Finding a good phone under $600 used to mean
trade-offs. You had to choose between performance, design, or long software
support. Thankfully, that has changed.
Today, phones in this range cover most of what
people expect from high-end devices. Cameras are better, screens are sharper,
and updates last much longer.
This guide looks at five of the best
smartphones you can buy in August 2025 without crossing the $600 mark. Each
phone here has its own strengths.
The goal is not to tell you which one is
“best” for everyone. Instead, it’s to help you see what makes each model stand
out.
Best smartphones under $600
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 feels like the most balanced phone
Google has made so far. It carries the same compact frame as the Pixel 8 but
looks cleaner.
It has a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz
refresh rate, which makes scrolling smooth and bright outdoors. Watching videos
on it feels sharp and natural.
Performance comes from the Tensor G4 chip.
It’s not the fastest processor on the market, but it works well with Google’s
tight Android integration.
The camera is where it shines. The 50MP main
sensor with Google’s photo software produces results that look better than many
higher-priced phones.
Its 4700 mAh battery lasts through a full day of mixed
use. Combined with five years of software updates, it gives buyers peace of
mind for the long run.
If you value clean software and excellent
cameras, the Pixel 9 is one of the most complete phones under $600 right now.
iPhone 14 Pro
It may feel odd to see a Pro iPhone on a
midrange list. But in 2025, the iPhone 14 Pro sits comfortably below $600 in
many regions.
The phone still looks modern, with its
stainless steel edges and compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It
also keeps the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
Apple’s A16 Bionic chip remains strong. Even
though it’s three generations old, it still handles gaming, video editing, and
heavy apps with no real slowdown.
The 48MP main camera takes detailed photos
with great color balance. The night mode also continues to deliver reliable
results years after release.
Apple’s long support cycle is a big reason to
pick it up. With iOS updates for several more years, the 14 Pro will not feel
outdated soon.
If you like smaller phones and want the iOS
ecosystem without paying new-flagship prices, this iPhone is a smart choice.
Best smartphones under $600
OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R is a phone built for speed and
convenience. It looks clean, with a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display running at
120Hz.
Inside, it runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
processor. This chip delivers near-flagship performance for gaming,
multitasking, and everything else you throw at it.
Source: Techradar
OnePlus continues to focus on charging. The
13R can reach a full charge in around 30 minutes, which makes it easy to top up
during the day.
Cameras are not as strong as the Pixel 9 or
iPhone 14 Pro, but they hold up in good light. The main sensor produces solid
everyday shots.
Battery life is solid, thanks to a 6,000mAh
cell. It easily lasts a day and a half of normal use without needing a charge.
This phone deserves its spot because of how
smooth and fast it feels at this price. If performance matters most, the 13R is
a great pick.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung’s Fan Edition phones always try to
deliver the core Galaxy S experience at a lower cost. The S24 FE fits perfectly
into that idea.
It carries a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is not as sharp as Samsung’s top models, but it still
looks great for daily use.
The Exynos 2400e processor handles
everything you need, from gaming to social media. It may be older, but it
remains a capable chip.
The camera system delivers reliable photos,
especially outdoors. While it does not compete with the S25, it provides good
results for casual users.
With four years of Android updates and five
years of security patches, the S24 FE ensures long-term support. That makes it
a safe buy.
If you like Samsung’s design and want reliable
software without paying flagship prices, the S24 FE gives you that balance.
Best smartphones under $600
Samsung Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25 is the newest phone on this
list, and it is surprising to see it available for under $600 so soon after
launch.
The design feels premium, with slimmer bezels
and a sleek finish that rivals more expensive Samsung models. The 6.2-inch
AMOLED screen is bright and smooth at 120Hz.
It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
This processor is efficient, powerful, and designed to handle both gaming and
AI-driven tasks with ease.
The cameras make good use of Samsung’s latest
AI processing. Photos in low light look cleaner than most phones at this price
level.
With long-term software support promised, the
S25 offers future-proofing in a way older models cannot match. That makes it
stand out in this group.
For anyone who wants the latest phone while
staying within budget, the Galaxy S25 is a clear option in August 2025.
Final thoughts
Choosing a phone under $600 is no longer about
giving things up. You now have choices that cover performance, cameras,
battery, and long support.
The Pixel 9 offers the cleanest Android
experience with unbeatable photo results while Apple fans will absolutely love
the iPhone 14 Pro and its iOS system.
OnePlus 13R is all about fast charging and
speed in terms of performance while the Galaxy S24 FE is a solid pick for
Android users that can not afford Android flagship.
And finally, the Galaxy S25 shows that even
the newest flagship designs can now land in this midrange budget. That is a big
change from past years.
Your pick depends on what you value most. But
whichever one you choose, you can feel confident that it delivers serious value
under $600.
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