Looking for a new smartphone that doesn’t break the bank? You’re in luck because we’ve rounded up some of the most impressive options under $300 that are perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their tech without emptying their wallet. Smartphones these days are more advanced than ever, and even budget-friendly models come packed with features that rival higher-end devices. From stunning displays to powerful cameras and long-lasting batteries, there’s no shortage of great options out there. And guess what? The phones we’re about to dive into aren’t just affordable—they’re also fresh off the shelves, with some released just weeks ago.
We’ll be breaking down seven standout models that bring serious value for your money. Each one has been carefully selected based on its specs, design, and overall usability. Plus, we’ll touch on why they might be the perfect fit for different types of users.
Redmi Note 14 5G
- Price: $320
- Key specs:
- CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6 nm)
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 512 GB.
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: Triple rear cameras (108 MP main sensor), 20 MP front camera.
- Battery: 5,110 mAh with 45W fast charging.
The Redmi Note 14 5G is a standout smartphone that offers impressive features at an affordable price, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their device without breaking the bank. Priced just above $300, this phone has a robust 12 GB of RAM and a massive 512 GB of storage. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, which delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming.
The phone boasts a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and buttery-smooth scrolling. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, adding durability against scratches and drops.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple-lens camera system on the back, featuring a 108-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The 20-megapixel front camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls. The front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.
Battery life is another strong point, with a 5,110 mAh capacity that easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. The 45W turbo charging technology ensures you can quickly recharge the battery, going from zero to 100% in just 57 minutes. Additionally, the phone supports 5G connectivity, ensuring faster internet speeds and better performance for online activities.
Design-wise, the Redmi Note 14 5G is available in three attractive colors: Midnight Black, Lavender Purple, and Coral Green. It has an IP64 rating, offering protection against water splashes and dust, which adds to its durability. Weighing in at 190 grams, it feels solid yet comfortable in hand.
Honor X9c 5G
- Price: $299
- Key specs:
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 512 GB.
- CPU: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.78-inch curved AMOLED, Full HD+, 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: Dual rear cameras (108 MP main sensor), 16 MP front camera.
- Battery: Massive 6,600 mAh with 66W supercharging.
The Honor X9c 5G is a smartphone that brings a lot to the table, especially for those who want a balance of performance, style, and durability without stretching their budget. Priced under $300, this phone offers a feature set that rivals many higher-end models, making it a standout choice in its category.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Honor X9c 5G is its sleek design. It comes in three attractive colors: Titanium Purple, Titanium Black, and Jade Green. The phone features a curved 6.78-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. With a peak brightness of 4,000 nits, the screen remains clear and readable even in bright outdoor conditions. This makes it perfect for streaming videos, gaming, or just browsing social media.
Under the hood, the Honor X9c 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, which delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, this phone can handle multitasking with ease and provides ample space for apps, photos, and files. The device runs on Android 14 with Magic OS 8, offering a clean and intuitive user experience right out of the box.
The camera system on the Honor X9c 5G is another highlight. It features a dual-lens setup on the back, with a 108-megapixel main sensor and a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens. This combination allows for sharp, detailed photos and gives you flexibility when shooting landscapes or group shots. The 16-megapixel front-facing camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls. Video recording capabilities are solid too, with the rear camera supporting 4K at 30 frames per second and the front camera capable of 1080p at the same frame rate.
Battery life is where the Honor X9c 5G truly shines. It boasts an impressive 6,600 mAh battery, one of the largest in its class, ensuring that you can go through long days without worrying about running out of power. When it’s time to recharge, the 66W supercharging technology gets the job done quickly, fully charging the battery in no time.
Durability is another area where the Honor X9c 5G excels. It features IP65-rated water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and dusty environments without issue. The phone also incorporates Ultra B 2.0 drop protection technology, which can handle falls from heights of up to two meters. This level of durability makes it a great option for people who want a phone that can handle everyday wear and tear, including parents looking for a reliable device for their kids.
Poco X7 5G
- Price: $205
- Key specs:
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 512 GB.
- Display: 6.67-inch Crystal AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support.
- Camera: Triple rear cameras (50 MP main sensor), 20 MP front camera.
- Battery: 5,110 mAh with 45W turbocharging.
- Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset
- Android 15
The Poco X7 5G is a smartphone that brings a lot to the table; priced under $300, this phone offers a compelling package that makes it hard to ignore for anyone in the market for a new device. At the heart of the X7 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, which is one of its standout features. This processor is powerful and quite new, ensuring that the phone can easily handle demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and even some heavy apps. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.
