In 2025, the budget-to-midrange smartphone market is more competitive than ever, with many devices offering flagship-like features at a fraction of the price. If you’re looking to snag a phone with impressive performance, a great camera, and long-lasting battery life without spending over $400, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a roundup of the best mobile phones under $400 in 2025 that prove you don’t need to break the bank to get a top-tier experience.
1. Google Pixel 7a
Price: ~$399
Key Features:
- Display: 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4385mAh, 18W fast charging
- Camera: 64MP (primary) + 13MP (ultrawide)
- OS: Android 14 (Pixel-exclusive features)
Why It’s Great:
The Google Pixel 7a continues the tradition of offering flagship-like performance at a budget-friendly price. Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7a is optimized for AI-powered tasks like advanced photography and real-time translations. The 64MP primary camera captures excellent photos in various lighting conditions, and the 13MP ultrawide lens offers versatility. The OLED display delivers vibrant colors, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling. With Google’s clean Android 14 experience and timely updates, this phone is perfect for Android purists.
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Price: ~$399
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB, expandable via microSD
- Battery: 5000mAh, 25W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
- OS: One UI 6 based on Android 13
Why It’s Great:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an excellent midrange option that blends solid performance with a fantastic display. Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel is perfect for watching videos, gaming, and browsing, with deep blacks and vibrant colors. The 120Hz refresh rate provides fluid scrolling and gaming performance. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chip, this phone handles multitasking, gaming, and apps effortlessly. Plus, its 50MP main camera takes great photos, and the 5000mAh battery ensures that you’ll get a full day of use.
3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Price: ~$349
Key Features:
- Display: 6.72-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
- OS: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 13
Why It’s Great:
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a standout in the under-$400 category due to its strong performance, fast charging, and solid camera setup. The large 6.72-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 695, the Nord N30 is capable of handling most tasks, from social media to light gaming. The 50MP main camera delivers sharp and detailed photos, and the ultra-fast 67W charging means you can go from 0 to 100% in just around 30 minutes. It’s a great option for those who need a quick, reliable phone for everyday use.
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
Price: ~$379
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
- Camera: 108MP (primary) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
- OS: MIUI 15 based on Android 13
Why It’s Great:
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is a true bargain in the sub-$400 category. It offers a fantastic 108MP camera, which is impressive for a budget-friendly phone, capturing stunning detail in photos. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is excellent for media consumption, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth navigation and gaming performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset provides solid performance, and the 67W fast charging means you’ll spend less time waiting for your phone to power up. Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or just want a solid all-rounder, the Redmi Note 12 Pro delivers excellent value.
5. Motorola Edge 40
Price: ~$399
Key Features:
- Display: 6.55-inch FHD+ OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8020
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 4400mAh, 68W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 13MP (ultrawide)
- OS: My UX based on Android 13
Why It’s Great:
The Motorola Edge 40 brings a high-end feel to the budget category with a 144Hz OLED display, making it perfect for gamers and those who love smooth visuals. The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset ensures snappy performance, whether you’re multitasking or gaming. The 50MP primary camera and 13MP ultrawide provide great photo quality in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the 68W fast charging is one of the fastest in this price range, ensuring that you can charge your phone quickly when needed. If you’re into high-refresh-rate displays and fast charging, the Motorola Edge 40 is an excellent choice.
6. Realme GT 2
Price: ~$379
Key Features:
- Display: 6.62-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh, 65W fast charging
- Camera: 50MP (primary) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
- OS: Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13
Why It’s Great:
The Realme GT 2 combines power and performance with a stunning 6.62-inch AMOLED display and the capable Snapdragon 870 chipset. While it’s not the absolute latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 870 offers excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, and app usage. The 50MP camera delivers sharp, crisp images, and the 65W fast charging means you can get a day’s worth of use with just a quick charge. The Realme GT 2 is an ideal choice for users who want premium specs, especially in the performance department, without paying for a flagship.
7. iPhone SE 3 (2025)
Price: ~$399
Key Features:
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Battery: ~2018mAh
- Camera: 12MP (primary)
- OS: iOS 17
Why It’s Great:
For iPhone enthusiasts, the iPhone SE 3 (2025) offers the latest iOS features at an affordable price. The A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance in a compact and budget-friendly design. While the 4.7-inch Retina HD display may seem small compared to larger screens, it still offers excellent color accuracy and clarity. The 12MP camera takes great photos, and the A15 chip ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and more. If you’re looking for an iPhone without the high price tag, this is one of the best options under $400.
Conclusion: A Phone for Every Need
In 2025, getting a high-performance phone under $400 is no longer a compromise. Whether you’re a photographer, gamer, or simply someone looking for a reliable daily driver, the phones listed here deliver excellent value for their price. From the high-refresh-rate displays and fast charging to impressive cameras and smooth performance, these smartphones ensure you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. So, whether you lean toward Android or iOS, you’re sure to find the perfect device for your needs in this price range.
