Best Smartphones Under 300 Euros (July 2026): Top 8

The best smartphone under 300 euros in July 2026 is the Samsung Galaxy A17 128GB 5G: for around €183 you get a trusted brand, a long software-update policy and 5G — exactly the combination most buyers in this price bracket benefit from most. Looking for something different? On the tightest budget, go for the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G (around €159); for the best camera, pick the Nothing Phone (3a) (around €269); and if battery life matters most, the Redmi 15C 256GB (around €195) is your phone. Below we explain why, plus what to look for before you choose.

Our top picks

1. Samsung Galaxy A17 128GB 5G — best overall

The Galaxy A17 5G is the safest pick under €200, let alone under €300. You get Samsung's long update policy, a solid AMOLED display and 5G, without any major compromise. Early buyers rate it 5.0 at our partner shops. Around €183 — check the Galaxy A17 5G.

2. Samsung Galaxy A17 128GB 4G — tightest budget

Almost the same phone, but without 5G and priced around €159. If you're mostly on Wi-Fi or 4G is enough for you, you save about €25 with no concessions on display or updates. User score of 4.15 at our partner shops. Check the Galaxy A17 4G.

3. POCO M7 Pro 256GB 5G — most performance per euro

If raw value is your priority, the POCO M7 Pro is hard to beat: 256GB of storage and snappy performance for around €239. Its software is busier than Samsung's or Motorola's, which is a matter of taste. Early buyers rate it 5.0. Check the POCO M7 Pro.

4. Redmi 15C 256GB 5G — best budget battery

The Redmi 15C is the budget king for anyone who wants a phone that simply lasts two days. A big battery, 256GB of storage and 5G for around €195 — the camera and display are clearly where the compromise sits. Early buyers rate it 5.0. Check the Redmi 15C.

5. Nothing Phone (3a) 128GB — best camera and design

The Nothing Phone (3a) feels like the most premium phone on this list: a standout design, refreshingly clean software and the most complete camera of the bunch. With 128GB of storage you are a bit more limited. Early buyers rate it 5.0. Around €269 — check the Nothing Phone (3a).

6. Samsung Galaxy A26 128GB — the safe middle ground

The Galaxy A26 is essentially the A17 with a bit more of everything: a faster chip, a better display and nicer build. If you want Samsung and have slightly more to spend, this is the logical step up. User score of 4.5 at our partner shops. Around €249 — check the Galaxy A26.

7. Motorola Moto G56 256GB — cleanest software

Motorola ships near-stock Android here with 256GB of storage for around €225. No duplicate apps, no ads in the interface — if that matters to you, this phone will make you happy. Its update policy is shorter than Samsung's. User score of 4.35 at our partner shops. Check the Moto G56.

8. OnePlus Nord CE 5 256GB — maximum performance at the limit

Right at the €300 mark sits the OnePlus Nord CE 5: the fastest phone on this list, with 256GB of storage and fast charging. Worth the money for gamers and demanding users. User score of 4.8 at our partner shops. Around €299 — check the Nord CE 5.

What to look for in a smartphone under €300

Chip and RAM

In this segment, real-world speed differences are smaller than the spec sheets suggest. Every phone on this list is fast enough for WhatsApp, banking, navigation and social media. You only notice the difference in heavier games or serious multitasking — that's where the OnePlus Nord CE 5 and POCO M7 Pro pull ahead. 6GB of RAM is the minimum you want; 8GB is nice but not essential.

Display: 90 or 120Hz is the norm

A 90-120Hz refresh rate is now standard under €300 and makes scrolling noticeably smoother. Also check the panel type: AMOLED (as on the Samsungs and the Nothing) delivers richer colours and deeper blacks than LCD. Outdoor brightness varies in this segment — the pricier phones on this list do visibly better in direct sunlight.

Camera: be realistic

Here's the honest truth: under €300 you get a camera that takes perfectly good photos in daylight, but shows clear limits at night and when zooming. Megapixels mean little; image processing means a lot. The Nothing Phone (3a) is the most complete photographer in this line-up. Don't expect flagship quality — if photography is truly your priority, look above €300 or consider refurbished.

Battery and charging

Batteries of 5000 mAh or more are the norm and comfortably last a full day of average use. The Redmi 15C stands out if you want two days per charge. Also check charging speed: some budget phones crawl along at 15W, while the OnePlus and POCO refill a large chunk in half an hour. A charger is often not included in the box.

Update policy: the biggest hidden difference

The least visible but arguably most important buying criterion. Samsung provides years of security updates and multiple Android versions even on budget phones — which is why the Galaxy A17 5G tops this list. Some other brands end support sooner, effectively shortening your phone's useful life. If you plan to keep your phone for 4-5 years, weigh this more heavily than a slightly faster chip.

5G: take it if it's cheap

5G coverage across the Netherlands and Europe is now widespread, and the price gap with 4G variants has become small. Our advice: take 5G if it costs less than about €30 extra — you're buying a phone for several years. Only on a really tight budget is the Galaxy A17 4G the smarter saving.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best smartphone under 300 euros in 2026?

The Samsung Galaxy A17 128GB 5G is the best choice for most people: a long update policy, 5G and a trusted brand for around €183. If you want more performance, pick the OnePlus Nord CE 5 right at the €300 limit.

Is a 300-euro phone good enough for daily use?

Yes, easily. For apps, browsing, streaming, navigation and daytime photos, you'll notice little difference from more expensive phones in practice. The compromises are low-light camera quality, build materials and, sometimes, the length of software support.

How much storage do I need?

128GB is enough for most users, especially with cloud storage for photos. If you shoot a lot of video or install large games, go for 256GB — the POCO M7 Pro and Moto G56 offer it at no premium over 128GB rivals.

Should I wait for a deal?

Prices in this segment move constantly. Phones like the Galaxy A26 and Nord CE 5 regularly drop €20-40 temporarily. Always compare current prices across multiple shops before ordering.

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Ready to choose? Compare live prices for every phone in this guide at our partner shops, or browse all smartphones to filter by price, storage and brand yourself. Prices checked in July 2026 and may change daily.