Which smartphone to choose for under €300 in 2026?

Today, for less than €300, you can buy a new smartphone with a large 120 Hz screen, a 5,000 to 7,700 mAh battery and, often, 5G. The choice is wide, and the specifications look similar. This guide helps you sort through them: first the criteria that really matter in this range, then the models in stock in our shop that we recommend based on your profile.

Prices recorded on 22/10/2026. Our prices and stock follow those of our suppliers and change often: the up-to-date price and availability are always on the product page. The features listed are those published by the manufacturers.

What a smartphone under €300 does well (and less well)

In this range, phones handle calls, messages, WhatsApp, social media, GPS navigation, music and video streaming without difficulty. The screens are large (6.7 to 6.99 inches) and smooth, and the battery life is often longer than that of high-end models, thanks to very generous batteries.

The compromises are in performance for demanding games, low-light photography, weight (very large battery models often exceed 220 g) and, under €200, the choice of 5G models. Knowing this allows you to choose without regret.

The 5 questions to ask yourself before buying

1. Do you need 5G?

5G offers higher speeds where your operator has deployed it. For everyday use, 4G remains sufficient. But if you plan to keep your phone for several years, a 5G model gives you more leeway. In our shop, the first 5G models start around €200.

2. How much battery life do you need?

A 5,000 mAh battery generally lasts a day of normal use. The 2026 Redmi models go well beyond: 7,500 mAh for the Redmi 17, 7,700 mAh for the Redmi Note 17 4G according to Xiaomi. If you are often far from an outlet, this is the criterion to prioritize. Our article smartphones with large batteries goes further.

3. How much storage?

With 64 GB, the space fills up quickly once the system and applications are installed. 128 GB is suitable for most uses with a cloud backup of photos; 256 GB or more if you keep your videos on the phone. RAM (4, 6 or 8 GB) affects smoothness when several applications are open.

4. AMOLED or LCD?

An AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks and better contrast than an LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A and the Redmi Note 17 are equipped with one. The refresh rate (90 or 120 Hz) makes scrolling smoother.

5. How long are the updates?

This is often what determines the actual lifespan of a smartphone. The commitments vary by manufacturer and model: check the announced duration on the brand's website before buying.

Our recommendations based on your profile

The smallest budget: Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G

At €190.90 in 4 GB / 128 GB Dusk Violet, it is the cheapest new smartphone in our shop on 22/10/2026, and it handles 5G. 6.9-inch 120 Hz screen, 6,000 mAh battery with 33 W charging, 50 MP main sensor, IP64 rating. According to Xiaomi, it accepts a microSD card up to 1 TB. Ideal for a first phone, a backup phone or simple use, provided you back up your photos in the cloud.

Lots of storage for less than €215: Xiaomi Redmi 17 4G

The Redmi 17 4G 4 GB / 256 GB Blue (€212.90) offers 256 GB of storage, a 6.9-inch 120 Hz screen, a 7,500 mAh battery with 45 W charging, a 50 MP main sensor and the IP64 rating. A good option for those who keep photos and music on the phone.

5G battery life: Xiaomi Redmi 17 5G

The Redmi 17 5G combines 5G and a 7,500 mAh battery with 45 W charging, a 6.9-inch 120 Hz screen, a 50 MP main sensor and the IP64 rating. It is €207.90 in 4 GB / 128 GB Blue and €232.90 in 4 GB / 256 GB Black. The trade-off: 232 g on the scale. If 5G doesn't matter, the Redmi 17 4G 256 GB offers the same battery for €212.90.

The large AMOLED screen: Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 4G

The Redmi Note 17 4G 4 GB / 128 GB Black (€212.90) has the largest screen in this selection: 6.99-inch AMOLED at 120 Hz. It also adds a 7,700 mAh battery, 45 W charging, a 50 MP sensor and the IP65 rating. It is the best choice for watching videos, provided you accept 4G and 224 g.

A Samsung in 5G: Galaxy A17 5G or Galaxy A27 5G

The Galaxy A17 5G 4 GB / 128 GB Black (€215.90) is thin and light: 7.5 mm and 192 g. It has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen at 90 Hz, a 5,000 mAh battery and a stabilized 50 MP main sensor. One step up, the Galaxy A27 5G 6 GB / 128 GB Black (€268.90) moves to 6 GB of RAM and a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen at 120 Hz, with a stabilized 50 MP main sensor and 25 W charging. Samsung announces for this model six generations of Android updates and six years of security updates.

If you prefer to stay under €200 with a Samsung, the Galaxy A17 4G (€199.90) keeps the Super AMOLED screen and stabilized photo, without 5G.

The most memory and resistance: Motorola Moto G56 5G

The Moto G56 5G 8 GB / 512 GB Black Oyster (€268.90) offers the most generous memory configuration in the selection: 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. According to Motorola, it is IP68 and IP69 certified. 6.72-inch LCD screen at 120 Hz, MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor, 5,200 mAh battery with 30 W charging, 50 MP Sony LYTIA 600 sensor and 8 MP ultra-wide angle, for 200 g.

The summary

In summary: our advice

• Small budget, simple use: Redmi 15C 5G, or Redmi 17 4G for 256 GB.
• Battery life and 5G: Redmi 17 5G.
• Video and large screen: Redmi Note 17 4G.
• A light Samsung: Galaxy A17 5G, or Galaxy A27 5G for more memory.
• The most storage and waterproofing: Moto G56 5G.

Find all the models in our selections under €200 and from €200 to €300, and our comparison of smartphones under €200. If your budget can go up a bit, the €300 to €500 range adds the IP68 rating and faster AMOLED screens: see our selection under €500.

Buy near you

MonMobileMoinsCher is the online store of GSMCLINIQUE. You can order online and choose free pickup in one of our GSMCLINIQUE stores in Antibes, Pau and Lescar, after confirmation of availability. Our teams can also help you transfer your data to your new phone: see our data transfer guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best smartphone under €300?

There isn't just one: it all depends on your priority. For 5G battery life, the Redmi 17 5G; for the screen, the Redmi Note 17 4G; for a Samsung, the Galaxy A17 5G; for memory, the Moto G56 5G.

Is it better to get a new one at €250 or a high-end refurbished one?

A new one brings a new battery and the 2-year legal warranty; a high-end refurbished one often offers better photos but a used battery. Our article new or refurbished compares the two.

Is the charger included?

It depends on the manufacturer and the model. The product page specifies it; a USB-C charger you already own works, but not necessarily at the maximum announced power.

Are these smartphones guaranteed?

Yes. New, they benefit from the 2-year legal warranty of conformity from delivery for consumer purchases. See our page After-sales service, warranties and returns.

To go further, read our guide to choosing a new smartphone.