Do n’t need to pass $ 1,000 or more ona new smartphone ? We do n’t find fault you . The safe news is there are plenty of models usable for half that price , but the trick is lie with which budget smartphone is deserving buy . After all , just because you ’re not spending flagship sound money does n’t mean you want to be stuck with a rubbish phone . There are plenty of options out there for the in force budget phone .
We ’ve pick up the role model that still give you majuscule public presentation , good camera , the right connectivity , and often a suitable purpose and brand name too — all for less money than you may expect . The best budget phones in 2025 might surprise you with their solid performance , stool them more than open ofplaying the latest games . Plus , they have barrage fire that will last you at least a solar day .
If your budget for a new smartphone this class is around $ 500 , then these are the best models you’re able to get .
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Best overall budget phone
OnePlus 13R
Why you should buy this : It ’s OnePlus ’s newest flagship killer and the true expression of OnePlus ’s creed .
Who it ’s for : Anyone who wants an amazing phone at an unbelievable terms .
Why we picked theOnePlus 13R :
OnePlus is good bonk as the " flagship killer , " which sure as shooting used to be exact . These days , OnePlus ’s flagship earphone are , well , flagships themselves .
The OnePlus 13R is everything theOnePlus 12Rwas and more . At $ 600 , it ’s pricier than its herald and the most expensive phone in this list . Despite that , it ’s worth every penny because it ’s one of ourbest phonesand even better time value than pricier competitors . It ’s a knock-down , gorgeous , and immensely suitable phone and our woof for the just budget earphone in 2025 .
public presentation here is top - notch . It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 , the latest flagship potato chip , and it ’s olympian . It runs cool , even under pressing , and it ’ll care anything you may discombobulate at it . It ’s silky smooth , thanks in orotund part to the variable 1 - 120Hz refresh rate , and the 2780 x 1264 result mean everything on the AMOLED 6.78 - in show seem crisp , graphic , and inky dark .
It depend capital elsewhere , too . The atomic number 13 frame has soft curves and the camera system on the back is unparalleled without being horrifying . Sure , it wo n’t be to everyone ’s tastes , but it ’s not afraid to stand out , and we love it for that . Under the hood , it ’s runningAndroid 15 in the OxygenOS 15 savor , and it looks and feels great . Even better , you get four long time of Android update and six years of surety patches , which is more than the 12R bid .
The battery is another expectant highlight , even though it ’s a bummer that the charging rate is slower than last class ’s good example . Its 55W charging pace is still faster than much of the rivalry and it can technically go up to 80W with first - political party power adapters . While there ’s no radio receiver charging for the OnePlus 13R , the speed of the wired charging is enough that you might not miss it . Not that it ’ll need charge that much , as the tremendous 6,000mAh battery is more than capable of lasting for two 24-hour interval on a single charge . It ’s an exceptional performing artist here .
The camera is skilful , but not up to the point of the rest of the earphone . The master 50 - megapixel television camera crystalline lens has make some great shots during our time with it , and while it ’s taken some bad shots , it ’s been solid on the whole . The ultrawide lens is n’t as good , largely because it only has 8MP , and the less said about the macro lens the good . Thankfully , the 16MP selfie camera is sound , leaving this on a beneficial banknote .
The OnePlus 13R is a enceinte smartphone , and it comes at a great Leontyne Price , too . It starts from $ 600 , but OnePlus offer a potent deal where it takes a further $ 100 off that price when you swop inanyother smartphone inanycondition . Yes , include that decade - honest-to-god smartphone from the dawn of the era . That ’s an unbeatable pot and make the OnePlus 13R an even better deal . The best part ? It ’s available to take vantage of for the total lifespan of the OnePlus 13R. It does n’t get much respectable than this .
Best Google budget phone
Google Pixel 8a
Why you should buy this : It has everything that defecate flagship Pixels great at a much lower toll .
Who it ’s for : Pixel and Android fan alike who apprize a low price when confiscate to a great phone .
Why we picked theGoogle Pixel 9a :
The Google Pixel 9a is the best budget phone that Google has ever release . It have a categoric rear panel that adds genius and contraption , and drops the iconic Pixel camera bar , but otherwise , it ’s every flake as good as the rest of Google ’s Pixel 9 card . If you ’re looking for a ripe midrange smartphone and camera quality is right at the top of your penury , then the Google Pixel 9a should be your first arrest .
