Best Budget Smartphones Under $400 in 2025
Premium Phone Performance Without Breaking the Bank
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work in bringing you honest reviews of the latest tech products.
In 2025, flagship smartphones continue pushing beyond the $1,000 mark, but the sub-$400 segment has never been more impressive. Today's budget smartphones pack features that were flagship-exclusive just a couple of years ago.
Whether you're a student on a tight budget, a remote worker needing reliable connectivity, or someone who appreciates good value, these phones deliver premium experiences without the premium price tag.
Our Top Budget Smartphone Picks for 2025
Google Pixel 8a
Key Features:
- •6.1-inch OLED display (120Hz refresh rate)
- •Google Tensor G3 processor with 8GB RAM
- •64MP main camera with Google's computational photography
- •4,500mAh battery with 23W fast charging
- •Clean Android 15 with 5 years of guaranteed updates
Pros
- +Exceptional camera performance unmatched at this price
- +Premium AI features and speech recognition
- +Long-term software support
Cons
- -Storage starts at just 128GB
- -Charging speed falls behind competitors
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
The Galaxy A55 delivers outstanding build quality and a versatile camera system. It features a premium glass-and-metal design that feels much more expensive than its price tag suggests.
Key Features:
- •6.5-inch Super AMOLED display (120Hz)
- •Exynos 1480 processor with 8GB RAM
- •Triple camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro)
- •5,000mAh battery with 25W charging
- •One UI 6.1 based on Android 15
Pros
- +Excellent display with vibrant colors
- +Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+
- +Generous battery life
Cons
- -Bloatware can slow down the experience
- -Camera struggles in low light
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Nothing Phone (2a)
The Nothing Phone (2a) features a transparent back with an updated Glyph interface that uses customizable LED strips for notifications and alerts.
Key Features:
- •6.7-inch AMOLED display (120Hz)
- •MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- •Dual 50MP cameras (main and ultrawide)
- •4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging
- •Distinctive transparent design with Glyph interface
Pros
- +Unique, head-turning design
- +Clean, bloat-free software experience
- +Fast charging capabilities
Cons
- -No wireless charging
- -Camera performance is inconsistent
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
OnePlus Nord 4
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and the company's legendary fast charging technology. This phone delivers flagship-level speed at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features:
- •6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display (120Hz)
- •Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor with 8GB/12GB RAM options
- •50MP Sony sensor main camera with OIS
- •5,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging
- •Alert slider for quick notifications control
Pros
- +Exceptionally fast charging (0-100% in 30 minutes)
- +Near-flagship performance for gaming
- +Clean and responsive user interface
Cons
- -No official IP rating for water resistance
- -Camera quality inconsistent in challenging conditions
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Motorola Edge 2025
The Motorola Edge 2025 combines a stunning display with impressive battery life and a near-stock Android experience. It's a perfect all-rounder for those who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- •6.6-inch pOLED display (144Hz refresh rate)
- •Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor with 8GB RAM
- •50MP main camera with OIS
- •5,200mAh battery with 68W TurboPower charging
- •Nearly stock Android 15 with minimal bloatware
Pros
- +Exceptional battery life (up to 2 days)
- +Gorgeous high-refresh display
- +Clean software experience
Cons
- -Software update commitment shorter than competitors
- -Camera struggles in low light
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the budget segment with flagship-level specs at an incredibly competitive price.
Key Features:
- •6.67-inch AMOLED display (120Hz, 1.5K resolution)
- •MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor
- •200MP main camera with OIS
- •5,100mAh battery with 120W HyperCharge
- •IP68 water and dust resistance
Pros
- +Incredibly fast charging (0-100% in under 20 minutes)
- +Exceptional main camera resolution
- +Premium build with curved display
Cons
- -MIUI software can be bloated
- -Long-term update support uncertain
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Apple iPhone SE (2024)
The iPhone SE (2024) brings flagship performance to a much more accessible price point. The 2024 model features an updated design with a larger display while maintaining the powerful A16 Bionic chip.
Key Features:
- •6.1-inch LCD Retina display
- •A16 Bionic processor (same as iPhone 14 Pro)
- •12MP main camera with improved computational photography
- •Support for all iOS 18 features
- •5+ years of software updates expected
Pros
- +Exceptional performance that outclasses Android competitors
- +Long-term software support
- +Access to Apple's ecosystem
Cons
- -Single camera system
- -LCD display instead of OLED
EU customers: Click the EU link for faster shipping and local customer service.
Smartphone Comparison Table
| Phone | Price | Display | Processor | RAM | Main Camera | Battery | Fast Charging | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | $399 | 6.1" OLED 120Hz | Tensor G3 | 8GB | 64MP with OIS | 4,500mAh | 23W | IP67 |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 | $375 | 6.5" AMOLED 120Hz | Exynos 1480 | 8GB | 50MP with OIS | 5,000mAh | 25W | IP67 |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | $349 | 6.7" AMOLED 120Hz | Dimensity 7300 Pro | 8GB | 50MP | 4,700mAh | 45W | IP54 |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | $389 | 6.7" AMOLED 120Hz | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | 8-12GB | 50MP with OIS | 5,000mAh | 80W | No |
| Motorola Edge 2025 | $399 | 6.6" pOLED 144Hz | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 8GB | 50MP with OIS | 5,200mAh | 68W | No |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | $345 | 6.67" AMOLED 120Hz | Dimensity 7300 Ultra | 8-12GB | 200MP with OIS | 5,100mAh | 120W | IP68 |
| iPhone SE (2024) | $399 | 6.1" LCD 60Hz | A16 Bionic | 6GB | 12MP | 3,200mAh | 20W | IP67 |
Conclusion: The Best Budget Phone for You
After extensive testing and comparison, the best overall value in the sub-$400 range in 2025 is the Google Pixel 8a. Its combination of extraordinary camera capabilities, clean software, and long-term support make it the ideal choice for most users.
For those seeking the absolute most hardware for their money, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ delivers incredible specifications that rival much more expensive phones.
Apple users or those considering switching will find the iPhone SE (2024) offers unmatched performance and ecosystem integration at this price point.
Remember that the "best" phone ultimately depends on your personal needs. Consider which features matter most to you—camera quality, battery life, screen quality, or software experience—and choose accordingly.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work in bringing you honest reviews of the latest tech products.
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