In 2025, budget smartphones continue to offer impressive performance, vibrant displays, and reliable cameras without breaking the bank. With flagship phones often exceeding $1,000, budget options priced between $150 and $600 provide excellent value for cost-conscious consumers. Whether you prioritize battery life, camera quality, or long-term software support, there’s a budget phone to meet your needs. Here’s a roundup of the best budget smartphones to buy in 2025, based on recent reviews and expert testing.
1. Google Pixel 9a – Best Overall Budget Smartphone
Price: $499
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB or 256GB
- Cameras: 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W wired charging
- Software: Android 15, 7 years of updates
The Google Pixel 9a stands out as the top budget smartphone for 2025, delivering flagship-grade performance at a midrange price. Powered by the same Tensor G4 chip as the pricier Pixel 9, it handles multitasking and gaming with ease. Its 6.3-inch OLED display offers rich colors and smooth scrolling, while the 48MP main camera captures high-quality photos with natural colors, rivaling more expensive models. The Pixel 9a also includes Google’s AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini Live, plus seven years of software updates for long-term reliability. However, its charging speeds are slower than some competitors, and the bezels are slightly thick.
Why Choose It: Exceptional camera, long software support, and premium performance at a reasonable price.
2. Motorola Moto G Power (2025) – Best for Battery Life
Price: $300
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 120Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 16MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 15W wireless, 30W wired charging
- Software: Android 14, 3 years of updates
The Moto G Power (2025) is a favorite for those prioritizing battery life and affordability. Its 5,000mAh battery can last up to two days on a single charge, making it ideal for heavy users. The 6.7-inch 120Hz LCD display is smooth, though it lacks the vibrancy of OLED panels. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chip provides solid performance for daily tasks, and the inclusion of wireless charging is rare at this price. The camera performs well in bright light but struggles in low-light conditions. Its vegan leather back adds a premium feel, but software support is shorter than competitors like Samsung or Google.
Why Choose It: Long battery life, wireless charging, and a budget-friendly price.
3. Samsung Galaxy A36 – Best for Long-Term Support
Price: $400
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 13MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging
- Software: Android 14 with One UI 7, 6 years of updates
The Samsung Galaxy A36 offers a compelling mix of features, including a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for media consumption. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip ensures smooth performance for casual use, though it’s not suited for intensive gaming. The triple-camera system delivers decent photos in good lighting, and Samsung’s promise of six years of software updates ensures longevity. The design is sleek, with an “Awesome Lilac” color option that stands out. However, camera performance in low light is average, and it lacks wireless charging.
Why Choose It: Stunning AMOLED display and extended software support.
4. OnePlus 13R – Best for Performance
Price: $499 (often discounted to $499 with trade-in)
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto, 32MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 50W wired charging
- Software: Android 15, 4 years of updates
The OnePlus 13R is a powerhouse in the budget segment, offering a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor that handles demanding tasks with ease. Its 5,000mAh battery supports fast 50W charging, though it lacks wireless charging and full water resistance. The camera system, including a rare telephoto lens for budget phones, performs well in daylight but falls short in low light. With a premium design and smooth software, it’s a great choice for performance-focused users willing to stretch their budget.
Why Choose It: Large, vibrant display and strong performance for the price.
5. CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing – Best for Unique Design
Price: $279
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto, 16MP front
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 50W wired charging
- Software: Android 15, 3 years of updates
The CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out with its sleek, minimalist design and modular accessories, appealing to DIY enthusiasts. Its 6.77-inch AMOLED display is vibrant, and the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip offers solid performance for the price. The inclusion of a telephoto camera is a rare treat in this segment, though low-light photography is a weak point. It lacks Verizon compatibility in the U.S. and is only available through Nothing’s beta program, which may limit accessibility. Still, at $279, it’s a fantastic value.
Why Choose It: Stylish design, telephoto camera, and great value.
6. iPhone 16e – Best Budget iPhone
Price: $599
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz
- Processor: Apple A18
- RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
- Cameras: 48MP main, 12MP front
- Battery: 4,000mAh, 25W wired charging
- Software: iOS 18, 6+ years of updates
For Apple fans on a budget, the iPhone 16e is the best entry-level iPhone yet. It shares the A18 chip with the iPhone 16, offering excellent performance and support for Apple Intelligence features. The 6.1-inch OLED display is bright, and the single 48MP camera delivers stunning photos, though it lacks an ultrawide lens. With a modern design, USB-C, and long-term iOS updates, it’s a solid choice, but the 60Hz refresh rate and single camera may feel limiting compared to Android competitors.
Why Choose It: Seamless iOS experience and strong performance for Apple users.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Budget Smartphone
- Display: OLED or AMOLED screens (like those on the Pixel 9a, Galaxy A36, or OnePlus 13R) offer better contrast and colors than LCDs (Moto G Power). Aim for at least a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
- Battery Life: Most budget phones in 2025 have 5,000mAh batteries, with the Moto G Power and OnePlus 13R excelling in endurance.
- Cameras: The Pixel 9a leads for photography, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro and OnePlus 13R offer telephoto lenses, a rarity in this price range. Expect compromises in low-light performance.
- Software Updates: Samsung and Google offer 6-7 years of updates, ensuring longevity. Motorola and CMF provide shorter support (2-3 years).
- Performance: The Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R are best for demanding tasks, while the Moto G Power and Galaxy A36 suffice for casual use.
Conclusion
The budget smartphone market in 2025 is stronger than ever, with options like the Google Pixel 9a offering flagship-like features at half the price. For battery life, the Moto G Power (2025) is unbeatable, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 excels in display quality and software support. The OnePlus 13R and CMF Phone 2 Pro cater to those seeking performance and unique design, respectively, and the iPhone 16e is a great pick for iOS fans. Prioritize your needs—whether it’s camera quality, battery life, or software longevity—and you’ll find a budget phone that delivers excellent value.
