10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong contender in the budget phone category, offering several features that stand out for everyday users. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display is bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and media viewing enjoyable and clear. The 4900mAh battery provides solid endurance, supporting up to 33 hours of talk time, and recharges quickly with Super Fast Charging 2.0, so you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long.

In terms of camera, it features a 12MP front camera with AI-powered enhancements for impressive selfies and video, plus a high-resolution rear camera with smart editing tools that help you tweak photos easily. The processor, an Exynos 2400 chipset, delivers good performance for daily tasks and multitasking, supported by 8GB of RAM which is ample for a smooth experience. With 256GB of storage, this phone offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos, suitable for users who don’t want to worry about running out of room. The build feels durable thanks to its Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+, giving confidence against everyday drops and scratches.

Running the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, the phone promises an updated software experience and improved user interface, alongside useful features like fingerprint sensor, water resistance, wireless charging, and NFC. Being unlocked means it works with all carriers, adding flexibility. While it may not match flagship phones in camera detail or top-end processing power, and the AI enhancements might not always replace professional editing, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and quality build that suits everyday needs well. Some users might find the large size bulky for one-handed use due to its lightweight and slim design.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for a budget-friendly smartphone that covers most everyday needs effectively. Its large 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers a sharp and colorful viewing experience, ideal for browsing, watching videos, or reading. The phone features an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity supporting up to 27 hours of talk time with super fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime during busy days. The triple-lens camera setup captures clear photos suitable for casual photography, including group shots and close-ups, though it does not compare to higher-end phones in low light or advanced photography features.

Powered by a 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, the device handles daily apps and multitasking smoothly but may struggle with heavy gaming or very demanding applications. Storage is generous with 128GB built-in and expandable up to 1.5TB via a memory card, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The build quality is durable with an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes, making it reliable for everyday use without excessive worry about minor accidents.

Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, the phone promises six years of software and security updates, which helps keep the device secure and current over time. Some drawbacks include the 4GB RAM being on the lower side for future-proofing and a camera system more suited for basic photography. Additionally, the phone weighs 200 grams, which might feel a bit heavy to some users. For those seeking an affordable phone with a large bright screen, solid battery life, decent cameras, and reliable software support, the Galaxy A16 5G is a compelling option.

The Moto G - 2025 is a budget-friendly phone that offers some impressive features for its price. It comes unlocked, making it compatible with all major U.S. carriers, which is a great convenience. The 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate is quite impressive for a phone in this category, offering bright and smooth visuals, though the HD+ resolution might not be as sharp as some users would prefer. The 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel technology promises good photo quality, especially in low light, and the 16MP front camera should be sufficient for selfies and video calls.

Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset combined with 4GB of RAM should handle everyday tasks well, though it may struggle with more demanding applications. The option to boost RAM using internal storage is a nice touch, but it can reduce available storage space. Speaking of storage, the phone offers a generous 128GB, which can be expanded with a microSD card up to 1TB, ensuring plenty of room for all your files and apps. The 5000mAh battery is a significant plus, providing long-lasting usage, and the TurboPower charging feature allows for quick top-ups.

The build quality is solid, featuring a stylish vegan leather design and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability, though it's only water-repellent, not waterproof. On the software front, it runs Android 15, which is the latest version and should provide a smooth user experience along with future updates. However, some users might find the lack of included fast charger a bit inconvenient. All in all, the Moto G - 2025 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget phone with great battery life, a good camera, and solid performance for everyday use, but it may not satisfy users seeking top-tier display resolution or who frequently use demanding apps.