The best smartphones up to 300 euros

Smartphones up to 300 euros have a lot to offer and many models have a future-proof interior. We show you our 4 recommendations from Samsung, Realme, Xiaomi and OnePlus.

Update notice: We last checked the prices and availability of the products mentioned here on 10/17/2022 at 10:00 am.

5G technology, fast processors and colorful displays by himself. Android cell phones in particular from manufacturers such as Samsung and Xiaomi shine with a strong inner workings – of course there are still compromises. You can find out which cell phones are still worth a look in our GIGA comparison.

Samsung Galaxy A33 5G: Learned from the predecessor

GIGA tip At the beginning of 2021, Samsung launched the Galaxy A32 5G, a cheap smartphone for up to 300 euros, but it had some weaknesses, as we also described in the GIGA test. A year later, Samsung came up with the successor Galaxy A33 (view at Saturn) eradicated these: The 5G smartphone has finally an AMOLED display, not just LC technology anymore. As a result, colors come into their own better, as do black levels. And another bonus: With the camera, we benefit from an optical image stabilizer. The recordings are less blurred when there is movement.

Instead of the previous Mediatek processor, the Samsung Galaxy A33 is a system-on-a-chip the Exynos 1280, which was also installed in the higher-priced Galaxy A53. So here we get a whole lot more power. In addition, Samsung remains true to the IP67 certification with the Galaxy A33: the smartphone is protected against dust and prolonged immersion.

In his review of the Samsung Galaxy A33, our editor also highlighted Peter the chic design and the strong battery (5,000 mAh), which even lasted up to 3 days.

Advantages:

• 5G cellular
• strong camera with OIS
• certified protection against water and dust

Disadvantages:

Realme 9 Pro 5G: great features at a great price

price tip That Realme 9 Pro is equipped with many highlights for a smartphone up to 300 euros (view at Amazon): Although the display (the only one in our selection) only works with LC technology, the 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations. In addition, the cell phone has 5G mobile technology and the triple camera also makes a good impression, at least on paper: main camera with 64 megapixels, macro lens with 2 megapixels, ultra-wide lens with 8 megapixels.

The Snapdragon 695 is a good eight-core processor that can easily handle everyday tasks, but games shouldn’t be too demanding. Against that Internal memory expandable via micro SD card – a feature that can no longer be taken for granted.

A drop of bitterness is the battery: With a capacity of 5,000 mAh, it lasts 1-2 days, but charging takes up to 90 minutes. That can go a little faster.

Advantages:

• 5G cellular
• strong battery
• expandable storage

Disadvantages:

• no certified protection against water and dust
• lengthy battery charging

Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro: Finally a top display

Of course, we also have a Xiaomi up our sleeve: The manufacturer has the Poco X4 Pro (see Otto) developed a future-proof smartphone for up to 300 euros with 5G technology. At 120 Hz, we get the same high refresh rate as the Realme above. Although the Snapdragon 695 processor is no longer as powerful as its predecessor, it ensures smooth performance together with the RAM, as in the Realme above. With the Poco X4 Pro, Xiaomi opted for a AMOLED display decided that – unlike the LC display of the Poco X3 Pro – offers a particularly high-contrast display.

Another highlight: Like the Samsung Galaxy A33 and Realme 9 Pro, the battery has a capacity of 5,000 mAh and lasts a correspondingly long time. As usual from Xiaomi, it is charged quickly – almost 80 percent is back in 30 minutes. Furthermore, the smartphone from Xiaomi has an IP53 certification and is (at least somewhat) protected from dust and water. Incidentally, the Poco X4 Pro comes with Android 11 out of the box, but upgrades to 12 and 13 are planned.

Advantages:

• AMOLED display
• powerful battery with fast charging
• certified protection against water and dust

Disadvantages:

• Camera with weaknesses
• Processor losses

You can find out what awaits you with Android 13 in our video:

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Strong battery, less powerful camera

Like the Realme brand, OnePlus belongs to the parent company BBK Electronics. With the North CE 2 5G (view on Amazon) OnePlus has also developed a future-proof smartphone up to 300 euros. Dbut that impresses AMOLED display with its rich colors. The MediaTek Dimension 900 also beats in the Nord 2. Together with the refresh rate of 90 Hz, mobile phone games are also possible, provided they are not performance hogs.

While the battery scored 1.0 in the Stiftung Warentest with a runtime of 46 hours, the Camera just a satisfying touch – Good lighting conditions are essential for good pictures necessary. But if you can refrain from that, you still get a successful smartphone for up to 300 euros with the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G.

Advantages:

• long battery life
• colorful display
• Jack connection available

Disadvantages:

• moderate photo quality
• no expandable storage

You can find out which smartphones from other price ranges are worth a look in these GIGA overviews:

Smartphones up to 300 euros: That’s how we made our selection

There are many models for smartphones up to 300 euros. Certain characteristics were an exclusion criterion for us, such as being too old. We have partly based ourselves on our own tests, on the other hand on the results of the Stiftung Warentest – reviews are linked below. The results of other test sites and user ratings also influence the selection. The latter were helpful because they didn’t judge based on benchmark numbers and other laboratory values ​​that didn’t say much, but rather emphasized individual impressions.

Sources used: Stiftung Warentest (Issue 07/2022)

In a separate article you can find out more about how we at GIGA deal with product recommendations and tests:

With our research, we at GIGA want to recommend you suitable products and avoid bad purchases. Your trust is important to us – that’s why you can rely on us.

I myself have been dealing with mobile phones and smartphones for years. All generations have fascinated me, from the Nokia classics to the first clamshell and sliding cell phones to smartphones. Personally, not only technical innovations are important to me, but also sustainability.

A note on prices: Most Android smartphones are subject to strong price fluctuations, especially in the first 6 months after the market launch, they fall the fastest. Deal events like Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday also have a strong impact on prices. We keep you up to date on current offers in our deal overview, it’s worth checking out the daily offers regularly!

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