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Discover reliable 5G phones packed with features like long battery life, solid cameras, and smooth performance—all without exceeding your $300 budget.
Tired of flagship prices that skyrocket past $1,000? In 2025, budget smartphones under $300 deliver incredible value, offering 5G connectivity, vibrant displays, and capable cameras that rival pricier models. Whether you're a student, parent, or casual user, these phones prove you don't need to compromise on essentials like battery life or daily performance to save money.
This category matters because smartphones are our lifelines for work, entertainment, and staying connected. With inflation pinching wallets, our selections focus on real-world usability, ensuring you get modern features without future regrets like poor software support. We prioritized unlocked models compatible with most carriers, tested for speed, durability, and camera quality.
Our expert team evaluated dozens of 2025-available budget phones based on benchmarks, user reviews, and hands-on testing. You'll find a mix of price tiers from ultra-affordable to premium-budget, covering everyday use, gaming, photography, and more. From established giants like Samsung to innovative upstarts like Nothing's CMF, these picks offer diverse options for every need.
The Galaxy A25 5G stands out with its stunning 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display at 120Hz, making scrolling and streaming a joy. It balances strong performance via the Exynos 1280 chip, a versatile 50MP camera system, and up to 4 years of software updates from Samsung. At the top of the budget range, it's the go-to for most users seeking reliability and features.
For rock-bottom prices without skimping on 5G, the Moto G 5G delivers a massive 6.6-inch 120Hz display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor for smooth basics. Its 5,000mAh battery lasts all day, and stereo speakers enhance media. It's the ultimate entry-level pick for cost-conscious buyers.
Engineered for endurance, this phone's 5,000mAh battery with 30W turbo charging outlasts competitors by hours, perfect for heavy users. The vegan leather back adds premium feel, paired with a capable 50MP camera and 120Hz display. It's our editor's favorite for unmatched all-day (and then some) power.
Samsung's A15 punches above its weight with a sharp 50MP main camera that excels in low light thanks to Night mode, plus a vibrant 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. It offers solid 5G speeds and long software support. Ideal for photography fans on a tight budget.
CMF Phone 1 brings fresh style with modular accessories like lanyards and cases, plus a clean Nothing OS on Dimensity 7300 for snappy performance. The 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED and 50MP camera deliver premium vibes at budget prices. Stand out from the crowd with this innovative pick.
Powered by Snapdragon 695 and 8GB RAM, the Nord N30 handles games like PUBG smoothly at 120Hz, with a bright 6.72-inch LCD. Fast 50W charging refuels its 5,000mAh battery in under an hour. Gamers and multitaskers will appreciate the value.
Nokia's G310 offers a compact 6.56-inch HD+ display with Snapdragon 480 5G for reliable basics, plus IP52 durability. Dual speakers and expandable storage up to 1TB make it practical. Great for those wanting simplicity and toughness in a smaller package.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (128GB, 6GB RAM) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024, 128GB) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024, 128GB) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (128GB, 4GB RAM) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
CMF Phone 1 by Nothing (128GB, 8GB RAM) Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
OnePlus Nord N30 5G (128GB, 8GB RAM) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Nokia G310 5G (32GB + 3GB RAM, expandable) Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
