Best Budget Phones 2025: Avoid high prices with these value picks

The CMF Phone 2 Pro doubles down on everything we loved about its predecessor. It still has a bold and unique design with modular bolt-on accessories, and it still has Nothing’s stylish and bloat-free software installed.

The new model also brings some big upgrades: You now get a triple camera setup on the rear with a larger main sensor, the display is much better, it has a higher IP54 rating, and it’s slightly quicker, thanks to an upgraded chip.

The biggest downsides to the original CMF Phone have been addressed, too. It now offers NFC for contactless payments, and the software support has been extended to cover three years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. If that wasn’t enough, the rear panels have updated finishes to create a more premium look and feel, but you can’t swap them this time, so choose wisely.

The original was already our favourite budget phone, and these upgrades make it more tempting than ever. Of course, you’ll have to be onboard with the unusual looks (including software), but if you are, this is a package that’s hard to beat for just £219.

In the US, it’s not such a great deal where you have to buy the more expensive $279 model via the Beta Program with possible issues with US carriers, no customer support and none of the optional accessories.

Those still interested in the CMF Phone 1 may be able to get even more of a bargain with reduced prices at various retailers.

Who should buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

Anyone who appreciates style and modularity on a smartphone.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Further considerations

Samsung vastly outpaces Nothing right now when it comes to long-term software support.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is another solid, cheap phone from Samsung, offering an appealing design and a punchy AMOLED display for a very affordable price.

You’ll likely find Samsung’s design more appealing than many rivals of a similar price and a more hidden advantage, and a big one, is the long software support the firm promises – no less than six years of updates, where many budget phones just get two, or no exact promise at all.

Not much progress has been made on the Galaxy A15 5G, however, with similarly sluggish performance and the same middling camera setup. Conversely, battery life doesn’t appear to be quite as strong as before, particularly when it comes to sustained usage.

All in all, the Galaxy A16 5G is a perfectly acceptable cheap phone, but it’s not quite the instant buy it normally would be, so shop around and consider the Galaxy A15 5G at a lower price.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

Those who value long-term software support and appealing design.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Further considerations

The Galaxy A16 just can’t match the CMF Phone 2 Pro when it comes to overall value if you don’t mind a different software interface.

OnePlus has really helped to raise the bar amongst budget phones in the last few years but if you still haven’t been convinced by the company’s efforts then the OnePlus Nord CE 5 should set you straight. This is one of those rare phones that genuinely feels completely at odds with its budget price tag.

While the design might be a little on the reserved side, there’s no denying that the Nord CE 5 has a confident look to it, and the use of an all-black polycarbonate frame and composite back do an excellent job of making you think that this is actually a phone that belongs at the premium end of the scale. Having IP65 dust and water resistance doesn’t hurt either.

There’s a bright and responsive 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display on this phone that’s easy to use outdoors and ideal for kicking back with some entertainment at the end of a long day. Even though OnePlus has opted for the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex as opposed to any chipset from Snapdragon, performance is still great, and we encountered no issues when playing titles like Call of Duty Mobile.

Under the hood is a sizeable 5200mAh battery which can easily get you to the end of a long day without any anxiety. What’s more impressive is the 80W wired fast charging that’s available here, allowing users to power up a full battery in just under 50 minutes.

Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5?

People who appreciate a budget phone that looks like a more premium device.

OnePlus Nord CE 5: Further considerations

The lacklustre loudspeaker prevents the phone from being a great option for streaming.

Given how good the Galaxy A15 5G is, why would you pay extra for the A25 5G? There are a few reasons, especially as it still costs under £250/$250. A shift to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset boosts performance, while the display is even more impressive with a 120Hz refresh rate. You also get an improved 8Mp ultrawide camera and stereo speakers.

Throw in the already-solid battery life, decent main and selfie cameras and those five years of updates and you’re on to a winner.

The only real reasons not to buy the A25 5G are the limited storage options and a design that won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Or if one of the other phones in this list appeals to you more.

Even though the newer Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is on the market, that phone does bring a price increase along for the ride, making the A25 a much better buy on pure value alone.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A25?

In spite of a successor, this is a phone that’s great for those who want a solid experience across the board.

Samsung Galaxy A25: Further considerations

Unfortunately, the A25 isn’t the most durable phone on this list so you’re better looking elsewhere if you regularly drop your handset.

It’s hard to tell at first glance that the Motorola Moto G85 5G is actually a budget phone, given just how luxurious the backing feels. The Cobalt Blue version that we had in for testing most certainly held our attention, which is impressive against a sea of phones that have overlooked their aesthetic in favour of upgraded specs.

This isn’t to say that Motorola has spent all its time focusing on the design, far from it. Flip the phone over and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous 6.67-inch 120Hz pOLED display, which is great for everything from scrolling through social media to streaming the latest exclusives on Netflix.

