Need a new phone? Don’t want to spend a lot of money? No problem – here’s the 6 best Android phones under £300 you can buy right now
Best Budget Android Phones Under $300
CMF Phone 1 – Editor’s Choice: A modular design, stellar performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, and an amazing display, all for just $209.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) – Best For Battery Life: Long-lasting battery, smooth display, and stylish design make it perfect for heavy users.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: Stunning AMOLED display, versatile camera, and long software support from Samsung for long-term value.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G: Big display, great performance, and 50W fast charging make it a strong choice for media lovers and budget gamers.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: Simple yet reliable—perfect for new smartphone users or those on a budget.
Back in the day – so, like 2013 – the idea of a cheap smartphone that didn’t suck wasn’t really a thing. You had expensive, flagship phones and then cheap phones that weren’t very good. It was a bad time.
Technology has progressed a lot since then and, unlike the UK tax system, there is a real trickle-down effect at play when it comes to things like camera tech, processing power, memory, and specs in general.
The upshot of this is that you can now get a very good smartphone for in and around the £300 mark.
It might not be an iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy S model with all the trimmings and the high-end, performance specs, but it’ll do all the basic stuff well: taking photos, browsing the web, running apps, making calls and sending email / IMs.
Best Android Phones Under £300 For 2024
CMF Phone 1 – Editor’s Choice
Why We Recommend It:
If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone with impressive features, the CMF Phone 1 is a solid choice. It’s modular design means you can swap parts out, add new bits in, and change how it functions. Basically, it’s really freakin’ cool.
And the best part? You can pick one up for just $209 / £209 which makes it not only the most interesting phone on this list but also the best value for money.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, the CMF Phone 1 delivers smooth multitasking and app performance.
- Stunning Display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness provides vibrant, sharp visuals—even in bright sunlight.
- Sony Camera System: Featuring a 50MP rear camera with Ultra XDR and AI Vivid Mode, and a 16MP front camera, the CMF Phone 1 captures great photos for its price range.
- Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the phone offers up to 23 hours of video playback—perfect for heavy users.
- Customizable Design: The interchangeable design lets you swap cases and functional accessories, making it easy to personalize your device.
- Expandable Storage: With 128GB of internal storage and up to 2TB of expandable storage, you’ll never run out of space for your apps, photos, and media.
Cons:
- No Wireless Charging: While the battery is impressive, the lack of wireless charging might be a drawback for some.
- Plastic Build: The design is unique, but the plastic build may not appeal to users who prefer more premium materials.
Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: With a price tag of £209, the CMF Phone 1 offers fantastic value for the features it includes.
- Casual Photographers: The Sony 50MP camera delivers high-quality images, perfect for everyday use.
- Customizers: If you love personalizing your phone, the interchangeable design with functional accessories is a big win.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) – Best For Battery Life
Why We Recommend It:
If long-lasting battery life tops your priority list, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the phone for you. It’s designed for heavy users who don’t want to be tethered to a charger all day.
The battery life is bonkers. The performance – for most stuff – is fine too. Add in things like a 120Hz display and fast charging and it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular phones in the US and UK right now.
Pros:
- Impressive Battery Life: Lasts up to 12.5 hours on a single charge, keeping you connected throughout the day.
- Smooth Performance: The 6.5-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers fluid visuals, perfect for gaming and streaming.
- Fast Charging: Equipped with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging to get you back to full power quickly.
- NFC Support: Allows for convenient contactless payments via Google Pay.
- Stylish Design: Features a colorful vegan leather finish that stands out from the crowd.
Cons:
- Limited Software Support: Only one major OS update and three years of security updates, which may affect long-term usability.
- Average Camera: While decent for everyday shots, it may not satisfy photography enthusiasts.
Ideal For:
- Heavy Users: Those who need a reliable phone that can handle extensive daily use.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Offers excellent value under £300.
- Casual Gamers: Provides good performance for mobile gaming without lag.
2. OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Why We Recommend It:
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is perfect if you’re after a big display and solid performance without the premium price tag. It’s a great all-rounder for multimedia consumption and multitasking and its price is very, very approachable.
Pros:
- Large, Smooth Display: A 6.7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate makes for an immersive viewing experience.
- Robust Performance: Powered by a Snapdragon 695 chipset with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, it handles apps and games with ease.
- Fast Charging: 50W charging capability ensures you spend less time plugged in.
