Best Budget Smartphones Under $300 in 2025: Top Picks for Value

Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? In 2025, budget smartphones under $300 offer impressive features like vibrant displays, capable cameras, and long-lasting batteries. This guide highlights the best budget phones that deliver exceptional value, tested and reviewed for performance, design, and affordability. Whether you’re a student, a first-time buyer, or just want to save money, these Android devices provide premium features at a fraction of the cost.

Why Choose a Budget Smartphone Under $300?

Budget smartphones have come a long way, rivaling mid-range models in performance and features. For $300 or less, you can expect:

• AMOLED or high-refresh-rate displays for smooth visuals

• Triple-camera systems for versatile photography

• Large batteries (4,500mAh or higher) for all-day use

• Decent processors like Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or Exynos 1280 for everyday tasks

• Software support for at least a few years of updates

While compromises like plastic builds or limited low-light camera performance exist, these phones excel for daily needs like streaming, gaming, and social media. Let’s dive into our top picks for 2025.

Top 5 Best Budget Smartphones Under $300

1. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

• Price: ~$300

• Key Features: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, Exynos 1280 processor, 50MP triple camera, 5,000mAh battery, 4 years of OS updates

• Why It Stands Out: Samsung’s Galaxy A26 5G balances reliability and premium features. Its AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, rare at this price. The 50MP main camera delivers solid daytime shots, and Samsung’s promise of four major OS updates ensures longevity.

The Exynos 1280 chip handles daily tasks and light gaming well, though it’s not suited for heavy multitasking. The plastic build feels sturdy, and the 5,000mAh battery lasts a full day. If you value brand reliability and a gorgeous screen, this is a top choice.

Pros: Stunning AMOLED display, long software support, reliable performance
Cons: Slow 25W charging, average low-light camera performance

2. Moto G Power 5G (2025)

• Price: ~$300

• Key Features: 6.8-inch LCD display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, 5,000mAh battery, 50MP main camera, wireless charging, IP68 rating

• Why It Stands Out: Known for its marathon battery life, the Moto G Power 5G lasts up to two days on a single charge. It’s one of the few budget phones with wireless charging and an IP68 water-resistance rating. The vegan leather back adds a premium touch.

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip is adequate for casual use but struggles with intensive games. The LCD screen is bright but lacks the contrast of AMOLED. If battery life is your priority, this phone is unbeatable.

Pros: Exceptional battery life, wireless charging, durable design
Cons: LCD screen, limited software updates (1 year OS, 3 years security)

3. CMF Phone 2 Pro

• Price: ~$279

• Key Features: 6.77-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, 50MP triple camera (main, 2x zoom, ultrawide), Nothing OS, modular design

• Why It Stands Out: The CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing’s sub-brand offers a sleek, bloat-free Nothing OS and a bold, customizable design. Its AMOLED display and triple-camera system (including a 50MP 2x zoom) deliver excellent value. The phone also supports NFC for contactless payments.

Performance is smooth for daily tasks, though the chipset isn’t the fastest. The modular accessories add a fun, unique touch. If you want a stylish phone with great software, this is a fantastic pick.

Pros: Vibrant AMOLED display, clean software, versatile cameras
Cons: Average chipset performance, limited U.S. availability

4. OnePlus Nord N30 5G

• Price: ~$250

• Key Features: 6.72-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 50W fast charging, 108MP main camera, 128GB storage

• Why It Stands Out: The Nord N30 offers speedy performance and fast 50W charging, a rarity under $300. Its 108MP main camera captures detailed shots in good lighting, and the 120Hz display ensures smooth scrolling.

The phone’s plastic build is functional but not premium, and low-light photography is weak. Still, for those who prioritize speed and charging, it’s a great deal, especially at its discounted price.

Pros: Fast charging, smooth display, solid performance
Cons: Plastic build, poor low-light camera

5. Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro

• Price: ~$299

• Key Features: 6.67-inch AMOLED display, 6,000mAh battery, 50MP main camera, 8GB/12GB RAM options, IP65 rating

• Why It Stands Out: With a massive 6,000mAh battery, the Poco X7 Pro is a battery champ, lasting two days easily. Its AMOLED display is vibrant, and the choice of 8GB or 12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking. The Wet Touch feature makes it usable with wet hands.

The cameras are decent but not class-leading, and Xiaomi’s software can feel cluttered. If you need a phone that lasts forever on a charge, this is a strong contender.

Pros: Huge battery, vibrant display, good multitasking
Cons: Average cameras, bloated software

What to Look for in a Budget Smartphone Under $300

When shopping for a budget phone, prioritize these features to get the best value:

• Display: Look for AMOLED or 120Hz refresh rate for smooth, vibrant visuals. LCD screens are common but less vivid.

• Battery Life: Aim for 4,500mAh or higher. Phones like the Moto G Power and Poco X7 Pro excel here.

• Camera: A 50MP main camera is standard, but check for ultrawide or zoom lenses. Low-light performance is often a compromise.

• Performance: Chips like Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or Exynos 1280 handle daily tasks well. Avoid older or underpowered processors.

• Software Updates: Samsung and Google offer longer support (4–5 years). Motorola lags with only one OS update.

• Build Quality: Plastic is common, but look for Gorilla Glass or IP ratings for durability.

Compromises to Expect

Budget phones cut corners to keep costs low. Common trade-offs include:

• Plastic builds instead of glass or metal

• No optical zoom; digital zoom is standard

• Weaker low-light photography

• Shorter software support (except Samsung)

• Slower charging (unless it’s OnePlus or Xiaomi)

These compromises rarely impact daily use, especially if you prioritize specific features like battery life or display quality.