Best Budget Smartphones Under $300 in 2025

Smartphones keep getting smarter — and more affordable. In 2025 you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a reliable phone with 5G, a solid camera, and a day-plus battery life. This guide highlights the best budget phones you can realistically buy for under $300, explains what to expect at this price point, and gives practical buying advice so you make a confident purchase.

Below you’ll find expert-backed picks (price-focused), short pros/cons for each device, and an actionable buying checklist. Prices can fluctuate due to regional sales, carrier deals, and refurbished/refurb models; I’ve cited current listings and manufacturer pages for the key specs so you can verify details before buying.

Quick summary — top picks under $300 (what each is best for)

• Motorola Moto G Power (2025) — Best for battery life & balanced features. MotorolaT-Mobile

• POCO M6 5G — Best value for performance and large screen at rock-bottom price. MobileintoeBay

• Xiaomi / Redmi Note 13 (variants) — Best display and camera for the money (select trims may be under $300). AmazonBack Market

• OnePlus Nord N300 5G — Best simple, dependable 5G device with clean software. Swappa.comAndroid Police

• Samsung Galaxy A14 / A16 (refreshed deals) — Best for Samsung fans who want One UI and reliable updates at budget prices. eBayTech Advisor

• Deals & carrier specials — Occasionally, higher-tier phones (or unusual devices like a discounted Razr) fall under $300 via promotions — worth checking during sales. Tom’s Guide

In-depth picks (what you actually get under $300)

1. Motorola Moto G Power (2025) — Best battery + balanced features

Why consider it: Motorola’s 2025 Moto G Power continues the series’ strength: huge battery, decent mid-range performance, and user-friendly software. The 5000 mAh battery, 120Hz display option on some trims, and a 50MP camera with OIS give you real-world value beyond basic specs. For many users who prioritize long runtime and sensible cameras, this is a top budget pick. MotorolaT-Mobile

Pros: multi-day battery potential, solid camera for price, 120Hz display option
Cons: chipset is mid-tier (not for heavy gaming), Samsung/Pixel image processing still leads in low light

2. POCO M6 5G — Best under-$200 contender when available

Why consider it: POCO continues to undercut established brands with big screens and competent processors. The POCO M6 5G is routinely listed well under $300 (often in the $150–$220 range depending on storage) while offering large displays and useful camera hardware for everyday users. If raw value matters more than brand cachet, this is a strong pick. MobileintoeBay

Pros: aggressive pricing, large display, good everyday performance for web, social apps
Cons: software may be heavier (MIUI/POCO custom layer), limited update promises compared with Samsung/Pixel

3. Xiaomi / Redmi Note 13 — Best display and camera for the price (select trims)

Why consider it: The Redmi Note series historically pushes value in display quality, fast charging, and camera specs. In 2025 certain Redmi Note 13 trims (and regional variants) can be priced below $300, offering 120Hz OLED displays and versatile camera setups that outperform many competitors at the same price point. Check storage and regional compatibility before buying. AmazonBack Market

Pros: high-refresh OLED displays, competitive cameras, fast charging
Cons: some global/US carrier compatibility quirks and differing warranty/support depending on seller

4. OnePlus Nord N300 5G — Clean software, reliable basics

Why consider it: The Nord N300 (and similar OnePlus budget models) deliver a clean software experience and reliable 5G connectivity at a budget price. Historically they’ve landed comfortably under $300 and remain attractive if you want near-stock Android with useful extras. Swappa/eBay price checks regularly show sub-$250 listings. Swappa.comAndroid Police

Pros: clean UI, steady updates for a budget phone, dependable everyday performance
Cons: camera and display won’t match higher-end phones; storage/RAM options may be limited in some markets

5. Samsung Galaxy A14 / A16 — Best for buyers who want Samsung’s ecosystem

Why consider it: Samsung’s A-series is designed for budget-conscious buyers who still want One UI and predictable software updates. The Galaxy A14 (and later A16 refresh) often appear under $300, especially during sales or in carrier/retailer bundles. Samsung’s build quality and software polish make these a safe purchase for mainstream users. eBayTech Advisor

