The Best Smartphones for Less Than 300 Euros
Between the frequently mentioned flagship smartphones and the inexpensive entry-level class, there are many mainstream smartphones. This ranking includes devices up to 300 USD/Euros that were reviewed by Notebookcheck over the past few months based on their ratings in our reviews. The following Top 10 rankings might be interesting as well:
The Best Mid-Range Smartphones
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Height | Weight | Screen-Body Ratio | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 85.4 % | 04/2023 New! | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G Qualcomm Adreno 642L 8 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.9 mm | 181 g | 87 % | 6.67" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
2 | 84.9 % | 04/2023 | Samsung Galaxy A34 5G MediaTek Dimensity 1080 ARM Mali-G68 MP4 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 8.2 mm | 199 g | 85 % | 6.60" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
3 | 83.6 % | 10/2022 | Motorola Edge 30 Neo Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 8 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.75 mm | 155 g | 88 % | 6.30" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
4 | 82.8 % | 05/2023 | Motorola Moto G73 5G MediaTek Dimensity 930 IMG BXM-8-256 8 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 8.29 mm | 181 g | 90 % | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
5 | 82.2 % | 11/2023 New! | Motorola Moto G84 Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 12 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.6 mm | 166.8 g | 87 % | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
6 | 82 % | 05/2023 | Honor Magic5 Lite 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.9 mm | 175 g | 90 % | 6.67" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
7 | 81.7 % | 06/2023 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 619 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 8 mm | 189 g | 85 % | 6.67" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
8 | 81.4 % | 05/2023 | Xiaomi Poco X5 Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.98 mm | 190 g | 85 % | 6.67" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
9 | 80.9 % | 12/2022 | Xiaomi Poco M5s Mediatek Helio G95 ARM Mali-G76 MP4 4 GB Memory, 64 GB UFS 2.1 | 8.3 mm | 178.8 g | 83.5 % | 6.43" | 2400x1080 | 060 Hz | Android 12 | |
10 | 80.7 % | 10/2023 New! | Motorola Moto G54 MediaTek Dimensity 7020 IMG BXM-8-256 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 8 mm | 177 g | 86 % | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 |
The table above contains an overview over the best smartphones for less than 300 Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Editors' Comments
This month, two more Motorola smartphones make it into this list of the best: The Moto G84 and the Moto G54. The latter pushes its predecessor, the Moto G52, out of the top 10 and the Galaxy M23 also has to make way due to its age. Also new and right at the top is the Poco X5 Pro.
1st – Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a high pixel density and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is powered by an upper mid-range Qualcomm SoC with 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. The equipment is completed by a jack connection, IR blaster and fast charging of the 5,000 mAh battery with 67 watts.
Even if the SoC is no longer the latest, the Poco X5 Pro still offers a really good complete package.
In our review, the Poco smartphone impressed with its bright display, long battery life and good system performance. However, the casing is very plastic-heavy and not many LTE frequency bands are supported.
In the USA, interested users can order Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro via Amazon starting from $275.
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2nd - Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G offers a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ and up to 120 Hz. It has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory and can be expanded with an optional microSD. If you need more memory, you can also opt for the 8 or 256 GB version.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a reliable everyday companion with a long update guarantee.
The triple camera is based on a 48 MPix main sensor and is supplemented by an ultra-wide angle and a macro lens. The Samsung smartphone is also IP67-certified and achieves long runtimes thanks to its 5,000 mAh battery. The biggest point of criticism is certainly the slow charging speed.
The Galaxy A34 5G is widely available, for example on Amazon, with prices starting at around $245.
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3rd – Motorola Edge 30 Neo
With its 6.3-inch pOLED display, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is one of the more compact smartphones. It has 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory, although the latter cannot be expanded. Although the battery is not huge, it still has good endurance and can be charged quickly at 68 watts.
The Edge 30 Neo impresses above all with its stylish design and super-bright display.
The dual camera delivers decent shots in the test, but weakens as expected in low light. The enormous brightness of the panel is impressive, which is rare in this price range. Dual loudspeakers are also anything but obligatory. However, the localization should be a little more precise.
The Edge 30 Neo can be purchased directly from the Motorola store, but is also available from other retailers such as Amazon.
