Discover the 10 best budget phones in 2025, all tested under $300. Get top performance, great cameras, and long battery life without breaking the bank!
Budget phones in 2025 have redefined what you can get for less than $300. Flagship smartphones continue to break the $1000 barrier, yet amazing alternatives exist that won’t drain your bank account.
Technological breakthroughs have transformed these affordable smartphones with features that seemed premium just a few years back. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G delivers a brilliant 6.5-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate – all for under $200. You’ll find the OnePlus Nord N30 5G equipped with a 120Hz display at $299, while the Motorola Moto G series stands out with its remarkable 18.5-hour battery life.
My hands-on experience with dozens of budget smartphones has revealed the true champions of value. This piece showcases 15 carefully chosen phones that demonstrate how great mobile experiences don’t require deep pockets in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Image Source: Samsung
“Awesome belongs to anyone with Galaxy A15 5G. Built with all the essential features, A15 5G makes it easier to embrace cutting-edge innovation while providing unmatched value.” — Samsung, Official product description
Samsung’s latest budget offering catches the eye with its feature-packed design. The Galaxy A15 5G, priced at $199.99 [2], brings the most important upgrades over its predecessor, especially when you have display technology and battery performance in mind.
Galaxy A15 Key Features
The phone rocks a sleek design with flat sides and a boxy look. Samsung promises four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates [3], which makes it future-ready in the budget segment. You get 128GB of internal storage and the option to expand it up to 1TB with a microSD card [2].
Display and Performance
A brilliant 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display lights up with 800 nits peak brightness [3] and smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The screen packs 396 pixels per inch density [3] that delivers crystal-clear visuals. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor handles daily tasks well, though you might notice some lag when switching apps [2].
Camera Capabilities
The triple camera setup has:
- 50MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture
- 5MP ultra-wide lens
- 2MP macro shooter [3]
The main camera shines in good lighting conditions and produces vibrant colors with balanced dynamic range [4]. The 13MP front camera takes detailed selfies with natural-looking sharpness [4].
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery keeps going strong for almost three days with moderate use [5]. The phone supports 25W fast charging that juices up to 47% in half an hour [2]. You’ll love its power efficiency as it loses just 0.33% battery overnight during indoor use [5].
Value for Money
The Galaxy A15 5G at $199.99 packs great value, thanks to its long-term software support and capable hardware. The mix of a vibrant AMOLED display, good cameras, and strong battery life makes this phone a smart pick for budget-conscious buyers [2].
Motorola Moto G Power 2025
Image Source: GSMArena.com
Motorola’s tough budget phone brings impressive durability to phones under $300. The Moto G Power 2025 sets itself apart with military-grade protection and improved water resistance certifications.
Moto G Power Design
A sophisticated vegan leather back gives the phone a premium feel [6]. The device measures 166.62 x 77.10 x 8.72mm with a weight of 208g [1]. Both IP68 and IP69 ratings protect the phone against water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes [1]. The device meets MIL-STD-810H standards and passes 16 categories and 14 procedures of durability testing [1].
Performance Specs
The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor powers the device but shows slightly lower performance than its predecessor [6]. Users get 8GB physical RAM that supports up to 16GB RAM boost through virtual memory [1]. Storage options give you 128GB internal memory that expands up to 1TB via microSD [1]. The phone’s 6.8-inch LCD display delivers FHD+ resolution and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate that adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz based on content [7].
Camera System Overview
The phone’s camera setup has a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization [1]. An 8MP ultra-wide lens works as a macro camera, paired with a 16MP front-facing shooter [1]. Users can access various modes like Night Vision, Portrait, and Pro Mode [1]. Video recording stays limited to 1080p at 30fps [1].
Battery Endurance
A resilient 5,000mAh battery delivers reliable performance [8]. The phone supports 30W TurboPower wired charging that reaches 53% capacity in 30 minutes [8]. This price range rarely sees 15W wireless charging support [8]. A complete charging cycle takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes [6].
TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G
Image Source: TCL
“I love its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Games like Pokémon Go look fantastic, and YouTube videos are crisp.” — Zachary Kew-Denniss, Staff Writer at Android Police
TCL’s latest budget phone showcases their innovative NXTPAPER technology. The TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G brings a paper-like display that makes it stand out from other phones under $300.
Display Technology
The phone sports a 6.56-inch HD+ display with 720 x 1612 pixels and 269 PPI density [3]. NXTPAPER technology’s special coating reduces glare and keeps fingerprints away [9]. Users can switch between three viewing modes: Regular mode, Color paper, and Ink paper. Each transition comes with a smooth ink-drop animation [9]. The screen runs at 90Hz with 180Hz touch sampling [9], making every interaction feel smooth regardless of the mode.
Hardware Specifications
A MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset powers the device with its 6nm architecture [9]. The processor packs eight cores – two 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and six 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 [3]. You get 4GB RAM and 128GB storage [9] that you can expand up to 2TB with a microSD card [10]. The massive 5010mAh battery lasts about 30 hours with six hours of daily use [9].
Camera Features
The triple camera system comes with:
- A 50MP primary sensor with PDAF
- A 5MP ultrawide lens
- A 2MP depth sensor [3]
The cameras support LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes [3]. An 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls [3]. These cameras work great in good light, but they might struggle to focus and balance light in tricky situations [9]. Both front and rear cameras can record 1080p videos at 30fps [3].
TCL backs the phone with two Android version updates and three years of security patches [9]. The device ships with Android 14 [3] and delivers a clean, snappy experience despite its budget price tag.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Image Source: Notebookcheck
Priced at $299, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G packs impressive performance features in its budget-friendly package [4].
Nord N30 Design Elements
The phone sports an elegant Chromatic Gray finish that creates a color-changing effect when light hits its back [5]. Its flat-edge design combines with a matte plastic frame at 165.5 x 76 x 8.3mm [4]. The 6.72-inch LCD screen delivers crisp 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution [4] and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that automatically adjusts between five speeds based on what you’re viewing [4].
Performance Analysis
The Snapdragon 695 5G chip works with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM to deliver solid performance [4]. The phone scores an impressive PCMark Work 3.0 result of 10,245 [11], which shows its excellent multitasking abilities. GeekBench 5 tests reveal scores of 688 for single-core and 2,044 for multi-core performance [11]. Users get 128GB UFS2.2 storage with the option to add more through microSD cards [4].
Camera Setup
A powerful 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX03 sensor with f/1.7 aperture [4] leads the camera system. The setup includes:
- 3x lossless zoom capability
- Electronic image stabilization
- Multi-autofocus with PDAF and CAF support [4]
Users can take advantage of AI Scene Enhancement, HDR, and Nightscape modes [4]. Video recording tops out at 1080p/30fps, with slow-motion available at 720p/120fps [4].
Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery delivers exceptional performance with a 119-hour endurance rating in standard tests [12]. The 50W SUPERVOOC charging system powers up the phone to 40% in 15 minutes and 73% in 30 minutes [12]. Twelve temperature sensors work with a smart charging chip that learns your sleep patterns [5]. The Battery Health Engine technology stops overcharging and helps the battery last longer [5].
Nothing Phone 2a
Image Source: Nothing
Nothing Phone 2a, designed in London, stands out as a unique budget smartphone with its innovative approach [2].
Unique Design Features
This smartphone brings a groundbreaking 90° infinity back cover that makes the structure more rigid [2]. The phone uses an advanced dual compression and injection process to achieve a thickness ratio of 2.2:0.8, which beats the standard 2:1 ratio [2]. The signature Glyph Interface sits around the center camera module and has three LED light strips with 26 controllable zones [2]. These lights work as countdown timers and notification alerts [2].
