Summer 2025: Top Budget Smartphones Revealed
Watch this video on YouTube. Nothing Phone 3A: Stylish and Versatile
The Nothing Phone 3A stands out as a stylish and functional option, priced at just over £300. Its OLED display delivers vibrant and sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption. The telephoto camera ensures decent photography performance, while the Nothing OS introduces the Essential Space feature, which enhances multitasking for productivity-focused users. A unique feature of this phone is its flashing back panel, which doubles as a notification system, adding a distinctive and practical flair. With solid gaming performance, the Nothing Phone 3A is a versatile choice for users seeking a balance of design, functionality, and performance. CMF Phone 2 Pro: Durable and Customizable
For those who prioritize durability, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a compelling choice. This rugged smartphone combines a customizable design with reliable performance, all at a lower price than the Nothing Phone 3A. It features an AMOLED display, a basic telephoto camera, and dependable battery life. While it may not excel in heavy gaming, its sturdy construction makes it an excellent option for users who need a tough yet stylish device. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is particularly suited for individuals who value resilience without compromising on essential features. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Affordable Premium Features
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G offers premium features at an affordable price of under £300. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, delivering an immersive viewing experience for streaming and gaming. The phone also features water resistance and decent battery life, making it a reliable companion for everyday use. While it handles moderate gaming effectively, its camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low-light conditions. This device is an excellent choice for users seeking advanced display technology and solid overall performance without exceeding their budget. Xiaomi Poco F7: Built for Gamers
The Xiaomi Poco F7 is a powerhouse designed for gaming enthusiasts. It features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chipset, and a massive 6,500 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. These specifications ensure smooth gameplay and extended usage. Additionally, the phone includes IP68 water resistance, enhancing its durability for everyday use. However, extended gaming sessions may cause the device to heat up, which could affect comfort for heavy users. For those who prioritize gaming performance above all else, the Xiaomi Poco F7 is a top contender. Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro: Unique Design with Reliable Performance
The Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro appeals to users who value both aesthetics and functionality. It's Iron Man-themed special edition offers a distinctive design that stands out from the crowd. The phone is equipped with an AMOLED display, a Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, and IP68 water resistance, ensuring reliable performance and durability. The 6,000 mAh battery provides ample power for daily tasks, making it a practical choice for users who want a blend of style and performance. OnePlus Nord C4 Lite 5G: Balanced and Practical
The OnePlus Nord C4 Lite 5G delivers a well-rounded experience for everyday use. Its OLED display, stereo speakers, and headphone jack make it an excellent choice for media consumption. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime and convenience for users on the go. While its Snapdragon 695 chipset limits gaming capabilities, the phone excels in handling routine tasks and casual use. This device is ideal for users seeking a practical and balanced smartphone for daily activities. Motorola Moto G56 5G: Dependable and Durable
The Motorola Moto G56 5G is a reliable option for users who prioritize durability and dependability. It features an LCD display, IP68 water resistance, and stereo speakers, making sure a robust and enjoyable user experience. The phone's Dimensity 7060 chipset may restrict gaming performance, but its dependable battery life makes it a trustworthy choice for general use. This device is particularly suited for individuals who need a rugged smartphone that can withstand everyday challenges. Motorola Moto G35: Simplicity and Longevity
The Motorola Moto G35 focuses on delivering essential features with a clean and straightforward Android experience. Its excellent battery life ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable option for users who value simplicity over advanced features. While its performance and camera capabilities are basic, the Moto G35 is an ideal choice for those who prioritize longevity and ease of use. Motorola Moto G05: Affordable Secondary Option
For users on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G05 is an excellent secondary phone or a suitable choice for children. It offers basic functionality at an extremely affordable price, making it ideal for users with minimal requirements or as a backup device. This phone is perfect for those who need a simple and cost-effective solution. HMD Fusion: Sustainable and Repairable
The HMD Fusion stands out for its emphasis on sustainability. Its repairable and expandable design makes it an environmentally friendly choice for buyers who prioritize longevity. Running on stock Android, it provides a user-friendly interface and dependable battery life. However, its low-resolution screen and limited performance may not satisfy users seeking advanced features. The HMD Fusion is a great option for environmentally conscious individuals who value sustainability and practicality.
Unlock more potential in Best budget smartphones by reading the previous articles we have written.
