Best Phones Under €250
Are you looking for a phone for up to 250 euros? That amount isn’t arbitrary: if you buy a phone costing more than 250 euros on an installment plan, it will be recorded with the BKR; if it’s less than that, it won’t. Below are all the smartphones in this price range—both unlocked and with a plan—with current prices from all retailers listed side by side and compared 100% independently. If you want to spend less, check out phones under 200 euros; if you’re looking for a zoom lens or more processing power, head over to phones up to 350 euros. Use the filters for brand, storage, or battery life to instantly find the best smartphone under 250 euros.
What should you look for in a phone priced up to 250 euros?
In the Netherlands, 250 euros is a threshold with consequences: if you purchase a phone for more than that amount on an installment plan, it will be recorded with the BKR; if it’s less than that, it won’t. In terms of hardware, this price range closely resembles the phones priced up to 200 euros: the same type of screen, comparable cameras, and often even the same model in a different variant. The difference usually lies in storage and RAM. So be sure to check exactly where your extra cost is going.
Can’t decide between two versions? Compare them side by side in our phone comparison tool.
250 euros is the threshold for a BKR registration
If you pay for your phone in monthly installments with a subscription plan, that counts as credit. If the device credit exceeds 250 euros, it is registered with BKR. If the device amount remains at or below 250 euros, nothing will be recorded in the registry. Such a registration isn’t a problem in itself, but it does factor into a mortgage application. If you want to avoid that, check out phones without a BKR registration.
Should you get a contract or buy it outright?
Both options can be cost-effective, but do the math before you sign. With a contract that includes a phone, the cost of the phone is included in the monthly payment; buying it outright with a SIM-only plan is often cheaper, but requires paying the full amount up front.
- With a contract: pay in installments without a large upfront payment, but compare the total costs over the entire contract term.
- Unlocked phone: You’re free to choose your provider and can switch every month.
- Paying in installments: the device cost is spread out over the contract term, up to 250 euros without registration.
Are you paying here for storage or for speed?
Usually for storage. Many devices priced between 200 and 250 euros are the same model as those priced lower, but with 256GB instead of 128GB, or with 8GB instead of 6GB of RAM. That’s useful if you store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, but it doesn’t make the camera better or the processor faster. Also, a memory card slot isn’t always included anymore, so check the specs page if you plan to expand storage later.
Series that perform well in this price range
Most phones priced around 250 euros come from a handful of established series. What sets them apart:
- Samsung Galaxy A series: Long-term support, up to six years of updates, and a familiar interface.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note series: great value for the money, with fast charging as its strongest point.
- Motorola Moto G series: Android close to the stock version, with few pre-installed apps.
- POCO M series: the most affordable way to get a 120Hz AMOLED display.
If you want more than this class offers—such as a dedicated zoom lens or a chip for demanding games—you’ll need to look at phones priced up to 350 euros.
