Don’t want to spend $1,000 or more on a new smartphone? We don’t blame you. The good news is there are plenty of models available for half that price, but the trick is knowing which budget smartphone is worth buying. After all, just because you’re not spending flagship phone money doesn’t mean you want to be stuck with a rubbish phone. There are plenty of options out there for the best budget phones.
We’ve collected the models that still give you great performance, good cameras, the right connectivity, and often a desirable design and brand name too — all for less money than you may expect. The best budget phones in 2025 might surprise you with their strong performance, making them more than capable of playing the latest games. Plus, they have batteries that will last you at least a day.
If your budget for a new smartphone this year is around $500, then these are the best models you can get.
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Best overall budget phone
OnePlus 13R
- Polished and practical hardware
- Fantastic, non-curved display quality
- Two (or more) days of battery life
- Surprisingly good cameras
- OxygenOS 15 is excellent
- Seriously incredible value
- Slower charge speeds compared to 12R
- $100 price increase
Why you should buy this: It's OnePlus's newest flagship killer and the truest expression of OnePlus's creed.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants an amazing phone at an incredible price.
Why we picked the OnePlus 13R:
OnePlus is best known as the "flagship killer," which certainly used to be accurate. These days, OnePlus's flagship phones are, well, flagships themselves.
The OnePlus 13R is everything the OnePlus 12R was and more. At $600, it's pricier than its predecessor and the most expensive phone in this list. Despite that, it's worth every penny because it's one of our best phones and even better value than pricier competitors. It's a powerful, gorgeous, and immensely desirable phone and our pick for the best budget phone in 2025.
Performance here is top-notch. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the latest flagship chip, and it's exceptional. It runs cool, even under pressure, and it'll handle anything you can throw at it. It's silky smooth, thanks in large part to the variable 1-120Hz refresh rate, and the 2780 x 1264 resolution means everything on the AMOLED 6.78-inch display looks crisp, vivid, and inky dark.
It looks great elsewhere, too. The aluminum frame has soft curves and the camera system on the back is unique without being ugly. Sure, it won'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 running Android 15 in the OxygenOS 15 flavor, and it looks and feels great. Even better, you get four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which is more than the 12R offered.
The battery is another big highlight, even though it's a bummer that the charging rate is slower than last year's model. Its 55W charging rate is still faster than much of the competition and it can technically go up to 80W with first-party power adapters. While there's no wireless charging for the OnePlus 13R, the speed of the wired charging is enough that you might not miss it. Not that it'll need charging that much, as the enormous 6,000mAh battery is more than capable of lasting for two days on a single charge. It's an exceptional performer here.
The camera is good, but not up to the level of the rest of the phone. The main 50-megapixel camera lens has taken some greats shots during our time with it, and while it's taken some bad shots, it's been solid on the whole. The ultrawide lens isn't as good, largely because it only has 8MP, and the less said about the macro lens the better. Thankfully, the 16MP selfie camera is good, leaving this on a good note.
The OnePlus 13R is a great smartphone, and it comes at a great price, too. It starts from $600, but OnePlus offers a strong deal where it takes a further $100 off that price when you trade in any other smartphone in any condition. Yes, including that decade-old smartphone from the dawn of the era. That's an unbeatable deal and makes the OnePlus 13R an even better deal. The best part? It's available to take advantage of for the entire life of the OnePlus 13R. It doesn't get much better than this.
Best Google budget phone
Google Pixel 8a
- Long battery life
- Android 15 is well designed and responsive
- Flat rear panel adds flair and convenience
- Wireless charging
- Long software update commitment
- Slow wired charging
- Photos can require editing
Why you should buy this: It has everything that makes flagship Pixels great at a much lower price.
Who it's for: Pixel and Android fans alike who appreciate a low price when attached to a great phone.
