If you’re buying new and won’t spend more than $300, the Motorola Moto G (2026) is a strong all-around value pick. Tom’s Guide recommends it over the Moto G Power (2026) for many budget buyers, including because it costs less and lasted longer in the publication’s battery test. Choose the Moto G Power (2026) instead if you value its larger screen and stronger water resistance. If you’re open to used phones, the iPhone 13, Pixel 8a, and Galaxy S24 FE are also worth comparing—but their prices and condition vary by listing.
Best new phone under $300: Motorola Moto G (2026)
Tom’s Guide’s current 2026 guide recommends the Moto G (2026) for many shoppers looking for an inexpensive new phone. Its review found that the phone lasted more than 19 hours in its battery test, compared with nearly 18.5 hours for the Moto G Power (2026). Those are results from one publication’s test, not standardized battery-life guarantees. See Tom’s Guide’s 2026 guide.
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The Moto G and Moto G Power share a Dimensity 6300 processor and both have dim displays, according to Tom’s Guide. The Power’s advantages are a larger 6.8-inch screen and better water resistance and materials; the base Moto G is the more compelling fit if you want to spend less and prioritize the tested battery result. Check the current price and exact US model before buying, since prices and availability can change.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhen the Moto G Power (2026) makes more sense
WIRED names the Moto G Power (2026) its best phone under $300. It is the more natural choice if you prefer a larger display or place greater value on water resistance and materials than on the battery-test comparison. The distinction matters: the bigger Power is not automatically the longer-lasting phone in Tom’s Guide’s test. WIRED’s guide was updated in March 2026; confirm the live price and US model before purchase. Read WIRED’s guide.
#1 Best Overall
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
Used phones under $300: higher-tier alternatives
Buying used opens up models that originally sat above the entry-level tier. Swappa’s guide, dated September 25, 2026, reported these average recent sale prices as of September 23, 2026. They are historical marketplace averages, not guaranteed prices for current listings.
| Used phone and storage | Swappa average recent sale price | Support timeline reported by Swappa | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13, 128GB | About $242 | Not stated in Swappa’s guide | Compare condition, battery health, carrier compatibility, and asking price. |
| Google Pixel 8a, 128GB | About $249 | Through May 2031 | A reported update runway is useful, but verify the policy and exact model with Google. |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, 128GB | About $282 | To about 2031 | Check the individual listing carefully; used condition and price can vary. |
Swappa says its observed prices vary with condition, storage, carrier, and demand. Its guide also reports support for the Pixel 8 through October 2030, another option to consider if a listing fits your budget. Treat these timelines as Swappa’s reported estimates and check the manufacturer’s policy for a formal commitment. See Swappa’s guide and price observations.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
How to choose between a new and used phone
A new budget phone and a used higher-tier phone solve different problems. A new Moto G gives you a straightforward comparison between current budget models; a used iPhone or Android phone may offer a different feature set, but the listing’s condition and compatibility become part of the decision. Compare the details that affect your own use:
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Total cost: Compare the price after tax and any carrier terms, not just a headline price.
- Battery: For a new Moto G model, Tom’s Guide’s test provides one point of comparison. For a used phone, inspect battery health where available and consider whether you may need a replacement.
- Screen and durability: The Moto G Power has the larger 6.8-inch display and better water resistance and materials than the Moto G, according to Tom’s Guide. Think about the size and protection you actually need.
- Storage and camera: Confirm the exact storage configuration and check whether the camera capabilities meet your needs; the cited guides do not establish that one listed model is best for every camera use.
- Software support: Compare the remaining support runway for the exact model, and verify any timeline with its manufacturer.
- Network fit: Make sure the exact model supports your carrier’s network and is unlocked if you need an unlocked phone.
Used-phone checks before you pay
Marketplace safeguards differ. Swappa describes review criteria for listings on its own marketplace; those checks should not be assumed to apply on every site or in a private sale. Before buying any used phone, confirm:
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also NOT compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3) Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
- All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.
- Exact model and storage: Match the listing to the model and storage you intend to buy, rather than relying on a broad family name.
- IMEI and activation status: Check that the device is not reported lost or stolen and can be activated.
- Carrier lock and compatibility: Confirm whether the phone is locked and whether that exact variant works on your carrier.
- Battery and physical condition: Ask for battery-health information where available, inspect wear and damage, and account for any uncertain history.
- Returns and seller protection: Read the return window and the marketplace’s buyer-protection terms before paying.
Check the price and model at checkout
Prices for both new and used phones can move, and a used listing’s condition, storage, carrier, and demand affect its value. The cited guides do not guarantee that any particular phone will be available below $300 when you shop. Recheck the current listing, the exact US model, carrier compatibility, and the final cost before committing. Wondrik’s June 2026 guide recommends the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G for general value, but its price and specification claims are not established here as independently verified; treat it as a lead to investigate rather than a confirmed alternative. See Wondrik’s guide.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
