Top 5 Budget Smartphones of 2025

If you’re trying to get a good phone in 2025 without spending a fortune, you’ve got more options than ever. Premium flagships might be hitting sky-high prices, but budget phones are catching up fast. They’re faster, sharper, and smarter than they used to be, even under $250. So if you’re not into wasting money but still want quality, here are five phones that hit that sweet spot between price and performance.

1. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Approx. Price: $180

Why it’s a solid pick:

Samsung’s budget A-series used to be forgettable, but that changed with the A15. It has a 6.5-inch AMOLED display, which gives it deeper blacks and punchier colors compared to LCD phones in the same price bracket. It’s running on a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip that handles multitasking and casual gaming without slowing down. And One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin, is actually smooth and polished, even at this entry level.

The 5000mAh battery is a beast, easily lasting a day and a half with moderate use. 5G is here too, making it future-proof for data speeds.

What might bug you:

The back is plastic, there’s no wireless charging, and cameras are just okay in low light. But for under $200? It does more than expected.

2. Redmi Note 13

Approx. Price: $200

Why it’s a standout:

Xiaomi keeps proving you don’t need to pay flagship money to get a flagship feel. The Note 13 brings a 120Hz AMOLED display, yes, that’s flagship-level smoothness and brightness on a $200 phone. Add in a Snapdragon 685 processor, and this thing zips through daily apps, streaming, and even casual games like Asphalt or PUBG Lite.

It also supports 33W fast charging, which is handy when you’re in a rush. The design feels sleek, and the primary camera does surprisingly well during the day.

Heads up:

MIUI is heavy with pre-installed apps, some of which you’ll probably uninstall right away. It takes a bit of tweaking to clean it up.

3. Moto G Stylus 5G (2025 Edition)

Approx. Price: $250

Why it’s underrated:

Motorola keeps things simple, and that’s part of the charm. The Stylus 5G edition gives you clean, near-stock Android with zero bloat. What sets it apart? The built-in stylus. It’s not just a gimmick; you can actually use it to jot notes, edit screenshots, or doodle.

Battery life is stellar thanks to its 5000mAh cell. And the main 50MP camera performs surprisingly well for the price, especially outdoors. It’s the kind of phone that just works—no learning curve, no extra fluff.

Where it falls short:

It’s not the prettiest phone. The design feels a little 2022, but performance-wise, it holds its own.

4. Realme Narzo 70 Pro

Approx. Price: $230

Why it’s a strong all-rounder:

Realme is often overlooked, but the Narzo 70 Pro is proof that it shouldn’t be. It offers a snappy MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, a silky-smooth 120Hz AMOLED panel, and a 64MP main camera that handles low-light surprisingly well for a phone in this price range.

There’s a decent balance here; speed, battery life, and display quality all feel better than what you’d expect under $250. And the design actually looks premium, with a glass-like back and sleek frame.

One caveat:

Realme UI is still a step behind Samsung or Pixel when it comes to polish. Expect the occasional software quirk.

5. Infinix Zero 30

Approx. Price: $210

Why it’s perfect for content creators on a budget:

Infinix is gaining traction in markets like Pakistan, India, and parts of Africa, and with phones like the Zero 30, it’s easy to see why. This thing comes with a curved 6.78″ AMOLED display (rare at this price), 4K video support from the selfie camera, and 12GB of RAM (8GB physical + 4GB virtual).

Performance is surprisingly smooth, and the phone feels way more premium than the price suggests. If you’re into vlogging, reels, or just want a phone that looks expensive, this is a smart buy.

What’s missing:

Don’t expect strong long-term software support. Infinix is still inconsistent with Android updates.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Get?

2025 is a great time to be a budget phone shopper. The gap between $200 phones and $1,000 flagships has never been smaller. But picking the right one depends on what you value most.

• Want the best display and long battery? Go with the Redmi Note 13 or Galaxy A15.

• Stylus and clean Android? Moto G Stylus 5G is your guy.

• All-rounder with a bit of style? Check out the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.

• Selfie content and bold design? You’ll love the Infinix Zero 30.

In the end, these aren’t phones you just tolerate, they’re phones you can actually enjoy using. And that’s saying something in a market where budget used to mean compromise.