Yes , the camera is still the highlight . Both the 64MP principal lens of the eye and 13MP wide-eyed - slant lens are excellent performers , and they ’ll deliver substantial solvent from pretty much every lighting circumstance you may intend of . The only damaging this television camera system has is a trouble with zoomed - in shots — but see it does n’t have a telephotograph lens , that ’s apprehensible .
It ’s deserving highlight the AI elements a bit more , too . The Pixel 9a was designed with Google Gemini in creative thinker , and come with a host ofGoogle Gemini featuresincludingCircle to Search , an actually useful addition that provides very spry and well-off image searching .
The processor is the same Tensor G4 you ’ll find in the flagshipPixel 9 Proand it ’s just as powerful . The Tensor G4 is the most powerful central processor that Google has made , and the Pixel 9a flies through all tasks , whether playing game or performing intensive undertaking .
The 5,100 mAh barrage is the largest ever in a Pixel phone , even larger than the 5,060 mAh battery found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL , and the Pixel 9a offers the good barrage life sentence of any Pixel yet . Google has also equipped it with wireless charging and although the speeds are n’t the fast , the Pixel 9a is compelling overall .
Google has fixed most of the problems with last year ’s Pixel 8a , and the Pixel 9a is the unspoilt a - serial publication phone that Google has ever made . It ’s a telephone that ’s sure to last , thanks to Google ’s seven - year support promise — and if you get a cool seven days out of it , that ’s $ 500 very well drop .
Best Samsung budget phone
Samsung Galaxy A35
Why you should buy this : It ’s a very impressive phone for $ 400 .
Who it ’s for : Anyone who appreciates Samsung phones at a dandy price .
Why we blame theSamsung Galaxy A35 :
TheGalaxy A55may have been a disappointment , but that does n’t weigh because the Samsung Galaxy A35 is here to plug that gap . It ’s a great - looking and feeling smartphone with a full amount of magnate , a strong display , a capable tv camera , and some very compelling reasons to be your next phone .
The conception is a particular high distributor point . It ’s similar look toSamsung ’s flagships , but uses a credit card physical body rather of metal . That ’s not a downside , as Samsung has invested well into charge card that experience nifty to hold , and when paired with the glass that curves into both incline , the result is a well - weighted gimmick that does n’t sense at all cheap . Keep a slopped hand on it though ; while the front chalk is Gorilla Glass Victus+ , the back is just regular glass , and might not have the enduringness to take the reverse and fall the display glass will .
The processor is n’t a young one by any means , but the Exynos 1380 still has plenty of legs . It handled most of the plot we threw at it without any obtrusive heating up or incarcerate . The battery is n’t as telling as we hoped , though , managing a twenty-four hours - and - a - half on one mission , and shoot is on the wearisome ending , topping out at 25W.
The camera is good , with the main 50MP lense being the standout and the only bit really worth your attention . The images it takes are fun and colorful , and it ’s adequate to of tackling most circumstances . Do n’t expect much from the wide - slant and macro lense , as they ’re nowhere near the same level of lineament . Ignore them and affect the main lens is the only one .
For $ 400 , it ’s hard to reason against the Samsung Galaxy A35 . It ’ll get four years of software updates and five years of security patches , so it has the support to last for a long time , even if it will probably be hardly hanging in there by the end of the update . At this price , it sweeps a flock of the challenger , making it a must - buy for midrange Samsung fans and a strong circumstance for anyone who desire a phone packed with value .
Best Apple budget phone
Apple iPhone 16e
Why you should buy this : It ’s the brassy current - generation iPhone you may buy , but it features Apple Intelligence , confront ID and a intention that matches the rest of the iPhone 16 series .
Who it ’s for : Those who desire a latest iPhone that wo n’t break the bank
Why we picked theiPhone 16e :
The iPhone SE used to be the cheapest iPhone you could bribe from Apple , but it was remove from cut-rate sale and replace with the iPhone 16e . Apple ’s latest entry - level smartphone brings the same iconic design as the relaxation of the iPhone 16e series , but it does have the latest A18 mainframe , a powerful individual camera and Face ID .
It ’s the first iPhone to run Apple ’s C1 modem , and as a result , it has the best barrage fire lifespan on an iPhone away from the iPhone 16 Pro Max . The A18 processor offers outstanding operation and the iPhone 16e can manage the latest games ensuring it ’s future tense - proofed for year to come . it ’s made from glass and aluminium , but it only come in ignominious or bloodless .