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4th – Motorola Moto G73 5G
The Motorola Moto G73 5G has a 6.5-inch IPS display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Although this is comparatively dark in the test, it is flicker-free. In addition to 8 GB of RAM, there is 256 GB of internal memory, which can also be expanded using a microSD card. An audio jack is also integrated.
The Moto G73 5G offers a well-rounded overall package, but has neither an IP rating nor a particularly bright display.
The dual camera takes good pictures in daylight, but cannot record videos in Ultra HD. On the other hand, the G73 has dual loudspeakers and a long battery life.
The Moto G73 is available directly from Motorola. Amazon US also lists the phone for $260.
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5th – Motorola Moto G84
The Motorola Moto G84 has a 6.5-inch pOLED display that can use a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. With the Snapdragon 695, it is powered by a real mid-range perennial favorite and has access to a generous 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory. Despite its comparatively light 167 grams, a 5,000 mAh battery is still housed in the casing. The dual camera relies on a 50 MPix main sensor with optical image stabilization.
The Motorola Moto G84 impresses in its class with its comprehensive features and ample memory.
The equipment is rounded off by a microSD slot, jack connection, FM radio receiver and fairly fast charging (up to 30 watts). In the test, the Moto G84 scored particularly well with its bright display, precise positioning and good battery life. However, we were less impressed by the loudspeaker.
The Moto G83 is available directly from Motorola. Users can also order the device via Amazon US.
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6th – Honor Magic5 Lite 5G
Despite its 6.67-inch display and comparatively large 5,100 mAh battery, the Honor Magic5 Lite 5G is quite light and weighs just 175 grams. The Honor smartphone is powered by a mid-range SoC from Qualcomm, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory or alternatively 8/256 GB. The Magic5 Lite also has an IR blaster.
The Honor Magic5 Lite 5G is a slim smartphone with strong runtimes and a bright display, but shows shortcomings in the camera.
Although the camera is much improved compared to its predecessor, it can only fall back on weak additional lenses. The high-frequency PWM dimming, on the other hand, is a big plus.
At the time of writing, Honor Magic5 Lite 5G is available at Amazon US for $329.99.
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7th – Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and has 128 GB of UFS 2.2 memory, which can be expanded with a microSD card. An audio jack and IR blaster are also integrated.
With the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, buyers get a well-equipped mid-range smartphone at a fair price.
The triple camera consists of a main sensor with 48 MPix, an ultra-wide angle and a macro lens. The 5,000 mAh battery ensures good runtimes and can be charged with 33 watts. The Redmi smartphone does not give much cause for criticism in the test, but it is a shame that it still comes with the old Android 12.
Interested users can purchase the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G via Amazon US for around $210.
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8th – Xiaomi Poco X5
The Xiaomi Poco X5 has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that works at up to 120 Hz and achieved a peak brightness of over 1,000 cd/m2 in the test. Unfortunately, the OLED flickering is quite irregular and there is no dimming function. The Poco smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G.
Poco delivers a convincing overall package for the mid-range with the Poco X5.
Thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery, the X5 achieves good runtimes. The heart of the triple camera is a 48 MPix sensor, which takes good pictures in daylight. Unfortunately, the update policy is not entirely clear, but at least the smartphone comes directly with Android 13.
At the time of writing, Xiaomi Poco X5 is listed on Amazon US for $249.
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9th – Xiaomi Poco M5s
The Xiaomi Poco M5s offers a 6.43-inch AMOLED display that operates at Full HD+ and 60 Hz. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 with 4 GB of RAM. The internal storage is either 64 or 128 GB and can be expanded via microSD card. An IR blaster and an audio jack are also installed. A 64 MPixel sensor is the core of the triple camera.
The Poco M5s convinces with extensive features and a bright display, but it does without 5G.
The Poco M5s convinces with its bright panel, long battery runtimes and extensive features in the test. Unfortunately, there is no power supply included and the modern 5G standard is not supported.
The device is available for use in non-US countries from Amazon for $179.
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10th – Motorola Moto G54
The Motorola Moto G54 offers a 6.5-inch IPS display that works at up to 120 Hz and has the great advantage of being PWM-free. A mid-range SoC from MediaTek, supported by 8 GB of RAM, ensures decent system performance. With 256 GB of internal memory, the G54 offers plenty of space for your own data and can also use an optional microSD card.
