5 Best Phones Under $800 (August 2025)
Update: We last updated this article on August 15, 2025, with Google Pixel 10 details.
Searching for the best phone under $800 is like trying to find a good show on streaming services: endless scrolling and the constant fear of missing out on something amazing, something new. While those $1000 flagships do look good, let’s be honest: they aren’t taking out another mortgage. You don’t need to sell your prized possessions to get the best smartphone out there. However, with so many options, it’s easy to get confused. So, here are the best phones under $800 that deliver the best bang for your buck.
Table of Contents
What to Expect From Phones Under $800
What You Probably Won’t Get in $800
Best Phones to Buy Under $800 in August 2025:
1. Samsung Galaxy S25: Best Flagship Phone
Why We Recommend It:
TheSamsung Galaxy S25 is the most powerful phonein this price range. Don’t let its compact nature fool you, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite underneath is an absolute monster. It shares the rest of the DNA with the S25 lineup, so you get the same 7 years of updates, great cameras, and AI features. The S25 is one of the few phones in this segmentwith a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor and 3x optical zoom. Unlike Apple, you get AI features that are ready to use and available out of the box. There’s also wireless charging support and the latest One UI 7 onboard. So, if you want a Samsung flagship to explore its Galaxy software features, this is the best phone under $800.
Who Should Buy It:
For those who want a compact Android flagship with long-term support, the S25 is the one to go for.. With 7 years of updates and the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it won’t be outdated anytime soon. Furthermore, you get all the Galaxy AI goodies and an entry into the Samsung ecosystem. It’s a great option for those who want a small phone
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
If you want the best battery life or a bigger screen, the S25 sadly isn’t built for you. With its modest 4,000mAh battery, it is best suited for casual users out there. Furthermore, the slow charging speed won’t appeal to hardcore enthusiasts out there.
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2. Google Pixel 10: The Most iPhone-Inspired Android Flagship
If you have been looking to switch to Android or just want a truly smart Android phone, the Pixel 10 is the one for you. Not only does it offer faster performance with Tensor G5, but it also packs some cool AI features. With new features likeMagic Cuesthat can provide contextual information toCamera Coach,all the AI features are not just useful but practical. Furthermore, it is the first base model Pixel with a 10MP telephoto lens. The MagSafe-like wireless charging called PixelSnap makes it a great option for those switching from an iPhone.
If you want a smartphone with AI features that are useful and work out of the box (ahem, Apple Intelligence), then the Pixel 10 is the one for you. With 7 years of OS updates and the fact that you get the latest Android version before others means it will last longer than your relationship. It will also appeal to those who want a compact phone and are looking to switch to Android from their iPhone.
Just like every other Pixel phone, the Pixel 10 isn’t made for gamers or hardcore multitaskers. The Tensor G5 inside is nowhere close to the Snapdragon 8 Elite or the Apple A18 Pro. The lack of a dedicated vapour cooling chamber and no LTPO support means it cannot dynamically adjust the refresh rate.Google has also downgraded the primary camerasensor to add the new telephoto lens. Last but not least, Pixel still lacks a seamless ecosystem that brands like Samsung and Apple are known for.
3. Apple iPhone 16: Complete Apple Experience
Don’t want to get ostracized by your friends for sending them agreen bubble? Buying an iPhone is your only bet. The iPhone 16 allows you to enter Apple’s coveted ecosystem without spending a fortune. It has all the new features, from theDynamic Island to the latest Camera Control. Furthermore, the A18 chip can runAAA gameslike AC Mirage and Death Stranding. This makes it the best iPhone to buy this year (atleast until the iPhone 17 arrives).
If you are upgrading from an older iPhone or want a new iPhone with all the perks, including the Camera Control button, the iPhone 16 is the way to go. Not only is it cheaper than the Pro model, but it also comes with Apple Intelligence support.The 6.1-inch screen is perfect for one-handed use. The 48-megapixel dual camera can take good photos, and the updated ultrawide-angle camera can capture macro shots. Another great feature is the customizable Action Button (previously reserved for the Pro models). There’s also Apple Intelligence to counter Galaxy AI, including Image Playground, Writing Summary,Visual Intelligence, and many more. Overall, the iPhone 16 is the best Apple phone under $800, with all the necessary buttons and features.
