Best phones under €300 in 2026: Which ones are really worth the money?
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The smartphone market has seen an interesting development in recent years: phones for €300 are now better than phones for €600 five years ago. This is not an exaggeration. It's a fact. Better processors, AMOLED displays, larger batteries, and faster charging have become standard even in this price range.
But here's the catch: because the offer is huge and because every manufacturer claims that their phone is the best value for money, it's quite difficult to navigate among all these models. Which one is really worth buying? Which one looks good on paper but actually disappoints?
In this guide, we have done the research for you and selected the best phones under €300 in 2026 — models that we genuinely recommend, not just list.
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What can you expect from a phone under €300?
Before we delve into specific models, let's look at what you realistically get for that money today — and where the compromises are.
What you typically expect from a phone under €300 today:
– AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate (smooth scrolling, bright colors)
– Mid-range processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 7xxx)
– Battery between 4500 and 5000 mAh, lasting a full day without problems
– Fast charging between 33W and 50W
– 5G connectivity
– 8 GB RAM and at least 128 GB of storage
– Solid main camera (50 MP with OIS on better models)
Where the compromises are:
– Photography in low light still lags behind more expensive categories
– Software support (Android updates) is shorter for some brands
– Premium materials (glass or metal back panel) are not always present
– Optical zoom is rare, except for one or two selected models
In short: for €300 today, you get a real smartphone that fully meets 95% of daily needs. The only question is which model does it better than the others.
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1. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G — Best for those who want a long-term investment
Price: ~€270–290
Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
Display: 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
Battery: 5000 mAh, 45W charging
Camera: 50 MP main (OIS), 12 MP ultrawide
Updates: Up to 6 years of Android updates + security patches
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a phone we recommend to those who want to buy a phone once and not replace it for six years. Samsung's promise of six years of updates is truly rare and valuable in this price range.
The display is bright and sharp — a typical Samsung AMOLED that you recognize immediately. The cameras are good for everyday situations, although they won't impress in demanding low-light conditions.
What especially stands out about the A36 is that it feels like a smaller premium phone. The build quality, operating speed, and Samsung's One UI interface create an overall experience that doesn't feel "cheap." One UI is among the most functional Android skins on the market — rich in options, but not too annoying.
Drawback? Samsung does not include a microSD card slot, which is a bit sad for a model aimed at long-term use. Also, the 128 GB version is less recommended — rather go for 256 GB to avoid storage problems in two years.
Ideal for: Users who want a reliable, long-lasting phone with a good display and camera. An excellent choice for parents looking for a phone for teenagers.
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2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G — King of price/performance ratio
Price: ~€220–250
Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
Display: 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz
Battery: 5500 mAh, 45W charging
Camera: 50 MP main, ultrawide
Updates: 3 years Android + 4 years security patches
Xiaomi has been mastering one thing better than any other manufacturer in this price range for years: squeezing as much performance as possible into a phone for as little money as possible. The Redmi Note 15 5G continues this formula.
For a price that is €40–50 lower than the Samsung A36, you get the same processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 3), the same 120 Hz AMOLED display, and an even larger battery — 5500 mAh is above average here. This means that with moderate use, you will charge the phone every other day, not every day.
Xiaomi also has an advantage that Samsung is not willing to offer: a microSD card slot. Those who have a lot of photos, music, or documents appreciate this.
So why do we even mention the A36 if the Note 15 is cheaper? Because Samsung offers a better camera, better build quality, more years of updates, and a cleaner software experience. MIUI/HyperOS on Xiaomi is functional, but it contains more pre-installed apps and ads that you have to manually disable.
Ideal for: Buyers who want the most for their money and are not too concerned about long-term software support. An excellent choice for more tech-savvy users.
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3. Nothing Phone (3a) — For those who want a phone that stands out
Price: ~€260–300
Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Display: 6.77" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3000 nits brightness
Battery: 5000 mAh, 50W charging
Camera: 50 MP (OIS) + 50 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom + 8 MP ultrawide
Updates: 3 years Android + 4 years security patches
Nothing is a London-based company that has done one of the few interesting things in the phone world in recent years: it created an identity. The semi-transparent back panel, the Glyph LED system (lights on the back of the phone that flash according to notifications) and the clean Nothing OS interface are a combination that is unique at this price point.