Why we picked the Google Pixel 9a:
The Google Pixel 9a is the best budget phone that Google has ever released. It features a flat rear panel that adds flair and convenience, and drops the iconic Pixel camera bar, but otherwise, it's every bit as good as the rest of Google's Pixel 9 lineup. If you're looking for a good midrange smartphone and camera quality is right at the top of your needs, then the Google Pixel 9a should be your first stop.
Yes, the camera is still the highlight. Both the 64MP main lens and 13MP wide-angle lens are excellent performers, and they'll deliver solid results from pretty much every lighting circumstance you can think of. The only negative this camera system has is a problem with zoomed-in shots — but considering it doesn't have a telephoto lens, that's understandable.
The camera's excellent quality can be paired with the strong AI-assisted editing tools too, with Magic Editor allowing you to remove background elements, change the sky, or do a number of other impressive transformations.
It's worth highlighting the AI elements a bit more, too. The Pixel 9a was designed with Google Gemini in mind, and comes with a host of Google Gemini features including Circle to Search, an actually useful addition that provides very quick and easy image searching.
The processor is the same Tensor G4 you'll find in the flagship Pixel 9 Pro and it's just as powerful. The Tensor G4 is the most powerful processor that Google has made, and the Pixel 9a flies through all tasks, whether playing games or performing intensive tasks.
The 5,100 mAh battery 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 best battery life of any Pixel yet. Google has also equipped it with wireless charging and although the speeds aren't the fastest, 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 best a-series phone that Google has ever made. It's a phone that's sure to last, thanks to Google's seven-year support promise — and if you get a cool seven years out of it, that's $500 very well spent.
Best Samsung budget phone
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Light and comfortable to hold
- IP67 rating makes it durable
- Main camera takes fun photos
- Long software update commitment
- Battery doesn't last two days
- No wireless or fast charging
Why you should buy this: It's a very impressive phone for $400.
Who it’s for: Anyone who appreciates Samsung phones at a great price.
Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A35:
The Galaxy A55 may have been a letdown, but that doesn't matter because the Samsung Galaxy A35 is here to plug that gap. It's a great-looking and feeling smartphone with a good amount of power, a strong display, a capable camera, and some very compelling reasons to be your next phone.
The design is a particular high point. It's similar looking to Samsung's flagships, but uses a plastic chassis instead of metal. That's not a downside, as Samsung has invested well into plastic that feels great to hold, and when paired with the glass that curves into both sides, the result is a well-weighted device that doesn't feel at all inexpensive. Keep a tight hand on it though; while the front glass is Gorilla Glass Victus+, the back is just regular glass, and might not have the durability to take the blows and falls the display glass will.
The processor isn't a new one by any means, but the Exynos 1380 still has plenty of legs. It handled most of the games we threw at it without any noticeable heating up or lag. The battery isn't as impressive as we hoped, though, managing a day-and-a-half on one charge, and charging is on the slower end, topping out at 25W.
The camera is good, with the main 50MP lens being the standout and the only bit really worth your attention. The images it takes are fun and colorful, and it's capable of tackling most circumstances. Don't expect much from the wide-angle and macro lenses, as they're nowhere near the same level of quality. Ignore them and pretend the main lens is the only one.
For $400, it's hard to argue 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 barely hanging in there by the end of the updates. At this price, it sweeps a lot of the competition, making it a must-buy for midrange Samsung fans and a strong consideration for anyone who wants a phone packed with value.
Best Apple budget phone
Apple iPhone 16e
- Excellent size for one hand use
- Single camera is surprisingly good
- 2x telephoto is detailed and sharp
- Vivid Super Retina display
- Phenomenal battery life
- Camera lacks details when zooming
- Inconsistency in camera at different focal lengths
- Display is only 60Hz
- Apple Intelligence is not essential
- Lacks MagSafe
Why you should buy this: It's the cheapest current-generation iPhone you can buy, but it features Apple Intelligence, Face ID and a design that matches the rest of the iPhone 16 series.