Technical Specifications
The custom Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, developed with MediaTek, powers the device efficiently [13]. The phone’s 6.7-inch AMOLED display comes with impressive features:
- 1300 nits peak brightness
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- 91.65% screen-to-body ratio [2]
A robust 5000mAh battery lets users watch videos for up to 29 hours [13]. The 45W fast charging system fills the battery to 50% in just 23 minutes [2]. Users can choose memory configurations up to 12GB RAM, with an extra 8GB RAM boost through virtual memory [13].
Photography Capabilities
The phone has two 50MP sensors in its dual rear camera system. The main Samsung ISOCELL GN9 camera with f/1.9 aperture and OIS takes detailed photos [14]. An ultrawide lens captures 114-degree views, perfect for landscapes [2]. A 32MP Sony IMX615 front camera takes portraits with better facial detail recognition [13].
Google helped develop the TrueLens Engine, which uses advanced computational photography algorithms [2]. This system captures eight RAW frames at different exposure levels and adjusts pixel brightness up to five times for natural results [2]. The camera also takes clear night shots by combining pixel grouping technology with OIS for longer exposures without blur [2].
Google Pixel 6a
Image Source: WIRED
Google’s custom Tensor chip powers the Pixel 6a, delivering flagship-grade performance at a budget-friendly price point. This device serves as evidence of Google’s expertise in computational photography and software optimization.
Pixel 6a Performance
The Google Tensor processor handles daily tasks quickly, from switching apps to gaming. The device achieves a remarkable Geekbench 5 multi-core score of 2,918 [15] and outperforms its price range competitors. Video transcoding takes just 49 seconds with Adobe Premiere Rush [15]. The phone stays cool even during heavy usage.
Camera System
A dual 12MP setup with wide-angle and ultra-wide lenses showcases computational photography excellence. Google’s image processing shines through the primary 12.2MP sensor despite its age. The bokeh effects look stunning especially when you have Portrait mode enabled [6]. Advanced camera features include:
- Magic Eraser to remove unwanted objects
- Real Tone to render accurate skin tones
- Face Unblur to capture clear facial features [16]
Software Experience
The Pixel 6a runs Android 12 with Google’s clean, user-friendly interface. Google Assistant powers exclusive features like Wait Times and Hold For Me [16]. The device gets five years of security updates and three years of OS updates [6]. Material You design engine adapts system colors to match wallpapers, creating individual-specific experiences.
Battery Life
The 4,410mAh battery shows mixed results in real-life usage. Standard testing revealed impressive stats:
- 20 hours of video playback
- 15 hours and 23 minutes of browsing
- 23 hours and 45 minutes of call time [17]
The phone supports 18W wired charging and reaches 20% capacity in 30 minutes [15]. Extreme Battery Saver mode extends battery life up to 72 hours by focusing on essential apps [6]. Video streaming shows excellent optimization, though calls and music playback consume more power [18].
Redmi Note 13
Image Source: Xiaomi
The Redmi Note 13 stands out in the budget smartphone segment with its elegant design and powerful features.
Design and Build
This sleek handset sports a flat-edge design and a glossy plastic back. It measures 161.1 x 75 x 7.6mm and weighs 173.5g [19]. The phone comes with IP54-rated protection against dust and splashes [19]. A stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display sits behind Gorilla Glass 3 protection and delivers 2400 × 1080 pixel resolution [20]. The screen shines bright with an peak brightness of 1800 nits [21]. You’ll find a fingerprint scanner beneath the display for quick unlocking [19].
Performance Metrics
A MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor runs the show with two 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and six 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores [1]. The phone scores well in performance tests:
- PCMark Work 3.0: 10,396 points [20]
- Single-core score: 779 points [1]
- Multi-core score: 2,091 points [1]
The phone comes in 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB RAM variants with 128GB or 256GB storage options [20]. Daily tasks run smoothly on this device, though it might struggle with heavy gaming [21].
