Within the not-too-distant previous, shopping for a finances telephone meant a protracted listing of sacrifices.
The downgrades in comparison with flagship and even mid-range telephones had been quite a few, to the extent that you simply actually wanted to spend extra for a tool that you may depend on.
These days are lengthy gone. In 2025, the very best finances telephones ship a strong expertise throughout all of the areas that matter, but maintain their costs firmly in inexpensive territory.
At Tech Advisor, we outline a finances smartphone as any handset that prices lower than £300/$300 when purchased outright. Which means there are dozens of choices, however solely the very best have made it into our prime three.
Greatest New Price range Cellphone of the Yr – Winner: CMF Cellphone 2 Professional
Foundry
The CMF Cellphone 1 was our favorite finances telephone of 2024, and its successor introduces some significant upgrades that enable the Nothing-owned model to take care of that place. It’s a uncommon feat in such a aggressive market.
Vital digital camera upgrades imply the Cellphone 2 Professional (there wasn’t a non-Professional mannequin this 12 months) can take superb photographs for the worth. There’s even a 2x telephoto lens and ultrawide sensor, providing the flexibility that few low-cost telephones can match.
It’s an all-round glorious telephone that simply so occurs to supply a novel design
The 6.5-inch show is one other real spotlight, whereas efficiency from the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Professional chipset received’t allow you to down. Battery life is strong, whereas Nothing’s tackle Android is slick and extremely customisable, particularly with a beneficiant six years of safety patches (three years of OS upgrades).
However the telephone’s massive promoting level stays its design. It’s one of many only a few smartphones that means that you can simply take away the again (although changing the battery continues to be difficult), permitting you to simply experiment with colors and textures. There’s additionally a devoted connector for lanyards, wallets and different equipment, which is a pleasant contact.
Crucially, the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional isn’t a case of fashion over substance. It’s an all-round glorious telephone that simply so occurs to supply a novel design, making it very straightforward to advocate.
Learn our full CMF Cellphone 2 Professional evaluation.
Greatest New Price range Cellphone of the Yr – First Runner-Up: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Galaxy A17 5G is extraordinarily much like its predecessor, the Galaxy A16 5G, which hampered its rating a bit. But it surely’s nonetheless among the finest finances telephones round regardless of the dearth of innovation.
Surprisingly, the telephone has lots in widespread with extra premium Samsung handsets, together with a gorgeous 6.7-inch OLED show, premium and triple rear cameras, although the principle 50Mp digital camera – now with stabilisation – is the one one which’s actually value utilizing.
Apart from the dearth of Galaxy AI options, One UI 8 is right here in all its glory, with the six years of OS and safety updates an actual perk over rivals at this value. With strong on a regular basis efficiency, respectable battery life and a glossy, sturdy design, there’s lots to love right here.
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy A17 5G evaluation.
Greatest New Price range Cellphone of the Yr – Second Runner-Up: OnePlus Nord CE 5
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
With a £299 price ticket at launch (no US availability, sadly), the Nord CE 5 is just simply low-cost sufficient to be thought-about a finances telephone.
Nonetheless, its mixture of fantastic construct high quality, a gorgeous show, strong efficiency and respectable battery life makes it an actual power. OnePlus additionally hasn’t diluted its glorious OxygenOS software program expertise, which advantages from six years of safety updates.
If neither of the choices above appeals to you and also you’re keen to spend a bit extra, the Nord CE 5 is a advantageous alternative.
Learn our full OnePlus Nord CE 5 evaluation.