Smartphones under $400 continue to deliver impressive value in 2025. Whether you’re after long battery life, smooth display performance, or solid cameras, this price range has devices that can meet those needs without pushing your budget. This article covers some of the best options currently available, offering a mix of models that balance performance, features, and price.
These phones are suitable for students, casual users, or anyone looking for a dependable smartphone without spending too much. Let’s go through the top picks and explore what makes each of them a strong contender in this category.
Best Smartphones Under $400
1. Meizu Note 22
The Meizu Note 22 is one of the most expensive phones in the company’s latest lineup, costing up to $299, but it is one of the cheapest devices on this list. Nevertheless, it offers just enough for its price tag. This device comes with a triple rear camera setup that has a 108MP main camera. Starting at just $179, that kind of camera power is a pleasant surprise, letting you snap crisp, detailed shots, at least when the lighting plays nice.
This device comes with a big 6600 mAh battery, something reserved for flagships. It also supports 40W fast charging for excellent longevity and quick top-ups. On the front, there is a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate.
2. Motorola Moto G Power 2025
Motorola’s Moto G Power series has always focused on battery life, and the 2025 version continues that trend. The 5000 mAh battery is enough to get most users through two full days of use and possibly a third, depending on usage. Motorola uses a power-efficient chipset in this model, which helps extend the battery even further without compromising basic performance.
The Moto G Power (2025) features a 6.8-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it’s not an OLED screen, it still provides good color reproduction and smoother visuals than its predecessors. The resolution remains at 1080p, which is acceptable for this price range and screen size.
Under the hood, a MediaTek Dimensity chip keeps everyday tasks like social media, streaming, and video calls running smoothly. It’s not built for intense gaming marathons, but regular users won’t notice a hitch. Motorola’s near-stock Android keeps things clean and clutter-free, with handy touches like gesture controls and light customisation. At $299, it’s a no-fuss option for those who want a big screen, simple interface, and a battery that goes the distance.
Best Smartphones Under $400
3. CMF Phone 2 Pro
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is still fresh on the market, but it has quickly drawn attention thanks to its unique balance of hardware and design. It comes from CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, known for offering stylish devices at competitive prices.
While full specifications are still being confirmed across regions, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is expected to land well under the $400 mark and offers a sleek, modern build with clean software based on Nothing OS. The phone reportedly includes a decent AMOLED display, strong mid-range performance, and a user-friendly interface. Although camera specs are more modest compared to others on this list, early impressions suggest it delivers reliable results for casual photography. Its main appeal lies in design and software, targeting users who want a minimalist, no-bloat Android experience with polished aesthetics.
4. Meizu Note 22 Pro 5G
The Meizu Note 22 5G builds on the foundation of the base Note 22 but introduces several improvements. As its name suggests, this version supports 5G connectivity, making it more suitable for users in regions where faster networks are available. It offers up to 24GB of RAM, which is exceptionally high for this price segment and should result in smoother multitasking, app launches, and gaming performance.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor enhanced with AI features. While it isn’t as sharp as the 108MP lens on the regular Note 22, the AI improvements help with scene recognition and low-light photography.
The Note 22 Pro 5G upgrades with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, which brings better efficiency and stronger performance for gaming and productivity. It also comes with a 6200 mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging. This will help to reduce the time that users have to wait to get a full charge.
Another notable feature is the Flyme AIOS interface, which Meizu says adapts to user habits to optimize performance and responsiveness. Starting at $299 and going up to $369, the Note 22 Pro 5G brings near-flagship specs to the upper end of the mid-range category.
Best Smartphones Under $400
5. iQOO Z10
The iQOO Z10 is designed for speed and responsiveness. iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, has built a reputation for performance-focused phones, and the Z10 continues that tradition at a reasonable cost. It features a capable processor (commonly expected to be from the Snapdragon 6 or 7 series), which makes it suitable for gaming, heavy app usage, and smooth multitasking.
The Z10’s AMOLED display is the real showstopper here, delivering high refresh rates and brightness that hold up in daylight. With fast charging and cool-running performance, it’s built for younger users and enthusiasts chasing strong specs without the premium price tag.
Its camera setup, led by a high-res main lens and backed by wide-angle and portrait sensors, performs reliably. You also get gaming-focused software perks like frame rate smoothing and smart resource handling. At around $300, it’s a solid pick for those who care more about smooth performance and a sharp display than chasing megapixels or all-day battery claims.
Final thoughts
The smartphones above show how much value phones in the $400 segment pack in 2025. From the battery-focused Motorola Moto G Power to the high-RAM Meizu Note 22 5G and the stylish CMF Phone 2 Pro, each offers a unique selling point that caters to different user needs.
Choosing a smartphone these days feels a bit like dating: everyone has their type. Some folks fall head over heels for a big battery and lightning-fast charging—hello, Meizu Note 22 series. If your idea of a good time is never seeing the low battery warning again, Meizu might just be your soulmate.
Others prefer something a bit more laid-back and reliable, like Motorola or CMF. No drama, no bloatware, just good ol’ dependable software that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel every two weeks. It’s the smartphone equivalent of that friend who always shows up on time and never forgets your birthday.
The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get what you need. Whether you’re after beastly battery life or just want a phone that won’t randomly restart during a Zoom call, there’s a solid, affordable option out there with your name on it. Because let’s be honest: your phone shouldn’t cost more than your rent.
