Looking for a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank? Good news — in 2025, budget smartphones are more capable than ever. Whether you’re after solid performance, reliable cameras, or all-day battery life, there are several phones under £300 that offer excellent value.
We’ve rounded up the best phones under £300 in 2025 based on performance, features, and overall user experience.
🔝 Top Picks at a Glance
| Phone | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | £249 | 5G, AMOLED display, long battery life |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | £279 | 108MP camera, fast charging, great performance |
| Motorola G73 5G | £229 | Clean software, smooth 120Hz display |
| POCO X5 | £269 | Snapdragon chip, AMOLED screen, gamer-friendly |
| Nokia G42 | £199 | Eco-friendly design, great for everyday use |
📱 1. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- Price: ~£249
- Why it’s great:
Samsung’s A-series continues to dominate the budget space, and the Galaxy A15 5G is no exception. With a crisp 6.5” Super AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, and Samsung’s reliable build quality, it’s a top-tier value. - Specs:
- 6.5” FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- 50MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery, 25W fast charging
- One UI Core 6 (Android 14)
📸 2. Redmi Note 13 Pro
- Price: ~£279
- Why it’s great:
Xiaomi’s Redmi series shines with the Note 13 Pro, especially for photography lovers on a budget. The 108MP camera, AMOLED display, and reliable Snapdragon chip make it feel premium. - Specs:
- 6.67” AMOLED, 120Hz
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- 108MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery, 67W fast charging
- MIUI 14 (Android 13, upgradeable)
🎮 3. Motorola G73 5G
- Price: ~£229
- Why it’s great:
Motorola has improved its budget offerings, and the G73 5G stands out with a near-stock Android experience and solid 120Hz performance. Great for users who prefer clean, fast software. - Specs:
- 6.5” LCD, 120Hz refresh
- MediaTek Dimensity 930
- 50MP + 8MP ultrawide
- 5000mAh battery, 30W charging
- Android 13, 1 major OS update
⚡ 4. POCO X5
- Price: ~£269
- Why it’s great:
Built for speed, the POCO X5 is perfect for gamers and power users on a budget. Its bright AMOLED screen and capable Snapdragon chip make it a standout. - Specs:
- 6.67” AMOLED, 120Hz
- Snapdragon 695
- 48MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery, 33W fast charging
- MIUI 14 (POCO variant)
🌱 5. Nokia G42
- Price: ~£199
- Why it’s great:
The Nokia G42 focuses on sustainability and ease of repair. It’s ideal for light users and those looking for a solid, no-frills Android experience backed by reliable software updates. - Specs:
- 6.56” HD+ LCD, 90Hz
- Snapdragon 480+
- 50MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery, 20W charging
- Android 13, up to 3 years of updates
🧠 Buying Tips for Budget Smartphones
Here’s what to consider when buying a phone under £300:
- Processor: Aim for recent Snapdragon or Dimensity chips for smoother performance.
- Display: AMOLED screens offer better colors and contrast.
- Battery: Look for at least 5000mAh for all-day usage.
- Software: Clean Android experiences (Motorola, Nokia) can be faster and more secure.
- Updates: Phones with promised OS and security updates are a safer investment.
✅ Final Thoughts
You no longer have to spend over £500 to get a quality smartphone. In 2025, devices under £300 deliver fantastic screens, capable cameras, and performance that covers most users’ needs.
Our pick? If photography is your thing, the Redmi Note 13 Pro shines. For everyday reliability, the Samsung A15 5G or Motorola G73 are hard to beat.
FAQ’s
Yes, many phones under £300 in 2025 offer decent gaming performance, especially models like the POCO X5 or Redmi Note 13 Pro. These phones feature mid-range Snapdragon or Dimensity processors and 120Hz displays, making them suitable for casual to moderate gaming. However, for high-end gaming with max graphics, you may need a flagship device.
Absolutely. The Redmi Note 13 Pro, for example, features a 108MP camera that delivers excellent detail and color accuracy. While phones in this price range may not match flagship-level low-light or video performance, they are more than capable for everyday photography and social media content.
It depends on the brand. Nokia and Motorola typically offer longer and cleaner Android update cycles, while Samsung’s A-series also receives consistent updates. Xiaomi and POCO phones receive updates but may be slower or come with more custom UI layers.
If you’re comfortable with slightly older hardware, refurbished phones can be a great option — you might get a previous-generation flagship for the same price. However, new phones under £300 often come with updated software, warranty, and support — which makes them more appealing for many buyers.
Yes, several phones under £300 support 5G in 2025. Examples include the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, POCO X5, and Motorola G73 5G. These offer faster data speeds and are more future-proof, especially if you plan to keep your phone for a few years.
