When it comes to the top best smartphones, most of us can guess which ones would fall in that list. But talking about budget-friendly phones is a different subject altogether. Fortunately, a lot of companies have been targeting this little circle. Mind you though, just because the phones lay in the economical end of the pond doesn’t mean they in any way lack in performance or quality. In fact, they function just as well as any regular mid-range smartphone out there. Here is our list of best cheap phones under 300 dollars.
Best cheap phones under 300 dollars
1. LG G6
- OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
- CPU: Quadcore (2 x 2.35 GHz Kyro & 2 x 1.6 GHz Kyro)
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- Weight: 163 g
- Display:7 inches, 1440 x 2880 pixels
- Memory: Internal 32/64/128 GB, 4 GB RAM
- Camera: Rear Dual 13 + 13 MP, Front 5 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 3300 mAH battery
Design wise LG G6 is more conventional than its predecessor LG G5. Being water resistant, it has a sealed unit body along with a non-removable battery feature. However, it is very classy looking with almost no bezels. The display is beautiful. The back surface is smooth and the camera does not protrude either. It sports chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 which is an old version but performance wise its still impressively efficient. The cameras are good but overall there’s not much of a difference between the camera results of LG G5 and G6. The battery life performance is great as well. It can last more than a single day hence making it a number one choice in our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list.
Recommended for:
- Water resistant body
- Great Screen
- Good Display
- Dust resistant
- Great interface
2. Moto X4
- OS: Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo); Android One
- CPU: Octa-core2 GHz
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630
- Weight: 163 g
- Display:2 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Memory: Internal 64 GB & 4/6 GB RAM or 32 GB & 3 GB RAM
- Camera: Rear Dual 12 + 8 MP, Front 16 MP
- Battery: Removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery
Moto X4 comes at number 2 on our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list. This midrange by Motorola features somewhat best of both ranges. Its premium looking and runs one of the latest Android OS and can be upgraded further still. Whereas, it features certain similarities with its fellow low-rangers as well such as the use of Snapdragon 630 chipset. Another thing that makes it stand out is that Moto X is the first ever non-Google Android phone in the Western world.
Design wise it has stuck to Motorola style. Smooth curves, not edgy and a decent easy on the eyes kind of style. The display is not as great as one would expect from an OLED screen to be but its good enough for every function except VR. Performance wises its good. Gaming isn’t recommended. Apart from that, overloading can cause a slight delay once in a while. Camera results from the back camera are really nice. The front camera performs relatively better, capturing high-resolution selfies.
Recommended for:
- Water resistant
- Has NFC
- Expandable memory
- Long battery life
- Good front camera quality
3. Nokia 6.1 Plus
- OS: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core2 GHz
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630
- Weight: 172 g
- Display:5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Memory: Internal 32/64 GB & 3 or 4 GB RAM
- Camera: Rear 16 MP, Front 8 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery
This phone is built pretty sturdy, something Nokia phones are infamous for. The classy aluminum design is eye-catching and although it feels good to hold, it is heavy. Battery life is impressively long lasting. As for the camera, not being dual is a drawback but safe to say that the camera quality has not been compromised. It takes great pictures. A slight drop in quality occurs with low light but for the price its worth, this is still a bargain.
The Nokia 6.1 being a part of the Android One program means it includes stock Android and updates. The software and hardware blend is well balanced. Performance is smooth and is lag free. The screen is a healthy 5.5 inches and the display is crystal clear with vivid color reproduction and accurate blacks. This smartphone deserves a number 3 position in our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list.
Recommended for:
- Good build
- Smooth performance
- Fast charging
- Good battery life
- Durable
4. Xiaomi Mi 8 SE
- OS: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core (2 x 2.2 GHz 360 Gold & 6 x 1.7 GHz Kyro 360 Silver)
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710
- Weight: 164 g
- Display:88 inches, 1080 x 2244 pixels
- Memory: Internal 128 GB & 6 GB RAM or 64 GB & 4/6 GB RAM
- Camera: Rear Dual 12 + 5 MP, Front 20 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 3120 mAh battery
This midrange Xiaomi phone has knocked it out of the park with its modern design and build quality. It feels great in hands and is lightweight as well. With the edgy cut, it resembles iPhone X at first sight. The 5.5 inch AMOLED display is beautiful with great color reproduction and well-balanced contrasts. It sports the same old MIUI 9 version as of its predecessor which is slow at updating software.
