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Best Smartphones Under $600 – July 2025
Efe Udin
July 30, 2025
Its a bit dicey to find a smartphone that offers great performance, solid build and reliable cameras without a deep pocket. There are several options, many of which are expensive but do not offer much value for money. In this article, we have put together a couple of smartphones that offers near-flagship performance for just below $600. Whether you care most about performance, photography, software, or just want the best all-rounder, there’s something here for you. Let’s take a closer look at the best picks under $600 this month.
Best Smartphones Under $600
iPhone 16E
Apple’s new iPhone 16E hits the very top of this price bracket but earns its place with ease. It brings most of what people love about the standard iPhone 16, but trims just enough to stay affordable. You still get the A17 chip, which keeps the phone smooth and responsive even under pressure. That means excellent app performance and years of software updates, which are typical Apple strengths.
Image Credit: Appleinsider
The display is a 60Hz OLED panel, slightly more modest than the Pro models, but still sharp and color-accurate. The camera system consists of a single wide sensor, but it’s a strong one, delivering consistent shots in most lighting. The 16E doesn’t feel cheap in the hand, and build quality remains solid. For those who want to enter the iOS ecosystem without overspending, this is one of the best ways to do it.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R is one of the most balanced Android phones in this range. It combines flagship-level performance with a clean user experience and good battery life. Under the hood, this device uses a flagship processor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This means that this phone can seamlessly tackle gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
The OnePlus 12R comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 4500 nit brightness which means it can be used even under very bright conditions. The camera is pretty basic, an 50MP main sensor with 8MP and 2MP supporting cameras. But considering its flagship processor and display, we cant have it all at this price.
You get a large battery with 100W wired charging, which remains one of OnePlus’ key strengths. Unlike some competitors, the 12R retains an alert slider, a small but appreciated feature. For Android users who want fast, smooth performance without spending too much, the 12R is an easy recommendation.
Best Smartphones Under $600
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out from the crowd with its unique transparent design and glyph interface. This device is powered by the mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor as well as a clean version of Android, free of bloatware and unnecessary apps.
Source: Stuff
Its OLED screen is sharp and easy on the eyes, and the phone offers strong software support for future updates. Battery life is good, and wireless charging makes a rare appearance at this price point.
While the camera setup is more modest, image quality is decent, especially in daylight. For people who want something that feels different and avoids the generic Android phone look, the 3a Pro is a strong choice.
Vivo V50
The Vivo V50 brings impressive camera hardware and eye-catching design to the mid-range segment. At $562, it may not seem like a steal, but it gives users features often seen in pricier phones. Vivo has focused on image processing here, with good low-light performance and rich color capture. The front camera is also strong, which makes this a solid pick for selfie lovers and video calls.
Read Also: Best Smartphones Under $400 – July 2025
It runs on a capable MediaTek Dimensity chipset that holds up well for general use and light gaming. The 120Hz AMOLED display is smooth, and the slim form factor makes it easy to handle. Vivo’s software skin can be busy, but it’s now much cleaner than in past years. The V50 is ideal for users who care most about camera quality and aesthetics without going over budget.
Best Smartphones Under $600
OnePlus 13T
A newer addition to OnePlus’ lineup, the 13T refines many things that made the previous T models popular. This phone sticks with a mid-tier chip but pairs it with great software optimization. The result is a device that feels faster than the specs suggest. The design is also more refined than the 12R, with improved build materials and tighter software integration.
Image Credit: Weibo
The display remains excellent, with a 120Hz AMOLED panel that handles content very well. You also get stereo speakers, good haptics, and surprisingly decent vibration feedback. Cameras have been improved slightly, especially with better color handling and sharper results in normal lighting. If you want a balanced phone that doesn’t try to do too much but does everything well, the 13T fits the bill.
Realme C55
The Realme C55 may not have the strongest chip on this list, but it makes up for it with thoughtful features and a clean design. It focuses on day-to-day usability, with a responsive UI, large battery, and a good display for the price. The IPS panel may not be OLED, but it is bright and sharp enough for media use and reading.
The camera system is decent, with real-time filters and a software-first approach to image tuning. Charging is fast enough to get you through the day, and Realme’s interface has become more refined with fewer ads and better animations. For buyers who care more about battery life, reliability, and simplicity than raw power, the C55 is a solid budget pick.
Final thoughts
If you have $600 to spend on a smartphone, then you are sure to get a near-flagship experience. These smartphones offers smooth performance and all-round value. Thankfully, the iOS fans even have a device on this list which is a surprise because there are not many iPhones that cost less than $600. Depending on your priorities, each of these devices have something different to offer.
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