Budget-Friendly Smartphone Options: Our Favorites Under $300

The ultimate budget smartphone roundup: Top picks under $300

	Editor’s choice	Alternative pick	Import-only	Performance alternative	Productivity pick	Check for deals!
Product
Picture
Display	6.1-inch OLED, 60 Hz 1080×2400 pixels	6.6-inch LCD, 120 Hz 1080×2408 pixels	6.67-inch OLED, 120 Hz 1080×2400 pixels	6.72-inch LCD, 120 Hz 1080×2400 pixels	6.5-inch LCD. 90 Hz 720×1600 pixels	6.6-inch LCD, 120 Hz 1080×2408 pixels
Processor	Google Tensor G1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695	Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695	MediaTek Helio G85	Qualcomm Snapdragon 480
Memory	128 GB ROM 6 GB RAM	64 / 128 GB ROM 4 / 6 / 8 GB RAM	128 GB ROM 4 / 6 GB RAM	128 GB ROM 8 GB RAM	64 GB ROM 4 GB RAM	64 GB ROM 4 GB RAM
Camera	Main: 12.2 MP Ultra-wide: 12 MP	Main: 50 MP Ultra-wide: 5 MP Macro: 2 MP Depth: 2 MP	Main: 49 MP Ultra-wide: 2 MP Macro: 2 MP	Main: 108 MP Macro: 2 MP Depth: 2 MP	Main: 50 MP Depth: 2 MP	Main: 48 MP Ultra-wide: 5 MP Depth: 2 MP
Battery	4410 mAh 18 W wired charging	5000 mAh 25 W wired charging	5000 mAh 33 W wired charging	5000 mAh 50 W wired charging	5000 mAh 15 W wired charging	5,000 mAh 20 W wired charging
Good	Premium smartphone performance Balanced image post-processing Optimum size Clean software Up to five years of updates IP67 certification	Longer software support than rivals Decent performance		Fast wired charging Decent performance	Stylus support Price when discounted	Price when discounted 5G support
Bad	Screen refresh rate of only 60 Hz Only one internal storage option No wireless charging support	Average secondary cameras Avoid the low memory configurations			Slow charging Inferior software update policy Weak secondary cameras 4G-only	Average charging speed Low memory combination
Rating	Read the Pixel 6a review
Offers*

This list, based on the author’s and editorial team’s preferences, combines subjective opinions with objective facts to recommend the best sub-$300 smartphones. The mid-range market is highly competitive, offering decent performance, light gaming capabilities, and better cameras compared to low-end options.

Of course, long gone are the days of the “flagship killers” in this price segment, but it is always worth checking for deals, such as the ones highlighted every now and again here on nextpit. And also discounts for getting the phone together with a phone contract. 

Editor’s note: The prices highlighted in this article may vary depending on discounts offered by the manufacturers. Keep in mind that this list was made with the US market in mind and because of that, not all models can be found globally.

Editor’s choice: The best smartphone under $300

The Google Pixel 6a. Although its suggested price (MSRP) is $449.00, putting it against upper-intermediate phones like the Galaxy A54 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, it is frequently on sale for under $300 since Black Friday, making it unquestionably the best deal in the sub-$500 market.

Read the complete Pixel 6a review on nextpit

Why? Simple, besides offering the reference “Google experience”, with monthly security updates, frequent “Feature drops”, and long-term software support, the Pixel 6a packs a powerful processor, with flagship-level performance, and the powerful camera the Pixel range is famous for. An unbeatable combination that makes it worth waiting for the next time it’s priced at $299.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: The best of the rest

Although nextpit has not yet tested the Galaxy A23 5G, it is not difficult to see why it is the best alternative in this price range. With the Snapdragon 695 processor, the Samsung model offers a performance level competitive with the rest of the field, while bringing plenty of memory options for interested buyers—just avoid the lower 4/64 GB configuration if possible.

The Galaxy A23 5G may impress with its four cameras on the back but don’t expect anything out of the ordinary, as Samsung—just like its rivals—includes a couple of low-resolution cameras for macro and depth that are barely useful.

The Samsung entry-level highlight, however, lies in its superior software support, bested only by Google, with two expected Android updates for the Galaxy A23 5G and an extra year of security updates. Better yet, Samsung updated the A23 5G to Android 13 faster than its rivals, and even before Xiaomi, Motorola, and Nokia started distributing the same update for any models, including flagships…

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5G: Import-only

If you are looking for the newest model on this list and are not afraid of buying phones through third-party importers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5G is a compelling option, with a spec sheet that punches above its weight.

