Top-rated smartphone options under €300 on the market
"Savvy Shoppers' Guide to Affordable Smartphones: Entry-Level Phones Punching Above Their Weight!"
Looking for an affordable smartphone without compromising on features? Check out these top picks for awesome entry-level devices under €300 that are packing a punch!
1. Honor Magic7 Lite: Best Smartphone Under €300
Kick it up a notch with the Honor Magic7 Lite, boasting military-grade durability, an OLED screen, 5G compatibility, and fast charging. This robust and lightweight device (189g) stands out with its certified MIL-STD-810G PVMC design, ensuring it can handle rough handling or water splashes (IP64 certified). Sporting a dazzling 1189 cd/m2 bright AMOLED screen (120Hz) with infinite contrast, you'll have a cinematic visual experience on your fingertips. Its powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, MagicOS 8.0, and 8.4/10 repairability score keep it competitive on the inside. The Magic7 Lite's 108MP main sensor captures delightful shots in daylight, while a large 6600mAh battery ensures exceptional battery life with up to 2 days of use.
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2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Best Smartphone Under €250
Looking for a reliable smartphone on a budget? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is an excellent option. This sleek and robust device features an IP68 certification, making it both dust- and water-resistant. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED screen dazzles with infinite contrast, exceptional color fidelity, and outstanding brightness (1767 cd/m2). The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra doesn't slow you down, delivering speedy performance. The device's 200MP main sensor captures decent shots during daylight but struggles in low light. Its 5400 mAh battery lasts around 20 hours, and the 45W fast charging features help save time.
View the Full Test of Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G: Best Smartphone for Around €200
Don't let the budget deter you; the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G promises an impressive bang for your buck. With a sleek plastic design and curved edges, it is highly manageable despite its size. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED screen boasts a vibrant display and impressive color accuracy (Delta E 2.82). The Snapdragon 685 chip and Android 14 ensure a fluid user experience, although gamers may find significant slowdowns. The 108MP main sensor takes decent photos but suffers from relatively poor results in low light due to overprocessing. Despite being plastic, it comes with excellent repairability (score of 8.4/10), and Xiaomi guarantees 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches.
Trust Our Expertise:With over 10 years as a tech journalist, Fouad Bencheman knows his stuff. Known for reportage, popularization, and extensive product tests, he delves into the world of audio, smartphones, urban mobility, and beyond.
How We Tested These Smartphones:In all smartphone tests, we conduct extensive evaluations after spending weeks with the devices, analyzing parameters such as handling, daily use, and charge and battery life. We also perform technical tests to provide objective data—colorimetric probes measuring contrast, brightness, and color accuracy; benchmark applications analyzing overall performance, computing power, GPU, multitasking performance, AI capability; and camera testing on specific scenes.
Why Trust Us
Fouad Bencheman, a renowned tech journalist with over 10 years of experience, is the force behind this article. Passionate about reportage, popularization, and thorough product tests, he explores the world of audio, smartphones, and urban mobility in all its forms.
Our Test Methodology
To ensure the best results, we follow a rigorous and precise methodology for our smartphone tests. First, we spend several weeks with the products, evaluating aspects such as handling, daily use, and overall ergonomics. Then, we conduct technical tests for quantified and objective data, examining screen, SoC, overall performance, AI, battery life, and charge.
Complete Selection of the Best Smartphones Under €300
How to Choose Your Entry-Level Smartphone
Enrichment Data:- Budget-friendly smartphones offer impressive durability, OLED screens, 5G compatibility, and fast charging for under €300: - OnePlus Nord N30 5G: Fast charging, large 5,000 mAh battery, and 5G compatibility but unconfirmed OLED screen. - CMF Phone 2 Pro: Might not offer OLED screens; 5,000 mAh battery, fast charging, 33W, and 5G compatibility with uncertainty. - Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: Features 5G and fast charging, but an unconfirmed OLED screen.
Some additional options with near-OLED screens or impressive features include: - Moto G 5G (2024): 5G compatibility, fast charging, and OLED potential but unverified. - TCL 30 V 5G: Offers 5G, fast charging, yet OLED confirmation is needed.
- For those seeking a balance between affordability and technology, the Honor Magic7 Lite features a budget-friendly price point without compromising on features like military-grade durability, a bright OLED screen, 5G compatibility, and fast charging.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G, priced around €200, offers impressive technology such as a vibrant AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 685 chip, and 5G compatibility, making it an excellent option for smartphone shoppers on a budget.
