Top Phones Under $300 (2026)

Mobility Arena calls the Galaxy A17 5G the strongest overall pick under $300, mainly because of its six years of promised OS and security updates, far more than most budget phones. BGR names the Galaxy A26 5G the best Samsung phone under $300.

Skip it if: You want the best camera or fastest speed

Gizmochina ranks the Moto G Play (2026) first on its under-$300 list for its blend of features and all-day battery. Mobility Arena lists it among the safest unlocked picks under $300, and Tom's Guide's battery test lists it at about 18 hours 50 minutes.

Skip it if: You want lots of storage or long updates

Tom's Guide ranks the Moto G (2026) first for battery at 19 hours 10 minutes. Mobility Arena lists it among the safest picks under $300 but notes the price rose after launch because of memory-chip costs.

Skip it if: The price has gone over your budget