Source & Image Credit: Tech Spurt Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Finextra
43 minutes ago
- Finextra
Zopa opens Manchester office
London-headquartered digital bank Zopa is opening an office in Manchester as it bids to create a 500-strong workforce in the city. 0 Opening in central Manchester next month, the office will initially provide space for a team of 50+ employees, with roles focused on product, engineering, and specialist operations. It "could" grow tenfold to over 500 staff over time, says Zopa. The bank is planning to tap into the city's thriving tech ecosystem, strong financial services presence, and deep talent pool. With over 10,000 digital and tech businesses, a flourishing startup scene, and five major universities enrolling over 100,000 students, Manchester has become one of Europe's fastest-growing tech hubs. Iain Kendrick, chief people officer, Zopa, says: "With more than 85% of our customers based outside the capital, expanding into Manchester allows us to be closer to our diverse, nationwide customer base, access new talent, and accelerate our ambitious growth journey. Manchester has the energy, connectivity, and capability we need to support our next stage of expansion as we make Zopa a top-choice employer across regions." A P2P lending pioneer, Zopa pivoted to become a bank in 2020 and has since amassed 1.5 million customers, lending more than £13 billion and securing two straight years of profitability. In June it marked a major milestone, finally launching its first current account, Biscuit. As it grows the business, the firm is also expecting to move to its landmark new headquarters in London later this year, doubling its office footprint for around 900 employees.
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
Times letters: Tech-free ‘cloisters' can help young minds
Write to letters@ Sir, I share Niall Ferguson's concern about the catastrophic effect of AI upon cognitive development ('AI's great brain robbery — and how universities can fight back', weekend essay, Jul 5). Founding, in 2007, the UK's only screen-free school, we have established precisely what he calls for: an oasis (or, as he calls it, a 'cloister') from which devices are excluded, where learning is centred around books, handwriting, discussion and real-world activities and relationships. Our academic outcomes prove that it works (74 per cent of GCSEs at grades 9 to 7), and we see very low incidence of mental health issues. My question is: where is Ferguson going to find university students 'capable of coping with the discipline of the cloister' if schools are habituating them to screen-dependence? If we are to avoid the new Dark Age of which Ferguson warns, we urgently need a 'screen-free schools' movement to complement the 'smartphone-free childhood' one. Jason Fletcher Headmaster, Heritage School Cambridge Sir, I fundamentally disagree with Niall Ferguson's response to the growing influence of AI in education. If more and more students are using ChatGPT to write their essays at the cost of eroding their own individual thinking and reasoning skills, then creating tech-free 'cloisters' in universities is not the answer. There is no uninventing AI, so education, like every other walk of life, is simply going to have to learn to adapt to it. The answer is to remove the essay as the primary measure of academic achievement and replace it with other means that are AI-immune, such as the old-fashioned interview panel, or viva voce. Bob Maddams Louth, Lincs Sir, Niall Ferguson rightly draws attention to the intellectual hollowing-out of student learning at universities due to generative AI. The urgency is even greater for learning at schools. The British government is significantly behind other nations in understanding what the best are doing internationally and developing a dynamic national strategy. In the face of this torpor, I set up the charity AI in Education two years ago with Alex Russell, chair of the Bourne Education Trust. We provide schools with guidance to ensure the interests of student welfare are put first. We cannot stop AI. We can only shape it. At best, AI has much to offer schooling. Yet the British education establishment is asleep to the risks and continues to focus almost exclusively on developing cognitive skills on which AI will always outperform humans, rather than on human skills, human intelligence, human identity and human empathy, which employers want, and on which AI will never outperform us. Sir Anthony Seldon Founding director, Wellington College Education Sir, I did many seven-hour stints in 'the cloisters' at Queen Mary College, London, in the 1970s. After each one the routine was: three hours of snooker and Southern Comfort in the union; one hour commute to Leytonstone; one hour to make and eat corned beef hash; a two-hour movie on VHS; a slow bath; and then bed (to process the cloister work). If I'd had AI to help I might have got a first, not a 2:1 (in astrophysics), but I doubt it. Stephen Hogg Sheffield Sir, When Sir Keir Starmer receives President Macron tomorrow, they will reaffirm their welcome determination to support Ukraine. British-French cohesion to defend the rules-based order over Ukraine is essential and exemplary. We need that same unity of purpose over Israel and Palestine, to uphold international law. In Gaza and the West Bank those same rules are broken daily. We have two requests. Macron and Starmer should press again for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza with all that that entails — and with consequences if devastation and starvation continue in Gaza. They should decide now to recognise the state of Palestine unconditionally, endorsing the Palestinian right to self-determination alongside Israel, and giving renewed impetus to the French-Saudi international conference on a just peace. Britain