The Motorola Moto G54 offers a decent smartphone for little money.
An audio jack, NFC, stereo speakers and a powerful 5,000 mAh battery are also on board. The main camera works with 50 MPix (including OIS), but the additional 2 MPix lens is not worth mentioning. The eSIM support is by no means a matter of course in this price range. In the test, however, the display turned out to be quite dark and the Wi-Fi connection is not particularly fast with Wi-Fi 5.
The Moto G54 is available from Amazon, among others.
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Best Mainstream Smartphones in Comparison
Test Results
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 256 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Mali-G68 MP4, Dimensity 1080, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Motorola Edge 30 Neo Adreno 619, SD 695 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Motorola Moto G73 5G IMG BXM-8-256, Dimensity 930, 256 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Motorola Moto G84 Adreno 619, SD 695 5G, 256 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Honor Magic5 Lite 5G Adreno 619, SD 695 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G Adreno 619, SD 4 Gen 1, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi Poco X5 Adreno 619, SD 695 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi Poco M5s Mali-G76 MP4, Helio G95, 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Motorola Moto G54 IMG BXM-8-256, Dimensity 7020, 256 GB UFS 3.0 Flash | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 1.57 ? | 1.33 ? | 1.31 ? | 33.7 ? | 1 ? | 1.2 | 1.35 ? | 1.51 ? | 3.5 ? | 27.5 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 1.32 ? | 1.22 ? | 1.19 ? | 31.9 ? | 0.8 ? | 1 ? | 1 ? | 1.18 ? | 2.8 ? | 20.4 ? |
PWM Frequency | 120 | 253 | 730 | 90 | 60 | 343 | 486 | |||
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 770 | 922 | 984 | 516 | 894 | 846 | 658 | 674 | 715 | 492 |
Brightness | 778 | 930 | 992 | 498 | 889 | 853 | 663 | 683 | 720 | 470 |
Brightness Distribution | 97 | 98 | 98 | 89 | 94 | 88 | 98 | 98 | 95 | 90 |
Black Level * | 0.43 | 0.3 | ||||||||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.6 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 2.08 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.04 | 3.9 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 5.94 | 2.81 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 5.3 | 4.85 | 6.26 |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3 | 2.4 | 3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 4.3 |
Gamma | 2.23 99% | 2.09 105% | 2.14 103% | 2.283 96% | 2.252 98% | 2.19 100% | 2.23 99% | 2.21 100% | 2.28 96% | 2.275 97% |
CCT | 6882 94% | 6661 98% | 6518 100% | 7006 93% | 7122 91% | 6570 99% | 6504 100% | 6346 102% | 6488 100% | 7656 85% |
Contrast | 1200 | 1640 | ||||||||
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 32.8 | 34.2 | 32.3 | 43.9 | 44 | 44.3 | 40.3 | 31.7 | 46.6 | 45.4 |
Maximum Bottom * | 32 | 34.5 | 33 | 45.1 | 45.1 | 41.8 | 39.5 | 30.6 | 41.2 | 44.3 |
Idle Upper Side * | 26.6 | 26 | 28.4 | 25.8 | 24.4 | 31.2 | 30 | 27.2 | 22.3 | 24 |
Idle Bottom * | 25.5 | 25.6 | 27.2 | 24.8 | 25.2 | 29.2 | 29.2 | 24.9 | 23 | 24.5 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
Reader / Idle | 1297 | 2975 | 3458 | 1997 | 1668 | 1482 | 2088 | 3481 | ||
WiFi v1.3 | 827 | 1024 | 721 | 1046 | 908 | 816 | 645 | 662 | 1011 | 875 |
Load | 311 | 395 | 290 | 277 | 388 | 304 | 382 | 301 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
WebXPRT 3 - Overall (sort by value) | |
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G | |
Motorola Moto G73 5G | |
Motorola Moto G84 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G | |
Xiaomi Poco M5s | |
Motorola Moto G54 |
PUBG Mobile - HD (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | |
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G | |
Motorola Moto G73 5G | |
Motorola Moto G84 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G | |
Xiaomi Poco X5 | |
Xiaomi Poco M5s | |
Motorola Moto G54 |