The 5 Best Smartphones Under $300 in 2025: Affordable Powerhouses for Every Budget
In 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a smartphone that delivers solid performance, great cameras, and long-lasting battery life. The sub-$300 market is packed with options that offer flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or just need a reliable daily driver, there’s something for everyone. Based on recent reviews and testing, here are the top five smartphones under $300 that stand out for their value, features, and performance.
1. Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2025) – Best Overall
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
Price: ~$277
Why It’s Great: The Moto G Power 5G (2025) is a battery beast that doesn’t skimp on other essentials, making it the top pick for most users.
The Moto G Power 5G is all about longevity, boasting a 5,000mAh battery that lasted an impressive 17 hours and 13 minutes in testing, one of the best results in its class. It supports 30W wired charging (53% charge in 30 minutes) and even includes 15W wireless charging, a rare feature at this price. The 6.8-inch 120Hz display is vibrant, backed by stereo speakers with Bass Boost for an immersive experience. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, it handles everyday tasks well, though it may lag with heavy multitasking. The 50MP main camera with OIS takes decent photos in good lighting, and the vegan leather design adds a premium feel. However, software support is limited to two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, which is shorter than some competitors.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 120Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 30W wired, 15W wireless
- Software: Android 14 (2 OS updates, 3 years security)
Best For: Users who prioritize battery life and wireless charging.
2. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G – Best for Longevity
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
Price: ~$232
Why It’s Great: Samsung’s Galaxy A26 5G is the go-to choice for those who want a phone that will stay relevant for years thanks to its stellar software support.
The Galaxy A25 5G offers an unmatched four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, ensuring it stays current until 2029. Its 6.5-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution and loud dual speakers delivers a great media experience. The Exynos 1280 chipset provides decent performance for casual use, though it struggles with demanding tasks. The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight, but low-light shots are average. With a 5,000mAh battery and 25W fast charging, it’s reliable for all-day use. The design feels a bit dated, and it lacks features like wireless charging, but its long-term software support makes it a smart investment.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7″ Super AMOLED FHD+, 120Hz Refresh Rate,
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- Camera: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W wired
- Software: Android 15 (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
Best For: Buyers who want a phone that lasts with consistent updates.
3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G – Best for Fast Charging
4.3 out of 5 Ratings
Price: ~$249 (often discounted)
Why It’s Great: The OnePlus Nord N30 5G packs premium features like blazing-fast charging and a smooth display at a budget price.
For under $300, the Nord N30 5G delivers a 120Hz 6.72-inch display and a 5,000mAh battery that lasts 12.5 hours in tests. Its standout feature is 50W wired charging, which tops up the battery in record time for this price range. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 ensures smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, paired with 8GB of RAM. The 108MP main camera sounds impressive, but photo quality is average, especially in low light. Software support is shorter (one OS update, three years of security), but the phone’s sleek design, stereo speakers, and audio-boosting features make it a great pick for media lovers.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.72-inch LCD, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 695
- Camera: 108MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 50W wired
- Software: Android 13 (1 OS update, 3 years security)
Best For: Users who want fast charging and a smooth display.
4. Best Design: CMF Phone 1
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Price: ~$219
Why It’s Great: Nothing’s budget sub-brand CMF delivers a stylish, feature-packed phone that stands out in the crowded sub-$300 market.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro impresses with its vegan leather back and vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a premium look and feel. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset with 8GB of RAM, it handles gaming and multitasking with ease. The 50MP main camera delivers solid photos, and the 5,000mAh battery supports 45W fast charging for quick top-ups. While not widely available in the U.S., it’s a fantastic option in regions where it’s sold. Software support is decent but not as extensive as Samsung’s, and it lacks a microSD slot.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
- Camera: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired
- Software: Android 14 (2 OS updates, 3 years security)
Best For: Style-conscious users who want a premium design.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 4G – Best Camera Phone
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Price: ~$213
Why It’s Great: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 4G LTE —showcasing its sleek design with the triple-camera setup and vibrant color finish. High-refresh AMOLED with excellent brightness and color vibrancy. Strong battery life and fast-charging support. 4 major Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates—generous for this price tier. Thoughtful reinforcement and water resistance add to longevity and reliability
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 4G shines with its 6.67-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and an incredible 4,000 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 4G delivers outstanding value in 2025, offering a vibrant AMOLED screen, long-lasting battery, and impressively long software support. It’s ideal for users who prioritize display quality, battery, and peace of mind via updates.
However, if you’re looking for modern performance or advanced camera flexibility—or want a 5G-capable device—you might want to look at alternative models. And do watch out for potential connectivity quirks or software irritants.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 4,000 nits
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Camera:108MP AI Camera + 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired
- Software: Android 14 (2 OS updates, 3 years security)
Best For: Users who prioritize a vibrant, bright display.
How to Choose the Right Smartphone Under $300
When picking a budget smartphone, consider these factors:
- Battery Life: All five phones have 5,000mAh batteries, but the Moto G Power 5G lasts the longest, while the Nord N30 5G charges the fastest.
- Software Updates: The Galaxy A25 5G offers the longest support, ideal for those who keep phones for years.
- Performance: The CMF Phone 2 Pro and Honor X9c 5G edge out for gaming and multitasking.
- Camera: None excel in low light, but the Galaxy A25 5G and CMF Phone 2 Pro offer the most versatile setups.
- Design: The CMF Phone 2 Pro and Honor X9c 5G stand out for premium aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
The sub-$300 smartphone market in 2025 is stronger than ever, offering devices that balance performance, features, and affordability. The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2025) is our top pick for its unbeatable battery life and wireless charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is perfect for those prioritizing long-term software support. For fast charging, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a steal, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro and Honor X9c 5G impress with their stylish designs and vibrant displays.
No matter your needs, these phones prove you don’t need to break the bank for a great smartphone experience. Which one’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Prices and availability may vary by region and retailer. Always check for discounts or refurbished options to maximize value.
