Reasonably priced smartphones inside the $200 to $300 worth vary used to characterize a hotly contested phase within the mid-tier market. These days, selecting the perfect sub-$300 smartphone within the U.S. can nonetheless be fairly difficult, now as a result of lack of options. That is the place we are available! On this 2024 information, we’ll current our high picks for the most effective smartphones underneath $300, making your decision-making course of a breeze.
The final word funds smartphone roundup: Prime picks underneath $300
This checklist, based mostly on the creator’s and editorial group’s preferences, combines subjective opinions with goal information to advocate the most effective sub-$300 smartphones. The mid-range market noticed numerous corporations abandoning the cell house, however there are nonetheless good telephones providing first rate efficiency, mild gaming capabilities, and higher cameras in comparison with low-end choices.
In fact, lengthy gone are the times of the “flagship killers” on this worth phase, however it’s at all times value checking for offers, similar to those highlighted each from time to time right here on nextpit. And in addition reductions for getting the cellphone along with a cellphone contract.
Editor’s notice: The costs highlighted on this article might fluctuate relying on reductions supplied by the producers. Needless to say this checklist was made with the US market in thoughts and due to that, not all fashions could be discovered globally.
Desk of contents:
Editor’s selection: The most effective smartphone underneath $300
Though nextpit has not but examined the Galaxy A23 5G, it isn’t troublesome to see why it’s the most suitable choice on this worth vary. With the Snapdragon 695 processor, the Samsung mannequin gives a efficiency degree aggressive with the remainder of the sphere, whereas bringing loads of reminiscence choices for consumers—simply keep away from the decrease 4/64 GB configuration if attainable.
The Galaxy A23 5G might impress with its 4 cameras on the again however do not anticipate something out of the strange, as Samsung—identical to its rivals—contains a few low-resolution cameras for macro and depth which might be barely helpful.
The Samsung entry-level spotlight, nevertheless, lies in its superior software program assist, bested solely by Google, with two anticipated Android updates for the Galaxy A23 5G and an additional yr of safety updates. Higher but, Samsung up to date the A23 5G to Android 13 quicker than its rivals, and even earlier than Xiaomi, Motorola, and Nokia began distributing the identical replace for any fashions, together with flagships…
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OnePlus Nord N30: Residing in a rush
Quick will not be a phrase normally related to the decrease mid-range cellphone market. However OnePlus goals for the title of the quickest cellphone in its class… A minimum of within the charging division. Whereas its rivals make do with 15 to 18 W charging, the Nord N30 gives 50 W of wired charging, reducing recharging instances in half when in comparison with the opposite fashions on this checklist.
The remainder of the specs are nearly as good or higher than the competitors within the worth vary, together with 5G assist and a “adequate” Android replace coverage (though not so good as Samsung’s). The primary draw back, nevertheless, is the digital camera module, with the auxiliary sensors restricted to solely 2 megapixels.
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Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
A part of Lenovo’s more and more difficult naming commonplace for the US market, the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is a small improve compared to the earlier version. Most significantly, the producer guarantees an replace to the Android 14 model. Consumers should not maintain their breath for additional upgrades, although, as Motorola continues to be trailing its rivals in terms of software program assist.
Replace insurance policies apart, the Moto G Stylus (2023) gives a quick processor, and its most distinctive function: the included stylus. Take notes, draw, and management the cellphone utilizing the included pen, with out having to spend 5 instances as a lot on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.
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With Motorola ceaselessly discounting its fashions closely, additionally it is value testing for offers on the 5G mannequin of our choose above. Greater than merely a “5G” model of the common mannequin, the 5G Stylus additionally has extra reminiscence, a noticeably quicker processor, a extra versatile digital camera (with an ultrawide lens changing the macro), and even a barely quicker charger.
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What are you able to anticipate from a cellphone underneath $300?
Because of gamers like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo, you may get a extremely succesful cellphone for underneath $300 when you reside in Asia or Europe. That, sadly, is not the case with the U.S. the place nearly all of the gadgets within the $200-$300 phase are offered for lower than $200 in different elements of the globe. Nonetheless, here’s what you may usually anticipate from $300 smartphones at present offered in america:
Take pleasure in a clean viewing expertise with Full HD+ decision and 90Hz refresh charge shows.
Profit from a big battery that helps as much as 30W quick charging for prolonged use.
Expertise dependable efficiency from Snapdragon 6 or 4 collection SoC, or mid-range SoCs from MediaTek.
Seize good images with quad or triple rear digital camera setups.
Needless to say there is no such thing as a wi-fi charging obtainable.
Remember that these gadgets do not need an IP ranking for water and dirt resistance.
Options to purchasing a brand new cellphone
Contemplate buying older, high-end second-hand smartphones or refurbished fashions, which were inspected and restored by professionals. Refurbished gadgets with prolonged warranties from resellers are notably interesting, making certain a dependable smartphone that will not fail you inside weeks.
Naturally, shopping for a used smartphone from personal sellers on platforms like eBay or different classifieds does not supply the identical benefits as refurbished fashions. Nonetheless, you will discover considerably decrease costs on these gadgets, as there are not any further prices from middlemen. Moreover, buying “new previous inventory” lets you safe older fashions which might be now not in manufacturing however stay in new situation at on-line retailers.
Discover our Refurbished Smartphones Shopping for Information to be taught extra about what to think about when buying a renewed smartphone on-line. Beneath are some options for refurbished telephones at present on sale on eBay:
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Promotions and Gross sales
Because the yr progresses, there’s an elevated chance of discovering a greater deal on client electronics simply weeks after buying. This is because of gross sales occasions similar to Black Friday, Black Week, Amazon Prime Day, Singles’ Day, and Cyber Monday, which generally happen in October and November to stimulate the financial system earlier than the vacation purchasing season kicks off.
Smartphones are among the many hottest client electronics gadgets, so it is smart to remain alert for enticing offers. Check with the desk under for the dates of this yr’s gross sales and promotions:
Different Greatest lists on nextpit:
What do you consider this choice? Do you assume we missed a mannequin that ought to actually have been on this checklist? Properly, say it out loud and we will certainly embrace it within the checklist once we replace it.
Listing up to date in December 2023 with new options and present costs. Older feedback have been stored and should seek advice from earlier variations of this text.