Recent findings indicate that the average smartphone budget in France is around 450 euros, yet there are excellent options available for under 300 euros. This overview highlights top budget smartphones like the Honor Magic6 Lite, Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G, which deliver great value with impressive features. A rigorous testing methodology ensures reliable recommendations, catering to users seeking affordable yet capable devices.
Discovering Affordable Smartphones in France
Recent insights from the Gfk institute reveal that the typical budget for acquiring a smartphone in France hovers around 450 euros. This article showcases an outstanding array of smartphones priced under 300 euros, drawing attention to models that might not be prominently featured in mainstream media yet still offer exceptional value for those looking to save money.
While purchasing an affordable smartphone may require some compromises, rest assured that with a thoughtful selection, the best budget-friendly smartphones can adequately fulfill most of your requirements. For those with a more generous budget, we encourage you to explore our guide to superior smartphones under 500 euros or our comprehensive overview of the finest smartphones available, which includes premium options. Additionally, if you’re in the market for a tablet, check out our curated list of the best tablets on the market today.
Top 3 Smartphones Under 300€
1. Honor Magic6 Lite: The premier smartphone under 300€
2. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G: The top smartphone around 250€
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G: The smartphone with the finest display under 300€
Why You Can Rely on Our Recommendations
With over a decade of experience as a tech journalist, Fouad Bencheman has sharpened his expertise at renowned publications such as GQ (Condé Nast) and 01NET. He later became the go-to tech expert for several years at the music magazine Trax and Femme Actuelle Senior.
Our Testing Methodology
Our smartphone evaluation process is rigorous and structured. We spend weeks with each device to assess daily usability and comfort, including build quality, call clarity, connectivity, and overall ergonomics, as well as photographic capabilities.
We also conduct technical assessments to gather objective and quantifiable data. Our testing begins with a colorimetric probe to analyze the screen, measuring aspects like contrast ratio, peak brightness, and color accuracy. For performance evaluation, we utilize specialized benchmark applications to assess the device’s capabilities, including computing power, GPU performance, and multitasking efficiency. The camera is tested under specific conditions to evaluate all sensors effectively.
Although the performance scores of entry-level smartphones differ from those of high-end models, we align our findings with the most typical usage scenarios such as social media, light gaming, music and video streaming, and emails.
To assess battery performance, we perform a 4K video playback test, which, while not reflective of actual usage time, allows for fair comparisons among models. Charging times are also recorded, noting the duration needed to charge from 0 to 100%.
Your Guide to the Best Smartphones Under 300€
To assist you in selecting the perfect entry-level smartphone that meets your requirements, we’ve compiled a summary of our findings below.
Honor Magic6 Lite: The Best Smartphone Under 300€
The Honor Magic6 Lite stands out in the budget category, boasting an eye-catching design that captivates users. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display, with a resolution of 1,220 x 2,652 pixels, is both large and user-friendly. With a peak brightness of 1,050 cd/m2, it offers impressive color fidelity, with a Delta E of 3.36.
Equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, the Magic6 Lite delivers smooth performance on Android 13. Battery life is commendable, lasting approximately 18 hours and 45 minutes in our tests, although charging times can be lengthy, taking about 135 minutes for a full charge. The camera, featuring a 108 MP wide-angle sensor, produces decent images, though sharpness can sometimes be lacking at the edges, especially with the weaker 5 MP ultra-wide sensor.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G: The Best Smartphone Around 250€
Originally launched at 399 euros, the Samsung Galaxy A34 has seen its price drop below 300 euros, making it an excellent budget-friendly option. This smartphone is not only easy to handle but also features a stylish matte plastic design and IP67 certification, a rarity at this price point.
With a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED display, it offers a great visual experience for video streaming. Powered by a Dimensity 1080 chip and 6 GB of RAM, it performs well in multitasking and gaming, with only minor heating issues during extended play. For photography, its 48 MP main sensor captures vibrant images, although the macro and ultra-wide sensors are less noteworthy. In terms of battery life, it lasted 18 hours and 14 minutes in our tests, ensuring it can last throughout a busy day.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G: The Smartphone with the Best Display Under 300€
Xiaomi has excelled at creating value-for-money smartphones, and the Redmi Note 13 5G is a testament to that. Its impressive 6.67-inch AMOLED display, with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, provides a brilliant visual experience. Brightness levels reach up to 1,132 cd/m2, and color reproduction is excellent, with an average Delta E of 2.82.
While its Snapdragon 685 chip handles everyday tasks competently, it’s best to avoid resource-intensive applications to maintain optimal performance. The design, made from plastic, offers durability and remains lightweight at 176 g. The 108 MP main sensor delivers good-quality images, although low-light performance could be improved. Overall, the Redmi Note 13 5G offers a solid package for those prioritizing display quality in a budget smartphone.