The 6.1 - inch Super Retina XDR OLED video display is as skilful as any iPhone , and Ceramic Shield glass will aid protect it against any bumps and scratches . The 48MP single camera bid 2x optical zoom thanks to in - sensor cropping and is design to take large photos wherever you are .
The iPhone 16e is n’t everlasting as the camera lacks inside information when zooming , the show is only 60Hz and there ’s no MagSafe charging , but it does offer the later iPhone experience at a more affordable price .
The iPhone 16e is more expensive than other options on this listing and starts at $ 599 for the 128 GB manakin , but if you want the up-to-the-minute iPhone and have a limited budget , this is the phone to buy .
Best foldable budget phone
Motorola Razr 2024
Why you should buy this : It ’s one of the good foldable telephone set on the market .
Who it ’s for : masses who want to relive the insolent phone days in a smartphone format .
Why we picked theMotorola Razr 2024 :
Just like the iPhone in the former day of smartphones , foldaway phones come in onto the market a few class ago with a four - figure monetary value tatter . Then the Motorola Razr , one of the most pop grapple telephone set in the 2000s , was resurrected with two screen of its own : a large projection screen on the inside and a small exhibit cover CRT screen on the outside .
The Motorola Razr 2024 is the same as the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 as far as the binding screenland goes , with the twofold cameras taking up most of the 3.6 - inch cover display . However , it ’s far more low-cost than theMotorola Razr Plus 2024and theSamsung Galaxy zee Flip 6for the features that it offers . you’re able to run apps on the cover display in full screen or default mode , shake off the phone to activate the torch , and customize your wallpaper by add your characterization to dissimilar shapes and design .
talk of pictures , the main camera is 50MP and the secondary ultrawide wide is 13MP , while the selfie television camera on the inner show is 32MP . If you like taking selfies , you might find that they come out better when occupy with the rear photographic camera with the headphone closed than with the selfie tv camera . That ’s something you might want to take into thoughtfulness when you ’re film television for TikTok .
The performance of the Motorola Razr 2024 ca n’t be beat , thanks to the MediaTek 7300X processor , which is a major step up from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 used in last year ’s model . The phone also carries 256 GB of storage with 8 GB of RAM , which can be hold out with a virtual RAM boost feature film that incorporates AI watch to aid it along .
intent - wise , the bend on the privileged display is scarcely noticeable in most light condition . It also helps that the built - in projection screen defender wo n’t break or strip down away over meter . The flexible joint is even smoother and a set quieter than the flexible joint on the previous good example , making the phone close without the strait of thunder .
The Motorola Razr 2024 is the stark folding phone for those who want to live over their high school days of carrying the original Motorola Razr — or any other flip phone , in general — with way . At $ 700 , it ’s worth the nostalgia .
Best Motorola budget phone
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Why you should buy this : It ’s a great budget sound from the kings of seduce budget phone . Oh , and it has a style .
Who it ’s for : Stylus - lovers who also have a go at it a bargain .
Why we picked theMoto G Stylus 5 G ( 2024 ):
The Moto G Stylus 5 K ( 2024 ) is a dependable - blue budget phone , rather than a more expensive phone at a bargain damage — but that does n’t intend you could afford to push aside it . The G Stylus is a bargain - priced smartphone with a not bad looking showing , excellent battery , and solid operation — and it has a stylus , too .
The solid performance amount from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 , a midrange chip that ’ll handle most of what you could throw at it . It ’ll even handle most 3D game , though you might notice a few blurry details while you ’re play . The performance is underline excellently by the display ’s 120Hz refresh pace . That comes on a 1080p 6.7 - column inch control panel , and it reckon really honorable . The Moto GiB Stylus 5 G ( 2024 ) upgrade to a brighter , clearer OLED display from an LCD one and somehow keeps the price of the older model .
The camera is a small step down , but only because it ’s closer to " satisfactory " than " unspoiled " . Shots are generally all right , but you ’ll point out a steep decline when light becomes more intriguing . The real outlet for it here is that there are phones like the Pixel 7a that rule this quad , and it just ca n’t compete with headphone like that . The software system is a standardised write up , and while the software itself is good , the update promise are not . You ’ll get one update , and that means Android 15 , and nothing else . That ’s not great when many brands are now offering four - plus old age of support , even on more affordable phones .
gratefully , the electric battery is exceptional . A individual charge will last you for two days and will still manage a individual day with ease when push severely . While last class ’s model disappointed with its 20W file with no wireless musical accompaniment , the Moto G Stylus 5 G ( 2024 ) makes a return with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging . It ’s still notsuperfast , but it ’s firm than the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 ’s charging speeds .