The performance offered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset is solid enough for everyday use, although it does start to trip up if you want to play any 3D games on the phone, so you’re better off looking elsewhere for a budget gaming experience. Thankfully, Motorola’s take on Android is wonderfully uncluttered and easy to use.

What ties it all together is a massive 5000mAh battery which, under the right circumstances, can keep up with you for about a day and a half on a single charge. There’s also 30W wired charging, which can get you back from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. The only reason why you wouldn’t want this phone is for better camera performance, but for everything else, it’s a great option. 

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G85 5G?

Folks who need a great screen so they can enjoy a colourful everyday experience.

Motorola Moto G85 5G: Further considerations

The cameras don’t quite stand up to the high bar set by the display and the design.

Can you really get a good phone for under £100? As it turns out, the answer is yes, and the phone to get is Motorola’s Moto G04.

It costs just £89.99 in the UK (sadly not available in the US), yet still delivers all the fundamentals of a great smartphone. Performance is absolutely fine for the basics, and the display delivers a decent viewing experience, albeit with limited brightness.

Battery life is a real highlight, with two full days of everything except heavy usage. And the Motorola software is reassuringly familiar, even if it only gets two years of security updates.

There’s no 5G support or official water resistance rating and the cameras aren’t great, but these can easily be excused at this price. The Moto G04 still offers incredible value for money.

While we have yet to review the newer Moto G05, as a result of its appearance on the market, the G04 can now be picked up cheaper than ever, making it even more of a bargain.

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G04?

If you’re tied to a very strict budget, you simply won’t find a better phone for the price.

Motorola Moto G04: Further considerations

The lack of 5G prevents this phone from being a viable long-term option.

Read our full Motorola Moto G04 review

The Note 13 5G isn’t quite the cheapest phone in the Redmi Note 13 range – that award goes to the Note 13 (4G) – but this is the one we recommend to budget buyers.

And it’s now even cheaper now it’s the older model, and buying a previous gen handset can be the best value choice.

You still get a lot for your money here. A premium design makes the phone feel a lot more high-end, as does the excellent display. It’s also nice to see expandable storage in addition to 256GB on board, and Xiaomi is offering a generous four years of security updates.

Battery life, software and cameras could all do with work, but the big disappointment is that the Redmi Note 13 5G isn’t available in the US. Despite its flaws, it’s one of the finest cheap phones around.

Bear in mind that while there is a successor available in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G, this model hasn’t its way to the UK.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G?

Anyone who wants a great screen for streaming and tons of storage for downloading films and TV shows.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G: Further considerations

The battery life really holds the Redmi Note 13 back from its full potential.

While the Galaxy A15 5G is a better buy than the 4G model, the latter is still worth including here as it’s a bargain when you consider the long-term software support on offer..

Basically, the only things you’re losing out on are a bit of performance and 5G support. Everything else we said about the A15 5G still applies here, including the attractive display, strong battery life and long software support.

If you only use your phone for the basics and don’t live in an area with good 5G support, the regular A15 is definitely worth considering.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G)?

Those who want to hold on to their phone for quite a while and value long-term software support as a result.

Samsung Galaxy A15 (4G): Further considerations

If you can spend a bit more, then opt for the Galaxy A16 as it’ll have a longer lifespan.

The 50 Pro Nxtpaper is a phone with a difference.

In addition to the usual colour display you’ll get on any smartphone (albeit a nice matt version here), TCL allows you to switch to E-Ink style mode at the flick of a switch. This is transformative for eye health and readability, even if it can’t replace a dedicated eReader for most people.

Crucially, the display still offers a good colour experience, including while watching movies. And the battery life is excellent, regardless of the mode you’re using.

It’s not as impressive in all areas, with cameras and speaker quality both in need of work. Extra bloatware also makes the otherwise enjoyable software more frustrating to use.

But if you read a lot on your phone and are looking for a budget phone that fits the bill, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper is the device for you.

Who should buy the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper?

Avid readers who enjoy accessing their Kindle books from their smartphone.

TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper: Further considerations

Doesn’t really compare to most budget phones on this list where cameras are concerned.

Anyone with a Note 13 Pro needn’t upgrade but this doesn’t alter the fact that the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is one of the best budget phones you can buy if you’re looking at the top end of this price bracket and value hardware specs the most.

The screen is excellent for the price, while its battery and charging capabilities are also impressive. Then there’s its capable main rear camera and solid performance.

Downsides, aside from the classic budget phone issue of poor secondary cameras, are that the software experience is behind most rivals.

It comes recommended but you should check out various cheaper rivals from the likes of Samsung, CMF and Motorola, as well as the non-pro Note 13 above which is now cheaper, before taking the plunge.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G?

Anyone who needs a long-lasting battery to get them through a heavy day’s worth of use.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Further considerations

For a better value buy you’re better off checking out a CMF or Motorola phone.