Top-notch budget smartphones priced less than €250 revealed
Havin' a Quality Phone on a Budget? Check out These Under 250 Euro Smartphones
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Are you in the market for an affordable smartphone, but don't want to compromise on quality? Look no further, as Stiftung Warentest has a list of eight current smartphones priced under €250. However, some trade-offs are inevitable, as these phones have their weaknesses.
Recent reports from ntv.de highlighted some surprising high-quality smartphones under €400 that boast top-tier features in certain areas. Now, even those seeking budget-friendly options have a wide selection. Stiftung Warentest, for instance, presents eight smartphones that don't cost more than €250 and have either been recently released or are upcoming.
Tech Talk Cool and Capable: The CMF Phone 2 Pro shows what an €250 smartphone can do The list features 38 good smartphones in total. However, it's best to steer clear of older devices in this price range, as they may not receive further software support for much longer or, in some cases, the support has already ended. Newer phones have a distinct advantage, as a new EU regulation applies from June 20 that requires smartphones to support software updates for at least five years. Many manufacturers have already been adhering to this for a while.
Three smartphones share the test victory in the €250 category, each earning the quality rating of 2.3. The differences between them are minimal, often requiring scrutinizing fractional score differences to spot tiny advantages or disadvantages.
Tech Bits 13.06.25: Emerging Winners in the Smartphone Under €400 Category
Motorola Moto G84
You can snag the Motorola Moto G84 for a median online price of €253, but it's currently available for around €180. Like many budget-friendly smartphones, its performance isn't exceptionally high, with WLAN and location services being struggles. Testers found the basic functions only acceptable (2.6). Unsurprisingly, the Moto G84's cameras aren't great (2.7), but satisfactory.
Despite the manufacturer's claims, the Moto G84 lacks water-resistance proof, resulting in a middling stability score (2.7). The display (1.6) and handling (2.2) received good marks, while the battery was rated exceptionally well.
Samsung Galaxy A25
Buy it at amazon.de The Samsung Galaxy A25 goes for approximately €215. Its standout feature is its excellent screen (1.6). Endurance, handling, and basic functions all earn good grades (2.1 each). It presents the same drawbacks as its Motorola competitor in terms of standard functions (2.6) and stability (2.7). The Galaxy A25's cameras are slightly better (2.6).
Telekom T Phone 2 Pro
Find it on offer at amazon.de The Telekom T Phone 2 Pro's cameras are merely acceptable (3.2), with a poor selfie camera. It boasts good WLAN performance and offers decent standard functions overall (2.4). The display (1.6), battery, and handling were praised by testers. The phone's stability is satisfactory (2.6), and it retails for around €250.
Available at amazon.de The Motorola Edge 40 Neo, which receives an overall score of 2.4, ranks second on the list of eight entry-level smartphones. It's the only device with respectable cameras (2.5), with zoom and selfies being mediocre. While its basic functions (2.6) don't match the Galaxy A25 and Moto G84, its battery life (2.8) may deter potential buyers. Lenovo sells the Motorola Edge 40 Neo for around €200.
Motorola Moto G75
At roughly €215, the Motorola Moto G75 has acceptable cameras (2.9). However, it consistently receives good scores from testers in other areas, including standard functions (2.1), handling, display, and visual appeal (2.5 each). However, its face recognition technology is easily fooled by photos, so it's best to avoid this feature on budget devices if security is a concern. The user should use the fingerprint sensor instead. Overall, it also receives a quality rating of 2.4.
Motorola Moto G55
Available for around €155, the Motorola Moto G55 delivers an overall score of 2.5. Its strengths lie in a superior battery life (1.5), good handling, and a relatively high level of stability (2.5). Its biggest weakness is a mediocre screen (2.7), mid-range standard functions (2.6), and run-of-the-mill camera performance (3.2).
Samsung Galaxy A16
Priced at €250, the Samsung Galaxy A16 shares the same overall score (2.5) as the Moto G55. Testers found its battery lacking (3.3), but it offers an impressive display (1.7) and good handling. Basic functions, cameras, and stability are all acceptable.
- The Community policy should encourage manufacturers to provide software support for at least five years for smartphones, as outlined in the European regulation that takes effect in June 2022, to ensure budget-friendly devices remain functional for a longer period.
- With the rapid advancements in technology, research and development are crucial in creating gadgets like smartphones that deliver high-quality performance even in the under €250 price range, reflecting the growing demands of consumers for affordable yet competent devices.
