Looking for the Best Budget Phones that won’t break the bank? While the latest iPhones and Samsung flagships grab all the headlines, tons of solid budget-friendly options will do everything you need without emptying your wallet.
These days, affordable phones pack features that would’ve seemed impossible just a few years ago – we’re talking quality cameras, sharp displays, and premium-feeling designs. Companies like Motorola have really nailed the budget phone game, and you’ve got reliable choices from Samsung and Xiaomi, too. Even newer players like CMF by Nothing are bringing fresh competition to the market.
Just keep in mind that we’re focusing on Android phones here, since Apple’s cheapest option (the iPhone SE at £599/$599) is way above our £300/$300 budget sweet spot. Most of our picks come in well under that price point anyway.
Below, you’ll find our top 9 budget phone picks that we’ve personally tested and vetted. And if you’ve got a bit more cash to spend, check out our mid-range phone recommendations too – there are some great options in that next tier up.
Best budget phone reviews
1. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Overall
This new version brings some serious improvements to the table. You’re getting a beefed-up triple camera system with a bigger main sensor, a noticeably better screen, improved water resistance with IP54, and a snappier processor that gives it some extra zip.
What’s really nice is how they’ve fixed the original’s main pain points. They’ve finally added NFC for tap-to-pay (thank goodness), and the software support is much more generous now – three years of Android updates and six years of security patches. The back panels look more premium, too, though heads up: you’re stuck with whatever color you pick this time around.
Moreso…
I already thought the original was the budget phone to beat, and these upgrades make it even more compelling. Sure, the quirky design and unique software won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but at £219, it’s an absolute steal if you dig the vibe.
Quick word of caution for US folks, though – it’s a different story there. The $279 Beta Program version comes with potential carrier compatibility headaches, no customer support, and you can’t even get those cool accessories. If you’re in the States, you might want to think twice.
By the way, if you’re eyeing the original CMF Phone 1, keep an eye out for deals – plenty of retailers are dropping prices to clear stock.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G proves that budget phones don’t have to look or feel cheap. With its sleek design and vibrant AMOLED screen, it’s a pretty sweet deal for anyone watching their wallet.
One of the best things about this phone – and something that often gets overlooked – is Samsung’s commitment to keeping it updated. You’re looking at six years of software updates, which is honestly amazing when most budget phones tap out after two years or don’t even bother making promises about updates at all.
That said, if you’re upgrading from the A15 5G, don’t expect any mind-blowing improvements. The performance is still a bit laggy, and the camera setup hasn’t changed much. The battery life actually seems to have taken a small hit, especially during heavy use.
Bottom line? The Galaxy A16 5G is a decent budget phone, but it’s worth shopping around. You might even want to check out the A15 5G if you can find it at a lower price – you’re not missing out on much.
3. OnePlus Nord CE 5 – Best for AI
OnePlus has been crushing it in the budget phone game lately, and the Nord CE 5 is proof that they’re not messing around. This phone honestly feels like it should cost way more than it does – it’s that good.
Sure, the design plays it pretty safe, but there’s something sleek and confident about its look. The all-black polycarbonate frame and composite back could easily fool you into thinking this is a premium device. Plus, having IP65 dust and water resistance is a nice bonus you don’t usually get at this price point.
The screen is a real highlight – you’re getting a crisp 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that looks great whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos outdoors. They went with a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chip instead of the usual Snapdragon, but don’t let that worry you. I’ve been playing Call of Duty Mobile without any hiccups.
Battery life is another win here. The beefy 5200mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and the 80W fast charging is seriously impressive – you can go from empty to full in under 50 minutes. That’s the kind of feature you usually only see in phones twice this price.
4. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – Best Cameras
Looking at the Galaxy A25 5G, it’s actually worth spending a bit more than the A15 – and it’s still pretty affordable at under £250/$250. The upgrade to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chip makes everything feel snappier, and the screen is noticeably better with that smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The ultrawide camera gets a nice bump up to 8MP, and you’ll definitely appreciate the stereo speakers.
The phone nails the basics too – great battery life, reliable main camera, solid selfie shots, and Samsung’s promise of five years of updates gives real peace of mind.
There are only really two things that might put you off: you’re stuck with limited storage options, and the design might not be your cup of tea. Of course, you might also just prefer one of the other phones I’ve mentioned.
While Samsung has released the newer A35 5G, its higher price tag makes the A25 the smarter choice if you’re watching your wallet. You get most of the important features for significantly less money.
5. Motorola Moto G85 5G – Best Display
When I first picked up the Moto G85 5G, I was honestly surprised – this doesn’t feel like your typical budget phone at all. The Cobalt Blue model I tested looks seriously premium, standing out in a market where affordable phones often seem like bland, plastic afterthoughts.
The screen is a real highlight. The 6.67-inch pOLED display, featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, provides an incredibly fluid experience, encompassing tasks such as Instagram scrolling and Netflix streaming. It’s the kind of screen you’d expect on a much pricier phone.
Day-to-day performance is solid thanks to the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip, though hardcore gamers might want to look elsewhere – it struggles a bit with graphics-heavy games. But for everything else, it’s snappy enough, and I love how clean and bloatware-free Motorola’s Android interface is.
