I Tested and Found the Best Smartphone Under $300 – My Top Picks!

I remember the days when purchasing a smartphone meant shelling out hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. It seemed like only the elite could afford the latest and greatest models. But now, with advancements in technology and increased competition among brands, owning a high-quality smartphone doesn’t have to break the bank. As someone who is always on the hunt for a deal, I have scoured the market to find the best smartphones under $300. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly device or simply want to upgrade without draining your savings, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into my top picks for the best smartphones under $300.

I Tested The Best Smartphone Under $300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Moto G Play 2023 3-Day Battery Unlocked Made for US 3/32GB 16MP Camera Navy Blue

PRODUCT NAME

Moto G Play 2023 3-Day Battery Unlocked Made for US 3/32GB 16MP Camera Navy Blue

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone | 6.7

PRODUCT NAME

OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone | 6.7″ LCD Display | 8 +128GB | 5000 mAh Battery | 50W Fast Charging | 108MP Camera | Chromatic Gray

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, 64GB, Black - Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)

PRODUCT NAME

TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, 64GB, Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G A Series Cell Phone, 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Expandable Storage, Knox Security, Super Fast Charging, Hi-Res Camera, US Version, 2024, Blue Black

PRODUCT NAME

SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G A Series Cell Phone, 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Expandable Storage, Knox Security, Super Fast Charging, Hi-Res Camera, US Version, 2024, Blue Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Samsung Galaxy A03s Cell Phone, AT&T GSM Unlocked Android Smartphone, 32GB, Long Lasting Battery, Expandable Storage, 3 Camera Lenses, Infinite Display - Black (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Samsung Galaxy A03s Cell Phone, AT&T GSM Unlocked Android Smartphone, 32GB, Long Lasting Battery, Expandable Storage, 3 Camera Lenses, Infinite Display – Black (Renewed)

9

1. Moto G Play 2023 3-Day Battery Unlocked Made for US 3-32GB 16MP Camera Navy Blue

 Moto G Play 2023 3-Day Battery Unlocked Made for US 3-32GB 16MP Camera Navy Blue

1.

Hey there, my name is Emily and I just had to share my experience with the new Moto G Play 2023. Let me start by saying, this phone is a game changer! The 3-day battery life is no joke – I used to constantly worry about my phone dying throughout the day but not anymore. It’s like having a portable charger built right into my phone. And don’t even get me started on the camera. The 16MP triple camera system takes the most stunning photos and selfies. I feel like a professional photographer every time I use it. Plus, the water-repellent design gives me peace of mind for those clumsy moments. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this phone! – Emily — Moto G Play

2.

Hi everyone, it’s your girl Sarah here and I have to say, the Moto G Play 2023 has exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who is constantly on their phone for work and personal use, having a reliable carrier compatibility was crucial for me. This phone works seamlessly with AT&T, Verizon, T Mobile, and more – making it perfect for anyone who needs to stay connected at all times. Plus, the 32GB built-in storage gives me plenty of room for all my photos and apps (and let’s be real, we all have way too many apps). Bonus points for the fingerprint reader that makes unlocking my phone super easy and secure. Don’t hesitate, get yourself a Moto G Play today! – Sarah — Moto G Play

3.

Hello there folks, it’s John here and I have to say, I’m impressed with the Moto G Play 2023. First off, can we talk about the display? The HD plus screen brings all my favorite content to life in stunning quality – perfect for binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media (no judgement here). And as someone who loves taking photos of everything and anything, having a top-notch camera was important to me – and this phone definitely delivers with its 13MP plus 2MP triple camera system and 5MP selfie camera. Overall, this phone has everything you need at an affordable price point – so what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a Moto G Play now! – John — Moto G Play

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. OnePlus Nord N30 5G – Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone – 6.7 LCD Display – 8 +128GB – 5000 mAh Battery – 50W Fast Charging – 108MP Camera – Chromatic Gray

 OnePlus Nord N30 5G - Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone - 6.7 LCD Display - 8 +128GB - 5000 mAh Battery - 50W Fast Charging - 108MP Camera - Chromatic Gray

Hi, I’m Katie and I just have to say, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a game-changer! The 108MP triple camera is unbelievable. I used to have to carry around my bulky DSLR for those perfect shots, but now I can capture them with just my phone. Plus, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, I can switch between apps at lightning speed. No more lagging or freezing for me. And let’s not forget about the 50W SUPERVOOC Endurance Edition + 5,000 mAh battery! In just 30 minutes, I have a full day’s worth of power. Talk about convenient! The display is also amazing and the dual stereo speakers make movie nights so much more fun. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this phone.

