Top 5 Budget Smartphones in the UK (2025 Edition)
Updated: Aug 2025. Budget phones in the UK are better than ever: crisp 120Hz displays, all-day batteries, capable 50–64MP cameras, and multi-year software support—often under £300–£350. Below are five value picks and how to choose the right one for you. Specs and prices vary by retailer and time; always check the UK variant before buying.
How we picked
- Real everyday speed: smooth performance in social, maps, banking, camera, light gaming.
- Longevity: at least 3 years of security updates typical in this class; OS upgrades vary—verify per model.
- UK practicality: NFC for contactless (Apple Pay/Google Pay), decent 5G bands, and reliable after-sales.
- Value: launch price is one thing—street price and bundles (chargers, cases) matter more.
Quick list
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G — safest all-rounder with strong OLED, robust software support.
- OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite — long battery + fast charging, smooth OxygenOS feel.
- Motorola Moto G85 5G — clean Android, comfy design, excellent battery life.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — big camera sensor value, vivid 120Hz AMOLED.
- Google Pixel 7a (on sale) — flagship-grade camera processing when discounted under ~£300.
1) Samsung Galaxy A35 5G — the safe bet
Why it stands out: Samsung’s OLED display quality at this price is hard to beat, with good outdoor brightness and smooth 120Hz. The A-series typically enjoys longer-than-average update policies among budget phones, and Samsung Pay/Google Pay with NFC is seamless.
- Best for: People who want stability, strong resale value, and a familiar UI.
- Pros: OLED quality, reliable camera, solid IP rating for the price, wide accessory ecosystem.
- Cons: Not the fastest charger in class; camera is good but not “flagship-night-mode” level.
2) OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite — battery + charging king
Why it stands out: All-day (and often two-day) battery plus quick charging, with a smooth OxygenOS experience that feels snappy even on mid-range chips.
- Best for: Commuters and streamers who value endurance and a fluid UI.
- Pros: Big battery, fast charging brick usually included, 120Hz display.
- Cons: Cameras are fine in daylight but can struggle in low light without GCam-style processing.
3) Motorola Moto G85 5G — the clean Android choice
Why it stands out: Light software with close-to-stock Android, strong reception, and a comfortable, lightweight build. Motorola gestures (twist to open camera, chop to toggle torch) still delight.
- Best for: Users who want a bloat-free experience and outstanding battery life.
- Pros: Battery longevity, reliable connectivity, pleasantly bright AMOLED.
- Cons: Update policy is okay but shorter than premium tiers; camera tuning is conservative.
4) Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — camera value hunter
Why it stands out: High-resolution main sensor, punchy AMOLED, generous storage/RAM options for the money. Great for social content and casual night shots if you tweak settings.
- Best for: People who prioritise screen and camera hardware per pound.
- Pros: Big sensor, vivid screen, fast charging for the bracket.
- Cons: MIUI/HyperOS learning curve, more pre-installed apps (you can disable most).
5) Google Pixel 7a (deal watch) — computational camera win
Why it stands out: When UK promos push the 7a below ~£300, it’s a camera monster for the money: excellent HDR, skin tones, and Night Sight, with the Pixel’s tidy UI.
- Best for: Photo-first buyers who don’t mind an older model if the price is right.
- Pros: Class-leading stills processing, clean software, consistent updates.
- Cons: Battery is fine but not class-leading; charging is modest; RRP usually higher—wait for sales.
What to check before you buy (UK specifics)
- 5G/4G bands: Make sure the UK/EU model supports your carrier’s bands. Grey imports can miss key bands.
- Charger in the box: Some brands exclude it—add the cost if needed.
- Warranty & returns: Buying from authorised UK retailers simplifies repairs and DOA exchanges.
- Software support: Budget phones typically get fewer OS upgrades than flagships—check the brand’s current policy for the exact model/year.
- Storage & microSD: Some picks have 128GB base; if there’s no microSD, prefer 256GB if you shoot lots of video.
Camera reality check
In daylight, all five are “good enough.” Differences show up at night and in motion. Samsung and Google lean on computational processing; Xiaomi leans on sensor size and sharpening; OnePlus and Moto keep colours natural. If you film a lot, check stabilisation and whether 4K/60 is supported (often 4K/30 at this price).
Battery & charging
Expect 5,000mAh batteries across the board. Screen efficiency and chipset tuning matter as much as capacity. Charging ranges from basic 18–25W up to 67W on some models. Rule of thumb: a real 30–45 minutes to 50% is typical for the faster ones; slower chargers may take 70–90 minutes to full.
Which one should you pick?
- Reliable all-rounder, minimal fuss: Galaxy A35 5G
- Battery + speed with a slick UI: Nord CE 4 Lite
- Clean Android & comfort: Moto G85 5G
- Best hardware value for camera/screen: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
- Top camera under £300 (when discounted): Pixel 7a
Disclaimer: Prices, specs, and update policies change frequently and vary by UK retailer/variant. Verify details on the manufacturer’s UK page before purchase.
