Modern phones are often expensive, but they don’t have to be.
In fact, it’s possible to get a top-quality handset for under £250/$250 – a fraction of what flagships usually cost.
These budget phones have compromises, of course, but you might be surprised by just how much you’re getting for your money. The very best models deliver a great all-round experience for an impressively low price.
Here are the three best budget phones from 2024 that we recommend above all others and you can see what other products won in this year’s Tech Advisor Best of 2024-25 Awards.
Best New Budget Phone of the Year – Winner: CMF Phone 1
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
CMF is the sub-brand of Nothing, which itself was only founded in 2020 by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei.
Nothing phones already stand out in the mid-range market, but the first CMF handset makes a real splash for budget buyers.
Unlike many cheap phones, it’s a genuinely fun and unique device. That starts with the design, which includes a removable back panel and physical attachment for lanyard, kickstand and card wallet accessories.
The first CMF handset makes a real splash for budget buyers
But it’s not a case of style over substance, with the Phone 1 excelling in three of the most important hardware areas: performance, display and battery life.
You also get Nothing’s signature take on Android, which adds some thoughtful features and extra customisability to Google’s OS.
There are compromises to be aware of – cameras, software updates and missing NFC could all be addressed – but when you’re getting so much for so little money, it’s hard to complain.
If you want a great budget phone that feels genuinely unique, the CMF Phone 1 is the device for you.
Best New Budget Phone of the Year – First Runner-Up: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Simon Chandler / Foundry
The Galaxy A15 5G is a strong, reliable budget phone choice. It delivers everything most people need in a handset, plus the familiarity of Samsung, at an impressively affordable price.
Highlights include a flagship-esque premium design, superb battery life and one of the best main cameras on any budget phone. And while LCD rather than OLED, the 90Hz display is a joy.
Samsung’s One UI software is intuitive and easy to use. It’ll be updated with three more major OS updates after Android 15 and be supported until 2029, which is a real plus.
Performance, charging speeds and a lack of official water resistance are disappointing, but not dealbreakers when the Galaxy A15 5G gets so much right.
Best New Budget Phone of the Year – Second Runner-Up: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Redmi Note 13 5G is technically too expensive to be a budget phone, costing £279 at full price. It also isn’t available in the US, unless you want to risk importing one.
But if you can look beyond both those things, there’s an impressive budget phone. Xiaomi continues to excel when it comes to design, while the 120Hz OLED display is truly excellent.
You also get plenty of storage and four years of software support, provided you’re happy to put up with Xiaomi’s HyperOS Android skin.
Battery life and cameras take a hit, but both are usable, especially when the Redmi Note 13 5G is so affordable.
For more great options, see our full guide to the best budget phones you can buy. You may also be interested in all the 2023-24 award winners.
