Consumers are getting far more from even cheapest smartphones today. Think decent cameras, improved water and dust resistance, and even basic AI integration.

Still, always keep in mind that these are budget devices. The key to appreciating them is knowing their limits and intended purpose. That does not mean all budget smartphones are cut from the same cloth.

From unique features to niche-specific strengths, standout affordable handsets throughout the year prove budget-conscious buyers don’t need to spend a fortune to get more from their devices.

Across categories — from rugged builds to gaming-focused designs — here are the Best Budget Smartphones of 2025:

realme C85

The budget segment has become some sort of battleground proving how tough and long-lasting the smartphones can be. The realme C85 confidently enters the competition with some swag.

It sports a subtle but notable back design while offering water resistance that won’t leave you worried if you, for whatever reason, subject it to some splashing.

Performance and camera capability is… decent. Par for the course for any smartphone in its price category.

Infinix GT 30

Like its lower midrange sibling, the GT 30 Pro, the “standard” model brings steady gaming performance and extra perks to the table.

What makes the Infinix GT 30 an essential daily carry is primarily its optimized performance and battery consumption.

It handles the most demanding mobile games at lower settings and breezes through light multitasking and other uses without hiccups.

The immersive display is a steal for about US$ 200, and the main camera is likewise capable enough for more than documentation.

nubia Neo 3 series

Among ZTE’s releases this year, the nubia Neo 3 series as a whole stands out by delivering solidly on what their marketing promises. Designed chiefly for gaming, the Neo 3 and Neo 3 GT both perform well on that front.

Performance is complemented by a sharp and clear display. The 50MP camera on the Neo 3 GT is a bonus, edging into lower midrange territory with the way it processes shots.

The cybernetic mecha design is just a fun plus for those who prefer such a look, but these phones are all about delivering on what matters.

HONOR X7d

The HONOR X7d is HONOR’s latest all-around budget utility device. What’s great is that while you don’t expect it to overperform, it consistently delivers.

We’ve mentioned value-for-money several times but it’s exactly what the X7d is all about: straightforward dependability. Plus points for AI integration, a serviceable camera, spacious internal storage, and features you don’t find often elsewhere like HONOR to iPhone file sharing.

TECNO Slim

The iPhone 17 Air was kind of a bust commercially. But it didn’t stop Android manufacturers from turning in their take on super skinny smartphones. The kicker? They’re A LOT more affordable than what the Cupertino company has to offer. Leading the charge is the TECNO Slim.

This Bay-max coded offering from TECNO has similar strengths and drawbacks to the iPhone 17 Air but undercuts it heavily with a US$ 200 price tag.

The TECNO Slim is a smexy, antifragile slim smartphone that delivers the basics while letting more users experience a crazy thin build.

nubia Air

The nubia Air pretty much follows the same refrain as the TECNO Slim. A slight but premium-feeling build that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

It’s 5.9mm thin and 172g light yet it’s surprisingly solid. Casual users will enjoy smooth performance, the display is bright and immersive, and the battery easily lasts a full day.

The sleek finish and refined look gives it a cooler and more premium feel in hand as well, making everyday use just a bit more stylish if that matters.

Redmi 15C

Lastly, the Redmi 15C continues the Xiaomi sub-brand’s tradition bang-for-buck devices. This particular release appeals to buyers with a large display, long battery life, and reliable performance.

It’s as stunning on the outside as it is dependable inside. Scrolling feels smooth and responsive. The camera package feels consistent for its asking price.

Overall, it handles basics with ease and can still stay steady under pressure at times — proof that even at the lowest price tier (starts at PhP 5,299), there are options that can exceed modest expectations.

Years ago, smartphone makers sought to capitalize on the midrange market by starting dedicated lineups specifically for the segment. That is, if you found Model 1 expensive, you could have just gone for Model 2.

Now, the game is all about building a more affordable version of the popular flagship. If you think Model 1 is expensive, you can now go for the cheaper Model 1A.

Of course, that’s not to say that all those Model 1As are bad. In fact, they might even be a better option, compared to the pricier flagship model. This one goes out to all those amazing Model 1As this year, and with that, here are the Best Midrange Smartphones of 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

If we’re talking about midrange versions of flagships, Samsung’s Fan Editions are the gold standards. This year’s Galaxy S25 FE brings the eponymous Galaxy S25 series to a larger crowd by offering the flagship experience for a considerably smaller price tag.

