Finding a great smartphone doesn’t have to break the bank. With today’s technology, budget smartphones offer impressive performance, sleek designs, and powerful features at a fraction of flagship prices. Whether you need a reliable device for everyday use or a second phone for travel, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.
Best budget phone
CMF Phone 1
CMF Phone 1 stands out by offering something rare in budget smartphones:
Nothing’s sub-brand takes a bold approach with a striking design that’s sure to grab attention. The sleek black panel looks stylish on its own but can be swapped for a more colorful option. Plus, the bottom-corner attachment supports a lanyard, kickstand, and card wallet accessories, adding extra versatility
Samsung Galaxy A16
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G delivers solid value with its stylish design and vibrant AMOLED display at an affordable price. It stands out with Samsung’s promise of six years of software updates far surpassing most budget rivals. However, performance remains sluggish, the camera setup is still average, and battery life seems weaker, especially during extended use.
Samsung Galaxy A25
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G offers strong value under £250/$250, featuring a faster Exynos 1280 chipset, a smoother 120Hz display, an upgraded 8Mp ultrawide camera, and stereo speakers. Solid battery life, capable main and selfie cameras, and five years of software updates make it a standout choice.
Limited storage options and a divisive design are the only real drawbacks unless another phone here suits your style better.
Motorola Moto G84
Moto G84 ranks among the best budget phones, held back only by limited software support—one Android update and three years of security patches.
While the cameras are average and the back can easily get dirty, the highlights outweigh the drawbacks. You get an outstanding 120Hz OLED display, solid Snapdragon 695 performance with 5G, strong battery life from a 5000mAh cell, and surprisingly fast 30W charging.
Motorola Moto G04
At just £89.99 in the UK, the Moto G04 nails the basics of a great smartphone. It offers smooth everyday performance, a decent display , and outstanding two-day battery life. Motorola’s familiar software is a plus, even with only two years of security updates.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
Redmi Note 13 5G isn’t the cheapest in the range, but it’s the top pick for budget buyers. Now even more affordable as a previous-gen model, it offers impressive value with a premium design, a great display, expandable storage alongside 256GB onboard, and four years of security updates.
Realme Narzo 30
Realme Narzo 30 delivers outstanding value with its 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 48MP triple-camera system, and powerful MediaTek Helio G95 chip. It handles gaming, streaming, and photography with ease, making it a top choice for budget-conscious users seeking a smooth, versatile experience.
Samsung Galaxy M32
Samsung Galaxy M32 stands out in the budget market with its all-day battery life, vibrant 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, and sharp 64MP quad-camera system. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G80, it delivers smooth performance and quick multitasking, making it a strong choice for affordable smartphones.
Note 10 Pro from Infinix
Infinix Note 10 Pro impresses with its massive 6.95-inch IPS LCD, smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and immersive viewing experience. Powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 and featuring a 64MP quad-camera system, it delivers outstanding value for budget-conscious buyers.
TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper
TCL’s unique display lets you instantly switch from vibrant color to an E-Ink style mode, boosting eye comfort and readability. Despite the E-Ink option, colors still look great for movies, and battery life remains excellent across modes. However, weak cameras, average speakers, and extra bloatware slightly detract from an otherwise strong experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G stands out as one of the best budget phones for those prioritizing hardware at the top end of the price range. It offers an excellent display, strong battery life with fast charging, a capable main camera, and solid performance. However, secondary cameras are weak, and the software experience lags behind some competitors.
Nokia G22
Nokia G22 is ideal for anyone who prefers repairing over replacing their phone. Though performance is slow, best suited for calls, messages, and basic apps, you get solid value for £150, plus easy DIY repairs via iFixit kits. With only two years of software support, longevity is limited, but it’s still a smart choice for budget buyers who don’t need high-end power.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor
Since the original iPhone and early Android days, Tech Advisor has been a trusted source for phone reviews and buying advice. We’ve covered the evolution from 2G to 5G and witnessed the rise and fall of Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and LG. Today, premium features have filtered down to budget models, making affordable phones better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget smartphone right now?
The best budget smartphone varies based on your needs, but models like the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, Moto G84, and Samsung Galaxy A25 5G consistently rank highly for their value, performance, and features.
How much should I expect to spend on a good budget phone?
Most top budget smartphones range from £100 to £300 ($120 to $350), offering excellent performance, good displays, and reliable battery life without the premium price tag.
Do budget smartphones get regular software updates?
Some brands like Samsung and Xiaomi offer extended software support even on budget models, but many budget phones only promise two to three years of updates.
Can a budget smartphone handle gaming and multitasking?
Yes, many budget phones with processors like the MediaTek Helio G95 or Snapdragon 695 can smoothly handle gaming, video streaming, and multitasking, though not at flagship-level performance.
Are budget smartphones good for photography?
While you won’t get flagship-level camera quality, many budget phones now feature 48MP or 64MP main sensors, offering solid photography in good lighting conditions.
What compromises should I expect with a budget smartphone?
Common compromises include average secondary cameras, less premium materials, slower performance on heavy tasks, and shorter software support compared to flagship models.
Which brands offer the best budget smartphones?
Top brands known for reliable budget phones include Samsung, Xiaomi (Redmi), Motorola, Realme, and Infinix, all offering impressive devices across different price points.
Conclusion
Finding a great smartphone doesn’t have to break the bank. Today’s budget phones offer incredible value, combining solid performance, impressive displays, long-lasting batteries, and even capable cameras all at a fraction of flagship prices. Whether you prioritize gaming, photography, software updates, or just reliable everyday use, there’s a budget smartphone on this list that fits your needs.