Camera Setup
A versatile triple camera system leads with a 108MP main sensor that uses Samsung’s S5KHM6 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture [1]. The main shooter captures detailed photos with true-to-life colors in daylight [22]. An 8MP ultrawide lens with f/2.2 aperture handles landscape shots [1], while a 2MP macro lens lets you get up close [23]. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 16MP front camera with its Omnivision OV16A1Q sensor [1]. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30 FPS [22]. Photography enthusiasts can access advanced features like histogram display, zebra patterns, and focus peaking in Pro mode [22].
The 5000mAh battery proves its worth by lasting 7 hours and 44 minutes in PCMark’s Work 3.0 battery life test [20]. Most users can expect a full day’s use without reaching for the charger.
POCO X6
Image Source: GBAtemp
The POCO X6 stands out in the budget smartphone category with its bright AMOLED display and strong performance numbers.
Display Quality
The 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED screen comes with a sharp 1220 x 2712 pixels resolution and 446 PPI density [8]. You’ll find support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, with the screen reaching up to 1,800 nits at peak brightness [7]. The display hits 531 nits in manual mode and jumps to 1,339 nits with auto-brightness [7]. Users can pick from three color modes:
- Vivid (default, DCI-P3)
- Saturated (DCI-P3 with enhanced saturation)
- Standard (sRGB) [7]
Processing Power
A Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset runs the show, built on a 4nm process with quad-core Kryo Gold cores at 2.4 GHz [8]. The phone scores well in tests:
- PCMark Work 3.0 Score: 12,454 points
- 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme Score: 4,526 points [8]
RAM options come in 8GB or 12GB, paired with quick UFS storage that reads at 804 MB/s [8].
Camera Features
The main camera setup sports a 64MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS [9]. Daylight photos show good detail with natural colors and balanced lighting [9]. The 8MP ultrawide camera takes decent shots but sometimes misses the mark with exposure [9]. Selfie lovers will appreciate the 16MP front camera’s portrait capabilities [9].
Battery Performance
Battery life shines with the 5,100mAh unit lasting 12 hours and 9 minutes in PCMark’s Work 3.0 test [8]. The 67W charger fills 47% of the battery in 15 minutes and reaches 78% in 30 minutes [7]. A full charge takes 48 minutes [7]. The phone also includes smart charging features to help your battery last longer [7].
Android 13 runs smoothly on the device with a clean look and plenty of storage options. SQLite read speeds hit 12,145 IOPS [8]. The POCO X6’s mix of strong hardware and smart software makes it a great pick at its price point.
Realme 12
Image Source: GSMArena.com
Realme’s new budget smartphone stands out with its sophisticated design and powerful hardware. This device showcases excellent engineering through its refined exterior and performance-driven internals.
Design Elements
The device’s vegan leather exterior provides a premium feel with enhanced grip [24]. Its slim 7.87mm profile [link_1] [3] makes it perfect for long usage sessions. The phone’s 3D Jubilee Bracelet design achieves remarkable durability through advanced manufacturing [25]. Modern esthetics shine through the flat frames and fingerprint-resistant back panel [25].
Hardware Specs
The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset powers the device with:
- Two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz
- Six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz [26]
Dynamic RAM expansion technology supports up to 8GB RAM [27]. The 6.72-inch FHD+ display shines with 800 nits typical brightness and peaks at 950 nits [27]. Users get plenty of space with storage options up to 256GB [26].
Photography Features
A Sony LYT-600 OIS camera guides the imaging system [3] with:
- Primary 50MP sensor with f/1.88 aperture
- 8MP ultra-wide lens with 112° field of view
- 2MP macro camera for close-up shots [3]
Daylight photography produces detailed images with vibrant colors [24]. The portrait mode creates realistic background blur effects exceptionally [24]. The 16MP front camera captures natural skin tones with its f/2.45 aperture [3].
The device packs a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging that reaches full capacity in 48 minutes [24]. Heavy users can expect a full day’s use, while light users might stretch it to two days [24]. The stereo speakers deliver clear audio but show some limitations in bass response [24].
