Best Budget Phones Under $300 (2025) – Top Expert Picks

Finding a great smartphone under $300 is no longer an impossible task in 2025. With mid-range processors improving and brands like Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, and OnePlus competing aggressively, budget phones now offer flagship-level features from 90Hz displays to AI-enhanced cameras.

Top Budget Phones Under $300 in 2025

Rank	Phone	Key Features	Price (Approx.)	Best For
1	Samsung Galaxy A15 5G	6.5″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 5G, 5000mAh	$249	All-Round Performance
2️	Moto G Power (2024)	6.6″ IPS, 5000mAh (3-day battery), 50MP camera	$229	Battery Life
3️	Redmi Note 13 5G	6.6″ FHD+, 120Hz, Dimensity 6100+, 48MP	$279	Display & Performance
4️	OnePlus Nord N30 5G	Snapdragon 695, 50MP, 8GB RAM	$299	Speed & Software
5️	Nokia G42 5G	Snapdragon 480+, Android One, 3 years updates	$269	Software Support
6️	Samsung Galaxy A05s	Snapdragon 680, 90Hz, 5000mAh	$199	Everyday Use
7️	TCL 50 XE 5G	Dimensity 610, 5G, 90Hz display	$249	Budget 5G Option

What to Expect From Phones Under $300

Modern budget smartphones no longer mean compromise. Here’s what you can reasonably expect in this price segment:

 Performance

• Chipsets: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, Snapdragon 695, or Exynos 1330 offer capable multitasking.
  
• RAM: Most models feature 6–8GB RAM, enough for smooth social media, light gaming, and streaming.
  

Display

• Expect Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates in most 2025 models.
  
• AMOLED panels are now standard on Samsung and Xiaomi phones under $300.
  

 Battery

• 5,000 mAh is the new norm, providing 2–3 days of moderate use.
  
• Fast charging speeds have also improved (typically 33W or higher).
  

Cameras

• Dual or triple setups, often with 50MP primary sensors.
  
• AI image optimization has improved dramatically in budget devices.

Best Budget Phones of 2025

1. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G – The All-Round Champion

Price: 215k- 300k

Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G offers an impressive Super AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery. It also ships with Android 14 and 4 years of security updates, making it a top pick for reliability.

Pros:
  Vibrant AMOLED display
  Excellent long-term updates
  Solid 5G performance

Cons:

 Average low-light camera performance

2. Moto G Power (2024) – Battery Beast

Price: $200-$300

If you value endurance over aesthetics, the Moto G Power remains unbeatable. With its massive 5000mAh battery, it can last up to 3 days per charge, according to PCMag testing (2024).

Pros:
  Best battery life in class
  Clean Android interface
  Decent 50MP primary sensor

Cons:
No 5G (in some regions)
LCD display instead of AMOLED

3. Redmi Note 13 5G – The Performance King

Price: 400k

With a Dimensity 6100+ chipset, 120Hz display, and 5G, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 punches far above its price tag.

Pros:
  120Hz smooth display
  Great gaming performance
  Competitive pricing

Cons:
MI User Interface software includes bloatware

4. OnePlus Nord N30 5G – Fast, Fluid, and Reliable

Price: 265k- 949k

Known for its OxygenOS experience, the Nord N30 5G offers Snapdragon 695, 8GB RAM, and 33W charging.

Pros:
  Clean UI (OxygenOS)
  Strong midrange performance
  Great build quality

Cons:
  No AMOLED display

5. Nokia G42 5G – Privacy and Longevity First

Price: ~1,000,000

Nokia continues to prioritize software integrity. The G42 5G runs Android One, ensuring 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches.

Pros:
  Guaranteed updates
Solid 5G and battery
  Eco-friendly design

Cons:
  Slower charging speeds

Comparison Table: Best Phones Under $300 (2025)

Model	Display	Processor	Battery	OS Updates	5G Support	Price
Galaxy A15 5G	AMOLED, 90Hz	Exynos 1330	5000mAh	4 yrs	✅	$249
Moto G Power	IPS, 60Hz	Helio G85	5000mAh	2 yrs	❌	$229
Redmi Note 13	LCD, 120Hz	Dimensity 6100+	5000mAh	3 yrs	✅	$279
Nord N30 5G	IPS, 120Hz	Snapdragon 695	5000mAh	3 yrs	✅	$299
Nokia G42 5G	IPS, 90Hz	Snapdragon 480+	5000mAh	3 yrs	✅	$269

If you want the best balance of performance, display, and long-term value, go for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. It’s dependable, future-proof, and offers the most comprehensive software support in the segment.

However:

• For battery life, choose the Moto G Power (2024).
  
• For gaming performance, the Redmi Note 13 5G stands out.
  
• For clean software, Nokia G42 5G wins on privacy and updates.

In the age of mobile data tracking, even budget phones collect user metrics. Always review your privacy settings, disable ad personalization, and keep firmware updated to reduce vulnerabilities.

FAQs – Best Phones Under $300 in 2025

Q1: Are phones under $300 good for gaming?
Yes. Phones like the Redmi Note 13 5G and Nord N30 5G handle popular games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium-to-high settings.

Q2: Which phone has the best camera under $300?
The Galaxy A15 5G and OnePlus Nord N30 5G offer the most consistent photo quality in daylight.

Q3: Can I get 5G under $300?
Absolutely. Nearly all 2025 models in this price range, except the Moto G Power, support 5G.

Q4: How long will these phones get updates?
Most offer 2–4 years of Android and security updates check the table above for specifics.