Though it lacks some of the bigger features of the original series, it’s just as robust. If you’re looking for a great midrange phone for a daily driver, the Galaxy S25 FE is a solid choice.

Apple iPhone 16e

Sometimes, it still amazes us that an iPhone can land on a list of midrange phones, but here we are. The iPhone 16e is the next evolution of the iPhone SE series, and it’s one designed to bring the previous generation of iPhones back to life amid the rise of the iPhone 17 series.

Price-wise, the iPhone 16e is definitely stretching the definition of midrange. It’s still pricey but just not as expensive as the main series. It is still enough to put the phone on par with the Galaxy S25 FE, in terms of delivering the classic Apple experience for a smaller price.

CMF Phone 2 Pro

While Nothing celebrated the Phone (3), the company’s sub-brand (and soon-to-be independent brand) CMF put out the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Like the main series, the Phone 2 Pro is still quite a looker. It features a unique design that goes beyond a simple slab phone with a camera island.

Besides offering a respectable slate of hardware, the phone also supports attachments including a macro lens. If you want an option that helps you stand out, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a refreshing change from the boring.

POCO X7 Pro Iron Man Edition

If you have a collaboration with Marvel, you’d want to make it as bombastic as possible. The POCO X7 Pro, not content with being just a great midrange phone, upped the game by infusing itself with Marvel’s favorite billionaire. As a result, the Iron Man Edition is as much a collector’s item as it is a daily driver.

With a bundling of AI inside, the phone maximized the admittedly lesser hardware it came with. It can handle the tougher games, while squeezing out as much juice as it can from the battery. Think of it like an actual Iron Man suit, and J.A.R.V.I.S. is making sure that everything is running smoothly.

TECNO CAMON 40 Premier 5G

At this point, “flagship killer” is an overstatement. Other phone brands should fear that such a “midrange destroyer” exists. With a competitive price of just PhP 21,999 (around US$ 395) in the Philippines, the TECNO CAMON 40 Premier is a true blue midranger.

Although its plastic back and slightly downsized display size might be an issue to some, that “compromise” actually contributed to a better handfeel. Couple that with a chip upgrade, excellent imaging system, and even crazier dual IP rating, what more can you ask for?

It’s just hard to resist this marvelous midranger for all the compelling package it offers.

HONOR 400

The HONOR 400 is built to be a favorite everyday phone, offering standout portrait photography powered by emotional AI, a sleek design, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 performance, and long battery life with 66W fast charging.

It goes beyond typical midrange expectations, becoming a creative, reliable companion for users who love capturing authentic moments.

OPPO Reno14 5G

The OPPO Reno14 5G is a beautifully designed, lightweight, and durable device that feels effortless to carry through both busy days and travel-filled weeks.

Beyond its eye-catching looks, it delivers dependable performance and a balanced experience that makes it a comforting, long-term companion.

POCO F8 Pro

The POCO F8 Pro performs as if it were a US$ 700 to US$ 800 device, yet it is way more affordable than that in markets where it is available.

It’s fast, smooth, and fluid and can support heavy workloads with ease. It’s a reliable workhorse and gives users an immersive audiovisual experience with a combination of a high-resolution display and sound mixed by Bose.

Where it gets challenging is with its camera performance but generally, results with the main camera are of great detail and sharpness, plus excellent color reproduction and depth. Plus points, too, for the stylish and premium-looking design.

HONOR 400 Pro 

Much like the HONOR 400, the HONOR 400 Pro is another all-around mid-ranger that exudes a premium feel – from its design to camera package, as well as its overall performance, AI technologies, and battery life.

As a package, it’s something customers can enjoy for a competitive price and it immediately gives off a feel that it can last several years.

The star of the package is the 200MP main camera that captures clear and sharp images. The camera system also excels in snapping scenes from afar and even in low-light and challenging conditions.

This applies even for videos, and in fact, this handset was used recently at Tyla’s We Wanna Party Asia Tour concert in Manila.

Infinix Note 50 Pro+

Infinix’s premium-for-less offering blurs the line between a gaming-centric, camera-centric, and all-rounder device in a good way. Its features altogether make the phone an embarrassment of riches.

