The top 5 best affordable smartphones
It’s time again for our list of the best and most affordable smartphones currently available. We take a look at various brands and take a closer look at their specializations. If you're looking for an affordable phone, you’ll know which smartphone offers the best value for money after reading this blog.
The best smartphone under € 300: why you should choose a budget phone
At Simyo, we believe an affordable phone should cost no more than € 300. The main reason to choose a good, affordable device is, of course, that you don’t spend a lot of money on it. The fact that you can still scroll smoothly through your feeds, take great photos, and enjoy other great specs for a low price is a big plus. You can always opt for flexibility: buy one of the best budget phones separately and combine it with a Sim Only plan .
Is your budget for a new phone a bit higher? Then consider one of the best phones under € 500 .
How to choose the best budget phone
If you want the best cheap smartphone, but also one that meets your needs, you first need to decide what matters most to you. Maybe you mostly care about the camera, maybe you need a strong battery, or maybe a bright screen is most important to you. To help you get started with your new, affordable phone, we’ve listed the best current models for you.
The 5 best affordable smartphones right now
In this top five, we present the best, most affordable phones: smartphones that deliver great quality for a low price. In addition, we added three phones from six months ago to the list. They're now slightly older, but still top-notch.
The 5 best budget phones right now, in no particular order:
- Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
- OPPO A6 Pro 5G
- Motorola moto g86 Power
- Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
The top 3 budget smartphones from six months ago:
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
The Galaxy A56 5G combines great performance with a modern design. At € 312 the price of the Galaxy A56 5G is just above our limited budget, but we still include it in the list. For the price, this device is ideal for anyone who wants a smooth screen, good cameras, and a long-lasting battery. The combination of the fast Exynos processor and the bright AMOLED display make it a breeze to use. The smartphone supports 5G and runs on the latest version of Android, ensuring you receive regular updates and a fast connection.
- Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution: 2340 × 1080 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1580
- Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB
- Rear camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 5 megapixel macro lens
- Selfie camera: 12 megapixel
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating system: Android 15
- Price with an affordable Simyo plan: € 312 (as of January 2026)
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is a true all-rounder in the low-budget segment. With a price of around € 192, it’s the cheapest device on this list. Still, you get a large screen, a 5000 mAh battery, and a versatile camera setup: excellent value for money. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G runs all your daily apps smoothly. Thanks to 5G, you’ll stay connected for years to come.
- Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+, 90 Hz
- Resolution: 2408 × 1080 pixels
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1330
- Storage: 128 GB (expandable with microSD)
- Rear camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 5 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 2 megapixel macro lens
- Selfie camera: 13 megapixel
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating system: Android 15
- Price with an affordable Simyo plan: € 192 (as of January 2026)
Samsung
- 6.7 inch screen
- 50 megapixel camera
- Since September 2025
OPPO A6 Pro 5G
With the OPPO A6 Pro 5G, you get a lot of phone for a great price. Despite the price, you get a spacious AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The 6500 mAh battery is also a great addition and a key difference compared to the two budget Samsung models. With the option for 256 GB of storage and 5G support, the OPPO A6 Pro 5G is a future-proof choice.
- Screen: 6.57-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution: 2372 × 1080 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB (expandable with microSD)
- Rear camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 2 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- Selfie camera: 16 megapixel
- Battery: 6500 mAh
- Operating system: Android 15 (ColorOS 15)
- Price with an affordable Simyo plan: € 288 (as of January 2026)
Motorola moto g86 Power
If the OPPO A6 Pro 5G doesn't have enough screen size and battery for you, then the Motorola moto g86 Power might be the right choice. With a 6.67-inch screen and a 6720 mAh battery, you'll have a large and powerful device. The big screen is great for watching videos, and the 32 megapixel selfie camera makes video calls just a bit smoother. With a price of around € 249, this device lives up to the ‘Power’ in its name.
- Screen: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution: 2712 x 1220 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- Storage: 256 GB (expandable with microSD)
- Camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 8 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- Selfie camera: 32 megapixel
- Battery: 6720 mAh, 30 W fast charging
- Operating system: Android 15
- Price for device only: from € 249
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
With the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, you get a unique, transparent design and solid specifications for a great price. Just like other Nothing Phones, it has an LED light on the back that lets you know when you have new notifications. With a bright screen, fast chipset, and a solid camera setup, this lightweight device is a great choice that offers something a little different.
