to save thousands of documents, research files, and content assets without worrying about running out of space—a crucial feature for any serious writer.
Key Specs: Large AMOLED Display, Expandable Storage, Super Fast Charging, Durable Design.
Amazon Price: MSRP around $199.99, making it the most budget-friendly option [13].
Making money online as a writer is more accessible than ever, and these five budget smartphones prove that you don’t need to empty your bank account to get the job done. Whether you prioritize the clean software of the Pixel, the endurance of the Galaxy A36, or the unique precision of the Moto G Stylus, there is a powerful, affordable mobile office waiting for you on Amazon.
References[1] IGN. The Google Pixel 9a Drops to a New Low Price on Amazon Ahead of the Pixel 10 Release. [URL][2] Reddit. Pixel 9a dropped to $350 again on Amazon. [URL][3] PCMag. Google Pixel 9a Review. [URL][4] Amazon. Google Pixel 9a with Gemini. [URL][5] Reddit. Meager 8GB of RAM forces Pixel 9a to run “extra extra small” Gemini AI. [URL][6] Verizon. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Features, Price, Reviews. [URL][7] Amazon. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G A Series, 128GB Unlocked. [URL][8] Samsung. Galaxy A36 5G | Specs & Features. [URL][9] PCMag. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: Flagship Features for Less. [URL][10] Amazon. Motorola Moto G Stylus – 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US. [URL][11] Motorola. moto g stylus – 2025. [URL][12] PhoneArena. Moto G Stylus (2025) Review: Major upgrades, but with a catch. [URL][13] PCMag. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review. [URL][14] Amazon. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android. [URL][15] Amazon. SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 5G Dual SIM (128GB, 2025). [URL][16] Amazon. OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone. [URL][17] Amazon. OnePlus Nord N30 5G | T-Mobile Android Smart Phone. [URL]