Searching for the best phones under $300 in 2025? It’s not easy to find a device that delivers smooth performance, decent cameras, long battery life, and reliable updates—all on a budget. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed standout models that hit that sweet spot: bona fide functionality, sleek design, and modern features.

Best Phone Under $300 in 2025

Whether you’re into stellar camera shots, silky displays, fast charging, or years of software updates, this guide presents your best options. Read on for the tech-savvy insight— and peace of mind knowing your money’s well spent.

Moto G 5G (2024)

The Moto G 5G (2024) deserves its place in the best phones under $300 list due to a well-balanced performance and features. It has a large 6.6‑inch HD+ LCD, with a 120 Hz refresh rate that feels nice and smooth. A Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip powers the Moto G 5G (2024) along with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage—plenty for most apps or miscellaneous media collection.

Photography is down by a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP front camera; they did the job for daytime photos and ones we felt confident to send to our family.

A massive 5,000 mAh battery ensures full-day usage, and 18 W fast charging gets you back on track quickly.

Motorola included stereo speakers, NFC support, a headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor not many brands include. We also loved that the Android experience was clean, and the leather look added a layer of sustainability. Coming in around $199 – $219, the Moto G 5G has a flagship feel and a price point for everyone.

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

If camera and charging performance are primary factors for you, then the OnePlus Nord N30 5G meets your criteria and is among the top phones under $300. The phone has a large 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD, and has a vibrant 120 Hz refresh for scrolling and gaming.

Powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor, it’s backed by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.

A 108 MP primary camera capable of detailed photo capture, supplemented by 2 MP macro and 2 MP depth sensors. A 16 MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.

Battery life is excellent with 5,000 mAh capacity and 50 W SUPERVOOC charging that goes from zero to full in under an hour. OxygenOS 13.1 is slapped on top of Android 13, so you get a nice, clean UI with timely updates. Some other notable features include a headphone jack, dual stereo speakers, and expandable storage.

Google Pixel 6a

While the Pixel 6a can sometimes be over $300 at regular retail prices, the total cost can fall significantly below that thanks to frequent discounts, so it remains one of the best phones under $300. The Pixel 6a has a brilliant 6.1‑inch OLED display with solid resolution and good color accuracy.

Internally, the Google in-house Tensor chip means that performance is snappy and responsive, with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The magic happens with the cameras: with a 12.2 MP dual‑pixel main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide, this phone can take flagship-level shots. Thanks to Google’s deep knowledge of computational photography.

Battery life is reliable, along with 18 W of fast charging. In addition to the price, the best thing about the Pixel 6a is that it will receive three years of OS updates and five years of security updates — something you just don’t see at this price. For people who want a long life with their software and quality photos, the Pixel 6a sits at the top of budget-friendly options, even if it does peak above $300.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

The Galaxy A16 5G is a solid, dependable experience, earning itself one of the best phones under $300. The phone features a 6.5‑inch LCD display with a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate.

It’s using a MediaTek Dimensity processor (in most cases the 700 series) with four to six GB RAM and expandable 128 GB storage via microSD. The camera system has a 50 MP main sensor along with a 2 MP macro lens for casual photography.

The 5,000 mAh battery and 15 W charging anatomy ensure that you will comfortably get through your daily needs regardless of what they are. The version of Samsung’s One UI you’ll get guarantees dependability, security via Knox, and follows it up with four years of security updates. For users rooting for the Samsung brand association who are also seeking a dependable device with an upgrade promise, this is a solid option.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

The Galaxy A25 5G improves the display and battery life, and remains among the best phones under $300. It has a vibrant 6.4‑inch AMOLED display with a fast 90 Hz refresh rate – ideal for extended watching and gaming sessions.

In terms of hardware, it uses a Snapdragon 6-series or Exynos chipset with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. It also has a useful 50 MP main camera, another 8 MP ultrawide camera, and a 2 MP macro sensor. Battery life is still good with the 5,000 mAh cell and faster 25 W charging.

With Android 14, the box, Samsung commits to 4 years of security updates and 2 years of OS upgrades – a distinct advantage at this price. If you want any combination of screen quality and updates that’s future-proof, because of those considerations, the A25 5G is a winner.

Apple iPhone 16e

Image: Tech Radar

Apple’s iPhone 16e isn’t new, but good-condition refurbished units usually show up around the $300 price. And the 16e has the A16 Bionic chip, same as other more expensive models.

The mostly amazing 6.1‑inch OLED display on the iPhone 16e has fantastic visuals and colors that seem true to life. There are also two excellent cameras (one 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide), that are excellent in daylight, and fantastic in low light, in part due to Apple’s unmatched post processing. The iPhone 16e comes with iOS 18, so you will have plenty of performance and access to most features, such as Face ID, and fantastic integration with the Apple environment.

WITH THAT SAID, Battery life is very strong, and it has MagSafe accessory support. Arguably best of all, Apple has great software support, about five to six years. If you want a good iPhone experience in a used unit under $300, a refurbished 16e is an amazing value.

Final Verdict

If you’re searching for the best phones under $300, your choice comes down to priorities:

Best battery + daily use? Go with the Moto G 5G (2024) or the Samsung A16 5 G.

Want fastest charging + best camera? OnePlus Nord N30 5G is your pick.

Value camera and software support? Pixel 6a shines—even on sale.

Love AMOLED screens with strong updates? Galaxy A25 5G is hard to beat.

Want an iPhone within budget? Refurbished iPhone 16e delivers premium build and five years of updates.

All of these are among the best deals on phones under $300 as we look forward to 2025. They all give you performance, features, and value that exceed the price. Choose based on what is most important to you regarding charging speed, camera, display, or future update support, and you’ll end up with a phone that feels like a higher-end device costing a lot more.