Best Budget Phone 2025: Top 10 Cheap Phones Today
The market is flooded with amazing phones, but not everyone can afford to spend a fortune on a new device. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of great choices available. In the past, cheap smartphones were often associated with frustration and poor performance. However, that’s no longer the case.
Many smartphone manufacturers now offer extensive ranges of budget phones that come with premium materials and impressive specs at affordable prices. Brands like Motorola, Samsung, Xiaomi Redmi, Nokia, and CMF by Nothing are leading the way in the budget phone market. While Apple’s cheapest offering, the iPhone 16e, may be out of the price range for budget shoppers, there are plenty of Android options available at much lower prices.
Here is a list of the top 10 budget phones, all tested and reviewed, followed by some buying advice to help you make the right choice:
1. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Overall
The CMF Phone 2 Pro offers better cameras, a brighter and more accurate display, NFC payment support, and affordability. With a price tag of $279, this phone is a steal for its features and performance.
2. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G – Best Budget Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a clean design, a punchy AMOLED display, impressive software update promise, and decent performance. Priced at $199.99, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers.
3. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – Best Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G comes with an excellent screen, long software support, solid battery life, and decent camera performance. Priced at $299.99, it offers great value for its features.
4. Motorola Moto G84 5G – Best Display
The Motorola Moto G84 5G features an excellent 120Hz OLED display, solid performance, all-day battery life, and decent 30W charging. While it lacks in software support, it’s still one of the best budget phones available.
5. Motorola Moto G04 – Best Under £100
The Motorola Moto G04 is an amazing value for money phone with fantastic battery life, decent performance, and great basic features. Priced at just £89.99, it’s a steal for budget shoppers.
6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G – Best Previous Gen
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G offers an attractive design, excellent display, generous storage, and good software support. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget phone with premium features.
7. Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G) – Cheap With Long Support
The Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G) is a budget-friendly option with a lovely display, excellent battery life, and decent performance. While it lacks in certain areas, it’s still a solid choice for budget shoppers.
8. TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper – Best for Readers
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper is a unique phone with E-Ink style modes, impressive battery life, and a high-quality display. It’s a great choice for those who love reading on their phones.
9. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G – Best Hardware Specs
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G offers sharp display, good battery life, and solid main camera. While it may lack in certain areas, it’s a great choice for those looking for a budget phone with premium features.
10. Nokia G22 – Best Repairability
The Nokia G22 is known for its repairable build, decent battery life, and user-friendly OS. While it may be slow in performance, it’s a great choice for those who prefer repairability over performance.
When it comes to buying a budget phone, it’s important to consider whether to buy it outright, whether to buy a locked phone, and what features are most important to you. Budget phones may have some compromises compared to higher-end models, but with the right research and understanding of your needs, you can find a budget phone that suits your requirements.