- Screen: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Resolution: 2392 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- Storage: 128 GB or 256 GB (expandable with microSD up to 2 TB)
- Camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 8 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 2 megapixel macro lens
- Selfie camera: 16 megapixel
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating system: Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.5)
- Price for device only: from € 299
Comparison: camera, battery, performance, screen quality
Below you'll find the differences between the best budget smartphones at a glance.
|
Model |
Pros |
Cons |
Best for |
|
Galaxy A56 5G |
Good performance, bright AMOLED, fast updates |
No wireless charging |
All-round quality |
|
Galaxy A17 5G |
Good price and battery, 5G support |
Camera is limited in low light |
Price-conscious users |
|
OPPO A6 Pro 5G |
Lots of storage, large screen, fast chip |
No wireless charging |
Multitaskers and streamers |
|
Motorola g86 Power |
Large battery, stable performance |
Slightly heavier device |
Users who are often on the go |
|
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite |
Nice design, good camera, bright screen |
No waterproof housing |
For design-conscious users |
The 3 best budget smartphones from six months ago
Aside from the five affordable phones above, we also take a look at three of the best smartphones from the second half of 2025. The specifications are solid, and the price is slightly lower than the latest models. These are the budget phones that continue to offer great value.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
There's no need to be put off by the low price of this Samsung. Despite the price tag, you still get access to the latest AI tools, including advanced photo editing and the Circle to Search feature. The Samsung Galaxy A26 also has solid specs that will easily get you through the day:
- A 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
- A good camera setup with a 50 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2 megapixel macro camera.
- A Samsung Exynos 1380 processor that works well for daily tasks, is also suitable for gaming, and pairs nicely with the screen.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
- Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 8 megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 2 megapixel macro lens
- Selfie camera: 13 megapixel
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 15
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 216 (as of January 2026)
OPPO A5 Pro 5G
With the OPPO A5 Pro 5G, you’re ready any type of daily use. With this affordable phone, you get a super-fast connection, a sturdy design, and a strong 5800 mAh battery. This way, you'll stay connected throughout the day.
What makes the OPPO A5 Pro 5G unique is its IP69 certification and shock resistance. This means the budget phone is resistant to water, dust, and hard impacts. Thanks to the battery technology of the OPPO A5 Pro 5G, the battery still lasts a long time even after years of heavy use.
The OPPO A5 Pro 5G also has a nice 50 megapixel main camera. You take your selfies with an 8 megapixel selfie camera. With the built-in AI features, you can take great photos even in low-light conditions!
De belangrijkste eigenschappen van de OPPO A5 Pro 5G
- Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz
- Resolution: 1604 x 720 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Camera:
- 50 megapixel main camera
- 2 megapixel depth camera
- Selfie camera: 8 megapixel
- Battery: 5800 mAh
- OS: Android 15 (ColorOS 15)
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 240 (as of January 2026)
Found your affordable phone? Simyo makes switching easy
Have you found the best smartphone under 300 euro? And are you about to trade in your current phone for a new, cheap one? Then you still have another choice to make: do you choose a phone plan , or a separate device with a Sim Only plan? Or do you already have Sim Only with Simyo and want to add a phone to your plan? That’s possible too: simply log in to Mijn Simyo and arrange your new phone.
Question? Answer
What are the best affordable smartphones right now?
What are the best affordable smartphones right now?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A17 5G, OPPO A6 Pro 5G, Motorola g86 Power, and Nothing Phone (3a) Lite are great devices for anyone looking for an affordable smartphone.
Which cheap smartphone has the best camera?
Which cheap smartphone has the best camera?
When it comes to camera quality, the Galaxy A36 5G and Nothing Phone (3a) Lite score best.
What should I look for when buying a budget smartphone?
What should I look for when buying a budget smartphone?
Pay attention to screen quality, battery life, storage space, and the camera, of course. Also check if the device supports 5G.
Which affordable phone has the best battery life?
Which affordable phone has the best battery life?
Both the Motorola g86 Power and OPPO A5 Pro 5G have an extra-large battery and should easily hold up until the end of the day.
Are cheap smartphones suitable for 5G?
Are cheap smartphones suitable for 5G?
Yes, many of the best budget smartphones now support 5G. Just take another look at the list above.
Are budget devices good enough for daily use?
Are budget devices good enough for daily use?
Absolutely. For daily use like WhatsApp, social media, and taking photos every now and then, a cheap smartphone is more than enough.
Which models offer the best value for money?
Which models offer the best value for money?
The Galaxy A17 5G, OPPO A5 Pro 5G, and Samsung Galaxy A26 5G are all known to have great specs for a small price.
Which affordable smartphones are suitable for children?
Which affordable smartphones are suitable for children?
The Galaxy A17 5G and OPPO A5 Pro 5G are ideal as a first smartphone. They're affordable, sturdy, and easy to use.
Do affordable smartphones last a long time?
Do affordable smartphones last a long time?
It depends on how you use your phone. As long as you keep your phone updated and handle it the same as a more expensive device, it can easily last for several years. On top of that, manufacturers will soon be required to support all phones with security updates for at least 5 years.
