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Affordable phones that punch above their weight in performance, camera quality, and battery life.
In 2025, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable smartphone. Budget options under $300 now offer 5G connectivity, solid cameras, long battery life, and even years of software updates, making them ideal for students, families, and anyone prioritizing value over flagship flair. Whether you're upgrading from an old device or entering the smartphone world on a tight budget, these picks deliver reliable performance without compromises on essentials.
We rigorously evaluated dozens of models based on real-world testing for speed, display quality, camera performance, battery endurance, and build durability. Our criteria emphasize 5G support, at least 128GB storage, expandable RAM where possible, and strong software support from reputable brands. We also considered carrier compatibility (GSM/CDMA unlocked) and user feedback from thousands of reviews.
From the do-it-all champ to ultra-cheap steals and niche specialists like gaming beasts or stylus pros, our seven recommendations span $150-$300, mixing trusted giants like Samsung and Motorola with innovative underdogs like Nothing and CMF. Find the perfect fit for your needs and wallet below.
The Galaxy A25 5G stands out as the top all-rounder under $300 with its vibrant 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, capable 50MP camera, and up to four years of OS updates. Its Exynos processor handles multitasking smoothly, while the 5,000mAh battery lasts all day. Perfect for most users seeking Samsung reliability on a budget.
With its unique Glyph LED interface and clean Android experience, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers standout design and value. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is buttery smooth at 120Hz, and dual 50MP cameras punch above their price. It's a fresh alternative for those tired of cookie-cutter budget phones.
For rock-bottom prices, the A15 5G delivers 5G speeds, a sharp 6.5-inch 90Hz LCD, and a massive 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts two days. The 50MP camera is surprisingly good in daylight, and Samsung's software support keeps it secure for years. Ideal entry-level pick without skimping on basics.
Boasting legendary endurance, this Moto lasts up to two days on a charge thanks to its 5,000mAh battery and efficient processor. The 6.7-inch 120Hz display is great for media, and wireless charging is a rarity at this price. Gamers and heavy users will appreciate the stamina.
Powered by a Snapdragon 695, the Nord N30 handles games like PUBG smoothly with its 120Hz 6.72-inch display and 5,000mAh battery. 50W fast charging gets you back to gaming in 30 minutes, and OxygenOS keeps things snappy. A steal for casual gamers on a budget.
The built-in stylus makes note-taking and editing a breeze on the 6.7-inch pOLED 120Hz screen. With 256GB storage (expandable), a capable camera, and vegan leather back, it's built for creators. Excellent for professionals juggling tasks affordably.
Modular and customizable with swappable backs, the CMF Phone 1 offers premium feel at budget prices via its 6.67-inch AMOLED and Dimensity 7300 chip. Nothing OS is clean and bloat-free, with solid cameras and battery. Great for style-conscious minimalists.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Nothing Phone (2a) Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
OnePlus Nord N30 5G Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
CMF Phone 1 by Nothing Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