Pros: One UI polish and update promise, wide carrier compatibility, dependable cameras for the class
Cons: performance is modest compared to some non-Samsung competitors in this price range

6. Seasonal deals and carrier offers — how to score a superior phone under $300

Sometimes high-value devices drop into your price bracket through trade-in deals, temporary promos, or MVNO specials. For instance, limited-time offers have put mid-range or even premium-feeling phones under $300 if you port a number or meet plan requirements — these are worth monitoring if you want the best possible hardware for your budget. (Always read the terms: some deals require multi-month commitments.) Tom’s GuideTechRadar

What to expect from a $300 (or lower) phone in 2025 — realistic expectations

• Battery: Most good budget phones in 2025 offer 4,000–5,000 mAh batteries and can easily last a full day with screen-on-time to spare. Motorola

• Display: Expect 90–120Hz panels in many models; cheaper phones may still use LCD but some value phones now include OLEDs. Amazon

• Performance: Midrange SoCs (MediaTek/Qualcomm Snapdragon’s lower tiers) are common; capable for web, streaming, social apps, and light gaming. Heavy 3D gaming or advanced AI tasks will be limited. MobileintoAndroid Police

• Camera: Dependable daylight shots, improving low-light performance in select models (OIS is a big plus when present). Don’t expect flagship-level processing. Amazon+1

• Software updates: Samsung often offers the best update promises in budget categories; other brands vary — check the manufacturer’s update policy before buying. Tech Advisor

How to pick the right phone under $300 — simple checklist

1. Battery life — aim for 4,500 mAh or more if you’re a heavy user.

2. Display type — OLED at this price is a bonus (better blacks, contrast).

3. SoC & RAM — 4–6 GB RAM is common; for smoother multitasking prefer 6+GB.

4. Storage — 128 GB is a sweet spot; check for microSD if you need expandability.

5. Carrier compatibility — make sure sub-6GHz 5G bands are supported for your carrier.

6. Software updates — prefer brands that commit to 2–3 years of updates for security and stability.

7. Warranty & return policy — buy from reputable retailers or directly from the maker.

Quick buying tips (save money without regretting it)

• Wait for seasonal sales (Prime Day, Black Friday, back-to-school) — mid-range phones often fall under $300 during promotions. TechRadar

• Consider unlocked vs carrier-locked — unlocked gives freedom but carriers sometimes subsidize devices heavily. Read the fine print on credits and bill requirements. TechRadar

• Refurbished can be smart — manufacturer-certified refurbished models often come with warranty and substantial savings.

• Check reviews for real-world battery & camera tests — specs don’t tell the whole story; lab and field tests do.

FAQs (SEO-friendly, concise answers)

Q: Are there any truly good phones under $200 in 2025?
Yes — several models (notably from POCO and Motorola’s budget lines) often retail under $200 while offering 5G and large batteries. They’re great for everyday use but will compromise on camera quality and update longevity. MobileintoeBay

Q: Will a phone under $300 get Android updates?
Some will — Samsung’s A-series often gets the best update cadence for budget phones; other brands vary. Always check the manufacturer’s stated update policy. Tech Advisor

Q: Is it better to buy unlocked or through a carrier?
If you value flexibility, unlocked is best. Carrier deals sometimes allow you to get a better phone for less upfront cost, but they may require trade-ins or long-term commitments. Read terms carefully. TechRadar

Final verdict

If you want the safest all-round purchase under $300 in 2025, the Motorola Moto G Power (2025) and Samsung Galaxy A14/A16 family are reliable, well-supported picks. If raw value is your priority and you watch deals, POCO M6 5G or certain Redmi Note 13 trims can blow past expectations on price-to-performance. For a clean software experience, OnePlus Nord N300 remains a dependable choice.

Before you buy, check current retailer/ carrier pricing and confirm the exact model’s network compatibility and update policy — prices and promos move fast in this segment. I’ve linked authoritative product pages and recent deal coverage above so you can validate the latest prices and promotions.