The 5 best affordable smartphones right now
It's that time again: our biannual top 5 list of the best and most affordable smartphones on the market. We’ve mixed brands and picked the models that offer you the most bang for your buck. Looking for a cheap phone that still performs well? This blog shows you which budget phone gives you the best value for money. Let's dive in!
Best smartphone under 300 euros: why go for a cheap phone?
At Simyo, we believe that a cheap phone shouldn’t cost more than € 300. The main reason to go for a good, budget-friendly device is simple: you save money. And the fact that you can still enjoy smooth scrolling, great battery life and decent camera performance for that price? That’s a huge win.
Whether you’re already a Simyo customer or just looking for a flexible plan, you can easily pair one of these affordable smartphones with a Sim Only plan. Prefer a bit more performance? Then check out our top phones under € 500 .
How to choose the best budget phone
You want a great budget phone, but it has to meet your needs. Maybe you’re a mobile photographer and need a solid camera phone. Or maybe you’re a series binger and care most about screen quality. Whatever you’re after, we’ve listed the best budget smartphones with all the info you need to decide.
The 5 best affordable smartphones right now
These five phones offer great value for money. Plus, we’ve added three phones from six months ago that still perform well and are often even cheaper now. All models listed here are not only cheap phones, they’re also packed with solid specs.
Here they are: the 5 best budget phones right now, in no particular order:
- Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
- OPPO A5 Pro 5G
- Motorola Moto G56 5G
- CMF Phone 2 Pro
The top 3 budget smartphones from six months ago:
- Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
- OPPO A80 5G
- OPPO Reno12 F 5G
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: the cheapest Samsung
Don’t let the price fool you. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G comes with smart AI features like photo editing and Circle to Search. It earns its spot on this list by offering solid camera capabilities and everyday performance at a low price.
Key features:
- Display: 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Triple camera setup: 50 MP (main camera), 8 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro)
- Selfie camera: 13 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 15
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 240 (as of August 8, 2025)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: just above the budget, but worth it
Technically priced just over €300, the Galaxy A36 5G still makes the list thanks to strong overall performance. With a versatile triple camera setup and a display built for streaming and gaming, it’s a top pick for users who want more without breaking the bank.
Key features:
- Display: 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Triple camera setup: 50 MP (main), 8 MP (ultrawide), 5 MP (macro)
- Selfie camera: 12 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 15
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 288 (as of August 8, 2025)
OPPO A5 Pro 5G: rugged phone for daily use
Need a strong, durable smartphone with superb battery life? The OPPO A5 Pro 5G has a 5800 mAh battery, IP69 water and dust resistance, and military-grade shock protection. Perfect for anyone who wants a solid budget smartphone that can take a hit.
Key features:
- Display: 6.67" IPS LCD, 120Hz
- Resolution: 1604 x 720 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Camera: 50 MP (main), 2 MP (depth)
- Selfie camera: 8 MP
- Battery: 5800 mAh
- OS: Android 15 (ColorOS 15)
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 216 (as of August 8, 2025)
Motorola Moto G56 5G: practical and stylish
Not available via Simyo, but worth mentioning. The Moto G56 5G combines style, durability, and function at a budget price. Think IP68/69 ratings, Gorilla Glass, and a fast 5200 mAh battery with fast charging.
Key features:
- Display: 6.72" LCD, 120Hz
- Resolution: Full HD+
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7060
- Storage: 256 GB
- Triple camera system: 50 MP (main), 8 MP (ultrawide)
- Selfie camera: 32 MP
- Battery: 5200 mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Android 15 (MyUX)
- Price: € 219 (average online retail price, August 2025)
CMF Phone 2 Pro: modular design at a sharp price
New kid on the block: CMF by Nothing. The Phone 2 Pro combines a modular back cover, swappable accessories and an impressive triple camera system. It’s a modern phone with strong specs and a unique look.
