Smartphones are more expensive than ever, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get a good one. In fact, many phones under $600 now offer features that used to be exclusive to premium models. Whether you care about performance, battery life, camera quality, or just want a phone that feels good to use every day, there are some great options available in May 2025. From Google’s refined software experience to Motorola’s dependable budget options, and even a Huawei phone that works surprisingly well despite missing Google apps, this list covers a range of choices.
Best Smartphones Under $600
1. Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a is the most affordable way to get Google’s latest AI features and camera tech. Even though it’s part of the mid-range A-series, the Pixel 9a includes many of the same software capabilities found in the more expensive Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. It runs on the Tensor G4 chip, which allows the phone to handle on-device AI tasks like Magic Editor, Live Translate, and advanced voice recognition with ease.
One of the main reasons to pick the Pixel 9a is the camera. Google’s image processing continues to set the standard in the mid-range, and the 48 MP main camera captures clear, well-balanced shots in almost any lighting. Night photography is also strong, with Night Sight producing clean and detailed results.
Another plus is the update support. The Pixel 9a will get Android updates and security patches for seven years, matching the flagship models. That makes it a future-proof choice for anyone who wants to keep their phone for a long time.
The design is more compact than some of the other phones on this list, with a 6.3-inch OLED display that’s bright and smooth at 120Hz. If you value clean software, reliable updates, and strong photography all for $499, the Pixel 9a is hard to beat.
2. Redmi Note 14 Pro+
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ earns its spot on this list by delivering strong all-around performance at a price that remains comfortably under $600. This device retails for $449, thus it can even make the under $400 segment if you are willing to spend a few extra bucks.
It combines high-end design, a fast display, capable hardware, and good camera performance—all while sticking to Xiaomi’s strategy of giving users more for less. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, which offers excellent performance for day-to-day use, gaming, and multitasking.
One of the standout features of the Note 14 Pro+ is the display. It uses a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution (roughly 2712 x 1220 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches up to 1800 nits, making it easy to see outdoors. The screen is curved, which gives the phone a more premium look and feel than typical mid-range models.
Camera performance is solid. The main sensor is a 200 MP unit with optical image stabilization (OIS), which is rare in this segment. Photos come out detailed and vibrant, especially in daylight. While the ultra-wide and macro cameras are more basic, they round out the system for occasional use. Night mode performance is good, though not quite at the level of the Pixel 9a.
Charging is another area where the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ excels. It supports 120W wired charging, and the 5000 mAh battery can go from empty to full in under 25 minutes. This kind of charging speed is still uncommon outside of Xiaomi and iQOO phones, and it’s a big time-saver in daily use.
Best Smartphones Under $600
3. Motorola razr+ (2024)
Yes, a foldable phone under $600. The Motorola Razr+ is now much more affordable than when it launched, and recent price drops have brought it into this budget. For as low as $500, you can get this device. Some retailers even offer special discounts that take the price as low as $450. This isn’t the high-end Razr model—it’s the base model with more modest specs, but the folding design still feels premium.
The Razr+ gives you a 6.9-inch OLED main screen that folds in half, plus a smaller 4-inch external screen for quick info like notifications, weather, and music controls. The hinge feels solid, and the display is smooth at 144Hz, which is rare even in high-end phones.
Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip offers flagship performance, and the battery life is better than expected for a foldable. The camera system isn’t class-leading, but it holds up fine for casual photography and video.
What makes this phone stand out is the form factor. The razr+ folds into a compact square that’s easy to carry and fun to use. It’s one of the few truly different phones in this price range and is perfect for people who want something that looks and feels unique.
4. iQOO 13
The iQOO 13 is a performance-first phone that offers incredible value for money. It uses the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite, which was Qualcomm’s flagship chip in 2024 and still delivers high-end performance today. This device retails for a little above $600, but in recent times, we have spotted a couple of discounts that bring the price just below $600. However, you will need to search for this deal.
Gaming is a strong point. The iQOO 13 comes with a fast 144Hz AMOLED screen, touch sampling rates above 300Hz, and a built-in vapor chamber cooling system. That makes it ideal for mobile gamers who want smooth gameplay and long sessions without overheating.
Battery life is also solid, with a 6150 mAh battery and 120W fast charging that can top up the phone in under 25 minutes. The design leans toward the sporty side, with bright colors and sharp lines, but it still feels refined in the hand.
On the camera front, it has a capable triple setup with a 50 MP main sensor. It won’t beat the Pixel 9a in low light, but it performs well in daylight and has a solid ultra-wide camera too. The iQOO 13 is perfect for users who care about speed, gaming, and getting high-end specs at a mid-range price.
Best Smartphones Under $600
5. Huawei Pura 70
The Huawei Pura 70 is a wildcard on this list. It doesn’t come with Google Play Services out of the box, but it’s surprisingly usable thanks to tools like Gbox, which let you run most Google apps without major problems. For users comfortable with that tradeoff, the Pura 70 offers a strong hardware experience.
The Pura 70 stands out for its build quality and camera system. The 50 MP variable aperture main camera can adjust for different lighting, and the phone takes detailed shots with rich colors. Huawei’s camera software is among the best, especially for portraits and close-ups.
Its design is sleek, with curved edges and a solid feel. The display is a 6.6-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness, making it easy to use outdoors. The Kirin 9000S1 is mid-to-high-end performance, though it’s not quite on par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Tensor G3.
One of the strengths of the Pura 70 is the software – EMUI 14.2 (International), HarmonyOS 4.2 (China). It runs smoothly and looks polished, though it takes some getting used to for Android users. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s an impressive device with top-tier hardware if you don’t mind the lack of native Google support. At launch, this device costs about $760, however, there are now deals that take the price around the $600 mark.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to picking a smartphone under $600. The Pixel 9a is ideal for people who care about photos and software updates. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is built for those with relatively shallow pockets. The Razr gives you a foldable form factor at a reasonable price. The iQOO 13 packs flagship-level performance for gamers and power users. And the Huawei Pura 70 brings high-end design and camera hardware, even with software limitations. No matter what you’re looking for, these phones prove that you can still get an excellent experience without spending over $600.