- Excellent Battery Life: Offers up to 12.5 hours of usage on a single charge.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Camera Quality: The camera can be hit or miss, especially in low-light conditions.
- Limited Software Updates: May not receive long-term software support, affecting future features and security.
Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Great for streaming videos, browsing, and social media.
- Multitaskers: Efficiently handles multiple apps running simultaneously.
- Budget Gamers: Suitable for gaming without compromising performance.
3. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Why We Recommend It:
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G brings you the trusted Samsung experience without the flagship price. It’s ideal for users who want a reliable, long-lasting phone with a great display. If that sounds like you, this budget-friendly Galaxy phone is just what you’ve been looking for.
Pros:
- Vibrant Display: A 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate offers stunning visuals.
- Versatile Camera Setup: Triple camera system with a primary 50MP lens captures sharp and detailed photos.
- Long Software Support: Samsung provides extended software updates, ensuring your phone stays current.
- Solid Build Quality: Known for durability and a premium feel.
Cons:
- Slower Charging Speeds: Doesn’t charge as quickly as some competitors, which might be a drawback for some.
- Moderate Performance: Handles daily tasks well but isn’t designed for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking.
Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Perfect for browsing, messaging, and casual photography.
- Brand Loyalists: If you’re a fan of Samsung’s user interface and ecosystem.
- Long-Term Value Seekers: Extended software support makes it a smart long-term investment.
4. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Why We Recommend It
If you’re new to smartphones or looking for an affordable, reliable device, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a solid pick. It offers essential features without unnecessary extras and it comes with a price tag that cannot be beaten (unless, of course, you’re the CMF Phone 1, then it’s well and truly bested).
Pros:
- Affordable Entry Point: Access Samsung’s quality and reliability without spending a fortune.
- Dependable Performance: Smooth operation for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and web browsing.
- Good Battery Life: Stays powered throughout the day with moderate use.
- Software Support: Benefits from Samsung’s commitment to regular updates.
Cons:
- Lacks Premium Features: Missing some advanced functionalities like high-end cameras or premium materials.
- Basic Camera: Suitable for simple snapshots but not ideal for detailed photography.
Ideal For:
- First-Time Smartphone Users: User-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.
- Budget Buyers: Great for those who need a dependable phone without high costs.
- Students and Teens: Offers all the essentials for communication and entertainment.
Making Your Choice
Each of these phones offers something special under the £300 mark. Whether you prioritize battery life, display quality, brand reliability, or overall performance, there’s a phone here to match your needs.
None of them are flagship phones, though, so you won’t be getting much in the way of support (Android updates) – maybe two if you’re lucky. And performance, while decent, will leave a lot to be desired if you’re used to running higher-cost phones.
But for the money, these are what we recommend right now. They’re all excellent options that deliver plenty of value for money. And at this price point on the market, that’s the name of the game.
Alternative Options (If You Spend A Little More)
All of these phones are decent for the price. But there are caveats. The most notable of which is software support: you’re not guaranteed more than 1 or 2 Android updates with any of them.
This is, sadly, a fact of life when it comes to cheap phones. Brands just don’t want to allocate the resources to support them.
And this sucks for a variety of reasons. But mostly because it means after potentially as little as 12 months, you will no longer get new updates.
A Refurbished High-End Phone is Better Than A New, Cheap Phone
The solution? If you spend a little more money, and go the refurbished phone route, you can get a much more reliable phone with better spec that will be supported for longer.
That means better value for money, not having to switch phones as often (you could hold onto it for 3+ years versus 18 months), and it’ll have better performance in every area that counts.
So, what should you get going this route?
I would get the iPhone 13. You can pick one up now for £319 right now, so almost on budget, and it is a wicked-powerful phone. It’s the phone I actually use, so it is perfectly good for use in 2024 / 25.
And because it’s an iPhone, it’ll get iOS updates for years to come which means you can run the phone, hassle-free until 2027 and beyond.
The Nothing Phone 2 can be had for 30% less than its usual, still very competitive price tag via refurbished sellers.
And there’s the Nothing Phone 2a and 2a Plus, two excellent mid-range Android phones that punch WELL outside their weight class.
Another Android option? Go with a Samsung Galaxy S22; it’s not the latest model, of course, but it’ll still run rings around everything listed above, including our top-rated option, the Samsung Galaxy A23.
Another great option, if you prefer Android but want faster updates would be the Pixel 7. It comes in at under £300 nowadays and is a rock-solid smartphone with an awesome camera that is up there with some of the best flagships on the market right now.