But the Nothing Phone (3a) is not just a nicely packaged phone. In terms of performance, it is even a step ahead of both competitors above. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is noticeably faster than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 found in Samsung and Xiaomi. The screen with 3000 nits brightness is one of the brightest in this price range — readability in the sun is excellent. And here is a key advantage: the triple camera system includes a true optical zoom (2x), which is a rarity in this price range.
Nothing OS is Android almost without modifications — similar to Pixel phones or the former Android One. Few animations, few ads, fast and clean. For those who are bothered by Samsung's busy interface or Xiaomi's pre-installed apps, Nothing OS is a real breath of fresh air.
Drawback? IP54 protection is worse than Samsung's IP67 on the A36. Also, Nothing as a brand does not have as long a history of reliability as Samsung.
Ideal for: Those who want a phone that is visually different, technically powerful, and has a clean software experience. Younger buyers and tech enthusiasts will be happy here.
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4. Motorola Moto G67 5G — The quiet champion for undemanding users
Price: ~€180–220
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7025
Display: 6.5" IPS LCD, 120 Hz
Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W charging
Camera: 50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide
Updates: 2 years Android + 3 years security patches
Motorola has been getting back in shape in recent years, and the Moto G series is a testament to that. The G67 5G is a phone that doesn't try to be a star — but at a price under €220, it offers an experience that exceeds expectations.
Motorola is known for two things: a clean Android interface (almost without modifications) and excellent call quality. The speakers on Motorola are often better than the competition in this price range, which is a pleasant surprise.
The drawback is the IPS LCD display instead of AMOLED — colors are less vibrant and contrast is lower. For those who watch a lot of videos or like a colorful experience, this will be noticeable. Also, software support is shorter than on Samsung or Nothing.
Ideal for: Older users, parents, or those who want a reliable, simple phone without unnecessary complexity. Excellent value at a price under €200.
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Comparison table: Which phone is right for you?
| Model | Price | Display | Battery | Updates | For whom |
| Samsung Galaxy A36 5G | ~€280 | AMOLED 120Hz | 5000 mAh / 45W | 6 years | Long-term purchase, reliability |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G | ~€235 | AMOLED 120Hz | 5500 mAh / 45W | 3 years | Most for your money |
| Nothing Phone (3a) | ~€270 | AMOLED 120Hz | 5000 mAh / 50W | 3 years | Design, optical zoom, clean OS |
| Motorola Moto G67 5G | ~€200 | LCD 120Hz | 5000 mAh / 33W | 2 years | Simplicity, lower price |
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Which phone do we actually recommend?
The answer depends on your priorities — but to be direct:
If you want a single answer: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G. Six years of updates, an excellent camera, a good display, and build quality that doesn't feel cheap. At €280, it's one of the best buys in this segment today.
If every euro counts for you: Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G. For €40–50 less, you get a comparable experience and an even larger battery. The compromise is shorter updates and a more "cluttered" interface.
If you want a phone that is different: Nothing Phone (3a). Unique design, clean OS, optical zoom, and a bright display are a combination that is hard to beat at this price. For younger or tech-savvy users, this is a winning choice.
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Tips before buying
Before buying a phone under €300, consider these tips:
1. Don't buy impulsively. Wait a month or two after the model is released — the price often drops by €20–30.
2. Avoid operator contracts. For a phone in this price category, a contract is usually not worth it — rather pay once and stay free.
3. Buy a proven model. Don't fall for unknown brands with dazzling specifications. The producer's name means long-term support, spare parts, and service.
4. Check what is most important to you. Battery? Camera? Display? Speaker volume? Each of the above models has its advantages — choose according to your real needs.
5. Don't forget protection. Once you have a phone, it's smart to get a good screen protector and case. These small accessories extend the life of the device and prevent expensive repairs.
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Conclusion
The phone market under €300 in 2026 is in excellent shape. It has never been easier to get a solid, powerful, and long-lasting phone for this money. The difference between a €300 and a €600 phone is smaller today than ever before.
The key is simply to choose the right model for your needs — and we hope this guide has helped you with that.
Do you have a question about any of the models? Write to us in the comments or contact us — we'll be happy to help.