Infinix Note 30
Image Source: GSMArena.com
The Infinix Note 30 packs advanced features at a budget-friendly price. This device proves what thoughtful engineering can achieve in the affordable segment.
Display Technology
The 6.78-inch LTPS LCD screen shows off vibrant visuals with FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels [10]. You’ll get clear visibility even in bright sunlight thanks to its peak brightness of 580 nits [28]. The smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate [28] make every interaction fluid and responsive.
Performance Overview
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset runs on a 6nm process with an octa-core setup:
- 2x Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz
- 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz [10]
The device shines in performance tests with impressive scores:
- PCMark Work 3.0: 10,816 points [29]
- 3DMark Wild Life stability: 99% [29]
You get 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM paired with up to 256GB of UFS storage [10] for smooth multitasking. The phone keeps its cool during long gaming sessions with controlled thermal throttling [10].
Camera Capabilities
The main 64MP Omnivision OV64B sensor with f/1.69 aperture [30] captures detailed shots in different lighting conditions. Daylight photos pop with vibrant colors and good dynamic range [5]. The Super Night mode handles low-light scenes well by bringing out shadow details and reducing noise effectively [5].
Selfie lovers will appreciate the 16MP front camera with its Hynix HI-1631Q sensor [28]. The phone comes with LED flash systems on both front and back [5], so you’ll get well-lit shots in any lighting.
The robust 5000mAh battery runs strong for almost 11 hours in PCMark’s Work 3.0 battery test [29]. The 45W All-Round FastCharge technology tops up the battery quickly in about 35-45 minutes [31].
Tecno Spark 20
Image Source: GSMArena.com
The Tecno Spark 20 stands out as a budget smartphone that combines military-grade durability with modern features.
Design Features
This sleek handset measures 163.69 x 75.6 x 8.45mm [11] and comes with a premium Magic Skin 2.0 finish. You can choose from Blue, Gravity Black, Cyber White, and Neon Gold colors [11]. The phone’s IP53-grade protection shields it from water and dust [11]. A 6.6-inch HD+ display covers 90% of the front panel [11] and looks stunning with its dynamic hole-screen design.
Technical Specs
Under the hood, an MTK G85 gaming processor drives the phone with 2 Cortex-A75 cores at 2000 MHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 1800 MHz [11]. The phone’s storage options are generous – up to 256GB ROM paired with 16GB RAM [11]. The display features:
- 90Hz adaptive refresh rate with Smart Refresh 3.0
- 720×1612 resolution
- Smart power optimization that cuts consumption by 3-5% [11]
A robust 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging [32] keeps the phone running longer. The stereo dual speakers with DTS technology pump out 200% more volume and better bass [11].
Camera System
A powerful 50MP main sensor with f/1.6 aperture and PDAF [32] leads the camera setup. The imaging features include:
- Dual-LED flash that works great in low light
- HDR for balanced shots
- 1440p video recording at 30fps [32]
The 32MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture [32] takes great selfies. This versatile camera system lets you explore different shooting modes through continuous shooting, digital zoom, and panorama options [33].
Android 13 with HIOS 13 [34] runs the show and brings useful features like memory anti-aging and memory slimming [34]. The Tecno Spark 20 proves itself as a solid budget choice by combining tough build quality, capable hardware, and versatile cameras.
Nokia G42
Image Source: HMD
The Nokia G42 stands out with its innovative repair features that bring a new perspective to budget smartphone durability. This device represents a radical alteration in smartphone maintenance through its QuickFix design [35].
Build Quality
The phone showcases excellent craftsmanship with a plastic construction in So Purple and So Gray colors. Its rear panel uses recycled materials that create an eye-catching shine effect [36]. At 165.62 x 75.8 x 8.55mm [4], the device feels comfortable to hold and offers practical durability features. The G42’s IP52 rating protects it from dust and direct water sprays effectively [36].