The Chinese model packs Qualcomm’s latest entry-level 5G processor, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, promising better performance than the Snapdragon 695 found on its Samsung and OnePlus rivals. For media consumption and games, another advantage is the big and bright OLED display, with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a combination not found in this price range.

Better yet, the Redmi Note’s 33 W charging is matched only by the OnePlus N20 below, and both include the charger in the box. Something that cannot be said by the Google and Samsung rivals in the category.

OnePlus Nord N30: Living in a hurry

Fast is not a word usually associated with the lower mid-range phone market. But OnePlus aims for the title of the fastest phone in its category… At least in the charging department. While its rivals make do with 15 to 18 W charging, the Nord N30 offers 50 W of wired charging, cutting recharging times in half when compared to the other models on this list.

The rest of the specs are as good or better than the competition in the price range, including 5G support and a “good enough” Android update policy (although not as good as Samsung’s). The main downside, however, is the camera module, with the auxiliary sensors limited to only 2 megapixels.

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)

Part of Lenovo’s increasingly complicated naming standard for the US market, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is a small upgrade in comparison to the previous edition. Most importantly, the manufacturer promises an update to the Android 13 version. Buyers shouldn’t hold their breath for further upgrades, though, as Motorola is still trailing its rivals when it comes to software support.

Update policies aside, the Moto G Stylus (2023) offers a snappy processor, and its most distinctive feature: the included stylus. Take notes, draw, and control the phone using the included pen, without having to spend five times as much on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Nokia G400

Is the Nokia G400 as tough as feature phones from 20 years ago? Probably not, but that doesn’t stop HMD Global from evoking toughness in the phone’s marketing materials. The Finnish mid-ranger ticks all of the modern features in the mid-range market, with a fast refresh rate screen with 120 Hz, triple camera, and 5G support.

And even though the processor used lags behind the components used on the other models on this list, the Snapdragon 480 should sip energy to provide the promised two-day battery life.

What can you expect from a phone under $300?

Thanks to players like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo, you can get a really capable phone for under $300 if you live in Asia or Europe. That, unfortunately, isn’t the case with the U.S. where almost all the devices in the $200-$300 segment are sold for less than $200 in other parts of the globe. Still, here is what you can typically expect from $300 smartphones currently sold in the United States:

• Enjoy a smooth viewing experience with Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate displays.
• Benefit from a large battery that supports up to 30W fast charging for extended use.
• Experience reliable performance from Snapdragon 6 or 4 series SoC, or mid-range SoCs from MediaTek.
• Capture stunning photos with quad or triple rear camera setups.
• Keep in mind that there is no wireless charging available.
• Be aware that these devices do not have an IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Alternatives to buying a new phone

Consider purchasing older, high-end second-hand smartphones or refurbished models, which have been inspected and restored by professionals. Refurbished devices with extended warranties from resellers are particularly appealing, ensuring a reliable smartphone that won’t fail you within weeks.

Naturally, buying a used smartphone from private sellers on platforms like eBay or other classifieds doesn’t offer the same advantages as refurbished models. However, you can find significantly lower prices on these devices, as there are no additional costs from middlemen. Additionally, purchasing “new old stock” allows you to secure older models that are no longer in production but remain in new condition at online shops.

Explore our Refurbished Smartphones Buying Guide to learn more about what to consider when purchasing a renewed smartphone online. Below are some suggestions for refurbished phones currently on sale on eBay:

Promotions and Sales

As the year progresses, there is an increased likelihood of finding a better deal on consumer electronics just weeks after purchasing. This is due to sales events such as Black Friday, Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles’ Day, and Cyber Monday, which typically occur in October and November to stimulate the economy before the holiday shopping season kicks off.

Smartphones are among the most popular consumer electronics items, so it’s wise to stay alert for attractive deals. Refer to the table below for the dates of this year’s sales and promotions:

Other Best lists on nextpit:

What do you think of this selection? Do you think we missed a model that should really have been on this list? Well, say it out loud and we will definitely include it in the list when we update it.

List updated in August 2023 with new alternatives and current prices. Older comments were kept and may refer to previous versions of this article.