Looking for the best smartphones under $300 in 2024 December - January? This guide presents the top budget-friendly smartphones you can buy for under 300 USD in the USA. These unlocked phones offer exceptional value for money, delivering powerful performance and essential features without the high price tag.
Smartphones are essential in our daily lives, but they don’t have to be expensive to meet your needs. Thankfully, there are plenty of great smartphones available for under $300 that provide excellent performance, stunning displays, and versatile cameras. In this article, we review some of the best smartphones in this price range, helping you find a device that balances quality and affordability.
These smartphones feature vibrant displays, fast processors, and durable batteries, and many even come equipped with 5G connectivity, ensuring you’re ready for the future of mobile networks. Whether you’re looking for a phone with a high-resolution camera, stylus support, or a sleek design, this list has something for every preference and budget.
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Check out our selection of the top 10 best unlocked smartphones under $300 in the USA, offering best-in-class specifications for a fantastic mobile experience without breaking the bank.
Price: $279 (Approx)
The Samsung Galaxy A34 is a feature-packed smartphone that delivers an exceptional user experience. Its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset and up to 8GB of memory, the Galaxy A34 delivers seamless multitasking and responsive performance.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by ultra-wide and macro lenses for versatile, high-quality photography. The phone’s AI-powered features enhance the overall camera performance.
The Galaxy A34 also has a large 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, so you can use the phone all day without running out of power. It is also IP67 dust and water resistant for added durability.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Processor | Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| Display | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Front camera | Single: 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1″, 1.12µm |
| Back camera | Triple: 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS; 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm; 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage size | 128GB or 256GB |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Running on Android 13 with One UI 5.1, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is an affordable smartphone that appeals to a wide range of users, making it an impressive option for anyone looking for excellent performance and features.
Price: $277 (Approx)
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a premium looking budget smartphone with a stunning display, a powerful processor and a versatile camera. It has a hybrid dual SIM slot. It runs Android 11 and MIUI 13 for a smooth and customisable user experience.
The phone has a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. The screen is vibrant and crisp, and the high refresh rate makes everything look smoother. The phone has a quad rear camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultra wide sensor, a 2 MP macro sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The camera quality is excellent in daylight and decent in low light. The phone can record 4K videos with good stabilisation. The selfie camera is a 16 MP sensor that takes good selfies.
The phone’s main drawback is the lack of 5G support, which may limit its future-proofing. However, it does have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset that delivers fast and smooth performance for most tasks and games. The phone has three variants of internal memory and RAM: 128GB/6GB, 128GB/8GB and 256GB/8GB.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 700 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| Display | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Back camera | Quad: 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52″, 0.7µm, PDAF; 8 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide); 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro); 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage size | 128GB or 256GB |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a good choice for people who want a premium smartphone with a nice display, a fast processor and a versatile camera. It is not the best phone for 5G connectivity or wireless charging, but it offers impressive performance for its price range.
Price: $270 (Approx)
The Poco F5 5G looks a lot like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo, with a 12-bit pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for vivid visuals. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor delivers impressive performance and supports 5G connectivity. It runs MIUI 14, based on Android 13, and promises two years of Android updates. Battery life is excellent, lasting over a day of heavy use, and the phone supports fast charging. However, the plastic back detracts from the premium feel.
The camera setup includes a 64MP primary lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens, delivering decent performance. While the main camera is excellent, the performance of the selfie camera is average.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | pOLED, 6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 778G 5G |
| Display | 6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Front camera | 32 MP |
| Back camera | 64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage size | 256 GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| NETWORK Technology | 5G / 4G / LTE |
Overall, the Poco F5 5G offers good value for money with its performance and display, although improvements in build quality and camera capabilities would be appreciated.
Price: $299 (Approx)
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is Motorola’s latest budget phone with a built-in stylus, making it a unique option in its price range. The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for drawing and note-taking. It is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, which delivers snappy performance for everyday use and mid-range gaming. Battery life easily lasting two days of regular use, but charging is relatively slow with the included 10W adapter.
The phone supports 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, making it future-proof for network upgrades. The camera performance is decent but not outstanding, typical of a mid-range device, and it runs Android 13 with a near-stock Android experience.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | IPS LCD, 6.8 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 900 |
| Display | 6.8 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Front camera | 13 MP |
| Back camera | 50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage size | 256 GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| NETWORK Technology | 5G / 4G / LTE |
Overall, the Moto G Stylus 5G is an excellent option for users who frequently use a stylus for creative or productivity tasks, but the lower spec processor may not fully utilise it for demanding gaming. With its unique stylus integration and solid performance, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a compelling package for budget-conscious users looking for a versatile smartphone.
Price: $299 (Approx)
The OnePlus Nord N30 is a mid-range smartphone with great performance and fast charging. It has a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an always-on feature. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset delivers smooth performance. The OnePlus Nord N30 has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card.