The display is another area where the Poco X7 5G shines. It comes with a 6.67-inch Crystal AMOLED screen that offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The Full HD+ resolution ensures sharp details, while the 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. The display also supports HDR10+, adding an extra layer of visual quality for content that takes advantage of it.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple-lens camera system on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The 20-megapixel front-facing camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls, while both the front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at up to 60 frames per second. While it may not be the absolute best camera in its price range, it holds its own and delivers solid results for most users.
Battery life is also a strong point with the Poco X7 5G. It packs a 5,110 mAh battery, which is more than enough to get through a full day of heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W turbo charging technology gets the job done quickly, fully charging the battery in less than an hour.
Design-wise, the Poco X7 5G offers a sleek and modern look. It comes in three colors: Green, Black, and Silver, each with its own unique appeal. The build quality feels solid, and the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass on the front, adding durability against scratches and drops. Additionally, the phone has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is impressive for a device in this price range.
On the software side, the Poco X7 5G runs on Android 15 with Hyper OS right out of the box. This means you’re getting the latest features and security updates without needing to wait for an upgrade. The interface is clean and intuitive, offering a smooth user experience that complements the phone’s hardware capabilities.
Nothing Phone 2a
- Price: $269
- Key specs:
- RAM: 8 GB | ROM: 128 GB.
- CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: Dual rear cameras (50 MP each), 32 MP front camera.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W fast charging.
- Unique LED ring design
The Nothing Phone 2a smartphone stands out for its unique design and solid feature set, making it an intriguing option for those looking for something different under $300. Priced at just $269, this phone offers a mix of style, performance, and functionality that appeals to a wide range of users.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nothing Phone 2a is its distinctive design. The phone comes in two colors: Black and Milk, with a sleek build that feels modern and eye-catching. The back panel features a large LED ring, which is a signature design element and customizable for notifications and other functions. This design choice makes the phone instantly recognizable and adds a futuristic touch that sets it apart from other devices in its price range.
The display is another highlight, with a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen that delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The Full HD+ resolution ensures sharp visuals, while the 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The display also supports HDR10+, enhancing the quality of supported content with better brightness and color accuracy.
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 2a is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor. While not the most powerful chip on the market, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and even some gaming. With 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the phone offers enough power and space for most users, though heavy multitaskers or those who need lots of storage might find it slightly limiting. The device runs on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5, offering a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
The camera system on the Nothing Phone 2a is solid, with dual 50-megapixel sensors on the back. This setup allows for detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions, and the lack of an ultra-wide or macro lens might be a downside for some, but the main camera performs admirably for its price point. The 32-megapixel front-facing camera is excellent for selfies and video calls, delivering sharp and clear images. Video recording is capped at 4K at 30 frames per second for the rear camera and 1080p at 60 frames per second for the front camera, which should satisfy most users.
Battery life is dependable, with a 5,000 mAh capacity that easily lasts through a full day of use. The 45W fast charging ensures that you can quickly recharge the battery, going from zero to 100% in about an hour.
Other notable features include IP54-rated water and dust resistance, which offers basic protection against splashes and dust. The phone also has stereo speakers that deliver loud and clear sound. Additionally, it supports 5G connectivity, ensuring faster internet speeds and better performance for online activities.
IQOO Z9 5G
- Price: $189
- Key specs:
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 256 GB.
- CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 7200 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144 Hz refresh rate, 4,500 nits brightness.
- Camera: Dual rear cameras (50 MP main sensor), 16 MP front camera.
- Battery: 6,000 mAh with 80W ultra-fast charging
The IQOO Z9 5G is a smartphone that brings a lot to the table, especially for those who want a device that can handle gaming, multitasking, and everyday use without breaking the bank. Priced under $300, this phone offers a compelling mix of performance, design, and features that make it stand out in its category.
At the heart of the IQOO Z9 5G is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, which delivers solid performance. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The device runs on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, offering a clean and intuitive interface that enhances the overall user experience.
The display is one of the standout features of the IQOO Z9 5G. It comes with a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen that supports a Full HD+ resolution and an impressive 144 Hz refresh rate, while the peak brightness of 4,500 nits ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Audio performance is also noteworthy, as the phone has stereo speakers that deliver loud and clear sound.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-lens camera system on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth lens. While it may not have the versatility of triple or quad-camera setups, the main sensor performs well in various lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. The 16-megapixel front-facing camera delivers clear and sharp images. Video recording capabilities are solid too, with the rear camera supporting 4K at 30 frames per second and the front camera capable of 1080p at the same frame rate.