and France together will bring Commonwealth and European partners with them. It is vital to show the world, particularly President Trump, that there is an alternative based in law to Binyamin Netanyahu's declared policy: living by the sword. Sir Vincent Fean, former consul-general, JerusalemLord Hannay of Chiswick, former ambassador to the UNSir Jeremy Greenstock, former ambassador to the UNLord Green of Deddington, former ambassador to Saudi ArabiaFrances Guy, former ambassador to Lebanon Sir Tony Brenton, former ambassador to RussiaAnthony Cary, former high commissioner to CanadaSir Dominick Chilcott, former ambassador to TurkeySir William Patey, former ambassador to Afghanistan James Watt, former ambassador to EgyptSir Edward Clay, former high commissioner to KenyaPeter Jenkins, former ambassador to the UN (Vienna)Peter Collecott, former ambassador to BrazilJohn Buck, former ambassador to PortugalMichael Hone, former ambassador to IcelandPeter Millett, former ambassador to LibyaRobin Kealy, former ambassador to TunisiaSir Harold Walker, former ambassador to IraqAnthony Layden, former ambassador to LibyaRobin Lamb, former ambassador to BahrainRupert Joy, former EU ambassador to MoroccoRichard Lyne, former high commissioner to the Solomon IslandsRichard Northern, former ambassador to LibyaAdrian Sindall, former ambassador to SyriaSir Derek Plumbly, former ambassador to EgyptSir John Shepherd, former ambassador to Italy Sir, In your article on the selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury (news, Jul 5), Lord Evans of Weardale says he seeks somebody 'who can speak authoritatively and graciously with a Christian voice unto the affairs of the nation. And clearly somebody who can take the appropriate lead on safeguarding.' All well and good, and perhaps a bit of motherhood and apple pie. In my diocese we are told we must increase our parish share and get more worshippers in the pews — a laudable ambition. But my benefice of nine parishes spread over many miles of Somerset has one incumbent. What we need in an archbishop, regardless of gender or ethnicity, is someone who realises that to spread the Christian word we need to invest in vicars on the ground. No war was won without soldiers and no company succeeds without salesmen. By all means speak to the affairs of the nation, but better results will come from speaking to the people of the nation in the parishes. Mike Hodson Bishops' Council and Diocesan Synod member; Spaxton, Somerset Sir, The government's ten-year NHS plan includes a 'seismic shift' in care, away from hospitals and towards a 'neighbourhood health service' (news and letters, Jul 5). The advantage of hospital-based clinics is that there is immediate access to full diagnostic facilities and near-immediate access to fellow specialists who can offer a second opinion. Enforcing a specialist diaspora into 'the community' results in professional isolation and, in terms of throughput, is inefficient. It disrupts the 'one-stop shop' approach to secondary care. Providing a proper multidisciplinary service requires far more staff when they are thinly spread over multiple sites, so is not cost-effective. I tried running outreach clinics for several years before concluding all of this, and abandoning them. These proposals demonstrate failure to learn from the mistakes of the past, and are doomed to repeat them. Dr Andrew Bamji Ret'd consultant rheumatologist; Rye, E Sussex Sir, Your leading article (Jul 4) praises a proposed shift to prevention within the NHS's Fit for the Future strategy, but then, in the same paragraph, describes banning alcohol advertising as 'draconian'. The public accounts committee found, in 2023, that alcohol costs the NHS in England alone a likely underestimate of £25 billion per year, with alcohol linked to more than 100 illnesses, mental disorder, self-harm and suicide. It is a major cause of preventable death. We know that action by government (because the alcohol industry isn't going to do it) on price, availability, marketing and advertising would be an effective preventive measure. What is the justification for opposing it? Elizabeth Robinson Consultant in public health; Levenwick, Shetland Sir, I would encourage John Orton to use the NHS app (letter, Jul 5). I'm well into my seventies but find it easy to use both on my phone and iPad. The government has a responsibility to improve the NHS but we, the users, have our responsibilities too. I also find my phone useful when waiting for a bus — I do the Times sudoku. Cate Rowntree London SE10 Sir, Fraser Nelson (comment, Jul 5) rightly highlights the predicament, created by successive governments for short-term expediency, Britain now finds itself in. Poorly organised debt interest is soaring. The complacency in the Treasury is breathtaking. While Rachel Reeves seems isolated in defence of her fiscal rules, the back benches have shown they do not care so long as the state's reach continues to grow and they can 'virtue signal' to their constituents. Their raw power is filling the vacuum at the top. Most people I know have concluded this government will be a one-term wonder. Where will we find a statesman with clarity of purpose, vision and the honesty to tell us we cannot sustain a freeloading population for much longer? I see no evidence but if one were to emerge, of any party, he or she would have my vote. David R Smith Southport, Merseyside Sir, The expertise of British security printers has long drawn central banks to these shores for the production of their paper money ('Story of banknotes is full of funny money', comment, Jul 5). The 50 rupee note issued in 1968 by the Central Bank of Seychelles was printed in London by Bradbury Wilkinson. It featured a seascape and portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth by Pietro Annigoni. Behind the Queen's head there