Best Budget Smartphones UK 2024: Top Picks Under £300

In a world where flagship phones now cost more than a weekend getaway to the Lake District, finding the best budget smartphones in the UK for 2024 is an enjoyable task as budget-friendly smartphones meet high-quality specifications. Gone are the days when affordable meant sluggish performance or cameras that turned your sunset photos into pixelated blobs. This year’s crop of budget-friendly smartphones proves you don’t need to mortgage your morning latte habit to own a reliable, feature-packed smartphone. Whether you’re navigating London’s Tube delays, capturing the moody beauty of the Scottish Highlands, or just trying to avoid another awkward family Zoom call, the best budget smartphones UK 2024 has to offer are here to impress.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Let’s start with a device that’s been turning a fair few heads heads on the high street: the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Priced at £199 for the 128GB model, this phone is the overachiever of the budget category. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display is so vibrant it makes drizzle-soaked streets look Instagram-ready. The 108MP main camera isn’t just a number on a spec sheet -it’s a genuine game-changer for amateur photographers. Imagine snapping the neon glow of Birmingham’s Bullring at night and actually seeing details in the shadows.

But what about software? Xiaomi’s MIUI has had its critics over the years, often accused of feeling like a teenager’s first Android skin. The Redmi Note 13, however, ships with a cleaner, more UK-friendly version of the OS. You’ll still get the occasional ad in system apps (a Xiaomi quirk), but it’s easier to disable than trying to explain to your nan why her “new Facebook” looks different. Battery life is another win – the 5,000mAh cell easily lasts two days if you’re not glued to TikTok. For just under £200, it’s hard to argue with a device that handles pub trivia night, National Rail enquiries, and the occasional Call of Duty: Mobile session without breaking a sweat.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

Samsung, never one to cede the budget market to Chinese upstarts, has fired back with the Galaxy A25 5G. Retailing at £249, it’s pricier than the Redmi but justifies the cost with a design that could pass for a £600 phone. The glossy back panel and slim bezels give it a premium feel that won’t look out of place next to a pint of artisanal ale at your local gastropub. Samsung’s One UI remains the gold standard for Android skins, offering features Brits actually use – like a dedicated “rain mode” that boosts screen brightness during those sudden downpours that catch you halfway through your journey home.

Where the Galaxy A25 5G really shines is updates. Samsung promises four years of Android upgrades, meaning this phone could outlast your current gym membership or survive through your degree course. The Exynos 1280 chipset isn’t going to win any speed records, but it handles multitasking between WhatsApp, Citymapper, and your Ocado delivery slot without stuttering. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display is perfect for binge-watching your favourite shows during your lunch break, though the single speaker does leave something to be desired – you’ll want Bluetooth headphones for proper immersion.

Motorola Moto G85 5G

Motorola’s Moto G85 is priced at £299, allowing it to just about squeeze into the list of the best budget smartphones in the UK for 2024. It refines the blueprint of its predecessor with upgrades that feel tailored to British sensibilities. The star of the show remains the 120Hz refresh rate display, now brighter and more colour-accurate, making it ideal for scrolling through your favourite apps or marathoning the latest episodes of your favourite show.

But this year, Motorola has thrown in a surprise: a sleek vegan leather back panel option that adds a touch of sophistication – perfect for those who want their phone to look at home next to a flat white in a classy café. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset under the hood isn’t groundbreaking, but it handles split-screen multitasking smoothly, avoiding the dreaded “spinning wheel of doom” when you need your apps working now.

Where the Moto G85 truly impresses is its camera system. The new 50MP main sensor, paired with Motorola’s computational photography tweaks, delivers crisp shots even in the UK’s notoriously moody lighting. Capture the vibrant chaos of Camden Market or the misty serenity of the Yorkshire Dales without your photos looking like they were taken through a misty window.

Motorola has also addressed last year’s software update complaints, pledging three years of security patches – a step forward, though still behind Samsung’s benchmark. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo speakers elevates Netflix binges, and yes, the 3.5mm headphone jack survives another generation, much to the relief of vinyl enthusiasts and podcast addicts clinging to their trusty wired earphones.

Best Budget Smartphones: Other Factors to Consider

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: 5G. All these devices support it, but is it worth caring about in 2024? For UK users, the answer depends on your postcode. If you’re in central London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, 5G coverage is robust enough to make a difference – think 30-second app downloads while waiting for your Pret order. Rural users might find it spotty, but even then, future-proofing isn’t a bad idea. EE and Three continue to expand their networks, and with SIM-only deals offering unlimited 5G data for under £20/month, having a compatible device keeps your options open.

Battery anxiety is another concern for budget buyers but the options are definitely improving in this category. For those craving speed and battery life without the premium price tag, the Oppo A80 5G redefines what a sub-£200 phone can do. Its 5,000mAh battery isn’t just large – it’s optimised for the UK’s patchy 5G coverage, intelligently throttling power when you’re scrolling through TikTok on a dodgy public Wi-Fi connection.

Oppo’s 80W SuperVOOC charging is the showstopper here, hitting 50% in 15 minutes flat – quicker than it takes to cook a decent ready meal. Students pulling all-nighters or gig economy workers juggling shifts will appreciate how this phone mirrors their stamina. Pair that with a 6.7-inch 90Hz display sharp enough to make BBC iPlayer pop, and you’ve got a device that punches above its weight class.

Sustainability in the budget category gets a stylish reboot with the Nothing Phone (2a) (priced at £299 for the 128GB model). While it doesn’t offer Fairphone-level modularity, its transparent design isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a statement against disposable tech. The repairable chassis (via official service centres) and three years of Android updates make it a greener choice for eco-conscious Brits who are committed recyclers but still want a phone that looks like it belongs in their favourite spots.

The 5,000mAh battery handles a full day of calls and day-tripping, while the Glyph LED interface adds playful functionality, like tracking your Uber Eats delivery without waking the screen. It’s not perfect – the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chip lags behind Snapdragon rivals – but for £299, it’s the closest thing to an ethical flex that won’t get side-eyed at your local zero-waste café.

Best Budget Smartphones: Are Refurbished Flagships Worth the Cost?

Of course, no discussion of the best budget smartphones in the UK in 2024 would be complete without mentioning refurbished flagships. Websites like Back Market and Giffgaff’s refurb store offer last year’s Samsung Galaxies and iPhones at tempting prices. A refurbished iPhone 13 for £280 could be a smarter buy than a new budget Android, especially if you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. Just watch out for battery health scores below 85% – nothing kills the vibe faster than your phone dying during a TikTok live of Glastonbury highlights.

Software support remains the Achilles’ heel of many budget phones. While Samsung leads the pack with four-year promises, brands like Xiaomi and Motorola still lag behind. This matters more than ever in 2024, as banking apps and NHS COVID pass requirements demand up-to-date security patches. Always check the manufacturer’s update policy before buying – it could add years to your device’s lifespan.

In the end, choosing from the best budget smartphones in the UK for 2024 comes down to balancing your needs and desires. Are you a mobile gamer who needs a smooth screen? A camera buff obsessed with capturing the perfect sunset? Or just someone who wants a reliable WhatsApp machine that survives a night out? This year’s best budget smartphones cater to all these needs without making you choose between a functioning phone and your next energy bill. As inflation bites and tech prices soar, these budget warriors are proof that sometimes, the best things in life don’t cost a fortune.