Looking for the Top 10 Best Budget Phones (Summer 2025) under $300 that won’t break the bank? Explore our top 10 picks featuring AMOLED displays, 5G connectivity, long battery life, great cameras, and gaming-ready performance under £300. Perfect for streaming, everyday use, and mobile photography.
In 2025, calling a phone “budget” doesn’t mean it’s basic. Gone are the days when a sub-£300 phone meant laggy performance, weak cameras, and potato-quality screens. Today’s best budget phones (Summer 2025) offer features that were exclusive to flagships just a few years back. Want a smooth AMOLED display, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, solid cameras, and massive batteries? You got it—for a fraction of the price.
Big Features, Smaller Prices
One of the biggest game-changers in the budget space has been the trickle-down of flagship features. Even phones under £250 now offer premium design finishes, IP ratings for water and dust resistance, and even customizable modular parts. Most impressively, you’ll find blazing fast charging speeds, Snapdragon 7-series and 8-series chipsets, and displays with 120Hz refresh rates in these so-called “cheap” phones.
AMOLED Displays for All
It’s no longer a luxury to get an AMOLED screen. From the Nothing Phone 3a to the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, even the most affordable handsets now boast punchy contrast, vivid colors, and smooth visuals. Netflix and YouTube binge sessions look beautiful without straining your eyes—or your wallet.
Affordable Phones, Flagship-Level Cameras
Sure, you won’t find periscope zoom or Leica tuning in these blowers, but phones like the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G sport a 200MP main camera, and even the CMF Phone 2 Pro packs in a telephoto lens, something that used to be rare even on premium flagships.
Software, Battery Life & Future-Proofing
Manufacturers are waking up to the fact that even budget users want longevity. That means longer software support timelines, smarter clean UIs like Nothing OS and OxygenOS, and battery life that can stretch to two full days. Whether it’s Motorola’s stock Android or HMD’s modular-friendly build, the future of budget phones is bright, and you don’t have to be broke to stay connected anymore.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Budget Phones (Summer 2025)
1. Nothing Phone 3a – Style, Smarts, and Snapshots
Price: Around £320
Best For: All-around experience with eye-catching design
The Nothing Phone 3a isn’t just a budget phone—it’s a proper head-turner. With its signature Glyph Interface, the rear lights up with rhythmic flashes that signal incoming messages or pulse along to your favorite beats. But it’s not all flash and no substance. This is one of the best budget phones (Summer 2025) because it offers serious bang for your buck.
Iconic Glyph Interface
Love it or hate it, the Glyph lights are here to stay. Not only do they add visual flair, but they’re functional, helping you check notifications at a glance, customize alerts, and even use it as a fill light when taking photos. It’s a fun, quirky feature that adds personality without pushing the price up.
Snapdragon Gaming Prowess
Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 keeps things zippy, handling popular mobile games like Weather and Waves, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile with only minimal frame drops at medium to high settings. There’s enough RAM to keep multitasking smooth, and Nothing OS stays light, responsive, and bloat-free.
OLED Display & Flexible Cameras
Flip it around and you’re greeted by a bright OLED display that’s perfect for watching movies, browsing, or smashing virtual monsters. The stereo speakers offer decent clarity, and you’ve got a surprisingly competent camera setup: a main sensor that holds its own in low light, plus a telephoto lens—a rare treat in this category.
Low-light shots can be hit or miss, but overall, it delivers great detail and color. The telephoto lens isn’t just a gimmick—it actually helps capture portraits with a bit of depth. Video recording is decent too, though stabilisation could be better.
Clean Nothing OS & Essential Space
The latest version of Nothing OS is more mature and smooth than ever. There’s a new feature called Essential Space—a one-button launcher for to-do lists, reminders, and widgets—perfect for keeping your life organized without clogging your screen. Plus, Nothing promises three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, so you’re not buying a throwaway device.
Whether you’re a style-conscious student, a music lover, or just after a phone that looks and feels premium without making your bank weep, the Nothing Phone 3a is a total win.
2. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Affordable Customization King
Price: Under £250
Best For: Style enthusiasts, everyday users
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is the weird, wonderful little brother of the Nothing Phone 3a, but don’t write it off—it’s a budget banger in its own right. While it lacks the Glyphs, it brings its own kind of flair: customizable back plates, colorful finishes, and a surprising degree of durability.