For $ 400 ( and you may often get it for around $ 250 ) , it ’s hard to argue against the Moto G Stylus 5 G ( 2024 ) . Not only do you get a stylus , observe snugly within the phone ’s body , but you also get a keen - looking 120Hz showing , and an exceptional battery spirit . For the stylus - fan amongst us , it ’s the budget phone of alternative .
Best fun budget phone
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Why you should buy this : It ’s got one of the most unique designs on the market .
Who it ’s for : People who need a nerveless - looking phone that have you tinker with its lights and sounds .
Why we picked theNothing Phone 2a :
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro can be as much of a toy as it is a phone if you desire it to be . It ’s “ fun ” because it countenance you play with doodad , light sequences , and voice for specific alerting and notifications so that your phone experience is uniquely yours , but it ’s also the best phone that Nothing has ever made .
Nothing is known for its optic - get gauzy phones with customizable Glyph Lights , the signature tune light-emitting diode cartoon strip that accent the brass of each Nothing phone . The Glyph Lights on the 3a Pro are simpler than the high - end Phone 2 , but they still offer utility as a torch , and can offer valuable feedback when pressing buttons or alert you to notifications when your phone is face down on a table .
It boast a threefold camera frame-up that ’s can take great photos in most lighting conditions . The 50MP independent television camera is couple with a 50MP telephotograph that provide 3x optical rapid growth and an 8MP extremist - wide television camera . The ultra - wide camera is n’t the corking , but the rest of the camera apparatus takes great photos . The 50MP selfie tv camera rounds out an extremely capable and various television camera system .
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is power by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with either 8 GiB or 12 GB of RAM and 128 gilbert or 256 GB of store . This ensures fast performance at no compromise , and Nothing OS is packed full of features , but bide fast and fluid .
The 6.77 - inch AMOLED presentation is vibrant and features a 120Hz refresh pace with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and HDR10 + and Ultra HDR range living . It ’s protect by Panda Glass so it should be protect against small bump and scratches , although it may not deal bigger drops .
The 5,000 mAh battery can last up to two days on one guardianship , and 50W electrify charging get you to 50 % in just 19 moment , and a full charge in under an hr . There ’s no wireless charging , but otherwise it tender excellent battery life and superfast charging .
The bad trouble with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is n’t the phone itself , but it ’s accessibility . While you’re able to find it on Amazon and order some model straight from the web site , it is n’t consistently uncommitted the style an iPhone or Samsung phone would be . That say , if you may notice it , it ’s one of the in force budget phones you may buy decently now .
Frequently Asked Questions
you could always find bargain at on-line retail merchant , but be measured to do your research and order the modeling number you demand . In particular , find out that the model you are buying supports the bands your carrier operates on . The major carriers sometimes run safe advancement , but if you find a headphone you care in - store it ’s worth doing a straightaway search online to see if you could find it for less . You ’ll often find affordable pick at MVNOs ( Mobile Virtual internet Operators ) and we have a leaning ofthe near MVNOsto check out .
There are lots of dissimilar cell sound plans out there , so take your prison term and do some research before cull a plan . We have a dislocation of thebest cell telephone plansto assist you get bug out . If you go for a crime syndicate programme , then you may often secure serious batch on additional descent . Consider the reportage in your orbit before determine on a carrier .
The most obvious way to score a bargain is to buy 2d - hand . If that invoke to you , then we have a pathfinder onhow to purchase used smartphonesthat you ’ll desire to read . You may also deliberate online retailer , just check that that you tick off the fashion model of the phone you are buying digest the bands your immune carrier operates on .
Flagships have been climbing in price recently , but if you ’re willing to waitress and appear at flagship phones from a year or two ago , then you could get them at a much lower price . Almost all Android sound manufacturers offer discounts on older flagship and those discount get deep the older the headphone gets . On the other hired hand , the universal quality of budget telephone has improved greatly in recent years and phone design movement very quickly , so a midrange machine today will likely fit a two - year - old flagship on functioning and may bluster a more forward-looking design .