Who it’s for: Those who want a latest iPhone that won't break the bank
Why we picked the iPhone 16e:
The iPhone SE used to be the cheapest iPhone you could buy from Apple, but it was removed from sale and replaced with the iPhone 16e. Apple's latest entry-level smartphone brings the same iconic design as the rest of the iPhone 16e series, but it does have the latest A18 processor, a powerful single camera and Face ID.
It's the first iPhone to run Apple's C1 modem, and as a result, it has the best battery life on an iPhone aside from the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The A18 processor offers outstanding performance and the iPhone 16e can handle the latest games ensuring it's future-proofed for years to come. it's made from glass and aluminum, but it only comes in black or white.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is as good as any iPhone, and Ceramic Shield glass will help protect it against any bumps and scratches. The 48MP single camera offers 2x optical zoom thanks to in-sensor cropping and is designed to take great photos wherever you are.
The iPhone 16e isn't perfect as the camera lacks details when zooming, the display is only 60Hz and there's no MagSafe charging, but it does offer the latest iPhone experience at a more affordable price.
The iPhone 16e is more expensive than other options on this list and starts at $599 for the 128GB model, but if you want the latest iPhone and have a limited budget, this is the phone to buy.
Best foldable budget phone
Motorola Razr 2024
- Super-compact design
- Large cover screen with always-on display
- Improved hinge design
- Good cameras
- Long battery life
- Crease is very minimal
- Fun colors
- Ultrawide camera isn't the best
- Only three years of OS upgrades
- No reverse wireless charging
Why you should buy this: It's one of the best foldable phones on the market.
Who it's for: People who want to relive the flip phone days in a smartphone format.
Why we picked the Motorola Razr 2024:
Just like the iPhone in the early days of smartphones, foldable phones came onto the market a few years ago with a four-figure price tag. Then the Motorola Razr, one of the most popular clamshell phones in the 2000s, was resurrected with two screens of its own: a large screen on the inside and a small display cover screen on the outside.
The Motorola Razr 2024 is the same as the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 as far as the cover screen goes, with the dual cameras taking up most of the 3.6-inch cover display. However, it's far more affordable than the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for the features that it offers. You can run apps on the cover display in full screen or default modes, shake the phone to activate the flashlight, and customize your wallpaper by adding your picture to different shapes and designs.
Speaking of pictures, the main camera is 50MP and the secondary ultrawide wide is 13MP, while the selfie camera on the inner display is 32MP. If you like taking selfies, you might find that they come out better when taken with the rear camera with the phone closed than with the selfie camera. That's something you might want to take into consideration when you're filming videos for TikTok.
The performance of the Motorola Razr 2024 can'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 256GB of storage with 8GB of RAM, which can be extended with a virtual RAM boost feature that incorporates AI learning to help it along.
Design-wise, the crease on the inner display is hardly noticeable in most lighting conditions. It also helps that the built-in screen protector won't break or peel away over time. The hinge is even smoother and a lot quieter than the hinge on the previous model, making the phone close without the sound of thunder.
The Motorola Razr 2024 is the perfect foldable phone for those who want to relive their high school days of carrying the original Motorola Razr — or any other flip phone, in general — with style. At $700, it's worth the nostalgia.
Best Motorola budget phone
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
- Leather back looks and feels great
- Very nice OLED display
- Two-day battery life
- Solid charging options
- Face unlock is excellent
- Expandable storage
- Annoying and intrusive ads
- Will get just one OS update
- Fierce competition
Why you should buy this: It's a great budget phone from the kings of making budget phones. Oh, and it has a stylus.
Who it's for: Stylus-lovers who also love a bargain.
Why we picked the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a true-blue budget phone, rather than a more expensive phone at a bargain price — but that doesn't mean you can afford to discount it. The G Stylus is a bargain-priced smartphone with a great looking display, excellent battery, and solid performance — and it has a stylus, too.
