The 5 Best Value Smartphones Of 2025 You'll Want To Buy
Mondo Admin / 03-06-2025 / Tech
Looking for an affordable smartphone in South Africa? Discover 5 budget phones with 5G, top-end displays and impressive cameras. Which one’s your next pick?
Decisions, Decisions
Picking your next smartphone isn’t just about the flashy specs or the latest trends. You have to factor in how much you can afford to pay every month.
If you’re looking for a 24- or 36-month plan, you need a phone that can keep up with you when it comes to work, play and snapping solid pics for The Gram.
The good news is that 2025’s budget smartphones are spoiling us all for choice. You can now get reliable performance, great cameras and 5G connectivity without going into debt to get it.
We’re breaking down five of the best value-for-money phones around right now: the still-strong Apple iPhone 13, Samsung’s new Galaxy A26, Huawei nova Y63, the sleek HONOR 200 Lite and the budget-friendly Spectra J1. Let’s find the one that ticks all your boxes.
Why are Budget Smartphones such a Big Deal?
Not long ago, budget smartphones meant settling for low-quality displays, weak performance and shaky reliability. If you wanted great features, you had to pay big.
But in 2025, that’s all changed. Budget and mid-range phones now pack specs once reserved for flagships.
AMOLED screens, 5G, faster chips and solid cameras are showing up in phones well under R10 000. Battery life? Many last over a day on only one charge. These days, affordable doesn’t mean bad quality. Whatever you’re in the market for – a crisp display, reliable speed or a battery that goes the distance – the choices keep improving.
Apple iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 may be from all the way in 2021 but it’s still a powerhouse device. This is perfect for you if you want in on an Apple smartphone without paying for the newest model. Its sharp 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and dual 12MP cameras are great for photos and videos. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB so you won’t run out of space. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it handles gaming and multitasking like a champ and the battery can last up to 19 hours. No mid-day slumps here, proving once again that there are no bad Apples.
Samsung Galaxy A26
If you want something a little newer or you’re a Samsung loyalist, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is definitely worth checking out. Launched this year, it comes in White, Mint, Peach Pink and Black.
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is bright and crisp, ideal for binge-watching or scrolling. With 6GB RAM and 128GB storage – expandable up to 2TB via MicroSD – you’ll have plenty of space. The 50MP rear camera takes solid shots and the 13MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls.
Huawei nova Y63
The Huawei nova Y63 is a great new entry-level option packed with features for everyday use. It has a large 6.7-inch display perfect for browsing and streaming plus 128GB of storage for all your apps and photos.
Its 50MP AI dual rear camera delivers solid shots in good light while the 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls. With a hefty 6 000mAh battery, it’s built to last all day. Important because you never want to worry about running out of juice before bedtime.
HONOR 200 Lite
The HONOR 200 Lite stands out with its vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, that delivers a premium viewing experience. Its 108MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos while the 50MP front camera is perfect for bright selfies and smooth video calls.
A 4 500mAh battery easily gets you through the day and the 35W HONOR SuperCharge powers you up fast. Overall, the HONOR 200 Lite packs a great display, strong cameras and decent battery life.
Spectra J1
Spectra is a South African brand of budget-friendly phones that still pack solid tech. The Spectra J1 is a great choice if you want a reliable everyday phone without spending a fortune. It sports a 6.56-inch screen which is big enough for comfy browsing and streaming but still easy to handle and carry around.
Security is simple with fingerprint recognition for quick unlocking. The 13MP rear camera captures decent shots for social and casual snaps while the 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with ease. Plus the 5 000mAh battery keeps you powered all day, making the Spectra J1 a practical, no-fuss choice.
The Verdict
Choosing your next smartphone doesn’t have to drain your wallet or force you into settling for less. The best phone is the one that feels like it was made just for you, without a huge price tag. Ready to upgrade? Your next favourite smartphone is waiting. Check out our top deals here.
FAQs
- Is the iPhone 13 a good buy in 2025?
Yes! Though it launched in 2021, the iPhone 13 remains a powerful and reliable choice. It has a stunning Super Retina XDR display, solid dual cameras and the speedy A15 Bionic chip – all at a lower price than the latest models.
- Are there any reliable budget smartphones made in South Africa?
Yes! The Spectra J1 is a great local option. It offers a large screen, fingerprint security, decent cameras and a powerful 5 000mAh battery.
- Are budget smartphones good for photography?
Definitely! Phones like the HONOR 200 Lite with its 108MP camera and the Samsung Galaxy A26 with a 50MP shooter prove you can get sharp, detailed photos without paying flagship prices. They handle everyday snaps and selfies with ease.
- Are budget smartphones worth it for everyday use?
Absolutely. With improved displays, cameras, battery life and faster processors, budget smartphones in 2025 are designed to handle daily tasks like work emails and social media without compromise or breaking your budget.
- Can budget smartphones handle gaming and multitasking?
Yes, many budget phones now come with powerful processors and enough RAM to smoothly run games and multiple apps. The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip and Samsung A26’s 6GB RAM offer reliable performance for gaming and streaming.
References
https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a26-5g-mint-128gb-sm-a266blgiafa/
https://swappie.com/en/blog/is-it-still-worth-buying-an-iphone-13/
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/offer/huawei-smartphones/nova-y63-buy/