Vibrant Modular Design
This one’s all about expression. You can switch up the back design with swappable accessories—think grip handles, kickstands, or simply bold color options. It’s made for those who want their phone to match their outfit or vibe, and it doesn’t cost a fortune to switch it up.
Gaming on a Budget
Running on MediaTek Dimensity 7300, this phone handles casual to moderately heavy gaming just fine. It’s not quite as slick as the Nothing 3a, but games like COD Mobile and Clash Royale run with minimal hiccups. You’ll need to tone down settings for heavier games, but the performance is solid overall.
Rugged Build & Water Resistance
The IP54 rating might not sound like much, but it means you’re safe from splashes, rain, and dust. This level of ruggedness at this price point is a huge bonus, making the CMF 2 Pro great for commuters, bikers, or anyone with butterfingers.
Nothing OS Simplicity
Despite the CMF branding, you’re still getting the clean, responsive Nothing OS interface—minimal bloat, clean icons, and smart gestures. The AMOLED panel is colorful and punchy, making this one of the most visually engaging phones under £250.
It may not have the raw horsepower of the Nothing 3a, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro has personality, performance, and a polished experience—all without dipping into your holiday fund.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G – Feature-Packed Entertainment Beast
Price: Just under £300 (on discount)
Best For: Multimedia lovers and binge streamers
Xiaomi knows how to make a value-packed phone, and the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is their sharpest offering in the sub-£300 category. It’s got style, speed, and a whole heap of features that make it feel like a mid-range flagship instead of a budget handset.
Dolby Vision Display
First up, let’s talk about that 6.67-inch AMOLED panel. It’s got 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support—basically, it’s made for those who want to binge Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube in eye-melting detail. Whether you’re doomscrolling on Reddit in bed or catching up on anime in the bath (no judgement), this screen’s sharpness and color pop are top-tier.
200MP Main Camera
That massive 200MP camera sensor on the back looks impressive—and to be fair, it performs decently for casual snaps. Bright daylight shots are crisp, with rich color and good dynamic range. Night shots? Well, not quite pixel perfection, but still usable. Where it fumbles a bit is video—frame drops and jittery transitions can be frustrating, especially if you’re filming pets or kids on the move.
Discounted Flagship Features
At this price, you’re also getting a textured, water-resistant design (with IP54), respectable haptics, and stereo speakers that deliver above-average clarity. It also features Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, which can feel a bit bloated but comes with some slick customization options.
HyperOS Experience
Xiaomi promises 3 years of Android updates, which isn’t bad at this price. HyperOS still has some growing pains—too many preloaded apps for starters—but it’s improving. And the battery? A 5000mAh unit that easily lasts a full day. Charging has slowed a bit compared to the Note 13 Pro, but it’s still decent with 67W wired support.
If you’re after a media monster on a budget, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a fantastic all-rounder.
4. Poco F7 – Gaming Powerhouse on a Budget
Price: Around £300
Best For: Gamers who want smooth performance without breaking the bank
Poco has built a rep for high-performance phones at bargain prices, and the Poco F7 is no exception. With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 under the hood and a slick design, it’s a true performance champ in the best budget phones (Summer 2025) lineup.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Performance
This thing flies. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 paired with up to 12GB RAM makes it an absolute beast for mobile gaming. You can run Genshin Impact, Apex Legends, and Weather and Waves at high settings without a hiccup. It’s fast, fluid, and responsive. Just be warned—it can get a bit toasty after extended sessions, so invest in a cooling case if you’re hardcore.
AMOLED Eye Candy
That massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen is another standout. It’s crisp, colorful, and buttery smooth with its 144Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, or scrolling, visuals are top-notch.
Beastly Battery Life
With a massive 6500mAh battery, the F7 goes the distance—easily handling a day of heavy use or up to two days for casual users. You also get 90W fast charging, which powers you back up in around 30 minutes.
Full IP68 Protection
Waterproof? Check. Dustproof? Yup. The Poco F7 is IP68-rated, which is impressive at this price. It adds peace of mind if you get caught in the rain or drop it in the loo after a few pints.