These phones may be the first ones to be running on the Snapdragon 700 series chipset. Performance wise they did pretty well, remaining lag free and efficient under heavy multitasking. The rear dual camera gives good results in daylight while in low light, quality falters. The 20 MP front camera did not live up to its hype. Battery lasts no more than a day still it managed to be on our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list due to a low price and above average processor.
Have a look at Best Xiaomi Phones to buy if this phone is not for you.
Recommended for:
- Large display
- Premium looking
- Good cameras
- Clean interface
- Latest chipset
5. Huawei P20 Lite
- OS: Android 8.0 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.36 GHz & 4 x 1.7 GHz)
- Chipset: HiSilicon Kirin 659
- Weight: 145 g
- Display:84 inches, 1080 x 2280 pixels
- Memory: Internal 32/64 GB & 4 GB RAM or 128 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 2 MP, Front 16 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery
The Huawei P20 Lite has the looks to be considered an expensive looking phone at first sight. However, being a midrange, it has slacked through few features which are somewhat understandable. The display has a thin bezel along with being incredibly bright and crisp. The screen is not AMOLED however. It has an impressive efficient face unlock sensor which works even in lowest light conditions. Despite the promising camera specs, quality is not as great as expected. It is pretty decent though. Still, If it’s not for you, have a look at which Huawei phone is best for you. P20 Lite managed to be on 5th position in our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list.
Recommended for:
- Premium looking
- Smart Design
- Fast charging
- Great Display
- Efficient face unlock sensor
6. Apple iPhone SE
- OS: iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iOS 11.4.1
- CPU: Dual-core84 GHz Twister
- Chipset: Apple A9
- Weight: 113 g
- Display: 6 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels
- Memory: Internal 16/32/64/128 GB and RAM 2 GB
- Camera: Rear 12 MP, Front 1.2 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 1624 mAh battery
This 4 inches screened device has held out long enough and made it to our top smartphones under 300USD despite being an old phone. Somehow it still remains a powerhouse single handphone that other iPhones have disappointed to be. Performance wise it’s a powerful phone despite its size and weight.
The A9 chip makes it efficient and lags free with least amount of software cluttering. The interface is clean and fresh. The camera offers a great quality with slight pixelation issues in lowlight shooting. The M9 co-processor is an important feature as well. Battery life is validly good for the size it comes in. Even though small screens are gone but people with small hands still prefer them hence we thought to put this one on our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list.
Recommended for:
- Durable
- Great power
- Good storage space
- Longer battery than 5S
7. Vivo V9
- OS: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core (4 x 1.5 GHz & 4 x 1.2 GHz)
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953-Pro Snapdragon 626
- Weight: 150 g
- Display:3 inches, 1080 x 2280 pixels
- Memory: Internal 64 GB and RAM 4 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 5 MP, Front 24 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3260 mAh battery
This phone outdid itself by imitating iPhone X’s type notch, vertical dual camera and near identical settings menu. The phone is decent looking. It has soft curves and has a plastic body which is great weight wise but not so much build quality wise. Looks very non-premium but with a 6.3 inches large screen, looks can be ignored. But the display does not do justice to the screen. The display is pretty fine considering the resolution it offers. Also, it has a red tint to it.
The blend between the software and hardware is averagely balanced. It sports the Snapdragon 626 chipset which has been in the market for quite a while. It also offers an efficient fingerprint sensor and face unlock. One area where it truly impresses is the cameras. It takes good quality pictures from the rear camera. Various modes and setting offer a decent variety to choose from. The front camera is also impressive and AI mode performs well. Battery life is short and does not last an entire day, even during average use. Vivo V9 comes at number 7 in our Best cheap phones under 300 dollars list.
Recommended for:
- Large screen
- Great camera quality
- iPhone X like features
8. Galaxy J8 2018
- OS: Android 8.0 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core 1.6 GHz
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450
- Weight: 177 g
- Display: 6 inches, 720 x 1480 pixels
- Memory: Internal 64 GB & RAM 4 GB or 32 GB & RAM 3 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 5 MP, Front 16 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery
The design is a breath of fresh air from the long monotonous style of its predecessors. It is premium looking and the weight is well balanced. Despite weighing more than average, it does not feel heavy in the hands. The 6 inches screen is appealing and the AMOLED display is beautiful with brilliant color reproduction and accurate blacks.
