10 Best Budget Phones 2025 in the UK

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers solid features for everyday use. Its 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 provides a clear and reasonably vibrant display, suitable for watching videos and browsing. The phone’s 5,000 mAh battery is a significant plus, promising long battery life that should comfortably last a day for most users. This makes it a reliable choice for those who need their phone to last through busy days without frequent charging.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy A16 is equipped with 4 GB of RAM and a processor adequate for standard tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The 128 GB of storage is generous for a budget phone, allowing users to store plenty of apps, photos, and videos.

The camera performance might not be top-tier, which is an area where budget phones often compromise. It’s functional for casual photography but may not satisfy users looking for high-quality photos, especially in low-light conditions. Build quality is decent, but users should be mindful of its plastic construction, which is typical at this price point. It doesn’t feel as premium as higher-end models, but it’s lightweight and practical for everyday handling. The phone runs on Android, and while it comes with guaranteed software updates, the duration of support is unspecified, which could be a drawback for users looking for long-term use.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a good choice for budget-conscious users needing a reliable device for basic use, with the added benefit of 5G connectivity for faster internet speeds.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G appears to be a solid choice for a budget phone. The standout feature of this phone is its 6.6-inch UHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth visuals and a high-resolution viewing experience. Coupled with its 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, this phone should handle most apps and multitasking quite well.

Additionally, the 2.75 GHz A-Series processor should offer decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The dual-SIM capability is a bonus for users who travel frequently or need to manage two numbers. Build quality seems reliable, and the three-year warranty is reassuring. The phone comes with Android 14, which is a positive.

The inclusion of 256GB of RAM in the specs seems to be a mistake and should be clarified. The need for one C battery, which is included, suggests that battery life might be an area of concern.

The Motorola Moto G55 5G is a solid budget phone that offers a great balance of features for its price. Its 6.49-inch Full HD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes watching videos and scrolling feel fluid and enjoyable. Sound quality is enhanced with Dolby Atmos, which is a nice extra for media lovers. The phone’s camera setup stands out with a 50MP lens and Optical Image Stabilization, helping you capture clear photos and steady videos, especially in low light conditions—a feature not always common in budget phones.

It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7025, an octa-core processor that supports fast 5G speeds, so everyday tasks and basic gaming should run smoothly. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it offers plenty of space and memory for apps, photos, and files, which is generous for this category. The 5000mAh battery promises long usage times, and the 68W TurboPower charging means the phone recharges quickly, reducing downtime.

On the build side, the device feels premium with an elegant design and water-repellent IP52 rating, offering some protection against splashes. It comes with Android 14, ensuring you have the latest software and security updates. The phone's weight is somewhat on the heavier side at 320 grams, which might feel bulky for some users. While the processor is good for general use, it may not handle very demanding games or apps as well as higher-end models. This makes the Moto G55 5G a great choice for users who want a stylish, reliable budget phone with a strong camera, solid battery life, and smooth display performance without breaking the bank.