Give Me a Break, These Budget-Friendly Smartphones Aren't Half Bad! Here Are the Top Picks Under €250
Top-tier Budget Smartphones Priced Under €250
So, you're looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? Well, hold onto your hats, because Stiftung Warentest has come to the rescue! After testing eight recently released budget-friendly devices, they've found some surprising gems in the €250 or less category. But remember, every penny saved means a few compromises. Particularly in terms of performance, cameras, and software updates.
Tech Extravaganza - A 250 Euro Phone Can Impress Too
Who said a 250-euro smartphone can't cut it? In today's market, there are more than 38 decent smartphones at this price point. However, older models in this range may not receive software updates for an extended period or, worse, already be obsolete. Thankfully, new devices are hitting the market with the implementation of a new EU regulation that requires manufacturers to ensure five-year software updates starting from June 20. With the competitive landscape heating up, more smartphones deserve your attention.
The Warrentest Trio of Triumphs
Three smartphones have claimed the throne in this price range, each scoring a quality rating of 2.3. These champions include the Motorola Moto G84, Samsung Galaxy A25, and Telekom T Phone 2 Pro. The competition is so tight that admiring the finer details is crucial to appreciate tiny advantages or drawbacks.
Motorola Moto G84
This unexpected hero sets you back approximately €180, but it provides impressive endurance and a user-friendly interface. However, its performance can be underwhelming, and its location and WLAN features could be better. The cameras, while not exceptional, are just good enough for your day-to-day needs. Unfortunately, claims regarding water resistance remain unverified, and the device's overall stability is also suspect. But, the display and handling impress the testers, and the battery life is even rated very good.
Samsung Galaxy A25
Priced at around €215, the Galaxy A25 boasts a stunning screen and solid handling. Like the Moto G84, this smartphone excels in battery life and has the same weaknesses in terms of performance and stability. The cameras of the Galaxy A25 are marginally better but remain just short of excellent.
Telekom T Phone 2 Pro
The Telekom T Phone 2 Pro, available for around €250, impresses with its strong WLAN performance, decent handling, and appealing display. However, its selfie camera leaves much to be desired, and the overall camera performance is only average.
Worthy Contenders
Though the Motorola Edge 40 Neo and Motorola Moto G75 have only received a 2.4 overall rating, they stand out among the pack for their cameras. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers good cameras without compromising elsewhere, but its battery life could use some improvement. This device, selling for around €200, is a steal for those seeking budget perfection. On the other hand, the Motorola Moto G75 is a highly affordable device with consistently good reviews and a satisfactory camera. However, its face recognition leaves something to be desired, so it's best to rely on the fingerprint sensor for security.
Budget Wonders Galore
Rounding out the list is the Motorola Moto G55, priced at around €155. This device boasts a fantastic battery, good handling, and excellent stability. Its screen, basic functions, and camera performance leave a little to be desired but are still satisfactory.
Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy A16, with the same €250 price tag, offers decent handling and screen quality. Its basic functions, cameras, and stability are satisfactory, and its battery life is less than impressive.
source: ntv.de, kwe
Additional Tidbits
Did you know that Stiftung Warentest's database provides comprehensive test results for smartphones, but it does not contain specific results for phones below €250? Instead, it offers a broad comparison of 404 devices, which covers a wide range of smartphones [1]. For budget-friendly smartphones under €250, other sources may highlight more specific models and their relevant features.
Top Picks Below €250
Some of the top-performing models in the sub-€250 category, based on the latest tests and comparisons, are:
- Nothing Phone (2a): This model's standout feature is its unique LED strips on the back panel, which can be customized for user-specific notifications. It offers smooth performance for €230 [3].
- Samsung Galaxy A14: Though it's not explicitly in the €250 range, it's another mid-range smartphone that frequently sells around this price. It offers a good camera and a satisfying performance.
Feature Comparison
Performance
The performance of budget smartphones is usually governed by processors like MediaTek or Qualcomm. These provide enough power for daily tasks but can't compete with their higher-priced counterparts.
Camera Quality
Camera quality in the sub-€250 range varies significantly. Some models offer high-quality cameras, while others struggle in this department. The Nothing Phone (2a) provides a decent camera for daily use [3].
Other Features
- Display: Some models offer AMOLED or IPS displays that contribute to excellent picture quality.
- Storage: Internal storage ranges from 64 GB to 128 GB, expandable via SD card.
- Battery: Battery life varies but many models deliver a full day's usage.
Overall, budget smartphones under €250 offer a cozy blend of affordability and functionality, though they may fall short when compared to pricier devices in terms of camera quality and processor power.
In the realm of budget-friendly smartphones, the latest EU regulation ensures that more devices, such as the Nothing Phone (2a) and Samsung Galaxy A14, will receive software updates for an extended period, enhancing their longevity and appeal. While older budget models might lack extensive software support, newer ones can still impress with display technologies like AMOLED or IPS, and decent camera capabilities. For instance, the Nothing Phone (2a), priced around €230, boasts a unique LED strip design and offers smooth daily performance. When shopping for a budget smartphone, one should be aware that performance and camera quality might not match pricier models, but overall functionality and battery life can still be satisfactory.