The solid performance comes from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, a midrange chip that'll handle most of what you can throw at it. It'll even handle most 3D games, though you might notice a few blurry details while you're playing. The performance is underlined excellently by the display's 120Hz refresh rate. That comes on a 1080p 6.7-inch panel, and it looks really good. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) upgrades 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 "acceptable" than "good". Shots are generally fine, but you'll notice a steep decline when lighting becomes more challenging. The real issue for it here is that there are phones like the Pixel 7a that dominate this space, and it just can't compete with phones like that. The software is a similar story, and while the software itself is good, the update promises 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 years of support, even on more affordable phones.
Thankfully, the battery is exceptional. A single charge will last you for two days and will still manage a single day with ease when pushed hard. While last year's model disappointed with its 20W charging with no wireless support, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) makes a comeback with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. It's still not super fast, but it's faster than the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15's charging speeds.
For $400 (and you can often get it for around $250), it's hard to argue against the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). Not only do you get a stylus, kept snugly within the phone's body, but you also get a great-looking 120Hz display, and an exceptional battery life. For the stylus-lovers amongst us, it's the budget phone of choice.
Best fun budget phone
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
- Unique design
- Feature-packed software
- Fun details add to ownership enjoyment
- Versatile camera takes great photos
- Essential Space AI is intriguing
- Average battery life
- Poor wide-angle camera
Why you should buy this: It's got one of the most unique designs on the market.
Who it's for: People who want a cool-looking phone that lets you tinker with its lights and sounds.
Why we picked the Nothing Phone 2a:
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro can be as much of a toy as it is a phone if you want it to be. It's “fun” because it lets you play with widgets, light sequences, and sounds for specific alerts 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 eye-catching transparent phones with customizable Glyph Lights, the signature LED strips that accent the face 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 flashlight, and can offer valuable feedback when pressing buttons or alert you to notifications when your phone is face down on a table.
It features a triple camera setup that's can take great photos in most lighting conditions. The 50MP main camera is paired with a 50MP telephoto that offers 3x optical zoom and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The ultra-wide camera isn't the greatest, but the rest of the camera setup takes great photos. The 50MP selfie camera rounds out an extremely capable and versatile camera system.
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. This ensures fast performance at no compromise, and Nothing OS is packed full of features, but stays fast and fluid.
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and features a 120Hz refresh rate with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and HDR10+ and Ultra HDR image support. It's protected by Panda Glass so it should be protected against small bumps and scratches, although it may not handle bigger drops.
The 5,000 mAh battery can last up to two days on one charge, and 50W wired charging gets you to 50% in just 19 minutes, and a full charge in under an hour. There's no wireless charging, but otherwise it offers excellent battery life and superfast charging.
The biggest problem with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro isn’t the phone itself, but it’s availability. While you can find it on Amazon and order some models straight from the website, it isn’t consistently available the way an iPhone or Samsung phone would be. That said, if you can find it, it's one of the best budget phones you can buy right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can always find bargains at online retailers, but be careful to do your research and order the model number you need. In particular, check that the model you are buying supports the bands your carrier operates on. The major carriers sometimes run good promotions, but if you find a phone you like in-store it's worth doing a quick search online to see if you can find it for less. You'll often find affordable options at MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and we have a list of the best MVNOs to check out.
There are lots of different cell phone plans out there, so take your time and do some research before picking a plan. We have a breakdown of the best cell phone plans to help you get started. If you go for a family plan, then you can often secure good deals on additional lines. Consider the coverage in your area before deciding on a carrier.
The most obvious way to score a bargain is to buy second-hand. If that appeals to you, then we have a guide on how to buy used smartphones that you’ll want to read. You may also consider online retailers, just make sure that you check the model of the phone you are buying supports the bands your carrier operates on.
Flagships have been climbing in price recently, but if you're willing to wait and look at flagship phones from a year or two ago, then you can get them at a much lower price. Almost all Android phone manufacturers offer discounts on older flagships and those discounts get deeper the older the phone gets. On the other hand, the general quality of budget phones has improved greatly in recent years and phone design moves very quickly, so a midrange device today will likely match a two-year-old flagship on performance and may boast a more modern design.