Battery life is another big win. The massive 5000mAh battery easily lasted me a day and a half of regular use, and the 30W fast charging is a lifesaver – it’ll juice up from dead to 50% in just half an hour. Sure, the cameras could be better, but if you’re not too fussed about photography, this phone offers incredible value for money.
6. Motorola Moto G04 – Best Under £150
Looking for a decent phone that won’t break the bank? I was skeptical at first, but Motorola’s Moto G04 really delivers – and it’ll only set you back £88.99 in the UK.
For such a budget-friendly phone, it actually handles everyday tasks surprisingly well. The screen isn’t going to blow you away, and it could be brighter, but it gets the job done for basic use. What really impressed me was the battery life – unless you’re constantly gaming or streaming videos, you can easily go two days between charges.
The familiar Motorola interface is nice and straightforward, though keep in mind you’ll only get security updates for two years. Sure, there’s no 5G or waterproofing, and the cameras are pretty basic, but honestly, at this price point, you can’t really complain.
With the newer Moto G05 now on the market, you can snag the G04 for even less, making it an absolute steal. If you’re after a simple, reliable smartphone that won’t cost the earth, this could be just what you’re looking for.
7. Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G) – Cheap With Long Support
While the Galaxy A15 5G is the better choice overall, don’t write off the 4G version just yet. It’s actually a pretty good deal when you think about how long Samsung will keep it updated with new software.
Sure, you’ll miss out on faster speeds and a bit of processing power, but the rest of what makes the A15 great is still there – that nice screen, the battery that keeps going all day, and Samsung’s commitment to long-term updates.
If you’re someone who mainly uses their phone for everyday stuff like texting, social media, and web browsing, and 5G coverage isn’t great in your area anyway, you could save some money by going with the regular A15. It’s a solid choice for the basics.
8. Motorola Moto G56 – Best Battery Life
I’ve been testing out the Moto G56, and honestly, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a budget phone that won’t die on you mid-day. Even with heavy use, I was consistently ending my days with 40-50% battery left – you can easily go two full days without reaching for the charger.
What I really dig about this phone is how Motorola hasn’t skimped on the design. It comes in some nice color options, and the build quality is solid enough that you don’t feel like you need to slap a case on it right away. Sure, it’s got a plastic frame, but it’s properly waterproof with an IP69 rating, and they’ve kept some old-school features that many of us still appreciate – like the headphone jack and microSD slot.
The large display is a pleasure to use, the main camera gets the job done nicely, and the fast charging is a real bonus. For the price point, it’s pretty impressive stuff.
That said, it’s not perfect. The software support could definitely be better, and if you’re big into gaming or heavy multitasking, you might notice some lag. But for everyday use, the Moto G56 5G is a really solid all-around phone that won’t break the bank.
9. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G – Best Hardware
If you already own a Note 13 Pro, there’s no pressing need to upgrade. That said, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is still one of the best value phones out there if you’re shopping in this price range and care about getting the most bang for your buck spec-wise.
The display really shines for what you’re paying, and I’ve been impressed with both the battery life and fast charging speeds. The main camera takes solid shots, and the phone handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat.
Like most budget phones, the secondary cameras are pretty mediocre – you’re better off sticking to the main lens. The software also feels a bit clunky compared to what you get from other brands.
While I can definitely recommend this phone, it’s worth checking out some alternatives before you buy. Take a look at the cheaper options from Samsung, CMF, and Motorola, or even last year’s regular Note 13, which now costs less. You might find something that better fits your needs and budget.
How to choose the best budget phone
Shopping for budget phones these days isn’t like picking up the latest iPhone or Samsung flagship – you’ve got to be a bit more strategic about it. Sure, you can find some pretty impressive features in cheaper phones now, but there’s always going to be a trade-off somewhere. It’s really about figuring out what matters most to you before you pull out your wallet.
Take phones like the Moto G85 or Redmi Note 14 Pro – they’ve got these gorgeous screens that’ll make you wonder how they’re so affordable. But then you might notice the battery doesn’t last quite as long as you’d like, or the software feels a bit clunky. It’s kind of like choosing between a great sound system or better gas mileage in a car – you can’t have it all at this price point. If that sounds too much like settling, you might want to save up a bit longer for a mid-range option.
Let’s face it –
Budget phones have come a long way. You can now find some surprisingly good cameras and even water resistance on cheaper phones, features that used to cost an arm and a leg. But don’t get too excited – no budget phone is going to nail everything perfectly. You’ve got to pick your battles at this price point.
One thing people often forget about is software updates. While expensive phones typically get years of support, cheaper ones can be hit or miss. Some budget phones might only get updates for a couple of years, which can be a real pain later on when your phone starts feeling outdated or less secure.
If you’re buying a phone for your kid or grandparent and want it to last, check out brands like Samsung and Nothing. They tend to support their budget phones longer than most, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them anytime soon.
Here’s a money-saving tip: skip the contract and buy your phone outright, then grab a separate SIM-only deal. Sure, it takes a bit more effort than bundling everything together, but you’ll save cash in the long run. You won’t get stuck with those annoying mid-contract price hikes, and SIM-only plans usually give you way more data for your money. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes of setup.
