Best mobile phones up to €250

What should you look out for when buying a mobile phone for up to 250 euros?

In the Netherlands, 250 euros is a threshold with consequences: if you buy a handset costing more than that amount on an instalment plan, it will be recorded with the BKR; if it costs less, it won’t. In terms of hardware, this price range is very similar to the phones 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 check exactly where your extra cost is going.

Can’t decide between two versions? Compare them side by side in our mobile phone comparison tool.

250 euros is the threshold for a BKR registration

If you pay for your handset in monthly instalments as part of a contract, this counts as credit. If the device credit exceeds 250 euros, this is registered with BKR. If the handset amount is 250 euros or less, nothing will be recorded in the register. Such a record isn’t a problem in itself, but it will be taken into account when applying for a mortgage. If you want to avoid this, take a look at phones without a BKR record.

On a contract or buy outright?

Both options can be good value, but work out the figures before you sign up. With a contract including a handset, the cost of the phone is included in the monthly payment; buying outright with a SIM-only plan is often cheaper, but requires you to pay the full amount up front.

• With a contract: pay in instalments without a large upfront payment, but compare the total costs over the entire contract period.
• Phone on its own: you’re free to choose your provider and can switch every month.
• Paying in instalments: the cost of the handset is spread over the contract term, up to 250 euros without registration.

Are you paying for storage or for speed here?

Usually for storage. Many handsets between 200 and 250 euros are the same model as those below that price range, but with 256GB instead of 128GB, or with 8GB of RAM instead of 6GB. That’s useful if you store lots of photos, videos and apps, but it doesn’t make the camera any better or the processor any faster. Moreover, a memory card slot is no longer a given, so check the specifications page if you want to expand your storage later.

Series that perform well in this price range

Most handsets in the 250-euro price range 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 money in terms of hardware, with fast charging as its standout feature.
• Motorola Moto G series: Android close to the stock version, with few pre-installed apps.
• POCO M series: the cheapest way to get a 120Hz AMOLED screen.

If you want more than this class has to offer – for example, a dedicated zoom lens or a chip for demanding games – then you’ll need to look at phones costing up to 350 euros.