With flagship specs, excellent thermals (mostly), and a premium build, the Poco F7 is arguably the best budget gaming phone of 2025.
5. Poco X7 & Poco X7 Pro – Balanced Brilliance
Price: Starting at £220
Best For: Balanced users who want good performance and long life
If the F7 is a gaming rocket, the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro are the solid workhorses. These phones strike a balance between performance, battery life, camera quality, and premium extras—without going over £250.
Dimensity 8400 Ultra Power
The X7 Pro, in particular, is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, which offers great performance in everything from games to app multitasking. It’s not quite Snapdragon 8s level, but you’ll be happy unless you’re a pro gamer. The regular Poco X7 uses a slightly lower-tier chipset but still performs smoothly.
AMOLED & IP68 Design
Like their bigger sibling, these phones feature OLED panels with 120Hz refresh, excellent stereo speakers, and—wait for it—IP68 water resistance. That’s still rare in the budget space and deserves a nod.
Iron Man Limited Edition Variant
There’s also a quirky Iron Man-themed limited edition of the Pro model. It’s a head-turner for Marvel fans, although the color scheme might not be for everyone. Think flashy reds, gold trim, and a bit of nostalgia baked in.
Storage & Battery Excellence
With up to 512GB of storage and a solid 6000mAh battery, this phone is built for the long haul. The 67W fast charging is fast enough to keep you juiced, and Poco’s optimizations mean the device stays snappy even after months of use.
If you want a great mid-tier Android experience without splurging, the Poco X7 or X7 Pro will serve you well.
6. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G – The Sleek Daily Driver
Price: Under £250
Best For: Smooth everyday use and media streaming
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G may have a mouthful of a name, but it’s one of the most underrated budget phones of Summer 2025. OnePlus has taken a no-nonsense approach with this model—bright design, polished software, and reliable performance that makes this phone an easy recommendation for daily use.
AMOLED Upgrade with Stereo Speakers
The most noticeable upgrade this year is the 6.67-inch AMOLED panel—a sharp, vibrant screen with 120Hz refresh and peak brightness north of 900 nits. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix, TikToking, or just reading in bright daylight, the Nord CE 4 Lite delivers buttery visuals and punchy colors.
Audio is also solid with dual stereo speakers, and for the retro lovers, yes—it has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Oxygen OS Experience
One of the biggest reasons to choose a OnePlus budget device is OxygenOS. It’s fast, clean, and close to stock Android, but with a few added perks like Shelf, Zen Mode, and custom gestures. No annoying bloatware or ads here—just a smooth, user-friendly interface backed by 2 major Android updates and 3 years of security patches.
5100mAh Battery & 80W Charging
The 5100mAh battery easily survives a full day of heavy use, from social scrolling to YouTube marathons. And when it’s time to recharge, the 80W SuperVOOC fast charging gets you from 0 to 100% in just over 30 minutes—super convenient for busy days.
Snapdragon 695 Trade-offs
Now, the only real downside here is the chipset: the Snapdragon 695 is solid but aging. Light multitasking and casual games? No problem. But throw in demanding games like Genshin Impact, and you’ll need to dial down the graphics. If you’re a power gamer, look toward the Poco F7 or Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G instead.
Still, for day-to-day usage, the Nord CE 4 Lite is an absolute pleasure to use—reliable, beautiful, and quick to charge.
7. Motorola G56 5G – Tough and Trusty Mid-Ranger
Price: Around £199
Best For: Durable build and clean Android experience
The Motorola G56 5G isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the best budget phones (Summer 2025) for users who value reliability, simplicity, and a good screen. Motorola may not get the same hype as other brands, but they’ve nailed the basics with this release.
IP68 Durability with LCD Screen
Despite its price, the G56 packs a proper IP68 water and dust resistance rating—great news if your phone’s often exposed to rain, sweat, or unexpected spills. The design is subtle yet stylish, with soft-touch back textures and tasteful color options.
The 6.7-inch LCD isn’t AMOLED, but it’s still vibrant with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh, offering smooth visuals for browsing and apps. It’s a great panel for the price, even if colors aren’t as rich as OLED.
