Best Budget Smartphones Under $300 for Students in 2025
1. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a standout choice for budget-conscious students. Priced around $249, this smartphone offers a compelling mix of performance and features. With a 6.5-inch HD+ display, students can enjoy sharp visuals while watching lectures or streaming their favorite series. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100 chipset ensures smooth performance for multitasking, perfect for running educational apps and managing schedules.
Storage options start at 64GB, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card, allowing students to store extensive resources. The device’s 5000 mAh battery provides excellent longevity, easily lasting through a long day of classes. Its triple-camera setup, featuring a 50 MP main camera, captures high-quality photos for social media and documentation. Running on One UI 5.0 based on Android 13, it ensures a user-friendly experience.
2. Moto G Play (2025)
For students prioritizing battery life and affordability, the Moto G Play (2025) is an excellent pick. Retailing for approximately $199, it features a 6.5-inch Max Vision display, offering immersive viewing for educational content and everyday browsing. Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G37 processor, it efficiently handles daily tasks, making it a suitable companion for students.
Its standout feature is the 5000 mAh battery, enabling up to three days of usage on a single charge. With 32GB of internal storage (expandable to 512GB), students can keep crucial documents and applications at their fingertips. The dual-camera system, including a 13 MP main sensor, allows for decent photography without breaking the bank. Running Android 13, this smartphone is simple and straightforward, ideal for those new to smartphones.
3. OnePlus Nord N200 5G
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G offers a blend of premium features at a budget price, usually around $239. Its 6.49-inch Full HD+ display is vibrant and sharp, enhancing the experience while watching videos or participating in online classes. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor ensures that app launches and multitasking remain smooth, perfect for students juggling multiple tasks.
With 64GB of internal storage and microSD card support, students can easily increase their storage capacity. The N200 5G boasts a competent triple-camera setup consisting of a 13 MP primary camera, making it suitable for capturing moments during campus life. A 5000 mAh battery ensures all-day usage and supports 18W fast charging, a handy feature for on-the-go students. The device runs on OxygenOS, which is both minimalistic and efficient, allowing plenty of customization options.
4. TCL 30 SE
The TCL 30 SE is a reliable and affordable smartphone option, available for around $149. This device impresses with its 6.52-inch HD+ display, great for everything from reading assignments to video calls. Underneath, the MediaTek Helio G25 processor effectively meets daily demands, from checking emails to using social media apps.
With 64GB of internal storage and the ability to expand via microSD, students can store a library of study materials. The 13 MP main camera provides decent photography capabilities, essential for documenting important notes or campus activities. The 5000 mAh battery ensures that the phone remains functional for an extended period, which is ideal for students who are often on the move. The TCL 30 SE runs on Android 12, delivering a familiar and user-friendly interface.
5. Nokia G20
Nokia has long been known for its durable smartphones, and the Nokia G20 embodies this ethos with a price around $199. The device features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, providing ample screen space for reading textbooks and viewing instructional videos. Its MediaTek Helio G35 processor ensures reliability for everyday usage, perfect for students.
The G20 is equipped with 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, making it suitable for storing apps and documents. With a 48 MP quad-camera system, students can take high-resolution photos for social networking and school projects. Additionally, the 5050 mAh battery provides extended use, coupled with a two-day battery life. Running on Android 11, the G20 guarantees a clean experience devoid of bloatware, appealing to tech-savvy students.
6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Available for around $249, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a fantastic option for students looking for a premium feel without the hefty price tag. Its 6.43-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, great for watching online lectures or movies. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor offers capable performance for multitasking and gaming, ensuring students can easily switch between tasks and applications.
The 64GB of internal storage is expandable via microSD, allowing students to keep all their academic resources handy. It features a quad-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, enabling high-quality photography. The 5000 mAh battery delivers impressive longevity, often lasting more than a day even with heavy use. Running MIUI 13 based on Android 11, the device offers numerous customization options and features to enhance the user experience.
7. Realme Narzo 30
The Realme Narzo 30 is another worthy contender in the budget smartphone category, priced around $199. Featuring a 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, it’s ideal for smooth scrolling and an enhanced visual experience when using educational apps. The MediaTek Helio G95 chip provides powerful performance, suitable for multitasking and gaming during downtime.
With up to 128GB of expandable storage, students can save essential study materials without worry. The 48 MP triple-camera system ensures captivating photography that students will cherish. The Narzo 30 is powered by a 5000 mAh battery that supports decent usage patterns, lasting through long study sessions. Running Realme UI based on Android 11, it provides an intuitive experience that caters to various user preferences.
8. POCO M5
The POCO M5 is an excellent budget-friendly option known for its gaming performance, usually priced at around $189. Its 6.58-inch display offers FHD+ resolution, providing an excellent viewing experience for all types of content. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, the M5 excels in running demanding games and multitasking, making it perfect for students who enjoy gaming and studying equally.
With 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), students can enjoy ample space for apps, games, and media. The 50 MP triple-camera setup ensures high-quality photography, while the 5000 mAh battery guarantees all-day performance. The device runs MIUI 13 for POCO based on Android 12, offering a blend of performance and user-focused features for a smooth interaction.
9. ZTE Blade A7 Prime
ZTE’s Blade A7 Prime is one of the most budget-friendly smartphones available at around $119. It features a 6.09-inch HD+ display, perfect for reading and casual media consumption. The MediaTek Helio P60 processor ensures that everyday tasks run smoothly, although it may not be suitable for heavy gaming.
Storage options start at 32GB but can be expanded via microSD, making it manageable for students needing extra space. Its 13 MP main camera allows for capturing important life moments on campus, and the 4000 mAh battery provides decent reliability. The ZTE Blade A7 Prime runs on Android 9, offering a straightforward interface suitable for users new to smartphones.
10. LG K51
Finally, the LG K51, priced under $200, proves to be a solid choice for students. This phone comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering a good viewing area for educational content and mobile games. The MediaTek Helio P22 processor ensures adequate performance for most minor tasks, and it features 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded via microSD.
The K51 is equipped with a triple-camera system, including a 13 MP wide-angle lens, allowing students to capture landscapes and social events. A 4000 mAh battery provides enough juice for reasonable daily usage, ensuring the phone lasts through classes and study sessions. Running Android 10, it offers intuitive navigation and familiar features for first-time smartphone users.
These affordable smartphones under $300 combine practicality and value, making them perfect for students requiring reliable devices for their academic journey in 2025. By considering performance, battery life, and advanced features, students can find a device aligning with their needs without exceeding their budget. With numerous options available, opting for a quality budget smartphone ensures that students can stay connected, organized, and engaged with their learning experience.
