The Best Smartphones Under $700 in 2025: Detailed Guide and Picks

We’re living in a golden era for mid-range smartphones. There’s an iPhone on this list, a foldable phone, a phone that lights up—and not a single one costs over 700 bucks. Right now, you can get something fast, good-looking, and surprisingly powerful without breaking the bank.

Before the keyboard warriors rush in, yes, there are tons of great phones out there, especially outside the US. But this list focuses on new phones, not used, and specifically those sold right here in the United States. If you want something modern, powerful, and definitely not boring, we’re in business.

Let’s jump in.

iPhone 16e — Starting at $599

We kick things off with the iPhone 16e, starting at $599. This is Apple’s way of saying, “Hey, you like iPhones, but not price tags with commas.” It’s fast, thanks to the new A18 chip, has a beautiful display, and takes really good photos with its main camera.

Sure, you don’t get all the pro-level bells and whistles—no 120 Hz refresh rate, no telephoto lens—but you do get USB-C charging, great battery life, and, most importantly, that Apple magic that just… works.

If you’ve been itching to join the Apple club without maxing out your credit card, the iPhone 16e is the one to get.

Google Pixel 9a — Starting at $499

Next up is the Pixel 9a, priced at $499. This is Google’s idea of a helpful phone—the kind that screens your spam calls, edits your photos automatically, and generally tries to make your digital life a little less chaotic.

It sports a clean design, a bright OLED screen with 120 Hz refresh, and software that feels smarter than most. The real magic, as always with Pixel phones, is in the camera: a 48 MP main sensor and 13 MP ultrawide deliver detailed, vibrant shots that usually outclass more expensive phones.

Add tools like Magic Editor and Best Take, and you’ve got a phone that handles the heavy lifting for you.

Now, it’s not the fastest phone out there. The Tensor G4 chip is more steady than speedy, and wireless charging is a bit slow. But you get seven years of updates, durable design, IP68 water resistance, and a battery that comfortably lasts a full day. If you want something simple, smart, and built to last, the Pixel 9a quietly nails it all.

Nothing Phone 3A Pro — Starting at $459

For the attention-seeker, meet the Nothing Phone 3A Pro, starting at $459. This phone is for people bored of phones—in the best way possible.

With a transparent back and glowing glyph lights that light up when people text you, it looks like someone had fun designing it. The glyph lights aren’t just for show—they’re customizable and genuinely useful. They’ll flash when your food’s on the way or let you check a timer without ever touching the screen.

It handles everyday stuff like a champ: social media, music, photos, messaging—all smooth. The camera is solid, the screen looks great, and the whole thing feels delightfully different.

If there’s a catch, it’s performance. It’s good, but not blazing fast, and Nothing’s software still has some quirks. But if you want a phone with personality—one that starts conversations and breaks out of the rectangle mold—the Nothing Phone 3A Pro is a standout.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE — Starting at $499.99

Next is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the Fan Edition, starting at $499.99. This is the “I just want something that works” phone.

Don’t underestimate it, though. The S24 FE quietly does everything well. It’s the grown-up choice, the no-drama friend—the one that shows up on time, knows how to split a dinner bill, and brings jumper cables just in case.

The display is big and beautiful. The cameras are consistent. Samsung’s software has matured into something actually helpful, not just bloated.

Downsides? It’s a little bulky, with chunky bezels. And the performance can dip under heavy load. But for everyday life, it just works.

OnePlus 13R — Starting at $599

The OnePlus 13R, starting at $599, feels like it snuck into the premium phone party without paying the cover.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (the same one found in phones twice the price), it absolutely flies. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or switching between apps like you’re late for something, the 13R stays smooth under pressure.

The 80-watt fast charging is almost rude—it charges so quickly you’ll plug it in, check your email, and it’s already halfway full. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is super bright, super smooth, and looks fantastic for the price.

OxygenOS keeps things clean and fast, with no weird animations or mystery bloatware lurking in corners. The camera? It’s fine. It’ll handle everyday shots, but it’s not going to win photography awards. Think of it like a muscle car with a decent radio—not why you bought it, but it works.

If your priority is speed and battery life that won’t quit, the OnePlus 13R is a seriously underrated pick.

Motorola Razr (2025) — Starting at $699

Now for the flip phone that turns heads again: the Motorola Razr, redone for 2025, and the only foldable on this list—somehow under $699.

It keeps the iconic flip design but adds a tougher hinge, better battery life, and smart new AI features like sunrise notifications, so you don’t have to scroll through chaos first thing in the morning.

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it comes in colors that sound like scented candles or crayon shades. It’s definitely not the most powerful phone here, and the cameras are just okay. But you don’t buy this for specs—you buy it because it folds and still makes you smile when you hang up on someone.

Also worth noting: the 2023 Razr model is under $360 on Amazon right now.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G — Starting at $399

If you’re on a tighter budget, let me introduce you to the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, priced at just $399.

This phone is kind of the stealth winner. It has a sleek design that doesn’t scream budget, a nice AMOLED screen with a fast refresh rate, and the kind of reliability you’d expect from Samsung.

It’s not the fastest phone, and the cameras are good but not amazing. But for everyday tasks—texting, streaming, social media—it holds its own.

Even better, Samsung is giving it a shockingly long runway: four years of Android updates and five years of security patches. That’s longer than some flagship phones get.

If you want a phone that nails the basics without costing more than your rent, the Galaxy A35 5G deserves a serious look.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need $1,000 for a Great Phone

Bottom line: these phones prove you don’t need to spend $1,000 to get something fast, reliable, and honestly really good.

Whether you want something stylish, practical, or just a phone that doesn’t freeze every time you open TikTok, there’s something here for you.

So, over to you: Which phone are you using now? Any on this list feel like your next upgrade? Let me know which one you’d recommend to your “I just need a phone that works” friend.