Dimensity 7060 & Gaming Limits
Powering the show is the MediaTek Dimensity 7060, which is fine for casual usage—email, YouTube, Instagram, light gaming—but will struggle with intense multitasking or advanced 3D titles. It’s aimed at the average user, not the hardcore gamer.
Stock Android Cleanliness
Motorola continues to offer one of the cleanest Android experiences outside of Pixel phones. No junk apps, no ads, and all the classic Moto gestures like chop-chop for flashlight or twist-to-launch camera. It feels light, fast, and easy to use—especially for users upgrading from older devices.
Great Colors, Good Battery
The 5000mAh battery easily lasts all day with moderate use, and 30W wired charging tops it up quickly. It’s not the fastest charger in town, but it gets the job done. Color options like Graphite Grey, Moonlight Violet, and Arctic Blue add some flair to this otherwise minimalistic phone.
Overall, if you want a no-drama Android phone with solid basics, the Moto G56 5G should be on your shortlist.
8. Motorola G35 – Pure Simplicity
Price: Around £129
Best For: Simple users, students, or secondary phone needs
The Motorola G35 is a back-to-basics device, built for those who want a reliable phone without any flashy gimmicks. It’s not trying to impress specs nerds or gamers—it just does what it says on the tin, and it does it well.
Soft Leather Design
Surprisingly, this budget device boasts a faux leather textured back, making it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. It’s grippy, stylish, and comes in colors like Cinnamon Red, Ash Grey, and Ocean Teal.
Decent Day-to-Day Use
With a modest Unisoc processor, the G35 handles basic tasks—calling, texting, WhatsApp, web browsing—without a hitch. It’s not designed for gaming or video editing, but if you’re just looking for a dependable daily device, it checks the box.
Battery First, Everything Else Later
The real highlight here is the 5000mAh battery, which can easily stretch two days on a single charge. Add in the simple, stock Android experience, and you’ve got one of the most user-friendly phones for older folks, kids, or tech-averse users.
In short, the Moto G35 is the ideal choice if you want to keep it simple and save big.
9. Motorola G05 – Super Budget Option
Price: Around £99
Best For: Kids, seniors, or as a spare/emergency phone
If you’re really strapped for cash or just need a basic secondary handset, the Motorola G05 is the best ultra-budget phone on this list. Don’t expect miracles—but you’ll get reliability, durability, and shockingly good value.
Kid-Friendly or Spare Blower
Its compact, lightweight frame makes it perfect for kids’ small hands or as a travel/emergency backup phone. It’s ideal if you want something cheap that won’t cause heartbreak if lost or damaged.
Basic Specs, Big Value
There’s a humble processor and a very basic camera setup, but the battery life is stellar, and the UI is clean and fast enough for essential use. It handles calls, messages, and light browsing just fine—and for less than a hundred quid, that’s a steal.
10. HMD Fusion – The Modular Maverick
Price: Around £179
Best For: DIY tinkerers and long-term repairability
The HMD Fusion is unlike anything else in this list. It’s one of the few modular smartphones on the market, allowing you to replace and upgrade parts as needed. That makes it perfect for tech-savvy users who want to extend their device’s life or modify it over time.
Repairability and Expandability
You can swap out the battery, camera modules, and even add plug-in accessories like LED flash rings for vlogging. The modular concept is brilliant for longevity, especially in a world where most phones are sealed shut.
Swappable Parts & Flash Add-ons
It’s like LEGO for smartphones. Whether you’re shooting content or just want to avoid e-waste, the Fusion is refreshingly eco-friendly and future-ready.
Stock Android + Practical Battery
Performance is modest, and the LCD screen isn’t the sharpest, but it runs stock Android, has a 5000mAh battery, and delivers where it counts. You won’t win gaming tournaments with this, but for functionality, it’s solid.
Best Budget Phones (Summer 2025) – Buying Guide
Choosing the best budget phone (Summer 2025) isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest screen or the highest megapixel count. It’s about understanding what matters most to you. Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your needs—and your wallet.
Define Your Budget Clearly
Start by asking yourself how much you can realistically spend. The phones in this list range from £99 to just over £300, but the sweet spot lies around £200–£250. That’s where you’ll find the best value—phones like the Poco X7 Pro, CMF Phone 2 Pro, and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite dominate this bracket.
