If you’re trying to find a smartphone that won’t burn a hole in your wallet but still gets the job done, you’re not alone. In 2025, affordable smartphones under $300 are surprisingly powerful. You don’t have to spend $1000 for a phone that runs smoothly, lasts all day, and even takes decent photos.
As someone who recently looked at dozens of models before buying, I wanted a phone that could:
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Run apps without freezing
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Last at least a full day
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Take good photos
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Stay updated for a few years
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Not look or feel like a toy
Sound familiar? Then this guide is for you. I’ve included everything I looked for: full specs, what’s great, what’s not, and links to buy from trusted stores.
What to Expect from Phones Under $300
Before jumping in, here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect in budget Android phones and top picks for cheap phones under $300:
| Feature | What You’ll Get |
|---|---|
| Performance | Great for social apps, streaming, browsing, and games like Candy Crush or Clash Royale |
| Battery Life | Most last a full day, some up to 2 days |
| Display | Bright and clear, with 90Hz or even 120Hz refresh rates in some models |
| Camera | Good daylight photos, some have ultrawide or macro lenses |
| Software Updates | Basic Android updates (1–3 years), Samsung offers more |
Best Smartphones 2025 Under $300 – Reviewed and Compared
These are phones I considered before purchasing, based on reviews, user feedback, and hands-on comparisons. Here’s what I found:
1. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Price: Around $200–$250
Key Specs:
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Display: 6.5″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
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Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
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Memory/Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB internal (expandable with microSD)
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Cameras:
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Rear: 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
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Front: 13MP
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Battery: 5000mAh with 25W fast charging
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Extras: Side fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, 5G connectivity
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Software Support: 4 years of Android updates, 5 years of security patches
What’s Good:
✅ Vivid AMOLED screen – sharp, colorful, and bright
✅ Smooth performance for daily apps and social media
✅ Long software support – rare in budget phones
✅ 5G-ready for future use
What’s Not:
❌ Bezels around the screen make it look less premium
❌ Camera is great in daylight but weak at night
❌ No IP rating (not water-resistant)
Where to Buy:
2. Motorola Moto G Power (2025)
Price: Around $250–$299
Key Specs:
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Display: 6.8″ LCD, Full HD+, 120Hz
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Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
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Memory/Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB internal
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Cameras:
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Rear: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide
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Front: 16MP
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Battery: 5000mAh with 30W fast charging + wireless charging
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Extras: IP69 water and dust resistance, drop protection (MIL-STD-810H), 3.5mm jack
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Software Support: 1 Android upgrade + 3 years of security updates
What’s Good:
✅ Rugged design – waterproof and drop-resistant
✅ Wireless charging – rare at this price
✅ Huge battery – lasts 1.5 to 2 days easily
✅ Big screen with 120Hz smoothness
What’s Not:
❌ Screen isn’t AMOLED – colors are dull compared to Galaxy A15
❌ Can feel bulky and heavy in hand
❌ Camera struggles in low light and selfies are average
Where to Buy:
3. OnePlus Nord N300 5G
Price: Around $229–$249
Key Specs:
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Display: 6.56″ LCD, HD+, 90Hz refresh rate
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Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810
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Memory/Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB internal (expandable via microSD)
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Cameras:
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Rear: 48MP main + 2MP depth
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Front: 16MP
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Battery: 5000mAh with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging
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Extras: 5G connectivity, headphone jack, fingerprint sensor
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Software Support: 2 years Android upgrades + 3 years security updates
What’s Good:
✅ Fast charging at 33W – charges in under an hour
✅ Solid 5G performance at a low price
✅ Lightweight and pocket-friendly
✅ Good primary camera for daylight shots
What’s Not:
❌ Only 64GB storage – fills up quickly
❌ No water resistance or rugged protection
❌ Average screen brightness outdoors
❌ Only 4GB RAM – not ideal for multitasking
Where to Buy:
4. Nokia G310 5G
Price: Around $199–$229
Key Specs:
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Display: 6.6″ HD+, LCD, 60Hz
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Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G
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Memory/Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB internal
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Cameras:
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Rear: 50MP main
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Front: 8MP
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Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging
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Extras: microSD slot, headphone jack, QuickFix design for DIY repairs
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Software Support: 2 years Android upgrades + 3 years security
What’s Good:
✅ Clean Android UI – fast and bloatware-free
✅ DIY-friendly design – easy to repair screen or battery
✅ Good camera for outdoor shots
✅ Reliable 5G performance for the price
What’s Not:
❌ 60Hz display – feels less smooth than others
❌ Basic design – not as stylish or modern
❌ No waterproofing or high-durability rating
❌ 8MP selfie camera is below average
Where to Buy:
5. TCL 50 XL 5G
Price: Around $179–$199
Key Specs:
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Display: 6.8″ Full HD+ LCD, 60Hz
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Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
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Memory/Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB internal
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Cameras:
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Rear: 50MP main
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Front: 8MP
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Battery: 5010mAh with 18W fast charging
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Extras: Stereo speakers, NXTVISION screen enhancement, expandable storage
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Software Support: 2 years Android upgrades + 3 years security
What’s Good:
✅ Giant screen – great for watching videos
✅ Stereo speakers – loud and clear audio
✅ 128GB storage out of the box
✅ Clean design, lightweight for its size
What’s Not:
❌ No AMOLED or high refresh rate
❌ No water or drop resistance
❌ Camera is fine, but colors can look flat
❌ No wireless charging
Where to Buy:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Moto G Power (2025) | OnePlus Nord N300 5G | Nokia G310 5G | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 6.8″ LCD, 120Hz | 6.56″ LCD, 90Hz | 6.6″ HD+, 60Hz | 6.8″ Full HD+, LCD |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 25W fast charging | 5000 mAh, 30W fast + wireless | 5000 mAh, 33W fast charging | 5000 mAh, 18W charging | 5010 mAh, 18W charging |
| Camera (rear/front) | 50MP + 5MP + 2MP / 13MP | 50MP + 8MP / 16MP | 48MP main + 2MP depth / 16MP | 50MP main / 8MP | 50MP main / 8MP |
| Software Updates | 4 years Android / 5 years security | 1 Android upgrade / 3 years security | 2 years Android / 3 years security | 2 years Android / 3 years security | 2 years Android / 3 years security |
| Durability | No water resistance | IP69 water & dust resistant, MIL‑STD drops | Basic splash protection | No special rating | No waterproof rating |
| Extras | Headphone jack, microSD, 5G | Headphone jack, microSD, wireless charging | Headphone jack, microSD, 5G | Headphone jack, microSD, clean Android | Stereo speakers, microSD, large display sizes |
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if you:
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Love a crisp and colorful display
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Use your phone for streaming, reading, and social media
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Want long-term software support
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Care about lighter, sleeker design
Choose the Moto G Power (2025) if you:
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Want a phone that can survive drops, dust, and water
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Prefer longer battery life and wireless charging
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Use your phone for calls, basic apps, and don’t care about fancy photos
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Need 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking
Final Thoughts
Buying a smartphone under $300 in 2025 doesn’t mean settling for poor quality. Both the Galaxy A15 5G and Moto G Power 2025 offer impressive features that were once only available in higher-end models.
If you prefer a sleek, modern screen with strong long-term support, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a solid choice.
If you’re more focused on rugged durability and long battery life, Moto G Power 2025 is hard to beat.
Tip: Prices can fluctuate. Look for sales on Amazon or Best Buy, and don’t forget to check carrier deals that sometimes bundle extras like free cases or extended warranties.