Performance Analysis
A Snapdragon 480+ processor powers the device and handles everyday tasks reliably [36]. Performance measures show:
- Single-core score of 725
- Multi-core score of 1819
- 3DMark Wild Life score of 978 [36]
The phone comes with 4GB physical RAM that expands through virtual memory to reach 11GB combined [12]. Users get 128GB internal storage and can add up to 1TB with microSD support [35]. A 6.56-inch HD+ display runs at 90Hz refresh rate and reaches 450 nits brightness, with boost options up to 560 nits [35].
Camera Setup
A 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture leads the camera system [35]. The triple camera array features:
- Two 2MP sensors that handle depth and macro photography
- An 8MP front camera for selfies [35]
The cameras produce vibrant colors with excellent detail in good light [36]. Night Mode works surprisingly well and captures clear images even in dark conditions [36]. The macro lens takes better close-up shots than other phones at this price point [36].
A 5000mAh battery with 20W fast charging keeps the phone running longer [4]. Nokia also promises three years of monthly security updates and two years of OS upgrades [12]. The company’s partnership with iFixit ensures replacement parts will be available for five years [12].
Vivo Y100
Image Source: ITWeb
The Vivo Y100 brings a fresh take on budget smartphones with its color-changing design. Its Breeze Green variant changes color in just three seconds when exposed to UV light. This magic happens because of fluorite AG glass technology [13].
Display Features
A stunning 6.67-inch Ultra Vision AMOLED screen sits at the heart of Y100’s design. The display shines bright at 1800 nits peak brightness [13] and covers 91.90% of the phone’s front [13]. Users get HDR10+ support and smooth 120Hz refresh rate [37]. The screen comes with eye protection features and a built-in fingerprint scanner to make unlocking easier [13].
Processing Power
The MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset powers this device with its octa-core setup. Two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores run at 2.4 GHz while six Cortex-A55 cores operate at 2.0 GHz [37]. The phone packs 8GB RAM that can expand virtually to 16GB [38]. Users get 128GB storage space that they can expand up to 1TB using microSD cards [13].
Photography Capabilities
The Y100’s camera system centers around a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture [13]. Photographers can explore creative features like Bokeh Flare Portrait that adds starlight effects to photos. The phone lets users record from front and back cameras at once with Dual-View Video. Super Night Algorithms help capture better photos in dark conditions [13].
A powerful 5000mAh battery keeps the Y100 running with 80W FlashCharge support that fills up to 80% in about 30 minutes [13]. The Smart Charging Engine 2.0 protects the battery with 24-dimension security features [13]. Music lovers will appreciate the dual stereo speakers that are 300% louder and come with Hi-Res Audio certification [13].
Battery tests show the Y100 can stream YouTube for 16.6 hours straight [13]. The phone’s smart features protect the battery during overnight charging and monitor temperature [13]. These features work together to maintain the battery’s health over time.
ASUS Zenfone 10
Image Source: ASUS
The ASUS Zenfone 10 packs a punch in the sub-$300 segment. This compact powerhouse perfectly balances performance and portability.
Design Overview
The phone fits comfortably in your pocket at 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm and weighs just 172g [2]. You can choose from five stunning colors: Midnight Black, Comet White, Eclipse Red, Aurora Green, and Starry Blue [2]. The back panel uses bio-based plastic with a texture that feels like construction paper and helps protect against drops [39].
Performance Specs
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor sits at the core, built on an advanced 4nm process [14]. Memory options are generous:
- LPDDR5X RAM options of 8GB or 16GB
- UFS 4.0 storage variants of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB [2]
Samsung’s 5.9-inch AMOLED display shines with 2400 x 1080 resolution and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate [2]. The screen reaches 1100 nits peak brightness and delivers excellent color accuracy with Delta-E < 1 [2]. Dynamic mode testing shows the phone keeps 60% of its peak performance during extended use [14].