Of course, Infinix’s reputation-wise, the phone is still mainly a gaming phone, and it delivers exceptionally well for various titles. Such experience is complemented by crisp visuals and decent sound.

But the enhancements like AI, cameras which include telephoto lens, stylish design, and the brand’s signature charging technologies elevate this handset further.

It’s an incredibly affordable lower midrange device that can serve as a consumer’s transition from cheaper phones to the more capable ones.

realme 14 Pro+ 

When it was released earlier in the year, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G felt like it was one of the best US$ 500 smartphones.

It’s still primarily a camera-centric phone with its triple camera system, dedicated telephoto lens, and improvements like AI Snapshot and a 2x zoom for Portrait Mode.

On top of those, realme made sure to update the phone to make it suitable for 2025. Improvements included a new UI, triple waterproof ratings, and AI and Gemini integration, among others.

With that combination and a justified experience, what is there to hate about this release?

Infinix GT 30 Pro

Infinix’s crown jewel gaming smartphone line once again provided topnotch performance for users who are into an affordable all-around mid-ranger.

This gaming machine now comes with GT Triggers for added help, and gaming sessions have been smooth, be it MOBA, FPS, or RPG titles. It also retains the GT series’ mecha DNA.

Outside of gaming, it’s a capable daily driver with ample battery life, a par-for-its-price camera package, immersive and bright display, and even AI integration. It’s a steal for its about US$ 250 price point.

HONOR X9c 5G

Beyond its hype, the HONOR X9c 5G works just fine for its appropriate asking price. Sure, the waterproof and durability ratings are added perks, but at the end of the day, the handset is a tough and steady device users can rely on.

Performance is adequate for browsing, gaming, and moderate multitasking. It lasts an entire day with a large battery. The display provides better visuals compared to budget smartphones and overall daily usage is a notch smoother.

Furthermore, the camera package is par for its price. Users can get vibrant captures at perhaps up to 3X or 4X zoom, which is quite impressive for the lower midrange segment. The camera shutter is decently fast.

You can even create better films for simple vlogs with the camera’s OIS feature. Overall, there are many things to love, and the HONOR X9c device doesn’t even cost a fortune.

Last year, we grumbled about how smartphone technology seemingly plateaued and obsessively relied on pushing AI onto hapless consumers. When it comes to AI, this year felt no different. Then again, we also saw a lot of breakthroughs for smartphone hardware.

From tri-fold phones to ultra-thin profiles to snazzy rear designs, 2025 marks a return to what we loved about the smartphone space in the first place: those oh-so-subtle design differences that make us go “my smartphone is better than yours.”

Now, it’s fair to say that everyone here at GadgetMatch has experienced their share of premium and flagship phones this year. Though you might not agree with everything here, these are what we consider as the Best Premium Smartphones of 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

As with every year, Samsung is one of the first ones out with a competitive flagship series. The Galaxy S25 series is a lineup that needs no introduction. And while we can go on and on about how the flagship remains a solid choice this year, we need to give the Galaxy S25 Edge its flowers.

The ultra-thin model, released later in May, kickstarted a trend for thinner form factors. Despite how thin the phone is, it still packed hardware worthy of the Galaxy S25 name.

Unfortunately, the ultra-thin phone trend is seemingly short-lived. The Galaxy S25, and its similarly slim compatriots, have supposedly canned future iterations because of poor sales. Still, Samsung’s spirited attempt is impressive enough to make it on this list.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max

Every year, this list always has the latest iPhone generation, specifically from the more premium Pro duo. This year is no different, but it’s for an even better reason.

For the first time in a while, the two Pro models feature a substantial redesign. It comes with a large camera island that packs three 48-megapixel lenses together to give off the equivalent of eight pro lenses. It also supports up to 8x optical zoom on 200mm.

Oh, and of course, who can forget that beautiful orange color?

ROG Phone 9 Pro

Hands down, the ROG Phone 9 Pro was the best gaming smartphone we’ve tried this year. It was a near-perfect experience. Every time we put it through the ringer, the phone came out looking stronger than ever. Inside, it’s got the purest smartphone experience with a high-performance chipset, an impressive array of cameras, and a superior battery.

On the surface, though, the ROG Phone 9 Pro also comes with AniMe Vision. It’s a unique feature that makes the phone stand out. Though it’s not a perfect feature, it’s still a bold addition that adds some flair to an already perfect phone.