If you’re tight on cash, don’t stress—options like the Moto G05 or G35 still deliver core smartphone experiences without the cost.
Match Features to Your Lifestyle
What matters most to you?
- If it’s gaming, go for the Poco F7 or Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G.
- If you’re into photography, try the Nothing Phone 3a or the Redmi’s 200MP beast.
- For media lovers, that OLED screen + stereo speaker combo on the Poco X7 Pro or Nord CE 4 Lite is pure gold.
Don’t overspend on features you’ll never use. Prioritize your needs.
Always Look for OS Support
A fast phone is only as good as the software keeping it secure. Look for brands offering at least 2–3 years of Android updates—Nothing, OnePlus, and Xiaomi lead here. Motorola and HMD are still behind, often offering only 1–2 years of updates, so weigh that if you want to keep your phone for a long time.
Don’t Ignore Design & Extras
Durability, water resistance, and even color choice can impact your experience. Phones like the Poco F7 and Moto G56 come with IP68 certification, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro wins points for customization. And if you love the idea of modular add-ons or DIY repair, the HMD Fusion is unmatched.
Final Verdict – Which Budget Phone Is Right for You?
There’s no single “best” phone—just the right one for your situation. Here are our final picks based on different priorities:
| Phone Model | Display | Processor | Battery | Camera | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone 3a | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | 5000mAh, Fast Charging | Dual with Telephoto | £320 |
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | 6.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz | Dimensity 7300 | 5000mAh, Fast Charging | Dual, Basic Telephoto | £250 |
| Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G | 6.67″ AMOLED, Dolby Vision | Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 | 5000mAh, 67W Fast Charging | 200MP Main | £299 |
| Poco F7 | 6.8″ AMOLED, 144Hz | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | 6500mAh, 90W Charging | Triple, Good Main | £300 |
| Poco X7 Pro | 6.67″ AMOLED, IP68 | Dimensity 8400 Ultra | 6000mAh, Fast Charging | Good Primary Sensor | £239 |
| OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz | Snapdragon 695 | 5100mAh, 80W Charging | Basic Dual Cam | £229 |
| Motorola G56 5G | 6.7″ LCD, 120Hz | Dimensity 7060 | 5000mAh, 30W Charging | Basic, AI-enhanced | £199 |
| Motorola G35 | 6.5″ LCD | Unisoc T606 | 5000mAh | Entry-Level Dual | £129 |
| Motorola G05 | 6.5″ LCD | Unisoc T606 | 5000mAh | Very Basic | £99 |
| HMD Fusion | 6.5″ LCD | Entry-Level Chip | 5000mAh | Swappable Modules | £179 |
Best for Gaming: Poco F7 – Hands down the most powerful performer under £350.
Best for Photography: Nothing Phone 3a – Telephoto lens + clean image processing = great photos.
Best Overall Value: CMF Phone 2 Pro – AMOLED screen, customization, and smooth performance at a crazy good price.
Best Super Cheap Option: Moto G05 – Barebones, but surprisingly dependable for under £100.
Best for Customization & Repairability: HMD Fusion – If you’re into long-term use and upgrades, this is the future.
FAQs – Best Budget Phones (Summer 2025)
1. Can budget phones handle gaming in 2025?
Yes! Models like the Poco F7, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, and even the CMF Phone 2 Pro can run demanding games at decent settings. Look for phones with Snapdragon 7/8 series or Dimensity 8000+ chipsets.
2. Do £100 smartphones last long?
They won’t win any speed tests, but phones like the Moto G05 and G35 are ideal for simple tasks. With care, they can last 2–3 years, especially as a secondary device.
3. Is AMOLED worth it on a cheap phone?
Absolutely. AMOLED displays offer richer colors, deeper blacks, and better battery efficiency. Phones like the Nord CE 4 Lite, Poco X7 Pro, and CMF Phone 2 Pro offer AMOLED under £250.
4. Which is best for photography under £300?
The Nothing Phone 3a offers the best versatility thanks to its telephoto lens and polished image processing. The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G’s 200MP sensor also delivers excellent detail in good lighting.
5. What’s the best long-term Android budget phone?
The CMF Phone 2 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite both offer longer software support, solid builds, and clean UI experiences that hold up over time.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
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