Best Budget Smartphones of 2024: Under $300
Finding a smartphone that balances performance, camera quality, and battery life without breaking the bank is no longer a challenge. In 2024, budget smartphones are delivering impressive specs and features, often rivaling their more expensive counterparts. If you’re looking for a high-quality device that won’t empty your wallet, here are the best budget smartphones under $300 for 2024.
1. Motorola Moto G Power 2024
Price: $250
Motorola continues to dominate the budget segment with the Moto G Power 2024. This device offers a large 6.5-inch HD+ display and a powerful 5000mAh battery that can last up to 3 days on a single charge. Powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM, it handles day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming with ease. Plus, its 50MP primary camera ensures solid photo quality in most conditions, making it a reliable option for under $300.
2. Samsung Galaxy A24
Price: $299
The Samsung Galaxy A24 provides a premium experience on a budget. With its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, FHD+ resolution, and 90Hz refresh rate, this phone offers one of the best screens in this price range. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, the A24 is a capable multitasker and gaming device for casual users. Samsung’s One UI provides a smooth, user-friendly experience, while the 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro for versatile shooting.
3. Google Pixel 6a
Price: $299
While the Pixel 6a may have launched in 2023, it’s still one of the best budget smartphones in 2024 due to Google's excellent software support. The Pixel 6a runs on the same Google Tensor chip as the flagship Pixel 6, delivering great performance in AI tasks, photography, and gaming. Its 12MP camera takes stunning photos with Google’s advanced computational photography features. Plus, you get access to stock Android and guaranteed software updates, making this device a long-term investment at a bargain price.
4. Nokia G50 5G
Price: $280
For users seeking 5G connectivity on a budget, the Nokia G50 5G is an excellent choice. Featuring a 6.82-inch HD+ display and powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor, this phone offers solid performance for everyday tasks, plus the added bonus of 5G for faster internet speeds. The 48MP primary camera and 8MP selfie camera deliver decent photo quality. Nokia's commitment to pure Android ensures regular security updates and a clean, bloat-free experience.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Price: $279
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 offers excellent value with its 6.67-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset. This smartphone is perfect for media consumption, with vivid colors and smooth scrolling. The 50MP primary camera performs well in daylight, and the 13MP selfie camera ensures crisp selfies. With a 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging, the Redmi Note 12 is ideal for users looking for great performance and battery life under $300.
6. Realme Narzo 60
Price: $270
The Realme Narzo 60 is one of the fastest budget phones you can get in 2024, thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor and 6GB of RAM. Its 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP AI-powered main camera is impressive for the price, and its 16MP selfie camera takes high-quality portraits. The 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, making it one of the most power-efficient phones in this category.
7. Poco M6 Pro
Price: $249
Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, continues to deliver excellent budget options, and the Poco M6 Pro is no exception. With a Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, and 120Hz refresh rate, the Poco M6 Pro feels far more premium than its price tag suggests. It includes a 50MP main camera and a large 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. For users looking for performance and style, this is one of the best options in the sub-$300 category.
8. TCL 40 SE
Price: $230
The TCL 40 SE is an affordable smartphone that focuses on multimedia experiences. With a 6.75-inch LCD display, stereo speakers, and NXTVISION visual enhancement technology, this phone is ideal for binge-watching and gaming. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 chipset, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, and its 50MP primary camera performs well in good lighting. The 5000mAh battery offers up to two days of use on a single charge.
9. Infinix Note 13 Pro
Price: $260
The Infinix Note 13 Pro stands out with its 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and MediaTek Helio G96 processor, making it perfect for media lovers on a budget. The 108MP primary camera, a rare find in this price range, is excellent for detailed shots, and the 16MP selfie camera provides sharp, vibrant images. Its 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, making it a solid performer for under $300.
10. Vivo Y36
Price: $299
The Vivo Y36 offers a sleek design and a 6.64-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Powered by a Snapdragon 680 chipset, it performs well in day-to-day activities, from social media to light gaming. The 50MP main camera captures detailed photos, while the 16MP selfie camera ensures high-quality video calls. Its 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging is another highlight, making this phone a solid all-around budget device.
What to Expect from Budget Smartphones in 2024
In 2024, budget smartphones are proving that you don't need to spend big to get premium features. Here’s what you can expect:
- 5G Connectivity: More phones under $300 now offer 5G, providing faster data speeds for better browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences.
- High-Quality Displays: FHD+ displays, AMOLED panels, and higher refresh rates (90Hz and 120Hz) are becoming common in budget phones.
- Improved Cameras: With advancements in AI-driven photography and higher megapixel counts (50MP and above), budget phones now offer great camera experiences.
- Battery Life and Fast Charging: Large batteries (5000mAh) and fast charging are increasingly standard in this price range, ensuring longer usage and quick top-ups.
- Software Support: Many budget phones are offering more extended software updates, ensuring security and new features for a longer time.
Conclusion
Budget smartphones in 2024 are offering more features than ever before, from high-quality displays to impressive cameras and powerful processors. Whether you’re after a long-lasting battery, great photography capabilities, or smooth performance, there’s a device under $300 that will meet your needs without sacrificing quality.