Key features:
- Display: 6.77" AMOLED, 120Hz
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- Storage: 128 or 256 GB
- Triple camera setup: 50 MP (main), 8 MP (ultrawide), 50 MP (telephoto)
- Selfie camera: 16 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.2)
- Price: € 249 (average online retail price, August 2025)
Phone |
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G |
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G |
OPPO A5 Pro 5G |
Motorola Moto G56 5G |
CMF Phone 2 Pro |
Display |
6,7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
6,7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
6,67" IPS LCD, 120Hz |
6,72" LCD, 120Hz |
6,77" AMOLED, 120Hz |
Resolution |
2340 x 1080 pixels |
2340 x 1080 pixels |
1604 x 720 pixels |
1080 x 2400 pixels |
1080 x 2400 pixels |
Processor |
Exynos 1380 |
Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro |
Storage |
128 or 256 GB |
128 or 256 GB |
128 or 256 GB |
256 GB |
128 of 256 GB |
Camera |
50 megapixels (main camera), 8 megapixels (ultra-wide angle), 2 megapixels (macro) |
50 megapixels (main camera), 8 megapixels (ultra-wide angle), 5 megapixels (macro camera) |
50 megapixels (main camera), 2 megapixels (depth) |
50 MP (main camera), 8 MP (ultra wide angle) |
50 MP (main camera), 8 MP (ultra wide angle), 50 MP (telephoto lens) |
Selfie camera |
13 megapixel |
12 megapixel |
8 megapixel |
32 megapixel |
16 megapixel |
Battery |
5000 mAh |
5000 mAh |
5800 mAh |
5200 mAh |
5000 mAh |
OS |
Android 15 (ONE UI) |
Android 15 (ONE UI) |
Android 15 (ColorOS 15) |
Android 15 (MyUX) |
Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.2) |
Price (as of August 2025) |
€ 240 with a low-priced Simyo plan |
€ 288 with a low-priced Simyo plan |
€ 216 with a low-priced Simyo plan |
From € 219 in webshops |
From € 249 in webshops |
The 3 best budget smartphones from six months ago
These smartphones from late 2024 are still very much worth considering. The specs are still solid, and the price is even better. These are the budget phones that continue to offer great value.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: the cheapest in the list
This is the most affordable Android phone in our list, priced at just €192. You get a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 50 MP main camera and a 5000 mAh battery. Just note that performance is basic, with an energy-efficient but slower processor and just 4 GB RAM.
Key features:
- Display: 6.7" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Exynos 1330
- Memory: 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
- Camera: 50 + 5 + 2 MP
- Selfie camera: 13 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 14
- Price with Simyo subscription: € 192
OPPO Reno12 F 5G: for photography lovers
With a large 6.67" smart display, the OPPO Reno12 F is built for streaming. It offers a triple camera setup and great image quality for mobile photographers. It’s just over the €300 mark, but worth it.
Key features:
- Display: 6.67" Adaptive, 120Hz
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Dimensity 6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
- Camera: 50 + 8 + 2 MP
- Selfie camera: 32 MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- OS: Android 14
- Price: € 210 (average online retail price, August 2025
OPPO A80 5G: strong specs, low price
Looking for a powerful device with a low price? The OPPO A80 5G is your pick. It features a 5100 mAh battery, Dimensity 6300 chip and 8 GB RAM. Just note the 2 MP selfie camera isn’t ideal for photography fans.
Key features:
- Display: 6.67" HD+, 120Hz
- Resolution: 1604 x 720 pixels
- Processor: Dimensity 6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
- Camera: 50 + 2 MP
- Selfie camera: 8 MP
- Battery: 5100 mAh
- OS: Android 14
- Price: €199 (average online retail price, August 2025)
Found your budget smartphone? Simyo makes switching easy
Ready to trade in your old phone for a new one? Whether you go for a Simyo Sim Only plan or get a new phone with your subscription, you’re always in control. Already a Simyo customer? Just log into Mijn Simyo and pick your new phone.
Pro tip: Want to save even more? Simyo also offers Refurbished phones . Great quality, lower price, and better for the planet.