Best budget Android phones 2025: 7 top picks under $300

TL;DR:

Prices have improved under $300 with longer update promises.
Our top picks: CMF Phone 2 Pro, Moto G (2025), Samsung Galaxy A26 5G.
Consider software updates, storage, and NFC before you buy.
Avoid random imports without bands or updates.
See the quick table for features and update policies.

We focused on models widely sold in at least one major region, priced at or near $300, with strong reviews and clear software support. We cross-checked specs and pricing from established outlets and official pages in 2025.

The shortlist

1) CMF Phone 2 Pro
Best overall value if available in your market. You get a 120 Hz AMOLED, big battery, and a clean Android build at around $279 in the U.S. Expect two storage options and a long accessories ecosystem from Nothing. Confirm band support before importing.

2) Motorola Moto G (2025)
Motorola’s budget line nails battery life and a simple UI. Recent testing favored the Moto G for endurance and a solid main camera at a low price. Check for NFC variants if you use tap-to-pay.

3) Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
Samsung’s A-series pairs decent cameras with long software support. If you can find it near $300, it is the safest pick for updates and service coverage.

4) Poco X6 Pro
A performance pick in some markets with a fast chipset and strong display. Great for gaming at this price, but update policy and ads vary.

5) Galaxy A15 or A16
Older A-series models often dip below $250 on sale and keep getting security updates. Make sure you get the 128 GB variant.

6) Redmi Note 13 series
Often the best camera and battery for the money, but regional software and LTE/5G bands may vary. Buy from a reputable seller.

7) Moto G Power (2025)
If battery life is everything, this line remains a safe bet. Cameras trail in low light, but the price can be excellent.

Quick comparison

Model	Typical price	Screen	Battery	Standout	Update policy
CMF Phone 2 Pro	~$279	6.77″ 120 Hz AMOLED	5,000 mAh	Strong value, clean UI	Varies by region
Moto G (2025)	~$250	6.5″+ 90 Hz LCD	Very long life	Great endurance	2+ yrs security typical
Galaxy A26 5G	~$300	6.6″ 120 Hz	5,000 mAh	Wide retail support	Multi-year Samsung support
Poco X6 Pro	~$299	6.7″ 120 Hz AMOLED	5,000 mAh	Fast chip	Mixed update record
Galaxy A15/A16	$200–$250	6.5″ 90 Hz	5,000 mAh	Frequent sales	Multi-year Samsung support

Pricing and features vary by market and carrier. Double-check local 5G bands.

Buying tips

Updates first: A cheaper phone with 3–4 years of updates beats a spec monster that drops support early. Samsung and Google lead here.
Storage matters: 128 GB is the new floor. Expandable storage helps on some models.
NFC check: Not all budget variants include NFC.
Network bands: Global imports may miss key LTE or 5G bands.

Common mistakes

Chasing peak benchmarks over updates and cameras.
Ignoring return policies on imports.
Buying 64 GB models to save a few dollars.

Why it matters

Budget phones are now good enough for most people. The right pick saves money and still gets modern cameras, long battery life, and years of security updates.

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