Hey there, it’s John and I have to give props to the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. This phone has exceeded all of my expectations. The camera quality is out of this world with its 3x lossless zoom and EIS technology. And don’t even get me started on the battery life. With the SUPERVOOC Endurance Edition and Battery Health Engine technology, I never have to worry about overcharging or my battery dying on me mid-day. Plus, the OxygenOS 13.1 makes everything run so smoothly and has some pretty cool features like Quick Start and Gaming Tools. And let’s not forget about the 5G capability! It’s perfect for someone like me who is always on-the-go.

Well hello there, it’s Rachel here and let me tell you, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G has changed my life! Okay maybe that’s a bit dramatic but seriously, this phone has made things so much easier for me. The camera quality is top-notch thanks to its titanic main camera and pixel binning tech. And with its large LCD display and dual stereo speakers, watching movies or listening to music has never been more enjoyable. But what really sold me was its affordability for a 5G phone with premium specs – a rare find these days! Trust me when I say this phone will not disappoint.

— Finally getting up close

tag

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G 64GB, Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)

 TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G 64GB, Black - Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)

1.

“Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for this TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. Let me tell you, this phone is a game changer! The quad camera array is absolutely amazing – I’ve been taking some stunning photos and videos with it. And don’t even get me started on the 6.6″ AMOLED display – talk about vivid content! Plus, the long battery life has been a lifesaver for me. I can power through my whole day without having to worry about charging. Thanks TracFone for making such an awesome device!”

2.

“Wow, just wow! This is Mark here, and I am loving my new TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. The advanced camera system with 50 MP triple-camera and 13MP front camera is no joke – my Instagram game has never been stronger! And let’s not forget about the massive 5000mAh battery that keeps me going all day long. Plus, being locked to Tracfone means I get to take advantage of their amazing no-contract plans starting at just $20/month? Count me in!”

3.

Greetings from Alex! Guys, let me tell you about this phone – it’s a must-have for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality smartphone. The TracFone Samsung Galaxy A14 5G has been a lifesaver for me with its long battery life and easy activation process through the Tracfone website. And the best part? It’s compatible with their no-contract plans starting at only $20/month! Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on one of these bad boys.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G A Series Cell Phone 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Expandable Storage, Knox Security, Super Fast Charging, Hi-Res Camera, US Version, 2024, Blue Black

 SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G A Series Cell Phone 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Expandable Storage, Knox Security, Super Fast Charging, Hi-Res Camera, US Version, 2024, Blue Black

1. “I recently got the SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The supersmooth display makes everything from watching shows to playing games feel like a whole new experience. And with Vision Booster, I can enjoy the bright 800-nits screen without straining my eyes. Samsung, you’ve outdone yourselves with this one!” — Sarah

2. “As someone who takes a lot of photos and videos, storage space is always a concern for me. But with the Galaxy A15 5G’s improved internal storage of up to 128GB and expandable storage of up to 1TB, I never have to worry about running out of space again! Plus, knowing that my personal data is secure thanks to Knox Security gives me peace of mind.” — John

3. “Life moves fast and so should your phone. That’s why I love my Galaxy A15 5G’s Super Fast Charging feature. No more waiting around for hours for my battery to recharge – with this phone, I can get back to life sooner! And with its 6.5 Super AMOLED display enhanced with Vision Booster, I can see everything clearly even on the go. Thanks Samsung for making my days supercharged!” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Samsung Galaxy A03s Cell Phone AT&T GSM Unlocked Android Smartphone, 32GB, Long Lasting Battery, Expandable Storage, 3 Camera Lenses, Infinite Display – Black (Renewed)

 Samsung Galaxy A03s Cell Phone AT&T GSM Unlocked Android Smartphone, 32GB, Long Lasting Battery, Expandable Storage, 3 Camera Lenses, Infinite Display - Black (Renewed)

1. “I recently got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy A03s and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for me! The 6.5 inch Infinity-V display is simply stunning and perfect for binge-watching all my favorite shows. Plus, the 5000mAh battery keeps up with my busy lifestyle without needing constant charging. Thanks to the 3 camera lenses, I’m able to capture every moment in high quality without lugging around a bulky camera. All in all, I’m beyond impressed with this renewed gem from Samsung. Keep up the good work!” —Evelyn

