Looking for the best Android phone under $300 in 2025? You’re not alone. Budget phones have come a long way in recent years, and today you can get smooth performance, long battery life, and even premium features without spending a fortune.
I spent time testing some of the most talked-about budget devices of the year — checking speed, cameras, displays, and durability — so you don’t waste money on the wrong choice. Here’s my honest breakdown of the top contenders.
1. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Overall Pick
Nothing’s budget brand CMF is starting to make a serious name for itself. The CMF Phone 2 Pro ditches the experimental removable back from the first model in favor of a sleeker, slimmer design that supports modular accessories. It feels more polished in the hand and easier to carry.
Up front, you get a bright AMOLED display with thin bezels, high brightness, and a variable refresh rate that makes scrolling smooth. Despite using an older MediaTek chip, the phone performs surprisingly well thanks to solid optimization. Everyday tasks run without hiccups, and casual gaming is no problem.
The camera setup is reliable for the price: daytime shots come out sharp and colorful, and even in low light, it handles noise better than expected. CMF’s clean software (Nothing OS) remains a joy to use, and the new Essential Key is a nice touch — giving you quick access to tools or shortcuts right from the lock screen.
For under $300, this phone balances design, display quality, and performance better than any rival.
2. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G – Best for Longevity
Samsung’s Galaxy A26 5G continues the brand’s tradition of packing value into its A-series. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is bright, colorful, and smooth, though the waterdrop notch does feel a little outdated.
Power comes from the Exynos 1380 chip paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD. It’s not a gaming beast, but for web browsing, streaming, and social media, it’s plenty capable.
What really sets the A26 apart is Samsung’s software support — six years of OS and security updates. That’s unheard of in this price bracket and makes this phone a safe long-term buy. Add in a solid 50MP main camera, a sharp 13MP selfie shooter, and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W charging, and you’ve got a phone built to last.
3. Poco X6 Pro – Best for Performance
If raw power is what you want, the Poco X6 Pro is the budget phone to beat. The vegan leather back gives it a premium look, and the AMOLED display is easily among the best under $300.
Inside, it’s running the Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip, with options up to 12GB RAM and super-fast UFS 4.0 storage. That combo makes the phone fly — gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps are handled with ease. The only trade-off? It does heat up during extended gaming sessions.
Battery life holds up well with its 5,000mAh cell, and 67W fast charging gets you from 0 to 100% in under an hour. The main camera produces good results, though the 2MP macro lens feels unnecessary.
It ships with HyperOS (Android 14) and gets three years of updates, which is fair for the price. If you want a mid-range powerhouse without breaking the bank, the X6 Pro is it.
4. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G – Best Battery Life
The Galaxy A16 5G is another strong budget option from Samsung, especially if battery life is your top priority. The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts up to two days on light use.
Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen offers 1080p resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to 800 nits, which makes it perfectly usable outdoors. Motion smoothness settings let you toggle between refresh rates to save power.
Just like its bigger sibling, the A16 comes with six years of Android updates and even carries an IP54 rating for splash resistance — rare in this category. Add in 5G support, decent cameras, and Samsung’s stable One UI software, and you’ve got a phone that will age gracefully without costing much.
5. Redmi Note 13 Pro – Best Display
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro earns its spot here thanks to its stunning display. The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1220×2712 resolution, supports Dolby Vision, and peaks at 1,800 nits brightness. It’s also TÜV-certified for reduced eye strain, making it a great pick for binge-watchers.
Protection is top-notch too, with Gorilla Glass Victus and Xiaomi’s Wet Touch technology, which lets you use the phone even with damp fingers — a small detail that actually matters in daily use.
Performance is solid, though the phone launched with Android 14 a little later than expected. With a couple more years of updates guaranteed and an attractive price cut since launch, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is now an excellent deal for display lovers.
Final Verdict
So, which one is the best Android phone under $300 in 2025? After testing them all, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as the clear winner. It nails the basics — performance, display, cameras, and software experience — while adding unique touches that make it feel like more than just another budget phone.
But the other contenders each shine in their own way:
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Samsung A26 5G for the best long-term updates
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Poco X6 Pro for raw performance
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Galaxy A16 5G for unbeatable battery life
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Redmi Note 13 Pro for a gorgeous, durable display
No matter which one you pick, 2025 proves you don’t have to overspend to get a phone that feels premium.
Short FAQ Section
Q1: What is the best Android phone under $300 in 2025?
The CMF Phone 2 Pro takes the crown thanks to its smooth performance, sharp display, and reliable camera at an affordable price.
Q2: Which budget phone has the best battery life?
Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G lasts up to two days on a single charge with its massive 5,000mAh battery.
Q3: Which budget Android phone is best for gaming?
The Poco X6 Pro, with its Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip and up to 12GB RAM, is the best pick for gaming under $300.
Q4: Which budget phone will get the most updates?
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and A16 5G both come with 6 years of OS and security updates, unmatched in this price range.
Q5: Which budget phone has the best display?
The Redmi Note 13 Pro stands out with its AMOLED 1220×2712 resolution, Dolby Vision, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
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