Hey phone fanatics! Are you on the hunt for a new smartphone that won’t make your wallet weep? You’re in luck! May showered us with a fantastic lineup of budget-friendly phones, proving once again that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get some seriously cool tech. It feels like every week there’s a new contender, especially from innovative Chinese brands, packing more punch for your buck.
This list is your friendly guide to navigating these awesome May releases. We’ve sifted through the specs, checked out the features, and zeroed in on the top 10 smartphones that deliver impressive performance, sleek designs, and all-around great value, all while keeping things under the $250 mark. So, if you’re ready to upgrade without downgrading your bank account, let’s dive into these budget champions!
1. Realme 14T
- Price: Starts from $210
- Main feature: IP68/69 water and dust resistance
- Why it stands out: Offers top-tier durability usually found in much pricier phones, combined with a vibrant display and a large battery.
The Realme 14T kicks off our list with a splash – literally! It’s not often you find a phone at this price point boasting IP68/69 water and dust resistance, making it a fantastic companion for everyday adventures or those accidental spills. Beyond its toughness, it packs a beautiful 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for crisp visuals. Under the hood, the Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, handles daily tasks with ease. Photography is covered by a 50MP main camera, and a massive 6000mAh battery with 45W fast charging ensures you’re powered up all day long.
2. Honor X70i
- Price: Starts from $191
- Main feature: Super bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display (3500 nits peak)
- Why it stands out: Delivers an exceptionally bright and clear viewing experience, along with a high-resolution main camera and the latest MagicOS.
Honor continues to impress with the X70i, a phone that’s as stylish as it is functional. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, which not only offers FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate but also an incredible peak brightness of 3500 nits, making it easily viewable even in direct sunlight. It runs on the capable Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor and features Honor’s sleek MagicOS 9, complete with handy AI features. For shutterbugs, the 108MP main camera captures stunning detail, and the 6000mAh battery with 35W charging keeps you going.
3. Huawei Enjoy 80
- Price: Starts from $165
- Main feature: Enormous 6620mAh battery
- Why it stands out: If battery life is your absolute priority, this phone is a marathon runner, offering exceptional endurance at a very low price.
The Huawei Enjoy 80 is all about lasting power. With a colossal 6620mAh battery, this device is built to go the distance, easily handling more than a day of heavy use. While its processor might not be a chart-topper, it’s sufficient for basic tasks and everyday use. The phone offers a large 6.67-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate (though only HD+ resolution) and a respectable 50MP main camera. For those who value battery above all else and are on a tight budget, the Enjoy 80 is a compelling option, especially with its 40W fast charging.
4. Vivo T4
- Price: Starts from $250
- Main feature: Massive 7300mAh battery with ultra-fast 90W charging
- Why it stands out: A true powerhouse with one of the largest batteries on this list, incredibly fast charging, a robust processor, and military-grade durability.
Vivo’s T4 is a beast in the budget segment, pushing the boundaries of what $250 can get you. The star of the show is its gigantic 7300mAh battery, which promises multi-day usage, and when it finally needs a top-up, the 90W fast charging gets you back in the game in no time. It’s not just about battery; the T4 also features a gorgeous 6.77-inch Quad Curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. Add to that a 32MP selfie camera and hints of military-grade shock resistance, and you have a seriously tough and long-lasting phone.
5. Oppo K13
- Price: Starts from $210
- Main feature: Huge 7000mAh battery paired with 80W SuperVOOC Flash Charge
- Why it stands out: Another battery giant that combines incredible endurance with Oppo’s renowned super-fast charging technology, all wrapped in a sleek package.
Oppo’s K13 is here to ensure battery anxiety is a thing of the past. It houses an impressive 7000mAh battery, and with 80W SuperVOOC Flash Charge, you’ll be back to 100% in a blink. The phone features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a great visual experience. Powering the device is the new Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, which should provide smooth performance for everyday use and some gaming. A 50MP main camera and a 16MP selfie shooter round out this compelling package.
6. Honor X60 GT
- Price: Starts from $250
- Main feature: Flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
- Why it stands out: Brings near-flagship performance to the budget category, making it an excellent choice for gamers and power users.
The Honor X60 GT is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, packing a surprisingly powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor usually found in high-end phones. This means exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, all for under $250. The experience is further enhanced by a 6.7-inch display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. With up to 16GB of RAM, a 50MP main camera, and a substantial 6300mAh battery with 80W fast charging, the X60 GT is a performance-focused bargain.
7. Infinix Note 50s 5G
- Price: Starts from $190
- Main feature: Blazing-fast 144Hz AMOLED display
- Why it stands out: Offers an incredibly smooth and responsive display, ideal for gaming, along with a powerful Dimensity chipset and an attractive design.
Infinix steps up its game with the Note 50s 5G, a phone designed for those who crave smooth visuals. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts an FHD+ resolution and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and gaming feel incredibly fluid. It’s powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate 5.5G chipset, ensuring robust performance. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, a 50MP main camera setup, a 5500mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and an optional stunning vegan leather finish.
8. Poco C71
- Price: Starts from $75
- Main feature: Extremely budget-friendly with a 120Hz display
- Why it stands out: One of the most affordable ways to get a high refresh rate screen, making it a great entry-level choice.
For those on the tightest of budgets, the Poco C71 offers remarkable value. It’s astonishing to see a 120Hz refresh rate on its 6.88-inch LCD HD+ display at this price point, providing a smoother experience than many competitors in its ultra-budget class. While the UNISOC T7250 processor is modest, it’s geared for basic tasks. The phone includes a 32MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a 5200mAh battery with 15W charging. Its “Premium Split Grid Design” also adds a touch of style.
9. Redmi 13X
- Price: Starts from $168
- Main feature: 108MP high-resolution main camera
- Why it stands out: Brings a very high-resolution camera sensor to an affordable price, along with a decent display and IP53 splash resistance.
Redmi’s 13X aims to deliver great photography without breaking the bank. Its highlight is the 108MP main camera, allowing for highly detailed shots, complemented by a 2MP macro lens. The phone features a 6.79-inch LCD display with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra processor handles daily tasks smoothly. A 5030mAh battery with 33W fast charging and an IP53 rating for water and dust resistance make this a well-rounded and durable option.
10. Infinix Note 50X
- Price: Starts from $135
- Main feature: Capable MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor
- Why it stands out: Provides solid performance for its very low price, coupled with a large 120Hz display and good battery life with fast charging.
Rounding out our list is the Infinix Note 50X, another excellent value proposition from the brand. It’s powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, offering good performance for its price bracket. The 6.67-inch LCD HD+ display comes with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Photography is handled by a 50MP main camera with f/1.6 aperture capable of 4K video recording. With a 5500mAh battery, 45W fast charging, reverse charging capabilities, and an elegant metallic design, it’s a strong contender.
And there you have it – ten fantastic budget smartphones launched in May, all under $250, that prove you don’t need to empty your savings for a great mobile experience! Each of these phones brings something special to the table, whether it’s an amazing camera, a battery that lasts for days, a super-smooth display, or raw processing power. They all demonstrate that companies are working hard to pack valuable features into affordable packages.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Which of these phones caught your eye? Or perhaps you’ve spotted another budget gem that deserves a shout-out? Share your thoughts and favorite finds in the comments below!
