The 10 best budget smartphones 2025: Faster, better, cheaper mobiles

We thought the previous A15 was a great option, but the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G has some very worthy extras up its sleeve. It's a little thinner yet has a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display for crisp and vibrant visuals for your apps and entertainment. The 2.4gHz Octa-core processor is faster too – so you can enjoy top performance when browsing, watching videos and more. There's 128GB of internal storage which is fine for various apps, but we're pleased to see that you can expand this all the way to a terabyte with an SD card. Plus, being a 5G phone, it'll give you faster mobile internet speeds over a 5G network.

However, the A16 G5 wouldn't be in our top spot if it wasn't for its seriously impressive Samsung build and design; and that includes the cameras. Ideal for capturing all of those unique moments while you're out and about, you'll find a 50MP main camera, a 13MP front selfie camera and two more for ultra-wide and macro close-ups. In our research we found a few users expected better battery life. But we think that the 15 to 18 hours on offer here is better than many rival mobiles and will vary depending on how you're using it. For us, this Samsung A16 5G is a fantastic and feature-rich budget smartphone.

The Xiami Redmi 12 is a mobile phone that seems to deliver a lot more than its asking price suggests. The first thing we noticed is the size. The display is a generous 6.79-inches which is close to Apple's flagship 'Pro' sized iPhones. That means you'll have clear and detailed visuals no matter what apps you're using. As for the camera, the lenses on offer here also make it a great phone for all occasions – from scenic holidays to family get-togethers and social snaps. It has a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide, plus a 2MP macro lens for all of those super-close-ups.

As for storage and overall performance, inside there's a reasonable 128GB of space for all of your apps, snaps and more – but you can expand this to over a terabyte by slotting in an SD card. The processor is a MediaTek Helio G88 which means loads of power for your apps, too. There's a fingerprint scanner for extra security and easy logging in, and one of the stand-out features is the battery life that can deliver 31 hours of call-time, 21 hours of video playback or 9 hours of more intensive app use. Some users do report that it can be slow to load more intensive apps like games, but all in all, this is a low-budget superstar.

If you've always wanted an expensive Apple iPhone but wonder how to get one on a budget, a professionally refurbished model is the answer. Costing a little over £200 right now, this pre-owned Apple iPhone 12 64GB will have been checked and tested by the supplier and even comes with a one-year warranty. Yes, you will have to put up with some cosmetic imperfections; But, if you are looking for something that looks close to new, you can pay a bit more for one in Excellent or Premium condition instead. Thankfully Apple's iconic design is modern and tough, able to survive the odd accidental drop and resist both water and dust.

You'll also enjoy smooth motion and rich colours thanks to the gorgeous 6.1-inch Super Retina display. The A14 Bionic chip might be a few years old now, but it can still outperform some of the newest phones on this list with its 6-cores and 16-core Neural Engine – Apple's own super-fast tech that makes light work of heavy duty apps. Being an older model you will have to be satisfied with the 12MP dual camera, but we think that's fine for any casual photographer taking snaps for socials.

One downside with all iPhones is the limited storage that can't be expanded using memory cards, so the 64GB version here is your limit; But storing to the Cloud online is always an option. Elsewhere, you'll find all of the usual Apple perks – like Face ID and Apple Pay. With a new iPhone 16 coming in at almost £800, this is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the Apple experience right now.

Samsung makes it back into our list with a slightly more expensive model – the Galaxy A25 5G. While some love the Apple way of doing things, others are devoted to Samsung's take on things; And it's easy to see why. For us, the A25 is the perfect balance of price and features. It has 128GB of storage (expandable to 1TB with an SD card) which is plenty for a decent collection of apps and photos and so on. However, it's the combination of the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display with the Exnyos 1280 processor that makes this something of a powerhouse. It'll run your favourite apps without a hitch.

The camera options here are great as well, with a 50MP main camera alongside 8MP and 2MP ultra wide and macro lenses. The front camera is a more than adequate 13MP for great selfies and video calls. However, some users say that the camera can be a little slower to react than other smartphones, but not so much that it can't be used reliably. Finally, the battery life is good, providing enough charge to last between 10-15 hours depending on use. Overall, this A25 is classic Samsung – a top-quality design and reliable build with a ton of functionality.

If you're determined to spend close to the top-end of your £200 budget, this Honor Magic 6 Lite is undoubtedly one of the best budget smartphones for budding photographers. That's down to the incredibly-high resolution 108MP main camera – that's over double the detail of most on this list. So, you can capture everything from portraits to landscapes and close-ups in high-res detail. Plus, you can review your shots and make accurate adjustments on the stunning AMOLED 120Hz 6.78-inch display.

Photos aside, you'll find a whopping 2-day battery life on a single charge and of course the higher 5G network speeds for internet on the go. There' also a generous 256GB of built-in storage for all your apps, images, and songs, which is pretty amazing for the price. Inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon AI-enhanced processor ensures cutting-edge lag-free performance. Some users report that the sound isn't up to iPhone standards for music and so on, but it's still well-regarded nonetheless. We particularly like the design and build as a thin, lightweight model with toughened glass and a curved edge to the screen. So, take this anywhere and get snapping!

