Affordable Smartphones 2025: Top Picks for Budget-Conscious Consumers Today
In the ever-evolving world of technology, finding a budget-friendly phone that doesn't compromise on quality can be a daunting task. However, 2025 has brought forth a plethora of options that cater to various needs and preferences. Here's a roundup of the top picks for the best cheap phones available this year.
The Google Pixel 9a takes the crown as the best budget phone overall. Known for its exceptional camera performance, timely software updates, and value for money, the Pixel 9a is a standout choice for those seeking a balanced and reliable phone experience without breaking the bank.
For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple iPhone 12 presents a solid option as the best cheap iPhone. Offering a reduced price compared to newer models, the iPhone 12 delivers a seamless iOS experience and reliable performance.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is the best budget Samsung phone, striking a balance between decent specifications and 5G connectivity within the mid-range price segment.
For low-light photography enthusiasts, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo shines, with its camera capabilities performing notably well in challenging lighting conditions.
If battery life is your priority, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite is the best budget phone for extended usage.
The OPPO Reno10 offers a well-rounded budget phone experience, with balanced features suitable for everyday use.
The Google Pixel 8a is another strong contender, offering good performance and camera quality within a tight budget, making it an excellent choice for those looking to spend under $500/£450.
Beyond this list, the CMF Phone 2 Pro has been highly praised as an excellent budget phone with outstanding value. While specific features were not extensively detailed, expert reviews have consistently singled out the CMF Phone 2 Pro as a compelling option.
Moving slightly above the budget range, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is worth a mention. Although it is not a budget phone, its smaller size, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and seven-year software guarantee make it a strong choice if found at a discounted price near budget levels.
These recommendations cover a range of needs, from photography to battery life, brand preference, and price points typically under $500–$800, ensuring a strong balance of features in a budget-friendly package.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has emerged as the best cheap phone overall, with its decent cameras, striking design, and impressive performance backed up by great pricing. The handset's unique Glyph lighting feature adds an extra touch of style.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is another impressive budget phone, with its design easily passing for a more expensive handset. The Galaxy A56 takes good photos and boasts a sharp, 120Hz-capable screen. Its in-house chip ensures the handset feels snappy to use, and it offers a choice of lenses, including an ultrawide option that has become almost a must-have on any phone.
The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is consistently the lowest-priced phone on this list, making it a superb option for those who want to stick to a smaller budget. Its display offers surprisingly excellent performance, and the handset manages to maintain a premium feel without using overly expensive materials.
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro is another superb choice for those seeking a slightly different flavour of phone at an impressively low price.
Lastly, Apple's iPhone 16e, while not strictly a budget phone, is the most affordable new iPhone, costing £599.
This article was written by Max, a staff writer for the Tech vertical of a certain website, and published on 10 July 2025.
In the comprehensive list provided by Max, the author of this article, the 'Google Pixel 9a' is identified as the best budget phone overall, while the 'Apple iPhone 12' caters to Apple enthusiasts as the best cheap iPhone. Additionally, technology enthusiasts seeking a budget Samsung phone are recommended to consider the 'Samsung Galaxy A56 5G'.