If you want a smooth 120Hz refresh rate or a telephoto lens, the iPhone 16 isn’t for you. The 60Hz refresh rate sticks out like a sore thumb (c’mon, Apple!). The slow charging speeds and the smaller screen might not appeal to those switching from a premium Android flagship.
4. Motorola Razr Plus 2024: Flagship Flip Phone
Remember when flip phones were cool? Motorola time-traveled and brought one back on steroids. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra or the Razr Plus 2024 is the best flip phone under $800. It has ahuge 4-inch cover screen, bigger than the 3.4-inch one on the Z Flip 6.Unlike Samsung, you may run every app on the outer display without restrictions. What’s the advantage of this form factor, you ask? Well, it is pocketable as the phone can fit inside your smallest pocket. You can also take selfies on the outer screen, control music playback, check emails, or catch up on Instagram trends without even opening the inner screen. Wait, that’s not all; once you unfold the phone,a massive 6.9-inch screen is waiting for you, bigger than the 6.7-inch one on the Z Flip 6. The rest of the package is pretty good, too, as you get AI features, premium design, and one of the fastest charging on a flip phone
If you want a stylish and compact phone that will turn heads wherever you go, the Razr Plus 2024 is for you. From the premium vegan leather finish to its massive cover screen, it’s perfect for all the flip phone enthusiasts. Motorola close to stock Android software, also making it a versatile option. Last but not least, it’s ideal for those who want a small phone for checking notifications and a bigger one for drafting those lengthy work emails.
Motorola’s lacklustre support when it comes to software updates can be a major letdown for many. Android 16 will be the last update for the Motorola Razr 2024, and Motorola’s rollout frequency hasn’t been stellar to begin with. Furthermore, the lack of an ultrawide-angle lens and relatively small 4,000mAh battery means it’s only meant for casual users.
5. OnePlus 12: All-Round Flagship Phone
Launched last year, this OnePlus flagship has everything you need and more.Powered by last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s still powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it. The OnePlus 12 has a curved panel instead of a quad-curved one like the 13, which some might like while others won’t. Still, the big screen is perfect for binge-watching those TV shows and is pretty sharp, too. The50-megapixel Hasselblad triple cameras can take some exceptional shots, and there’s also a telephoto lens with 3x zoom. OxygenOS also feels refined and is now one of the smoothest software skins with One UI. The 5,400mAh battery can easily last a day, and there’s80W charging, one of the fastest in this price range.
Despite being last year’s flagship, the OnePlus 12 still ticks all the boxes on a specs sheet. It offers solid performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, has a reliable triple camera setup, and a software experience that can still rival many. While you don’t get a silicon-carbon battery, it can still last an entire day. For those looking for the best all-rounder phone at under $800, the OnePlus 12 is the one to buy.
If you want the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite or the fastest charging speed, the OnePlus 12 isn’t for you. With only 3 years of updates left and a relatively “smaller” battery compared to today’s flagships, it might be worth taking a look at other options. The curved screen and the iOS-like feel of OxygenOS might not appeal to everyone.
Honorable Mentions
1. Motorola Razr 2025: Best Mid-Range Flip Phone
Want a flip phone that is heavy on AI features and light on your pocket? The Motorola Razr 2025 is the perfect balance of both. This affordable flip phone not only has a huge 3.6-inch cover screen but also has an eye-grabbing design. It has a massive 6.9-inch inner display. Once you unfold the phone, you can take advantage of all the Moto AI features. You can ask for a summary of your notifications, create a playlist based on a screenshot, or add items to your grocery list. Speaking of photos, there’s a dual camera setup on the back, although it does miss out on a telephoto lens. Apart from AI features, you also get Moto Secure for privacy and Smart Connect to share content from your phone to your TV. There’s a sizeable 4,500mAh silicon carbon battery with support for 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.