are two coconut palms. At first sight it is a pleasant, innocuous scene. But turn the note upright and the fronds of the trees are clearly arranged to spell 'sex'. A printing anomaly perhaps — until the 10 rupee note, which featured a handsome turtle and was printed by the same company, was found to have the word 'scum' worked into the coral underneath the turtle. No one owned up to the prank and the notes were left in circulation until the islands gained their independence. Robin Laurance Oxford Sir, Wimbledon is, for me, a highlight of the summer but this year the delight has been dimmed by the absence of line judges. I am deaf and struggle to hear the new electronically generated line calls. Without a judge's clear gestures, I find I am one step behind, having to wait for the score to change or the subtitles to catch up with the commentary. On top of this, the courts look weirdly empty, the ball girls and boys lonely and the chance of those little asides, amusing moments or even eruptions from tense players is gone. Some of the character of Wimbledon has been lost. As for the line judges themselves, how depressing must these Championships be. How hurtful to be chucked out for an electronic gimmick. Octavia Pollock Petersfield, W Sussex Sir, To add to Diana Barrington Holt's 'irritations of tennis' (letter, Jul 5), may I suggest: the camera shot from behind the server that is so low it is impossible to see where the ball is going — and American commentators who talk so much they speak over the play. Lynne C Potter Hexham, Northumberland Sir, You report that three village cricket clubs have been banned from using their grounds after a member of the public said he was hit by a stray ball in a car park (news, Jul 5). At my school in the 1960s there was a walled bull field near the cricket flats, usually with a bull in it. If you were to hit a ball into the field you were awarded 12 runs, but six whacks with a ferula and ruled 'out' — and you had to collect the ball yourself. I don't remember many 12s being awarded. Kevin Lawton Wadebridge, Cornwall Sir, Sophia Bennett asks whether two letters from the same village in one day is a record (letter, Jul 5). I regret to disappoint her. On September 13, 1999, The Times published letters from myself and a close neighbour in the village of Longworth — so close that our houses share the same full postcode of seven characters. Professor Adam Ogilvie-Smith Longworth, Oxon Write to letters@
Auto Blog
4 hours ago
- Auto Blog
VW's Competitors Should Fear The Upcoming ID2 GTI Seen In Spy Shots, Plus Our Render
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Spy shots of the VW ID.2 GTI reveal compact size, hatchback functionality According to VW's top boss, Thomas Schaeffer, the upcoming, high-performance electric hot hatch–the VW ID.2 GTI–is 'a monster' that will blow away all of our expectations. With a predicted unveiling later this year or in early 2026, the VW ID.2 GTI will give the world a first glimpse at how Volkswagen plans to translate its legendary hot hatch recipe into a fully-electric vehicle. For now, though, thanks to our friend Stephen Hancock of SHProshots, we've gained access to incredible spy shots of the VW ID.2 GTI undergoing testing to satisfy our palates until we finally get to see the real thing. 0:02 / 0:09 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More VW ID.2 GTI Spy Shot — Source: SHProshots The VW ID.2 GTI will be a true hot hatch in every right While a VW e-Golf GTI is expected to be released eventually, the ID.2 GTI will be Volkswagen's first ever all-electric model to bear the iconic GTI nameplate, and thus has a vast legacy to live up to. Thanks to these highly detailed spy shots, we can all rest assured knowing that, at the very least, the VW ID.2 GTI won't be so bloated. With its smartly compact proportions and short wheelbase, it's safe to say that this electric GTI will be a blast to throw around tight corners–a true staple of any authentic GTI. VW ID.2 GTI Spy Shot — Source: SHProshots Do 'fully-electric' and 'hot hatch' really belong in the same sentence? As a hard-headed purist myself, there's no denying that the idea of a fully-electric hot hatch is ample grounds for skepticism. However, thanks to the precedent set by the lauded Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which proved that a driver-focused electric hatchback really could put a smile on your face, my hopes are high for Volkswagen's entry into this new and exciting segment. I'll admit that I wish VW's integration of electric hot hatches into its lineup didn't mean its gas-powered sports models will likely be phased out entirely, but it's at least somewhat comforting to know that we won't be left entirely without that necessary 'fun factor' that made hot hatches so appealing in the first place. Volkswagen ID.2 GTI Concept — Source: AI Generated Image Final thoughts: The VW ID.2 GTI carries a massive weight on its shoulders As the VW ID.2 GTI will be the German automaker's first-ever fully-electric performance model, its critical reception will truly be a 'make or break' moment for the brand. If the model excites and demonstrates a genuinely well-executed effort, it could cement VW as a serious heavy-hitter in the segment, as it has been for so many years with models such as the Golf GTI and Polo GTI. On the other hand, if it lacks the passion and vibrance that buyers have come to expect from driver-oriented cars, it could cost VW a lot of the hype they'll need to maintain for the inevitable release of the e-Golf GTI. Until we see more from Volkswagen, we remain hopeful and optimistic that the brand's engineers will be able to translate their traditional hot hatch passion into a progressive and forward-thinking EV. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. About the Author Cole Attisha View Profile
