In an era where flagship smartphones can easily top $1,000, finding a device that delivers solid performance, a vibrant display, and reliable cameras without breaking the bank feels like a small miracle. As of late 2025, the sub-$300 segment has exploded with options that punch well above their price point, thanks to advancements in chipsets, AI integration, and software optimization. Whether you’re a student, a casual user, or just tired of overpaying for premium branding, there’s never been a better time to shop budget. But with so many contenders, which one truly deserves the crown? After poring over expert reviews and hands-on tests, the CMF Phone 2 Pro emerges as the undisputed best phone under $300 this year. Priced at around $280 for the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model, it offers a rare blend of style, substance, and longevity that leaves rivals in the dust.
The Budget Phone Landscape in 2025: A Quick Rundown
Before we dive into the winner, let’s spotlight a few strong alternatives that make the under-$300 category so competitive. These phones excel in specific areas but fall short of the all-around excellence we’re seeking.
- Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2025) (~$300): This battery beast lives up to its name with a massive 5,000mAh cell that easily lasts a full day (and then some) of heavy use, plus rare perks like 15W wireless charging and a 120Hz LCD display. It’s ideal for those who prioritize endurance over flair, with a vegan leather back for grip and style. However, its mediocre cameras and LCD screen (versus OLED) hold it back in multimedia scenarios.
- Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (~$170): Samsung’s entry-level champ shines with exceptional software support—up to six years of OS updates and security patches—which is unheard of at this price. It packs a crisp 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display at 90Hz, an IP54 rating for splash resistance, and a dependable Exynos 1330 chipset for everyday tasks. Cameras are above average for the class, but the plastic build and lack of wireless charging feel dated.
- Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (~$300): A step up from the A16, this model boasts a smoother 120Hz Super AMOLED screen, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, and an IP67 rating for better water resistance. Battery life is stellar at 5,000mAh with 25W charging, and the Exynos 1380 handles multitasking with ease. It’s a safe, reliable pick from a trusted brand, though the auxiliary cameras (like the 2MP macro) add little value.
These options are no slouches, but they often trade innovation for familiarity. Enter the CMF Phone 2 Pro, a sub-brand of Nothing that’s redefining what “budget” means in 2025.
Why the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the Best Under $300
Launched in May 2025, the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t just affordable—it’s a statement. At $280, it undercuts competitors while delivering flagship-like features in a package that’s as fun to use as it is functional. Here’s why it tops our list:
1. Standout Design and Build Quality
Unlike the sea of bland plastic slabs, the CMF Phone 2 Pro embraces modularity with a detachable back cover that supports swappable accessories like lanyards, stands, or even a wallet—think Nothing’s signature glyph interface but on a budget. The 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display (1080×2392 resolution) is bright (up to 3,000 nits peak), color-accurate, and bezel-free for an immersive viewing experience. It’s not IP-rated like the Galaxy A26, but the matte finish resists fingerprints better than glossy rivals, and at 7.9mm thin, it feels premium in hand.
2. Performance That Punches Above Its Weight
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage (via microSD), this phone handles everything from social scrolling to light gaming without breaking a sweat. Benchmarks show it outpacing the Moto G Power’s Dimensity 7020 in multitasking, and it stays cooler under load than the bloatware-heavy POCO X6 Pro. Running Nothing OS 3.2 on Android 15, it promises three years of OS upgrades—more than Motorola’s one—and includes clever AI tools like Essential Space for smart file organization. No ads, no nonsense: just clean, customizable software that’s the best in the budget class.
3. Cameras That Actually Deliver
Budget phones often skimp on photography, but the CMF’s triple rear setup (50MP main + 50MP 2x telephoto + 8MP ultrawide) with a 16MP front shooter captures sharp, vibrant shots even in low light. The telephoto lens is a rarity under $300, enabling lossless zoom that beats the Galaxy A16’s basic macro add-on. Video tops out at 4K/60fps with solid stabilization, making it a step above the Moto G Power’s daylight-only competence.
4. Battery and Charging Efficiency
A 5,000mAh battery keeps the lights on for 10-12 hours of mixed use, with 33W wired charging getting you to 50% in under 30 minutes. While it lacks wireless charging (a Moto exclusive), real-world tests show it edges out the Galaxy A16 in efficiency thanks to optimized software. No more mid-day top-ups for most users.
In head-to-head comparisons, the CMF Phone 2 Pro scores highest for its “fun factor”—that intangible mix of aesthetics and usability that makes daily tech feel fresh. Reviewers note its well-optimized interface and generous storage make it feel like a $500 device, solving common budget pitfalls like sluggishness and limited space. The only minor gripes? U.S. availability is spotty (best bought via Nothing’s site), and the back cover isn’t fully detachable as hyped. But at this price, those are nitpicks.
Final Verdict: A Budget Revolution
The CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t perfect—no phone is—but in 2025’s crowded under-$300 arena, it stands alone as the best all-rounder. It combines innovative design, snappy performance, capable cameras, and thoughtful software in a way that feels genuinely exciting, not just “good enough.” If battery marathon-running is your jam, grab the Moto G Power; for ironclad updates, the Galaxy A16 calls. But for a phone that delights from unboxing to daily use? The CMF is your move. Head to Nothing’s website or check carriers for deals—your wallet (and your feed) will thank you.