The Razr 2025 delivers the foldable experience at a price point where most competitors simply don’t exist. t’s compact, stylish, and well-built, with strong battery life that lasts over a full day. The 120 Hz AMOLED panel feels premium, and Motorola’s AI features give it a modern touch. At under $700, it’s an attractive entry point into foldables, competing well against more expensive clamshells like Samsung’s Z Flip 7.
The Dimensity 7400x isn’t built for performance-oriented users and cannot keep up with the latest flagships. Furthermore, the lacklustre software support and smaller cover screen mean it cannot keep wup ith the Flip 7 or the Razr 2024 Plus.
2. RedMagic 10 Pro: Affordable Gaming Phone
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, then the Red Magic 10 Pro is perfect for you. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it can easily handle any game you throw at it. And to maintain that sustained performance, there’s an ICE-X cooling system with liquid metal. If that’s not enough to satisfy the gamer in you, there’s a dedicated turbo fan that runs at 23,000 RPM.
This device is a perfect match if you’re adedicated mobile gamerwho prioritizes high performance, long battery life, and shoulder triggers. It’s particularly compelling if you want flagship-level gaming capabilities without paying flagship prices. The active cooling system makes it ideal for extended gaming marathons and a great content consumption experience.
If you want long-term software support or great cameras, the Red Magic 10 Pro isn’t for you. It also lacks perks like wireless charging, IP rating, and e-SIM support, which are crucial for some users. Furthermore, with just one year of OS updates and clunky software, it isn’t the mainstream phone you expect.
3. Poco F7 Ultra: Affordable Flagship Killer
Last but not least is the Poco F7 Ultra, which is another flagship killer phone. Although not a dedicated gaming phone, you get the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. On the front, you will find a sharp 6.67-inch 2K display with a dedicated VisionBoost D7 chipset. Furthermore, you get an IP68 rating with a premium metal frame for durability. It is also one of the few phones in this segment with a 50MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom. For sustained gaming performance, you get WildBoost optimization in software and a 5400mm² vapour cooling chamber. Oh, and to ensure you don’t run out of juice, there’s a 5,300mAh battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. It’s one of the few phones that you’re able to buy with superfast wireless charging support.
The Poco F7 Ultra delivers undeniable flagship value. It combines premium hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Elite, an ultra-bright 2K AMOLED display with a sub-$800 price tag. Its performance and display quality are great for gaming, multimedia, and productivity. You also get superfast charging and a 50MP telephoto lens. With 4 years of OS updates, it’s a great option for many users.
HyperOS isn’t built for everyone, and the ultrawide-angle lens doesn’t support 4K. Another thing is the lack of widespread availability andthe lack of eSIM support. The relatively smaller 5,300mAh battery might also disappoint those who are accustomed to a huge 7,000mAh battery.
4. Nothing Phone (3)
Nothing Phone (3)is the newest and most controversial phone on this list. This is the most expensive phone from the company, which it calls a “true flagship”. Apart from the weird-looking design, there are plenty of upgrades; the Phone (3) brings over the Phone (2). You get a Glyph Matrix that replaces the older Glyph LEDs. While you won’t find the bleeding-edge 8 Elite here, it has the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.
Those who are comfortable with a unique or weird-looking phone, depending on how you see it, the Nothing Phone (3) is a good option. With a clean software experience and no ads, it offers a great experience. There’s also 5 years of OS updates and 7 years of security patches. Another upgrade is the new 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x zoom, which was missing on the Phone (2). All of this is backed by a 5,100mAh Silicon Carbon battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless.
The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t the best fit for everyone. It uses theSnapdragon 8s Gen 4, which, while capable, is not the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite found in some rival flagships. The US variant also gets a smaller battery compared to its Indian sibling, and the lack of Glyphs can be a turn-off for many users. If you want the best performance, superfast charging, or the best design, the Phone (3) isn’t made for you.
These are all the best phones that you can currently purchase for under $800. Make sure to bookmark this page, as we will constantly update this space when a new phone arrives in this segment.
Abeer Chawake
A part-time gamer and a full-time Tech Writer. Abeer is a tech enthusiast who keeps track of all the trending gadgets and smartphones. When he isn’t busy smashing words with his keyboard, you’re able to find him playing the latest PC Games or binge-watching TV Shows.
