5G support has long ceased to be a feature exclusive to expensive flagships. If a fifth-generation network is already available in your city or is scheduled to launch soon, you don’t have to buy a costly smartphone: there are several 5G models on sale priced under $250. We’ve picked out five options — from affordable devices with large batteries to models with AMOLED displays and more advanced cameras.

Redmi Note 13 5G — maximum features for $250

Price in October 2026: about $250

· Display: 6.67 inches, 2712×1220, AMOLED, 120 Hz

· Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

· Memory: 8 GB / 256 GB

· Camera: 200 + 8 + 2 MP

· Battery: 5100 mAh

The Redmi Note 13 5G remains one of the most interesting options in this price range. There is one catch, though: the model has already been discontinued, so finding it at an attractive price is becoming increasingly difficult. In official retail, the smartphone costs more, but some sellers still offer versions for around $250.

For that money, the buyer gets a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2712×1220 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 1800 nits. Performance is handled by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, while 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage still look quite respectable even by today’s standards.

The camera setup looks especially appealing. The main module has a resolution of 200 MP and optical image stabilization. It is complemented by an 8 MP ultra-wide camera and a 2 MP macro module.

The 5100 mAh battery is not record-breaking, but it does support 67 W fast charging.

HONOR 400 Smart 5G — huge battery

Price in October 2026: about $175

· Display: 6.77 inches, 1610×720, IPS, 120 Hz

· Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3

· Memory: 4 GB / 128 GB

· Camera: 50 + 2 MP

· Battery: 6500 mAh

If battery life matters more than display resolution and memory capacity, the HONOR 400 Smart 5G is worth considering. The smartphone’s main standout feature is its 6500 mAh battery. It also supports 35 W fast charging.

The 6.77-inch IPS display has a 120 Hz refresh rate. The resolution is relatively modest at 1610×720 pixels, but the screen is noticeably brighter than you might expect from such a budget device.

Performance is provided by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. Memory is limited — 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage — so this model is aimed more at undemanding everyday use.

At the same time, the manufacturer did not cut corners on some other features: there is NFC here, and the body is rated IP65.

On sale you can find both versions imported from China and official variants. When buying the latter, it’s worth checking for EAC marking on the box.

Tecno POVA 7 5G — large display and unusual design

Price in October 2026: about $175

· Display: 6.78 inches, 2460×1080, IPS, 144 Hz

· Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate

· Memory: 8 GB / 128 GB

· Camera: 50 + 2 MP

· Battery: 6000 mAh

The Tecno POVA 7 5G stands out in several ways at once. It has a large 6.78-inch display with a resolution of 2460×1080 pixels and a 144 Hz refresh rate. For watching videos, gaming, and regular everyday use, this screen looks especially appealing in its price category.

The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor is paired with 8 GB of RAM. This combination should provide sufficiently smooth operation in everyday tasks and leave some performance headroom for the next few years.

The 6000 mAh battery also fits the device’s overall concept: the manufacturer is betting on a large screen and long battery life.

The main compromise is the amount of internal storage. Within the $250 budget, only the 128 GB version is available. The 256 GB variant already costs around $275 and exceeds the set limit.

realme 14T 5G — if what you want is AMOLED

Price in October 2026: about $240

· Display: 6.67 inches, 2400×1080, AMOLED, 120 Hz

· Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300

· Memory: 8 GB / 128 GB

· Camera: 50 + 2 MP

· Battery: 6000 mAh

The realme 14T 5G is suitable for those who do not want to switch to IPS even on a limited budget. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400×1080 and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

In terms of performance, the smartphone trails the Tecno POVA 7 5G: it uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6300. On the other hand, the amount of RAM is the same — 8 GB — and the battery capacity is 6000 mAh.

Another major advantage is the body protection rated to IP68/IP69 standards. For a budget smartphone, that is an especially interesting feature.

The model is no longer new, and two subsequent generations have already appeared in the realme lineup, but the 14T 5G can still be found on sale. Some sellers offer a 256 GB version, although within the stated budget, only the 128 GB storage variant fits.

Infinix GT30 — 256 GB of storage and a fast AMOLED display

Price in October 2026: about $250

· Display: 6.67 inches, 2712×1220, AMOLED, 144 Hz

· Processor: MediaTek Helio G200

· Memory: 8 GB / 256 GB

· Camera: 64 + 8 MP

· Battery: 5500 mAh

The Infinix GT30 is one of the most well-balanced options in this selection. Its weak point is the MediaTek Helio G200 processor, which cannot be called the most powerful solution in its class. Still, there are few serious compromises in the rest of the specs.

The smartphone has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a high resolution of 2712×1220 pixels and a 144 Hz refresh rate. At the same time, the screen remains flat — without curved edges, which are far from convenient for everyone.

The cameras also look more interesting than those of many competitors in this price category: the main one has a resolution of 64 MP, while the additional ultra-wide camera is 8 MP.

Another important advantage is the 8/256 GB memory configuration. For a smartphone costing around $250, this is already a fairly comfortable amount for everyday use. Out of the box, the device runs Android 15.

The body is rated IP64: the smartphone won’t be bothered by rain, but it definitely should not be submerged in water.

What to choose

If what matters most is getting the best possible specs for your money, the Redmi Note 13 5G looks the most appealing, although finding it at a low price will become increasingly difficult.

For those who need maximum battery life, it’s worth looking at the HONOR 400 Smart 5G and the Tecno POVA 7 5G — they come with 6500 mAh and 6000 mAh batteries respectively.

For AMOLED fans, the most obvious choices are the realme 14T 5G and the Infinix GT30. The latter also offers more storage and a 144 Hz display.

Finally, if you need a smartphone with the most versatile overall set of features and without a clear bias toward one particular strength, the Infinix GT30 looks like one of the most balanced options under $250.