Inexpensive smartphones inside the $200 to $300 value vary used to characterize a hotly contested phase within the mid-tier market. These days, selecting the best sub-$300 smartphone within the U.S. can nonetheless be fairly difficult, now because of the lack of options. That is the place we are available! On this 2024Â information, we’ll current our prime picks for one of the best smartphones beneath $300, making your decision-making course of a breeze.
The last word funds smartphone roundup: High picks beneath $300
This checklist, primarily based on the writer’s and editorial workforce’s preferences, combines subjective opinions with goal information to suggest one of the best sub-$300 smartphones. The mid-range market noticed a lot of corporations abandoning the cell area, however there are nonetheless good telephones providing respectable efficiency, mild gaming capabilities, and higher cameras in comparison with low-end choices.
In fact, lengthy gone are the times of the “flagship killers” on this value phase, however it’s all the time price checking for deals, akin to those highlighted each every so often right here on nextpit. And in addition reductions for getting the telephone along with a telephone contract.
Editor’s word: The costs highlighted on this article might differ relying on reductions supplied by the producers. Take into account that this checklist was made with the US market in thoughts and due to that, not all fashions may be discovered globally.
Editor’s selection: The most effective smartphone beneath $300
Regardless that we have not examined the Galaxy A25, launched early in 2024, the telephone replaces its predecessor on this checklist and is principally an improved model of nextpit’s choose for one of the best sub-$200 telephone, the Galaxy A14 and A15. Not solely the A25 presents an enormous and vibrant FullHD+ OLED show with clean 120 Hz refresh price, Samsung sprinkled on it a few of the options from the dearer fashions.
The Galaxy A25 processor, for instance, is actually the identical Exynos 1280 chip beforehand discovered on the Galaxy A34 we tested in mid-2023. For 2024, the Galaxy A25 presents higher reminiscence configurations proper from the bottom mannequin, and extra importantly, one of the best software program replace coverage within the value vary, with a promised 5 years of safety updates, and 4 Android upgrades.
Digicam high quality must be wonderful for many makes use of, simply do not anticipate a flexible equipment, as there is no such thing as a zoom lens or different high-resolution secondary cameras, solely a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens for open photographs, and a questionable 2 MP macro digicam, which may also be discovered in lots of fashions on this value vary.
OnePlus Nord N30: Dwelling in a rush
Quick isn’t a phrase normally related to the decrease mid-range telephone market. However OnePlus goals for the title of the quickest telephone in its class… A minimum of within the charging division. Whereas its rivals make do with 15 to 18 W charging, the Nord N30 presents 50 W of wired charging, slicing recharging occasions in half when in comparison with the opposite fashions on this checklist.
The remainder of the specs are pretty much as good or higher than the competitors within the value vary, together with 5G help and a “adequate” Android replace coverage (though not so good as Samsung’s). The primary draw back, nevertheless, is the digicam module, with the auxiliary sensors restricted to solely 2 megapixels.
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
A part of Lenovo’s more and more sophisticated naming commonplace for the US market, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is a small improve compared to the earlier version. Most significantly, the producer guarantees an replace to the Android 14 model. Consumers should not maintain their breath for additional upgrades, although, as Motorola remains to be trailing its rivals on the subject of software program help.
Replace insurance policies apart, the Moto G Stylus (2023) presents a quick processor, and its most distinctive function: the included stylus. Take notes, draw, and management the telephone utilizing the included pen, with out having to spend 5 occasions as a lot on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
With Motorola incessantly discounting its fashions closely, it’s also price trying out for offers on the 5G mannequin of our choose above. Greater than merely a “5G” model of the common mannequin, the 5G Stylus additionally has extra reminiscence, a noticeably sooner processor, a extra versatile digicam (with an ultrawide lens changing the macro), and even a barely sooner charger.
What are you able to anticipate from a telephone beneath $300?
Due to gamers like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo, you will get a extremely succesful telephone for beneath $300 in case you reside in Asia or Europe. That, sadly, is not the case with the U.S. the place virtually all of the gadgets within the $200-$300 phase are offered for lower than $200 in different components of the globe. Nonetheless, here’s what you’ll be able to sometimes anticipate from $300 smartphones at present offered in the USA:
- Get pleasure from a clean viewing expertise with Full HD+ decision and 90Hz refresh price shows.
- Profit from a big battery that helps as much as 30W quick charging for prolonged use.
- Expertise dependable efficiency from Snapdragon 6 or 4 sequence SoC, or mid-range SoCs from MediaTek.
- Seize good pictures with quad or triple rear digicam setups.
- Take into account that there is no such thing as a wi-fi charging accessible.
- Remember that these gadgets don’t have an IP ranking for water and dirt resistance.
Options to purchasing a brand new telephone
Take into account buying older, high-end second-hand smartphones or refurbished fashions, which have been inspected and restored by professionals. Refurbished gadgets with prolonged warranties from resellers are notably interesting, making certain a dependable smartphone that will not fail you inside weeks.
Naturally, shopping for a used smartphone from personal sellers on platforms like eBay or different classifieds would not supply the identical benefits as refurbished fashions. Nonetheless, you will discover considerably decrease costs on these gadgets, as there aren’t any extra prices from middlemen. Moreover, buying “new previous inventory” means that you can safe older fashions which can be now not in manufacturing however stay in new situation at on-line retailers.
Discover our Refurbished Smartphones Buying Guide to be taught extra about what to contemplate when buying a renewed smartphone on-line. Under are some strategies for refurbished telephones at present on sale on eBay:
Promotions and Gross sales
Because the yr progresses, there may be an elevated probability of discovering a greater deal on shopper electronics simply weeks after buying. This is because of gross sales occasions akin to Black Friday, Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles’ Day, and Cyber Monday, which generally happen in October and November to stimulate the economic system earlier than the vacation buying season kicks off.
Smartphones are among the many hottest shopper electronics objects, so it is smart to remain alert for enticing offers. Seek advice from the desk beneath for the dates of this yr’s gross sales and promotions:
Different Greatest lists on nextpit:
What do you consider this choice? Do you suppose we missed a mannequin that ought to actually have been on this checklist? Properly, say it out loud and we will certainly embrace it within the checklist after we replace it.
Record up to date in April 2024Â with a brand new prime choose. Older feedback had been saved and should check with earlier variations of this text.
