Arabella Asis Tech 01.24.2024 03:Jan AM EST

Tech on a Budget: Smartphones Under $300 That Won't Break the Bank

Smartphones evolve faster than any gadget that is available right now. New models and features are continuously hitting the market, overwhelming its consumers with new technology.

Although the latest flagship phones are tempting to buy due to their fancy and impressive features, it can be hard for some people to buy them. Most of the time tech enthusiasts and people who have the money to them are only able to afford these phones.

Fortunately, some companies offer mid-range phones that have reliable features and can be bought for under $300. Of course, consumers should be wary that since it is cheaper there is a vast difference in some aspects from the software to the hardware.

If you are looking for a cost-effective yet powerful device, here are some smartphone options that you can check under that $300 budget:

OnePlus Nord N30 5G ($269.99)

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G offers a 108MP triple camera with 3x lossless zoom and image stabilization which is perfect for users who love to take pictures but are on a budget. It also boasts a 50W charging that could charge the phone from 0% to 100% within 45 minutes.

It has an 8GB of expandable virtual RAM and a memory storage of 128GB. However, do note that it could only support one software update to Android 14. Aside from that, the N30 5G will only have three years of security updates.

TCL 20s ($118)

TCL is known for providing budget yet quality smartphones. The 20s have a 64MP quad camera and 16MP front cam for people who love to update their social media through stories.

The TCL runs on the Snapdragon 665 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. In addition, it has a large 5,000mAh battery that ensures it will last long. The 20s runs on Android 11.

Moto G Stylus ($189.99)

If you are a fan of Samsung's stylus phones like the Galaxy S23 and S24 Ultra but can't afford it yet, the G Stylus can provide the same experience to you. It has a built-in stylus and a large 6.5-inch display on 90Hz for note-taking and drawing.

It also offers a 50MP camera that utilizes the Quad Pixel technology. The G Stylus also runs Android 13. However, it only has 64GB of internal storage and is only compatible with 4G.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G ($299.99)

If you are wary of other brands and would like to stick with popular smartphones then you can try their mid-range lineup like Samsung's Galaxy A14 5G. It runs on Android 13 but can support up to Android 14 update.

The 50MP camera also comes with a 13MP front cam and can support 1080p video shoots. Unlike other Galaxy phones, the A14 5G still has its 3.5mm jack for wired headsets.

Nokia G50 5G ($196.10)

The Nokia G50 5G offers a long battery life and a 48MP camera that is equipped with AI and video selfie stabilization. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform if you are aiming for a 5G device.

The device also comes with three years of security upgrades and 2 years of operating system upgrades. It is also durable as part of Nokia's long reputation when it comes to design.