Best New Budget Phone of the Year – Winner: CMF Phone 2 Pro
Foundry
The CMF Phone 1 held the title of our favorite budget phone in 2024, and its successor, the Phone 2 Pro, brings significant upgrades to maintain that status. This achievement is remarkable in such a fiercely competitive market. The Phone 2 Pro boasts notable camera enhancements, allowing it to capture high-quality photos for its price range. With features like a 2x telephoto lens and ultrawide sensor, it offers versatility that few other budget phones can match.
It’s a well-rounded smartphone that also boasts a distinctive design.
The device’s standout feature is its design. It stands out as one of the rare smartphones that enables easy removal of the back cover (though replacing the battery remains a challenge), allowing users to experiment with different colors and textures effortlessly. Additionally, it includes a dedicated connector for accessories like lanyards and wallets, adding a thoughtful touch to its design. Importantly, the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t just about style; it excels in all aspects, making it a highly recommended choice.
For a detailed review of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, check out our full article.
Best New Budget Phone of the Year – First Runner-Up: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Galaxy A17 5G bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Galaxy A16 5G, which slightly affected its score. Nonetheless, it remains one of the top contenders among budget phones, despite the lack of groundbreaking innovations. Surprisingly, the device shares many similarities with premium Samsung models, featuring an appealing 6.7-inch OLED display and high-quality triple rear cameras (although the primary 50Mp camera, now with stabilization, stands out as the most effective). While lacking Galaxy AI functionalities, One UI 8 shines on this device, offering a significant advantage with its six years of OS and security updates. With reliable performance for daily use, decent battery life, and a sleek, durable build, the Galaxy A17 5G has much to offer.
To delve deeper into the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, read our comprehensive review.
Best New Budget Phone of the Year – Second Runner-Up: OnePlus Nord CE 5
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Priced at £299 upon release (unavailable in the US), the Nord CE 5 sits at the threshold of budget territory. Nevertheless, its blend of exceptional build quality, appealing display, reliable performance, and good battery life positions it as a standout choice. OnePlus has maintained the excellent OxygenOS software experience on this device, benefiting from six years of security updates. If the previous options don’t resonate with you and you’re open to slightly higher spending, the Nord CE 5 proves to be a solid alternative.
To explore the OnePlus Nord CE 5 in detail, read our in-depth review.
