Budget Champs: Top Phone Picks Under 250 Euros
Top-tier smartphones available for less than 250 euros
Ever thought you can't snag a decent smartphone under 250 euros? Think again! Affordable options with some great features are cropping up, and Stiftung Warentest has rounded up eight such devices in this price range. But remember, budget phones do have their quirks.
Recently, ntv.de unveiled some surprisingly high-end smartphones under 400 euros. However, if you're looking for a more economical option, you have plenty to choose from now. One such list provided by Stiftung Warentest consists of eight phones that won't break your bank, launched last year or this year.
Gadget Galore The CMF Phone 2 Pro demonstrates the potential of 250-euro devices
In total, Stiftung Warentest boasts a whopping 38 good smartphones in this category, but they urge caution with older devices in this price range due to limited software updates or dwindling support. Newer phones, on the other hand, have the advantage of a new EU regulation that requires smartphones to receive updates for at least five years, starting from June 20. Many manufacturers have already been adhering to this for several months.
Three smartphones share the test victory in the 250-euro class, each receiving a quality rating of 2.3. The differences between them are so negligible that you often have to scrutinize the decimal places in the partial scores to spot minor advantages or disadvantages.
Tech Time: Top Players These are the best smartphones under 400 euros
Motorola Moto G84
Stiftung Warentest cites a median online price of 253 euros for the Motorola Moto G84, but it's available for about 180 euros. Despite its low cost, its performance isn't particularly stellar, and it struggles with WLAN and location. Therefore, testers rate its basic functions only satisfactory (2.6). Not surprisingly, the cameras of the budget phone are less than exemplary (2.7).
Despite the manufacturer's claims, the Moto G84 lacks water resistance, which is why its stability is also only satisfactory (2.7). However, the display (1.6) and handling (2.2) received good scores, and the battery was even rated very good.
Samsung Galaxy A25
The Samsung Galaxy A25 is available for around 215 euros and boasts a top-notch screen (1.6), along with good endurance (2.1) and handling (2.1). It shares the same weaknesses as the Motorola competitor in basic functions (2.6) and stability (2.7). The cameras of the Galaxy A25 are slightly better (2.6), but still leave something to be desired.
Telekom T Phone 2 Pro
On the other hand, the Telekom T Phone 2 Pro has only acceptable cameras (3.2), especially the selfie camera is mediocre. However, with excellent WLAN performance, it offers good basic functions (2.4) overall. The display (1.6), battery, and handling also pleased the testers. The stability of the Telekom T Phone 2 Pro is satisfactory (2.6). Its price: just under 250 euros.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo, with an overall score of 2.4, comes in a close second. However, it's the only entry-level smartphone among the eight presented to have good cameras (2.5), with zoom shots and selfies being its only shortcomings. Its basic functions (2.6) fare better than the Galaxy A25 and Moto G84, but its battery life (2.8) could deter potential buyers. Lenovo offers the Motorola Edge 40 Neo for around 200 euros.
The Motorola Moto G75, priced around 215 euros, has only satisfactory cameras (2.9). Otherwise, the device received consistently good partial scores from testers, including for basic functions (2.1). However, it was very close on the display (2.5), and similar issues apply to its handling. This was due to its face recognition being fooled by a photo. One should avoid this function on budget devices if security is a concern, and opt for the fingerprint sensor instead.
The Motorola Moto G55, priced at around 155 euros, achieved an overall score of 2.5. Its strong suits include very good battery life (1.5), good handling, and relatively high stability (2.5). Its biggest weakness is a screen (2.7) that, like its basic functions (2.6) and camera performance (3.2), is only satisfactory.
The Samsung Galaxy A16, which also bags a quality rating of 2.5, is available at the same price. Testers found its battery less than impressive (3.3), but the smartphone offers a notably good display (1.7) and good handling. Basic functions (2.6), cameras (2.9), and stability are satisfactory.
Source: ntv.de, kwe
Other Notable Options:
- Nothing Phone (2a) <- about 230 euros
- Strengths: Good cameras for the price range, sleek design with glowing LED strips for notifications
- Samsung Galaxy A36 <- roughly 250 euros
- Strengths: Good camera, high-end AMOLED display, good update security
- Xiaomi Redmi Series <- multiple options in this price range
- Strengths: Camera quality varies by model, generally good performance for the price, often large batteries with fast charging
In the realm of budget-friendly smartphones, the CMF Phone 2 Pro demonstrates the potential of devices priced under 250 euros, though its performance is not as stellar as some of its counterparts. The smartphone industry is continually evolving, with research and development in technology playing a significant role in the advancement of gadgets like smartphones. For instance, the new EU regulation requires smartphones to receive updates for at least five years, a welcome development for consumers in the research and development of more reliable and sustainable devices.
