Best budget smartphones of 2025: Top picks based on testing

The budget smartphone market in 2025 is brimming with variety, offering impressive features and stylish designs at wallet-friendly prices. Tom’s Guide has analyzed the latest models and pinpointed the six best phones under $500, standout performers from March testing. Here’s what makes them special.

1. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Best Budget Smartphone

Specs:

• Display: 6.77 inches (2392 x 1080)
• Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
• RAM: 8GB, 12GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB (non-expandable)
• Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.88), 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 50MP (f/2.55) telephoto with 3x optical zoom
• Front Camera: 50MP (f/2.2)
• Weight: 211g

Pros:

• Unmatched price-to-value ratio
• Enhanced camera system
• Long battery life
• Fast wired charging

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 lags behind rivals

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro redefines budget smartphones. Rather than cutting corners to stay under $500, it delivers more than expected. Its transparent casing and Glyph LED interface scream flagship flair, while a rare triple-camera setup—including a telephoto lens—shines, especially in low light. Add AI-driven Essential Space and Key features for task management, plus a 50W fast-charging battery, and it’s the top pick of the bunch.

2. Google Pixel 8a: Best Budget Smartphone with AI

Specs:

• Display: 6.1 inches (2400 x 1080)
• Processor: Tensor G3
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB (non-expandable)
• Main Camera: 64MP (f/1.89), 13MP (f/2.2)
• Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.2)
• Weight: 193g

Pros:

• 7 years of software updates
• Handy AI tools
• Solid battery life

Cons:

• Minor camera upgrades
• Slow charging

The Google Pixel 8a outshines its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, with robust AI features (Magic Editor, Best Take) and an unmatched 7-year Android update promise. Its vibrant 120Hz display and power-efficient Tensor G3 chip deliver great endurance. While the cameras haven’t evolved much, they remain class-leading. At $499, it’s a stellar choice—though the upcoming Pixel 9a might steal its thunder.

3. Nothing Phone 3a: Most Stylish Budget Smartphone

Specs:

• Display: 6.7 inches (2392 x 1080)
• Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB (non-expandable)
• Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8), 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 50MP (f/2.0) telephoto with 2x optical zoom
• Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
• Weight: 201g

Pros:

• Telephoto lens under $400
• Long-lasting battery with fast charging
• Bright, sharp display
• Eye-catching design

Cons:

• U.S. availability limited to beta program
• Performance gains are modest

The Nothing Phone 3a proves style and affordability can coexist. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate and a 15-hour, 24-minute battery life in tests are standout features. A telephoto lens with 2x zoom is a rarity at $379. However, U.S. buyers must join Nothing’s beta program, limiting its reach.

4. Motorola Moto G 2025: Best Smartphone Under $200

Specs:

• Display: 6.7 inches (1604 x 720)
• Processor: Dimensity 6300
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 128GB (non-expandable)
• Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8), 2MP (f/2.4) macro
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.4)
• Weight: 193g

Pros:

• Top battery life among cheap phones
• Stylish vegan leather finish
• Improved software support

Cons:

• Weak performance
• Dim display

At $199, the Moto G 2025 impresses with over 18.5 hours of battery life in tests and 30W charging. Its cameras perform decently, and the vegan leather back adds a premium touch. However, lackluster performance and a dim screen hold it back.

5. Samsung Galaxy A35: Best Budget Samsung Smartphone

Specs:

• Display: 6.6 inches (2340 x 1080)
• Processor: Exynos 1380
• RAM: 6GB, 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB (non-expandable)
• Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8), 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 5MP (f/2.4) macro
• Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.2)
• Weight: 209g

Pros:

• Bright, vivid display
• Circle to Search feature
• Solid build

Cons:

• Lags behind rivals in performance
• Fingerprint-prone body

The Galaxy A35, priced at $399, boasts a brilliant screen and a sturdy design. Its cameras are reliable, and AI perks like Circle to Search add value. Yet, the aging Exynos 1380 chip struggles to keep pace with competitors.

6. Motorola Moto G Power 2025: Longest-Lasting Battery

Specs:

• Display: 6.8 inches (2388 x 1080)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB (expandable)
• Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8), 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.4)
• Weight: 207g

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life
• Enhanced durability
• Improved software support
• Wireless charging at $299

Cons:

• Dim display
• Poor low-light photography

The Moto G Power 2025’s 5000mAh battery lasts 17 hours and 13 minutes, and it offers wireless charging—a rarity at $299. Its cameras shine in bright conditions, and software support now spans 2 years of Android updates. Still, the screen lacks brightness, and performance is middling.

Which One to Choose?

These phones prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro excels in versatility, the Pixel 8a leads in software support and AI, and the Moto G Power 2025 wins on battery life. Your pick depends on what matters most—style, smarts, or stamina.