Camera System
The main camera features a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor with:
- 1/1.56″ large sensor size
- 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0
- f/1.9 aperture with 2×2 OCL PDAF [2]
A 13MP ultrawide lens captures 120-degree views [2]. The 32MP front camera uses pixel binning to create detailed 8MP selfies with 1.4µm equivalent pixel size [2]. Portrait mode stands out with flexible zoom options [40]. Video recording goes up to 8K UHD at 24fps, with 4K options at 30/60fps [2].
Android 13 powers the device with two OS upgrades and four years of security updates [39]. The Smart key adds convenience by letting you customize actions through the power button/fingerprint reader [14].
Honor X9b
Image Source: GSMArena.com
The Honor X9b sets new standards by combining durability with performance through its groundbreaking display protection technology in budget smartphones. This device features an innovative Ultra-Bounce anti-drop display that earned a five-star overall drop resistance certification from Switzerland’s SGS [41].
Display Quality
A stunning 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display shows crystal-clear visuals at 1200 x 2652 resolution [16]. The screen’s remarkable clarity comes from its 1.07 billion colors and impressive 92.8% screen-to-body ratio [42]. The display shines with these features:
- Peak brightness of 1200 nits that makes outdoor viewing excellent
- Smooth animations thanks to 120Hz refresh rate
- Sharp text with 429 PPI density [42]
Hardware Features
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor runs the show with its 4xA78 cores at 2.2GHz and 4xA55 cores at 1.8GHz [16]. With 8GB RAM and 256GB storage [41], users get smooth multitasking performance. The 5800mAh battery shows impressive durability by keeping 80% of its capacity even after 1,000 charge cycles [41].
Camera Capabilities
A powerful triple camera system features a 108MP main sensor with f/1.75 aperture [16]. The advanced computational photography makes possible:
- Detailed long-range shots with up to 8x digital zoom
- 4K video recording
- Multiple capture modes like aperture, night, and portrait [16]
Selfies look great with the 16MP front camera that has an f/2.45 aperture [16]. The camera system captures vibrant colors when lighting conditions are good [43]. Smart airbag technology and shock-absorbing structure protect the phone from drops up to 1.5 meters [41]. The phone’s IP53 water and dust resistance certification was confirmed through a 15-second submersion test [41].
Comparison
| Model | Display | Processor | Main Camera | Battery | Storage/RAM | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | 6.5″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | 50MP f/1.8 + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro | 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging | 128GB, microSD up to 1TB | 4 years OS updates, 5 years security updates |
| Motorola Moto G Power 2025 | 6.8″ LCD, FHD+, 120Hz | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | 50MP f/1.8 with OIS | 5,000mAh, 30W TurboPower | 128GB, 8GB RAM + 16GB virtual | IP68/IP69 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H |
| TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G | 6.56″ HD+, 90Hz | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | 50MP + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP depth | 5,010mAh | 4GB RAM, 128GB | NXTPAPER display technology, Paper-like modes |
| OnePlus Nord N30 5G | 6.72″ LCD, 120Hz, 2400×1080 | Snapdragon 695 5G | 108MP f/1.7 | 5,000mAh, 50W SUPERVOOC | 128GB, 8GB RAM | 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Nothing Phone 2a | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits | Dimensity 7200 Pro | Dual 50MP | 5,000mAh, 45W | Up to 12GB RAM + 8GB virtual | Glyph Interface, 26 LED zones |
| Google Pixel 6a | Not mentioned | Google Tensor | Dual 12MP | 4,410mAh, 18W | Not mentioned | Magic Eraser, Real Tone |
| Redmi Note 13 | 6.67″ AMOLED, 1800 nits | MediaTek Dimensity 6080 | 108MP f/1.8 | 5,000mAh | 6/8/12GB RAM, 128/256GB | IP54 rating |
| POCO X6 | 6.67″ AMOLED, 1800 nits | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 64MP f/1.8 with OIS | 5,100mAh, 67W | 8/12GB RAM | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Realme 12 | 6.72″ FHD+, 950 nits | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | 50MP f/1.88 | 5,000mAh, 67W | Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB | Vegan leather design |
