CMF Phone 2 Pro for $279: I initially recommended the CMF Phone 2 Pro as a top choice under $300, but actually getting this phone in the U.S. has been a challenge. Nothing’s website marks the CMF Phone 2 Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) as “unavailable.” It’s hard to recommend a phone you can’t even buy, no matter how great it is. If it does come back in stock, the Phone 2 Pro is definitely a strong contender, offering great value with solid performance, a sharp AMOLED screen, and a triple-camera system that gets the job done.
Samsung Galaxy A26 for $300: If you’re in the market for a Samsung device on a budget, the Galaxy A26 (6/10, WIRED Review) is a solid choice. It has good performance, a battery that lasts all day, an IP67 water resistance rating, and an acceptable camera. It also features expandable storage (though there’s no headphone jack) and Samsung offers an impressive 6 years of software updates at this price.
Samsung Galaxy A36 for $400: You might expect the Galaxy A36 (6/10, WIRED Review) to outshine the A26 given its higher price, but that’s not quite the case. While it boasts a brighter display, decent battery life, and capable cameras, it doesn’t support expandable storage and has choppy performance. The 6 years of software support is a nice perk, but if the phone is already frustrating to use, it raises questions about its long-term usability. It’s an adequate phone, but there are better options available.
TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G for $250: The TCL 60 XE (7/10, WIRED Recommends) features an anti-reflective matte screen called Nxtpaper, designed to reduce blue light for better sleep and less eye strain. While the effectiveness of blue-light blockers is debated, this budget-friendly phone still offers a pleasing matte finish. It includes a side switch to toggle between display modes, mimicking a monochrome or color E Ink experience for e-reader fans. With good performance, a decent camera, and extras like a headphone jack and microSD card slot, it’s a solid choice—though the screen can be tough to read in direct sunlight.
Motorola Moto G Power 2025 for $200: The Moto G Power (7/10, WIRED Recommends) falls just short of the performance you’d find in the Moto G Stylus 2025. While it has some of the same benefits, like an IP68 water-resistance rating and wireless charging, its performance is noticeably slower compared to competitors like the CMF Phone 2 Pro. It has an LCD panel and 128 GB of storage. Motorola recently announced the Moto G Power 2026, set to release in early January with an upgraded selfie camera and a slightly larger 5,200-mAh battery, though it does lose the wireless charging feature.
Moto G 2026 for $200: Available in a vibrant pink, the Moto G 2026 offers a decent experience for $200. Performance is on the sluggish side, so I’d recommend looking at the Moto G Power 2025 instead, especially when it’s on sale for the same price. The cameras are average, but it does offer contactless payments, 5G connectivity, and can handle everyday tasks—if you’re patient.
Moto G Play 2026 for $180: The Moto G Play 2026 is the first in its line to support 5G. Unfortunately, its performance remains slow, with apps and webpages struggling to load quickly. While it’s a budget-friendly option, I suggest opting for the Moto G Power 2025 when it’s on sale, as it provides better performance and camera quality.
Motorola Edge 2025 for $418: With its eye-catching waterfall display, the Edge creates a seamless look as the glass edges flow into the sides. However, this design can sometimes hinder the touchscreen, making it less user-friendly. More crucially, performance is a bit stuttery for a phone in this price range, and the lack of a solid software update policy makes it hard to recommend over rivals like the Pixel 9a.
Minimal Phone for $499: Want to cut down on smartphone usage? The Minimal Phone (6/10, WIRED Review) features an e-paper touchscreen and a physical keyboard, running on Android. You can access your favorite apps via the Google Play Store, but keep in mind that the low refresh rate makes for a subpar experience, especially for video viewing. It might serve as a decent alternative or a secondary phone for those looking to escape constant notifications.
Samsung Galaxy A16 for $200: The Galaxy A16 doesn’t quite measure up to the Galaxy A14, largely due to its sluggish performance. Despite Samsung’s promise of six years of software updates, this phone can be frustratingly slow, which detracts from its appeal. If you’re looking for a backup device from a reputable brand that prioritizes security, the Galaxy A16 is passable, but it’s not the most competitive option out there.
Nuu N20 for $130: After testing the Galaxy A16, I moved on to the budget-friendly Nuu N20. While it does have its moments of sluggishness, I found it surprisingly manageable for a phone in this price range. I used it for a week without major issues—except for one: the GPS could use some improvement. It struggled to pinpoint my location during navigation and was slow to refresh maps. Additionally, the N20 currently runs Android 14, which is already outdated, and there’s no clear schedule for software updates.
Sonim XP Pro 5G for $550: Exclusive to Verizon, the Sonim XP Pro 5G is rugged and durable. I’ve dropped it multiple times without any issues. While it’s not the most impressive phone in terms of specs, its durability is its selling point. However, the camera quality is disappointing, often producing blurry shots unless you maintain absolute stillness. Performance is decent, and it includes 256 GB of storage with a microSD slot, plus a customizable button for quick access to apps.
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite for £249: The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite (6/10, WIRED Review) is a bit confusing in the lineup given the existence of the CMF Phone 2 Pro at a similar price point. Overall, there are better options out there. The cameras underperform and there’s a lot of bloatware, which goes against the brand’s minimalist philosophy. While its performance and battery life are generally acceptable, this model isn’t set to launch in the U.S.
What Phones Should You Avoid? HMD Vibe: If you’re looking at budget phones, it’s best to stick with well-known brands. You might come across several dirt-cheap smartphones on Amazon, but loading one of those with your personal data and photos can be risky. It’s crucial to choose a reputable brand with a track record of strong security practices and consistent software updates.