We don't often see a phone with Amazon's Alexa built-in for fast and convenient voice control, but this OnePlus NORD has it. What does all that mean? Well, if you have an Amazon smart speaker like an Echo Show (or even smart plugs and bulbs) you can control your home and phone by talking to any of the Alexa speakers. Play music anywhere (including on your phone), turn on the lights, make calls and more – all with your voice.

Alexa aside, the OnePlus Nord is also a solid performer, thanks to the 8GB of RAM (double most of the phones on this list) and the 128GB of storage. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display runs at a smooth 90Hz too for slick visuals and colours that really pop. Camera choice is good too, with a 48MP main camera and three others, including ultra wide angle. 5G is there for faster mobile data speeds and the Snapdragon 765G processor is mid-range but very capable. Battery life is around 1.5 days depending on use. A common but fairly minor complaint from some users is that it doesn't have a headphone port – but there is Bluetooth for your wireless earbuds. Phones with Alexa built-in (rather than just the more limited app) are a rarity, especially in this price bracket.

If every other smartphone you've used looks a little too small, this Poco C75 from Xiaomi is a Godsend. No more squinting to read the small print or endless scrolling just to read a short article. We love the display for so many reasons. Firstly, the POCO has the largest screen here at 6.88-inches. That's just 0.2-inches smaller than the much more expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max that sells for well over £1000. Secondly, It runs at a silky smooth 120Hz too – great for graphics and fast action like watching sports. Lastly, it's also a flicker-free low blue light display to protect your eyes while you read or watch. It also qualifies as possibly the best budget smartphone we've seen under £100, too.

Elsewhere the rest of the spec is equally impressive. The main camera is AI assisted and shoots at 50MP resolution, with a 13MP selfie camera and a 128GB storage drive for your apps and photos. The Helio G81 octa-core processor is mid-level but keeps things ticking along nicely. However, some users say that the phone can be sluggish under heavy workloads, so don't expect the processor to match that of a flagship iPhone or Samsung. Battery life is excellent at around two days, depending on use. A stunning deal on any smartphone, let alone with a screen that's this good.

The Nokia G42 stands out in the budget smartphone market for its massive 72-hour battery life. Yes, you read that right – if you're frustrated by constantly having to keep your phone topped up, this Nokia is a game-changer. So, if you're out and about away from the mains, this is the smartphone for you. That said, some users do disagree on how accurate this battery life is, as it heavily depends on what the phone is being used for – but that's the case with all smartphones. With its durable build, reliable performance, and standout features like the Snapdragon 480 processor and 5G network connectivity, the G42 handles everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media with ease.

Photography is another highlight, with a 50 MP main camera and AI enhancements delivering bold, detailed shots – even in low light. Its 6GB RAM is ideal for heavier multitasking too, as are the 6.56-inch display and 128GB of storage. Altogether, that makes this phone the perfect daily driver. It's even designed to be easily repairable at home, which is a bonus for anyone who wants to make their tech last. If you want a durable, long-lasting battery on a phone under £200, the Nokia G42 is a top contender.

Are you a massive music fan, hooked on mobile games, or a regular binge-watcher of TV and movies? You'll need a smartphone that can handle all of those sound effects and music better than a standard mobile can. Plus of course, you'll need enough storage space for all your favourite media. The Motorola Mobility Moto g54 is packing some seriously good features, especially in this price bracket. Leading the charge are the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos sound system. Normally, Atmos is a feature of home cinema setups with multiple speakers. Here, the Mobility Moto performs a neat trick to project sound as well as possible from its two speakers, bringing movies to life that little bit more.

Anyone watching a movie on a smartphone shouldn't expect home cinema performance of course, but we love any tech that tries to punch above its weight. This is a step above most smartphones here. Anyone who wants to blast their favourite tunes out of the phone's speaker at a party won't be disappointed as it delivers impressive volume and musicality. Lastly, the 6.5-inch screen running at a smooth 120Hz is ideal for fast action films, sports or games. The 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM are ample, and the main camera is 50MP too. Battery life is also excellent for such a powerful phone at about one-and-a-half days. Overall, this Motorola is a a great choice for anyone who values good audio.

Doro is a brand that's well known for its range of simple to use phones. They're ideal for those who need more clarity, larger buttons and an uncluttered interface. This Doro 8100 32GB is a favourite of ours because it combines the traditional simplicity of a big-button home telephone with some of the functionality of a modern smartphone. It's aimed at anyone new to smartphones and apps in general. One feature we really love is that it's compatible with hearing aids, so it's of genuine use to anyone with impaired hearing – or vision for that matter, thanks to the 6.1-inch display and large icons.

Under the refreshingly-simple exterior lies just 32GB of storage space – a good amount for a phone that's aimed at keeping things simple. There's also a micro SD card slot, so storage can be expanded by anyone who finds they need a few more apps or room for more photos. It even has four cameras – the main one capable of a respectable 13MP resolution. It even has face recognition for easy and safe logging in.

In our research we found that some senior users took a while to learn the interface, but we think that's to be expected for any new phone no matter how simple it is. As this is aimed at those who need to make calls first and use apps second, the battery should last for around 23 hours of talk time and a whopping 687 hours on a single charge when on standby. That makes it a brilliant option and one of the best Doro phones for anyone who might forget to top up the battery. Simple, usable and reliable.