Battery life is another area where the IQOO Z9 5G truly excels. It boasts a massive 6,000 mAh battery, which is one of the largest in its class. When it’s time to top up, the 80W ultra-fast charging technology gets the job done quickly, fully charging the battery in no time.
Design-wise, the IQOO Z9 5G offers a sleek and modern look. It comes in three colors: Phantom Black, Bright Screen, and Luna Titanium, each catering to different tastes. The build quality feels premium, and Corning Gorilla Glass protects the phone on the front. Additionally, it has an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind in everyday situations.
Infinix GT 20 Pro
- Price: $259
- Key specs:
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 256 GB.
- CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (4 nm)
- Display: 6.78-inch Flexible AMOLED, 144 Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: Triple rear cameras (108 MP main sensor), 32 MP front camera.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W hyper charging.
- Gaming-centric design with customizable LED lighting.
The Infinix GT 20 Pro is priced at just $259, with MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, delivering impressive power for everyday tasks and demanding games. The device runs on Android 14 with XOS 14, offering a clean and intuitive interface that enhances the overall user experience.
One of the standout aspects of the GT 20 Pro is its focus on gaming. The phone is optimized for high frame rates, and it can run popular mobile games like Mobile Legends and RoV at up to 120 frames per second without any modifications or tweaks.
The display is one of the standout features of the Infinix GT 20 Pro. It comes with a 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED screen that supports Full HD+ resolution and an ultra-smooth 144 Hz refresh rate, while the peak brightness of 1,300 nits ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Audio performance is also noteworthy, as the phone has stereo speakers tuned by JBL.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple-lens camera system on the back, featuring a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth lens. The 32-megapixel front-facing camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls, while the front and rear cameras support high-resolution video recording. The rear camera can shoot 4K videos at 60 frames per second, and the front camera supports 2K recording at 30 frames per second.
Battery life is dependable, with a 5,000 mAh capacity that easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W hypercharging technology gets the job done quickly, fully charging the battery in under an hour.
Design-wise, the Infinix GT 20 Pro offers a sleek and modern look. It comes in three colors: Mecha Blue, Mecha Gold, and Mecha Silver, each with its own unique appeal. The back panel features customizable LED lighting, adding a gaming-inspired aesthetic that sets it apart from other devices. The build quality feels solid, and the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass on the front, adding durability against scratches and drops. Additionally, it has an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, providing basic protection in everyday situations.
Poco X6 Pro 5G
- Price: $274
- Key specs:
- RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 512 GB.
- Display: 6.67-inch Crystal AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support.
- Camera: Triple rear cameras (64 MP main sensor), 16 MP front camera.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 67W fast charging.
- Flagship-level Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset
The Poco X6 Pro 5G is a smartphone for those who want a device with flagship-level performance without stretching their budget too far. Priced at $274, this phone offers power, style, and modern features that make it a standout choice in its category. One of the standout aspects of the X6 Pro 5G is its value for money. Despite being priced under $300, it offers a flagship-level processor, a vibrant display, a capable camera system, and long-lasting battery life.
It is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset, which delivers impressive performance for demanding activities like gaming or multitasking. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, it runs on Android 14 with Hyper OS, offering a clean and intuitive interface that enhances the overall user experience.
The display is one of the standout features of the Poco X6 Pro 5G. It has a 6.67-inch Crystal AMOLED screen supports Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, with a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The display also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, adding an extra layer of visual quality for supported content.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple-lens camera system on the back, featuring a 64-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The 16-megapixel front-facing camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls, while the front and rear cameras support high-resolution video recording. The rear camera can shoot 4K videos at 30 frames per second, and the front camera supports 1080p at 60 frames per second, which should satisfy most users.
Battery life is dependable, with a 5,000 mAh capacity that easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the 67W fast charging technology gets the job done quickly, fully charging the battery in about 45 minutes.
Design-wise, the Poco X6 Pro 5G offers a sleek and modern look. It comes in a single color option: Yellow, which gives it a bold and eye-catching appearance. The build quality feels solid, and the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, adding durability against scratches and drops. Additionally, it has an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance.
