The Best Base Model Phones To Buy In 2025

Pro model and Ultra model phones are great. They come with all the latest camera tech and, more recently, AI features like Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini. 

But what if you don’t need all that stuff? Simple: save yourself about $300 to $400 and go with a base model phone. 

Apple, Google, Samsung, and even brands like Xiaomi’s base model options offer plenty of bang for your buck which means you don’t need to go Pro to get a metric tonne of performance and awesome camera capabilities.

And right now – based on our extensive testing and love of value for money – these are the top-rated base model phones for 2025. 

The Best Base Model Phones Right Now…

Base Model Phones 101: How They Compare / Contrast To More Expensive Pro and Ultra Variants

Thinking about upgrading your phone but not sure if you need a Pro or Ultra model? You’re not alone.

While premium models grab attention with flashy cameras and high-end features, base models often deliver the same core performance for hundreds less.

Let’s break down how base model phones stack up against their pricier Pro and Ultra counterparts—so you can decide if spending more is really worth it.

Performance: Plenty of Power for Most People

Base models aren’t slow. In fact, most use the same processor as their Pro siblings.

• iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Both run on Apple’s A18 chip, but the Pro and Pro Max run the A18 Pro variant.
• Galaxy S24 vs. S24 Ultra: Both rock the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Where they differ is in RAM. Base models might have 8GB, while Pro models push 12GB or more.

For everyday use—social media, streaming, gaming—you won’t notice much. Heavy multitasker or hardcore gamer? You might feel the difference.

Camera: Great, But Not Groundbreaking

Base models take awesome photos, but they don’t have all the camera tricks.

• Lenses: Base models usually have wide and ultra-wide cameras. Pro models throw in a telephoto lens for zooming.
• Night Modes & AI: Pro models often have better night photography and smarter AI enhancements.
• Zoom: Expect 2x or 3x zoom on base models. Pro models go up to 10x or even 30x with periscope lenses.

If you’re a casual photographer, the base model is more than enough. But if zoom or pro-level shots matter, you might want to go Pro.

Battery & Charging: Good, But Not the Best

• Battery Size: Base models usually have smaller batteries. Example: the Pixel 9 has a 4,700mAh battery, while larger models push beyond 5,000mAh.
• Charging Speeds: Pro models often support faster charging. The Galaxy S24 Ultra charges at 45W, but the base S24 caps at 25W.
• Wireless Charging: Present on both, but reverse wireless charging is sometimes exclusive to higher models.

For regular use, base models hold up. Power users might miss the faster charging.

Display: Still Sharp, Just Less Fancy

• Size & Resolution: Base models usually have smaller and lower-res screens. Think 6.1-inch FHD+ vs. 6.7-inch QHD+ on Pro models.
• Refresh Rate: Apple’s base models stick to 60Hz, so if you want 120Hz you’ll need to go pro. On Android, most base model phones come with 120Hz screens. Another win for Android.
• Brightness: Pro models often shine brighter, literally. If outdoor visibility matters, that could be a deal-breaker.

But for most people? The base model’s display looks and feels great.

Build Quality: Solid, But Less Premium

• Materials: Pro models might use titanium or stainless steel, while base models lean on aluminum or plastic.
• Durability: Both usually have IP68 water and dust resistance, so they’re equally tough.

Unless you’re all about luxury materials, the difference won’t matter much.

Software & Updates: Same Support, Fewer Features

• Updates: Samsung and Google do 7 years of updates on select models, including its main, base series models (Pixel 9, S24), whereas Apple’s support is standard (7+ years) across all of its phones.
• Exclusive Features: Some AI tools or camera tricks stay locked to Pro models. For example, Google Gemini might be more advanced on Pro devices, and to get it on non-Pro models, you’ll have to pay.

But for daily use? Base models run just as smoothly.

AI Features: Useful, But Less Powerful

• Core AI: Both models include AI tools like smart photo editing and voice assistants.
• Advanced AI: Pro models often get enhanced AI, like real-time translation or advanced photo editing.

For most users, the base AI features are more than enough.

Storage & RAM: Less, But Probably Enough

• Storage: Base models often start at 128GB, while Pro models might begin at 256GB.
• RAM: Base models usually have 6GB to 8GB; Pro models can go up to 12GB or more.
• Expandable Storage: Rare across the board, especially in premium phones.

If you don’t hoard apps and media, you’re covered.

Price-to-Performance: More Bang for Your Buck

Base models can save you $300–$400, and for many, the trade-offs are worth it. You lose a few pro features but keep the core experience. It’s the smarter choice if you don’t need zoom lenses or bleeding-edge AI.

Accessories: Mostly Compatible

Most accessories work across models. But some Pro-exclusive features, like Apple Pencil support or certain camera grips, might not.

Longevity: Built to Last

Base models are designed to last. With the same software support as Pro models, your phone will stay current for 7 years. Pro models might age a little better thanks to higher specs, but for most users, it’s not a huge gap.

Resale Value: Pro Models Hold Value Better

Pro and Ultra models typically resell for more. But base models still hold decent value, especially with brands like Apple and Samsung.