The budget smartphone segment has come a long way. What used to be a compromise-filled purchase just a few years ago is now a sweet spot for buyers seeking high performance, stylish design, and long battery life—without breaking the bank. As we step into May 2025, the budget phone market is more competitive than ever, with multiple brands offering impressive specs at affordable prices.
Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or someone looking for a reliable secondary device, there’s a perfect match for you on this list. Here are our top 10 budget smartphones to consider in May 2025, all priced under $300 (or ₹20,000).
What Makes a Great Budget Phone in 2025?
Before we dive into the list, let’s break down what “budget” means in 2025. For most markets, it refers to smartphones under $300—or around ₹20,000 in India. These phones are no longer just “basic.” You can now get a 120Hz AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, powerful processors, triple camera setups, and even fast charging at this price.
Key features to expect:
5G support
Snapdragon 6 Gen or MediaTek Dimensity chips
90Hz to 120Hz refresh rate displays
Decent main cameras (50MP or more)
Android 14 or later with promised updates
Now, let’s get into the list.
Top 10 Budget Smartphones – May 2025
1. Redmi Note 14 5G
Price: ~$199 / ₹14,999
Key Specs: Dimensity 6100+, 120Hz LCD, 50MP dual camera, 5000mAh battery
Why it’s great: Excellent performance with clean MIUI 15 experience. Reliable 5G support and great battery life.
Ideal for: Everyday use, casual gaming
2. Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Price: ~$219 / ₹16,999
Key Specs: Dimensity 7050, 120Hz AMOLED, 67W fast charging, 64MP OIS camera
Why it’s great: AMOLED and OIS in this price range is rare. Very balanced for all types of users.
Ideal for: Media lovers and mobile photographers
3. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Price: ~$230 / ₹17,499
Key Specs: Exynos 6100, 90Hz Super AMOLED, One UI Core 6
Why it’s great: Samsung’s brand trust and software updates. Great display quality.
Ideal for: Users who value long-term software support
4. Poco M6 Pro 5G
Price: ~$185 / ₹12,999
Key Specs: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 90Hz display, 50MP main camera
Why it’s great: Great value for money with stable performance and MIUI optimizations.
Ideal for: Students and light users
5. Motorola G85
Price: ~$240 / ₹17,999
Key Specs: Snapdragon 695, 120Hz pOLED display, Android 14 (near stock)
Why it’s great: Clean software and elegant design. The display is premium for the price.
Ideal for: Stock Android fans
6. Infinix Zero 30 5G
Price: ~$250 / ₹18,999
Key Specs: Dimensity 8020, 144Hz AMOLED, 108MP rear camera
Why it’s great: Powerful chipset and high refresh rate make it stand out.
Ideal for: Gamers and creators on a budget
7. iQOO Z9 5G
Price: ~$215 / ₹16,999
Key Specs: Dimensity 7200, 120Hz AMOLED, 50MP Sony IMX882
Why it’s great: Excellent for performance and photography. Vivo’s optimization works well.
Ideal for: Gamers and photographers
8. Lava Blaze Curve 5G
Price: ~$200 / ₹16,000
Key Specs: Dimensity 7050, 120Hz curved AMOLED, 64MP camera
Why it’s great: Made in India with surprising quality. Curved display at this price is a steal.
Ideal for: Style-conscious users and content viewers
9. Nokia G42 5G (2025 Edition)
Price: ~$210 / ₹15,499
Key Specs: Snapdragon 480+, 90Hz display, 50MP rear, Android One
Why it’s great: Pure Android experience, good build, regular updates.
Ideal for: Minimalists and Android purists
10. Tecno Camon 22 Pro
Price: ~$195 / ₹14,499
Key Specs: Helio G99, 120Hz display, 64MP rear + 32MP selfie
Why it’s great: Great for selfies and social media use. Good display and decent performance.
Ideal for: Content creators and vloggers
Quick Comparison Table
| Phone | Processor | Display Type | Refresh Rate | Camera (Main) | Battery | Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | LCD | 120Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | MIUI 15 |
| Realme Narzo 70 Pro | Dimensity 7050 | AMOLED | 120Hz | 64MP OIS | 5000mAh | Realme UI 5 |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 | Exynos 6100 | AMOLED | 90Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | One UI Core |
| Poco M6 Pro 5G | SD 4 Gen 2 | LCD | 90Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | MIUI 14 |
| Motorola G85 | Snapdragon 695 | pOLED | 120Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | Android 14 |
| Infinix Zero 30 | Dimensity 8020 | AMOLED | 144Hz | 108MP | 5000mAh | XOS 14 |
| iQOO Z9 5G | Dimensity 7200 | AMOLED | 120Hz | 50MP Sony IMX | 5000mAh | Funtouch OS |
| Lava Blaze Curve | Dimensity 7050 | Curved AMOLED | 120Hz | 64MP | 5000mAh | Clean Android |
| Nokia G42 | Snapdragon 480+ | LCD | 90Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | Android One |
| Tecno Camon 22 Pro | Helio G99 | LCD | 120Hz | 64MP + 32MP | 5000mAh | HiOS 13 |
Best Picks for Specific Needs
Best Overall: Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Best for Gaming: Infinix Zero 30 5G / iQOO Z9
Best Camera: Tecno Camon 22 Pro (for selfies), iQOO Z9 (rear camera)
Best Display: Lava Blaze Curve 5G (curved AMOLED)
Best Software Experience: Motorola G85 / Nokia G42
Buying Tips for Budget Phones in 2025
Prioritize software: Phones with Android One or near-stock experiences usually run smoother over time.
Check for updates: Some brands offer 2–3 years of updates even on budget devices—this matters for security.
Look for offline deals: Especially in India, offline retailers often bundle offers and cashback.
Refurbished = value: If you’re open to slightly older models, refurbished options can provide flagship-level performance at budget prices.
Buying Tips for Budget Phones in 2025
Prioritize software: Phones with Android One or near-stock experiences usually run smoother over time.
Check for updates: Some brands offer 2–3 years of updates even on budget devices—this matters for security.
Look for offline deals: Especially in India, offline retailers often bundle offers and cashback.
Refurbished = value: If you’re open to slightly older models, refurbished options can provide flagship-level performance at budget prices.