The OnePlus Nord N30 has a triple camera setup on the back, with a 108MP main sensor, a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth camera. The OnePlus Nord N30 also has a 16MP selfie camera, which can also record 1080p videos at 30fps.The OnePlus Nord N30 has a 5000mAh battery that supports 50W fast charging and can be charged in about an hour. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, NFC and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The OnePlus Nord N30 runs on Android 13 and OxygenOS 13.1 and has a sleek and sturdy design.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| Display | 6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Back camera | Triple: 108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF; 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro); 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage size | 128GB |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
The OnePlus Nord N30 is a great choice for anyone looking for a smartphone that can handle gaming, photography and multitasking with ease.It has a large and smooth screen, a powerful processor, a good camera system and fast charging.
Price: $259 (Approx)
The Xiaomi Poco X5 is an impressive mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight in terms of features and performance. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth viewing experience. Complemented by a 48-megapixel main sensor, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and 2-megapixel macro camera, you can capture a wide range of photos and videos.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, the device supports 5G connectivity for a seamless user experience, even when gaming and multitasking. The 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging provides extended usage, lasting a full day with moderate usage. Based on Android 12.1, MIUI 13 for POCO offers a clean and user-friendly interface. With stereo speakers, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack and face unlock, the Poco X5 offers added convenience. Available in a range of colours and It comes in two variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage. options.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | 120Hz AMOLED DotDisplay, 6.67 inches, 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
| Front camera | 16MP |
| Back camera | 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage size | 128GB or 256GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Network Technology | 5G / 4G / LTE |
The Poco X5 offers good performance, a long-lasting battery and a capable camera system. It does not have a high-end display or premium design, but it is a good option for those looking for a reliable and affordable 5G phone.
Price: $249 (Approx)
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2023 is a mid-range smartphone with a large battery, a smooth display and a decent camera. It has a water-resistant design and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenience. It runs on Android 13 and has a Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset that supports 5G connectivity.
The phone has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. The screen is bright and sharp, and the high refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming smoother. The phone has a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. The camera performance is good in daylight, but struggles in low light. The selfie camera is a 16 MP sensor that takes decent selfies.
The phone’s main selling point is its huge 5000 mAh battery, which can last more than a day with moderate use. The phone supports 15W wired charging, but does not have wireless charging or reverse charging. The phone has 256GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, which should be enough for most users. The phone also has a microSD card slot for additional storage.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) |
| Display | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Back camera | Triple: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF; 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth); 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage size | 256GB |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2023 is a good choice for people who value battery life, display quality and 5G support. It is not the best phone for photography or gaming, but it offers solid performance for its price.
Price: $299 (Approx)
The Google Pixel 6a has a sleek design and powerful features. With a 6.1-inch OLED display with HDR support, the visuals are vibrant. The Google Tensor chipset with 6GB of RAM ensures smooth performance. The 128GB of internal storage provides plenty of space, although there is no option for expansion. The 12.2MP dual camera setup with Pixel Shift and OIS captures stunning photos and 4K videos, while the 8MP front camera is great for selfies. The 4410mAh battery provides excellent endurance. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6e and NFC. It runs on Android 12, which is upgradeable to Android 13. With an IP67 rating, it’s resistant to dust and water.
The Google Pixel 6a doesn’t offer expandable storage, but it makes up for it with its connectivity, performance, and camera capabilities. It runs on Android 12 and is upgradeable to Android 13, giving users access to the latest features. The stereo speakers provide excellent sound quality and the device comes in three colors: Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | OLED, HDR |
| Processor | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| Display | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Front camera | Single: 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Back camera | Dual: 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage size | 128GB |
| Battery | Li-Po 4410 mAh, non-removable |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
For the price, it offers great value and reliability, making it a worthwhile choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded smartphone option.
Price: $283 (Approx)
The Nokia G42 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a good overall experience. It has a large, 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a decent camera system, and a long-lasting battery. The display is bright and clear, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth and fluid. Powered by the Snapdragon 480 5G chipset.it is powerful enough to handle most tasks without any problems. The main camera takes good photos in good lighting, but it can struggle in low light and the front-facing camera takes good selfies. If you are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a large display, a decent camera system, and a long-lasting battery, the Nokia G42 is a good option.
BatteryLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display type and resolution | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB |
| Storage size | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Back camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP, (macro) 2 MP, (depth) |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Price: $268 (Approx)
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a budget smartphone that was released in February 2023. It features a 6.6-inch AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor and a triple-lens rear camera system. The phone comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage(but no expandable storage).
The Redmi Note 12 has a good display with vibrant colours and good viewing angles. The 48 MP phone camera is also capable of taking good photos in both bright and low light conditions. The battery life is also long, lasting a full day on a single charge. However, It does not have wireless charging.
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display type and resolution | AMOLED, 6.6 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 810 |
| Display | 6.6 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Back camera | 50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage size | 128 GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| NETWORK Technology | 5G / 4G / LTE |
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a good budget smartphone with a good display, a capable camera and a long-lasting battery.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a good option for those looking for a budget smartphone with a good display, a capable camera and a long-lasting battery.
| Mobiles | Price |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A34 | |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | |
| Poco F5 | |
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | |
| OnePlus Nord N30 | |
| Poco X5 | |
| Motorola Moto G Power 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Nokia G42 | |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G |
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