The camera quality is among the finer kind in this list of smartphones under 300USD. The rear camera may show a slight alteration in color accuracy. Comparatively, the 16 MP front camera takes vivid and flattering selfies. It sports the Snapdragon 450 chipset which is certainly not the latest and has been in the market for a while now. It performs well under overloaded multitasking. The fingerprint sensor or face unlock may not be as efficient as expected but the device is powerful. Battery lasts more than a day and idle power drainage is nonexistent.
Recommended for:
- Great build quality
- Good battery life
- Feels premium
- Infinity display
- Decent camera
9. Oppo F9 Pro
- OS: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- CPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.0 GHz & 4 x 2.0 GHz)
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6771 Helio P60
- Weight: 169 g
- Display:3 inches, 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Memory: Internal 64 GB, 6 GB and RAM 4 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 2 MP, Front 25 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 3500 mAh battery
This latest venture by Oppo has an almost nonexistent bezel with a 93.8% screen to body ratio. This phone may be the smartest looking on this list of top smartphones under 300USD. With a glass body and unusual waterdrop notch, this one impresses. It’s a beautiful device. The IPS + FHD display is also a win-win. The large screen brings the device to life with a great display. Brightness levels may seem slightly off-balance but overall it’s a delight to look at.
Performance is average however and the Helio P60 is in no state to compete with the latest Android chipsets but it’s not meant for a great performance of gaming either. The average functioning is convenient despite the software being full of bloatware. The cameras are great. They give a slightly oversaturated result but that’s not much of an issue for regular users. Battery life is long lasting as well.
Recommended for:
- Great build
- Beautiful design
- Impressive notch
- Good camera quality
10. ASUS ZenFone Max Plus
- OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
- CPU: Octa-core (4 x 1.5 GHz & 4 x 1.0 GHz)
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6750T
- Weight: 160 g
- Display:7 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels
- Memory: Internal 64 GB & RAM 4 GB or 32 GB & RAM 3 GB or 16 GB & RAM 2 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 8 MP, Front 8 MP
- Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 4130 mAh battery
The budget smartphone has the looks of a premium phone. The design and build quality is great with a smooth metal chassis and 2.5D glass over the display. The device runs the Android 7.0 version along with Asus’s ZenUI. It comes loaded with preinstalled apps. Performance is pretty neat considering the fact that the chipset is pretty normal grade.
Multitasking can cause slight lags and overloaded use can cause it to heat up. Gaming performance is not great either but then again it’s not made for that kind of functioning. The cameras are good. The color accuracy and quality are decent. The quality drops in low light, however. Battery offered is massive and offers a long-lasting power an remains quite a lot at the end of the day as well.
Recommended for:
- Good design
- Expensive looking
- Software well put together
- Great display
11. LG G5
- OS: Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
- CPU: Quadcore (2 x 2.15 GHz Kyro & 2 x 1.6 GHz Kyro)
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
- Weight: 159 g
- Display:3 inches, 1440 x 2560 pixels
- Memory: Internal 32 GB and RAM 4 GB
- Camera: Rear Dual 16 + 8 MP, Front 8 MP
- Battery: Removable Li-ion 2800 mAh battery
LG G5 offers their customers a pathway to what it likes to own the high-end latest phones with powerful performances. Despite being not labeled as one of the greatest, it has created its own space due to what it has to offer to be a smartphone under 300 dollars. Its smart looking and has a softer look to it as compared to its predecessor. It has a slim metallic body and round edges give off a classy look. The screen is big and the display offers a great viewing experience.
The always on display with notification icons are also a bonus. The camera comes with various modes and customized settings which is great. The interface is fresh and clean. There is no app drawer though so managing apps are a completely manual thing. The battery is surprisingly removable. The battery packs less power than its predecessors and doesn’t last even halfway through the day and requires charging. Apart from that performance is great with the Snapdragon 820 and 4 GB RAM combo. Makes even the heaviest of tasks get carried out smoothly.
Recommended for:
- Wide angle camera
- Great screen
- Good display
- Powerful phone
- Great performance
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