Best Phones Under $300 (September 2025): 3 Picks That Don’t Feel “Budget”

You want value, not vanity. Smooth screens, all-day battery, cameras that won’t embarrass you on Instagram—without crossing the $300 line. 

Here are the three best phones under $300 right now in the U.S., with quick, no-nonsense reasons to buy and the trade-offs to expect.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G — Best Overall Under $300

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

If you want the safest all-rounder, this is it. 

A vibrant 6.5" Super AMOLED display at 120 Hz makes everything look silky—scrolling, gaming, even doom-scrolling. 

The 50 MP main camera has optical image stabilization, which helps a ton in low light and shaky hands. 

Battery life? Solid day and a half for most people. Performance is steady, not flashy, but Samsung’s software polish and long security support give it a longer runway than most budget phones. 

Downsides: charging isn’t flagship-fast, and the ultrawide camera is just okay. Still, for a sub-$300 phone, the A25 5G hits the sweet spot: great screen, dependable camera, long-term support.

OnePlus Nord N30 5G — Fastest Feel for the Money

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Speed on a shoestring. That’s the pitch. The Nord N30 5G pairs a 120 Hz display with a nimble midrange chipset, so swipes feel immediate and apps pop open quickly. 

The 108 MP main camera delivers crisp daylight shots and social-ready detail without fiddling. 

Battery life is comfortably all day and then some, and charging is snappy for this price class. 

Where’s the catch? Software support is limited compared with Samsung, and night photos can get noisy. If you upgrade frequently or just crave a phone that feels quick every time you tap it, the N30 is the budget sprinter to beat.

Motorola moto g power 5G (2024) — Battery Boss for Bingers

Motorola moto g power 5G (2024)

If your phone lives on YouTube, podcasts, maps, and endless group chats, the moto g power 5G is the easy pick. Big 6.7" 120 Hz screen, loud stereo speakers, and battery stamina that laughs at long days. 

Motorola’s clean Android build keeps things simple and smooth; it’s a no-drama daily driver. 

The main camera is fine in daylight, serviceable at night. Performance is competent rather than exciting, and long-term software support isn’t as strong as Samsung’s. But if your top priority is “don’t die before bedtime,” this is the budget battery champ.

How to Choose (In One Breath)

Care about longevity and the best overall balance? Pick the Galaxy A25 5G. 

Want the zippiest feel under $300 and don’t mind shorter software support? Grab the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. 

Need a marathon phone for media and maps? The moto g power 5G (2024) is your reliable workhorse.