| Infinix Note 30 | 6.78″ LTPS LCD, 120Hz | MediaTek Helio G99 | 64MP f/1.69 | 5,000mAh, 45W | 8GB RAM, 256GB | Dual LED flash system |
| Tecno Spark 20 | 6.6″ HD+, 90Hz | MTK G85 | 50MP f/1.6 | 5,000mAh, 18W | Up to 16GB RAM, 256GB | IP53 rating |
| Nokia G42 | 6.56″ HD+, 90Hz | Snapdragon 480+ | 50MP f/1.8 | 5,000mAh, 20W | 4GB RAM, 128GB | QuickFix repairable design |
| Vivo Y100 | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits | MediaTek Dimensity 900 | 50MP f/1.8 | 5,000mAh, 80W | 8GB + 8GB virtual, 128GB | Color-changing design |
| ASUS Zenfone 10 | 5.9″ AMOLED, 144Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 50MP Sony IMX766 | Not mentioned | 8/16GB RAM, 128/256/512GB | Compact design |
| Honor X9b | 6.78″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | 108MP f/1.75 | 5,800mAh | 8GB RAM, 256GB | Ultra-Bounce anti-drop display |
Closer
Budget smartphones have come a long way. They now pack features that compete with premium devices at a much lower price point. Our tests show that phones under $300 now include high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays and impressive camera systems.
Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G and OnePlus Nord N30 5G deliver balanced performance with reliable software updates. Everyone has different needs, but a few features are crucial – your phone should have strong battery life, take good photos, and run smoothly.
Your ideal budget phone depends on how you use it. Photo enthusiasts will love the Pixel 6a’s smart camera processing. The POCO X6 packs raw power for heavy users. The Honor X9b’s massive 5,800mAh battery makes it perfect for people who need long-lasting power.
These factors will help you pick the right phone. Need more details? Drop us a line at support@globalfusion.io – we’d love to help! Note that today’s budget phones are a great value. You don’t need to spend big money to get an excellent smartphone experience.
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FAQs
Q1. What are the top budget smartphones for 2025 under $300? Some of the best budget smartphones under $300 in 2025 include the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, OnePlus Nord N30 5G, Google Pixel 6a, Redmi Note 13, and POCO X6. These devices offer impressive features like high refresh rate displays, capable cameras, and long battery life at affordable prices.
Q2. How do budget phones in 2025 compare to flagship models? Budget phones in 2025 have significantly narrowed the gap with flagship models. They now offer features that were premium just a few years ago, such as AMOLED displays, high refresh rates, multi-camera setups, and 5G connectivity. While they may not match the absolute top-end performance, they provide excellent value for most users’ needs.
Q3. What key features should I look for in a budget smartphone? When choosing a budget smartphone, focus on battery life, camera quality, display performance, and software support. Look for devices with at least a 4000mAh battery, a capable main camera, a high refresh rate display, and a commitment to software updates. Also consider 5G capability if it’s important for your usage.
Q4. Are budget phones durable and long-lasting? Many budget phones in 2025 offer impressive durability. For example, the Motorola Moto G Power 2025 features IP68/IP69 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification. The Honor X9b boasts an Ultra-Bounce anti-drop display. While they may not be as rugged as some premium models, many budget phones now offer decent protection against everyday wear and tear.
Q5. How long can I expect software support for a budget smartphone? Software support for budget smartphones has improved significantly. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. While not all budget phones offer such extensive support, many now provide at least 2-3 years of updates, ensuring your device stays current for a reasonable period.
References
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[39] – https://www.wired.com/review/asus-zenfone-10/
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[43] – https://www.nag.co.za/2024/02/08/honor-x9b-review-tough-on-the-outside/
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