Nothing Phone (3)

Still technically the new kid on the block, Nothing came out with the Phone (3) this year. Like the previous two generations, the Phone (3) features a unique rear design with the new Glyph Matrix. It’s a circular dot-matrix screen on the rear of the phone, which can show notifications or a number of Glyph Toys.

Inside, it’s still an impressive Android experience bolstered by a clean custom skin. Even better, Nothing consistently keeps the phone updated with substantial fixes and new features. It’s well supported, even if it’s a relatively new brand. The only things that mar its spotless records is its bigger price tag and an Essential Key that’s still struggling to find its niche.

vivo X300 Pro

2025 has already reached the pinnacle of smartphones: superior camera system, gargantuan battery capacities with long-lasting endurance, faster than ever performance, displays and speakers that truly satisfy one’s audiovisual cravings.

The vivo X300 Pro is a great embodiment of that. Not only do you get the best in class cameras, but the smartphone itself is just a refined version of a smartphone that was already superior to begin with.

Some “refinements” might look iterative such as a slight battery bump and support for 4K/120fps with Dolby Vision, but they make the X300 Pro heaps better than its predecessor.

Best of all, vivo is listening to its community by finally bringing in the OriginOS 6 to the international units – bringing in a more seamless software experience and unlocking the smartphone’s full potential.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is the most refined and capable Flip yet, bringing subtle but meaningful upgrades that make it feel stronger, smoother, and more practical in daily use.

It’s an easy step-up for older Flip users or anyone wanting a fresh alternative to traditional slab phones, delivering flagship power, reliable cameras, and a distinctive personality that fits a wide range of lifestyles. 

OPPO Find X9

The OPPO Find X9 delivers outstanding performance with excellent cameras, reliable zoom, smart AI tools, smooth sharing, and a huge battery that lasts through long days.

It’s dependable, versatile, and consistently produces beautiful photos and videos anywhere you go.

OPPO Find N5

OPPO came right out the gate this year and set the standard for thin but extremely capable book-style foldables. It had everything from smart implementations of multi-tasking, performance to keep up, and cameras that won’t leave you wanting. 

There’s the minor issue of the volume buttons being placed too high but it is just a tiny setback in what set the tone for what 2025 book-style foldables should be like.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the biggest change in design of Samsung’s prime book-style fold line. It finally captured the right balance of proper smartphone when folded and mini-tablet while unfolded. And they did it while keeping the device’s footprint as thin as possible. One of their influencers/ambassadors has even started calling it “Skinny Legend” which is very fitting. 

On top of that, One UI is better than ever, the AI features are improved, and they even added the same main 200MP camera on the thing. 

It’s just a joy to use and hold and was definitely tough to put down despite the emergence of arguably better foldables from OPPO and HONOR.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Concerts. We went to a handful of KPop concerts in 2025 and, without fail, we had to have the Galaxy S25 Ultra with us. Samsung still has a firm hold for this specific use-case, but they have to significantly level-up to keep the crown. Other brands are starting to include a Stage Mode, most notably vivo, in their flagship offerings and are bound to catch up if not zoom past what Samsung has to offer. 

Elsewhere, it’s an excellent flagship that has also figured out the right ratio of weight and overall footprint. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is another offering from Samsung that was hard to put down. Here’s to hoping they can build on the momentum they built in 2025 for their upcoming releases.

HONOR Magic V5

This is HONOR’s most incremental release of the Magic V line to date. But that’s because they have long figured out the form factor side of things. The Magic V5 maintains the look of its predecessors while making improvements to performance and camera. 

What it lacked in “headline-grabbing”’features, it more than made up for with consistency and a steady device offering much of the same excellent overall foldable experience. 

Honorable Mentions

POCO F8 Ultra. The POCO F8 Ultra made waves last month by offering a denim-fitted rear panel. Inside, it’s a capable flagship that comes with a more affordable price.

Xiaomi 15. Bigger isn’t always better. The Xiaomi 15 makes the case for a flagship that can still fit in your jeans pocket.

vivo X300. While some flagships tout professional-level photography, sometimes all you need is a point-and-shoot that gets the job done. That’s the vivo X300.

HONOR Magic7 Pro. Released early this year, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is a vestige of 2024’s “AI + camera” trend.