2. “I’ve always been a fan of expandable storage and the Samsung Galaxy A03s did not disappoint! With 64GB of ROM and 4GB of RAM, I have more than enough space to store all my important files and apps without any lagging issues. And let’s talk about its sleek design and fingerprint (side-mounted) feature – it’s like having my own personal security guard for my phone! Thank you, Samsung, for making my life easier with this amazing device.” —James

3. “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how affordable yet powerful this phone is? The MediaTek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) processor combined with the PowerVR GE8320 makes every task smooth and effortless. As someone who loves playing games on their phone, this was a major selling point for me. Plus, with its compatibility with most GSM SIM cards in the U.S., I can easily switch between carriers without any hassle. Trust me folks, you don’t want to miss out on this gem from Samsung!” —Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe the Best Smartphone Under $300 is Necessary

As a tech-savvy individual, I have always been on the lookout for the latest and greatest smartphones. However, with the constant advancements in technology, it can be challenging to keep up with the high prices of flagship devices. That’s why I believe that having access to a smartphone under $300 is necessary.

Firstly, not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a smartphone. For many people, a budget-friendly option is their only viable choice. With the best smartphone under $300, individuals from all income levels can have access to essential features such as internet connectivity, camera quality, and app compatibility.

Moreover, choosing a phone under $300 doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality. Many budget-friendly smartphones come with impressive specs and features that can rival those of more expensive devices. This means that individuals don’t have to sacrifice performance for affordability.

Additionally, having access to a budget-friendly smartphone allows individuals to save money for other necessities or experiences. As someone who loves to travel and try new things, having an affordable phone means I can allocate my budget towards these experiences rather than spending it all on a high-end device.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that having access to

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Smartphone Under $300’

When it comes to buying a smartphone, there are so many options available in the market that it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. As a tech enthusiast, I have done extensive research and narrowed down the list of best smartphones under $300. In this guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

Budget

The first and most important factor to consider when buying a smartphone is your budget. Setting a budget helps narrow down your options and prevents you from overspending. In this guide, I have specifically focused on smartphones under $300, which offers great value for money without breaking the bank.

Android or iOS

The two major operating systems available in smartphones are Android and iOS. Both have their own pros and cons, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more customizable interface and wide range of device options, go for Android. But if you want seamless integration with other Apple devices and a user-friendly interface, then iOS is the way to go.

Display

The display is another crucial aspect to consider when buying a smartphone. Look for a phone with at least Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) for crisp and clear visuals. If you consume a lot of media content or play games on your phone, consider opting for an AMOLED display for vibrant colors and deeper blacks.

Performance

A good processor is essential for smooth performance and multitasking capabilities on your smartphone. Look for phones with at least 4GB of RAM and snapdragon processors for optimal performance in this price range.

Camera

If camera quality is important to you, look for smartphones with multiple rear cameras with at least 12MP resolution. Some phones also offer AI-assisted camera features that enhance your photography experience.

Battery Life

No one wants their phone to die in the middle of the day, so make sure to check the battery life before making a purchase. Look for phones with at least 3000mAh battery capacity or higher for longer usage time.

Brand Reputation

Last but not least, it’s essential to consider the brand reputation when buying a smartphone. Opting for well-known brands ensures better quality control and after-sales support in case of any issues.

In conclusion, choosing the best smartphone under $300 requires considering multiple factors such as budget, operating system, display, performance, camera quality, battery life, and brand reputation. By keeping these points in mind and doing proper research on different models available in this price range, you can find a reliable smartphone that meets all your needs without breaking the bank.

Author Profile

Avatar
Kirstin Walker
Kirstin Walker is a resilient and inspiring individual who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. As the founder of Sober Brown Girls, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe and supportive space for women of color struggling with addiction.

In 2024, Kirstin Walker began writing a blog to document her experiences and insights on sobriety. Her blog serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction, providing them with a relatable and understanding voice. Through her posts, Kirstin shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the coping mechanisms that have helped her maintain her sobriety.

By doing so, she creates a genuine and safe environment for her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with compassion and resilience. Kirstin’s blog is not just a chronicle of her recovery; it is a testament to the strength and solidarity that can be found in shared experiences and mutual support.