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The Ultimate Budget Smartphone Roundup
This list combines expert opinions and objective facts to recommend the best sub-$300 smartphones. While many brands have exited the mid-range market, there are still solid options offering decent performance, light gaming, and improved cameras over low-end devices.
| Editor’s choice | Alternative pick | Productivity pick | |
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| Product | |||
| Offers* |
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Editor’s note: The prices highlighted in this article may vary depending on discounts offered by the manufacturers. Keep in mind that this list was made with the US market in mind and because of that, not all models can be found globally.
Editor’s choice: Samsung Galaxy A25
Even though we haven’t tested the Galaxy A25, launched early in 2024, the phone replaces its predecessor on this list and is basically an improved version of nextpit’s pick for the best sub-$200 phone, the Galaxy A14 and A15. Not only the A25 offers a big and bright FullHD+ OLED display with smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, Samsung sprinkled on it some of the features from the more expensive models.
The Galaxy A25 processor, for example, is literally the same Exynos 1280 chip previously found on the Galaxy A34 we tested in mid-2023. For 2024, the Galaxy A25 offers better memory configurations right from the base model, and more importantly, the best software update policy in the price range, with a promised five years of security updates, and four Android upgrades.
Camera quality should be fine for most uses, just don’t expect a versatile kit, as there is no zoom lens or other high-resolution secondary cameras. Only a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens for open shots, and a questionable 2 MP macro camera, which can also be found in many models in this price range.
OnePlus Nord N30: Smooth Performance on a Budget
Fast is not a word usually associated with the lower mid-range phone market. But OnePlus aims for the title of the fastest phone in its category… At least in the charging department. While its rivals make do with 15 to 18 W charging, the Nord N30 offers 50 W of wired charging, cutting recharging times in half when compared to the other models on this list.
The rest of the specs are as good or better than the competition in the price range, including 5G support and a “good enough” Android update policy (although not as good as Samsung’s). The main downside, however, is the camera module, with the auxiliary sensors limited to only 2 megapixels.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2024): Affordable Creativity at Your Fingertips
Part of Lenovo’s increasingly complicated naming standard for the US market, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2024) is the first generation of the Stylus family to only be available in 5G. That means that the productivity phone packs a modern feature set for connectivity (including eSIM), with a good amount of memory, plus the option to expand the storage using a microSD card.
Motorola even improved its software update policy, promising four years of security updates for the phone. On the camera department, Motorola opted for a dual camera system, ignoring useless macro or depth sensors but using a higher-resolution sensor for the ultra-wide lens, a wise choice in our book.
The Moto G Stylus 2024 even includes support for wireless charging on top of the 20 W wired charging. There is even a power adapter included in the box for the latter. The only downside for the Motorola phone is the company’s rather slow update cycles, but other than that the Stylus 2024 mostly punches above its weight.
In fact, the phone’s MSRP is $400, but it mostly stayed at $250 according to price comparison tools, so the Moto G Stylus 2024 is an easy recommendation on this list.
Alternatives to buying a new phone
Consider purchasing older, high-end second-hand smartphones or refurbished models, that have been inspected and restored by professionals. Refurbished devices with extended warranties from resellers are particularly appealing, ensuring a reliable smartphone that won’t fail you within weeks.
Naturally, buying a used smartphone from private sellers on platforms like eBay or other classifieds doesn’t offer the same advantages as refurbished models. However, you can find significantly lower prices on these devices, as there are no additional costs from middlemen. Additionally, purchasing “new old stock” allows you to secure older models that are no longer in production but remain in new condition at online shops.
Explore our Refurbished Smartphones Buying Guide to learn more about what to consider when purchasing a renewed smartphone online. Below are some suggestions for refurbished phones currently on sale on eBay:
What can you expect from a phone under $300?
When selecting our top smartphones under $300, we focus on key specs like display quality, battery life, performance, and camera capabilities. While brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo offer incredible value in Asia and Europe, the U.S. market faces limited options in this price range, often with devices that cost less elsewhere.
Despite this, here’s what we look for—and what you can expect—from $300 smartphones available in the United States:
- Smooth Displays: Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rates make everyday viewing and scrolling much more enjoyable.
- Reliable Battery Life: A large battery with support for up to 30W fast charging ensures you’re not tethered to the charger all day.
- Dependable Performance: While Snapdragon 6 or 4 series SoCs and MediaTek mid-range processors aren’t flagship-level, they provide solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Capable Cameras: Quad or triple rear camera setups deliver respectable photo quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Notable Omissions: Features like wireless charging and IP ratings for water and dust resistance are absent in this price range—but that’s expected at this budget.
Our picks reflect a balance of these features, prioritizing the aspects that matter most for real-world use, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck in this segment.
What do you think of our selection? If we missed a model you love, please let us know, and we’ll consider it in our next update!
Updated December 2024 with current prices and a new productivity pick. Older comments may reference previous versions.
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Interesting list – I’m in this market segment, and will be looking to replace a ZTE Android L phone probably next year. I’d like to see a standard spec for full implementation of the Camera2 API in these reviews – it can be taken for granted in premium phones but has been extremely spotty at the lower end and because the press and enthusiast forums focus on the high end it’s difficult to find out if Camera2 is on board. The stock camera apps for cheaper phones are generally junk, and the best third-party camera apps are full of caveats about models that can’t be supported for all features, and in experience they are hit and miss on specific devices. I’ve been lucky to find apps that greatly improve my ZTE’s camera performance, but would be shopping for a new phone with full Camera2 API next time.
I think the honor 7x is the best budget phone. It offers flagship features & priced at 199.00 here in the US. Display, camera & battery better than average. The first 18.9 display in the budget category. For consumer’s who cannot afford a flagship this may well be the ticket. At this price I can forgive the lack of NFC!
Thanks Nicholas for sharing such an informative blog with us 🙂
Well, I am soon gonna buy 7X as in my opinion its the best budget device with exciting features
Very nice list. And when it comes to essential features they have them all same as phones that cost 4 or 5 times more
I like the Nokia 8.1, the very downside is: there is no way to root it 🙁
This is probably the most interesting segment of the Android market giving the most bang for the buck
I can honestly say the LG V40 is #1
And it’s less than $200! It’s a steal!
I’m upgrading from my already pretty snappy Moto G5+ to the G7 for $150 brand new with warranty! Need a solid 4GB of memory and and evetually Q. Could get ~$70 for my old phone as it’s in A grade condition…spent it’s entire life in a case with a tempered glass screen protector. Battery never charged above 80%, so plenty life left. Yeah…it’d be stupid to sell it for $70…so it’s now my backup and/or Magisk rootin’ toy!
Love this!
Very nice list!
I have to say the Honor 8x rocks my world. I’m in love with it. She’s like a beautiful woman, I can’t stop checking her out.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is the best smartphone for me because has Infrared port , IR blaster to use it as Universal Remote Control for TV or Climate or Sound systems .
Nice article…!!
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charging speed is over-hyped anymore. Batteries will get you through a day easily anymore and so an overnight charge is no big deal. While you can note it as a con, sure, it’s trivial in reality.
I like Samsung Galaxy A32) Good article!
The Moto G’s biggest failing is low screen brightness outdoors in direct sun.