Apple’s 32GB iPhone 7 starts at $649. Samsung’s Galaxy 7 starts at $670 and its “Edge” version is $780. Even the Google Pixel, new to the market and without an established audience, has a $649 price tied to its 32GB model.
These are tremendous price tags for some of the more popular phones on the market at the moment.
Just because everyone else is willing to pay that much for these devices doesn’t mean you have to as well. The following three smartphones are worth considering as all cost less than $300 and yet still deliver a terrific user experience.
ZTE ZMax Pro 
Cost : $100-180
Why : 6-inch, HD display, octa-core processor, fingerprint sensor
To be honest, we’re not sure how ZTE is turning a profit on this phone, based on a look at the device’s specs. It features a 6-inch, full-HD display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor with 2GB of RAM. For storage, the ZMax Pro comes equipped with 32GB of memory, plus support for MicroSD expansion. There are also two cameras on the phone: a 13-megapixel camera on the rear, and a 5-megapixel camera on the front. In terms of power, the ZMax Pro is equipped with a 3,400mAh battery. Additional features worth noting: USB Type-C port, fingerprint sensor, and a snazzy curved design.
In terms of reviews, some users are miffed by the fact that the phone does not feature NFC. Also, the cameras’ performance is mediocre (at best).
ASUS ZenFone 3 
Cost : $249
Why : Beautifully designed, both inside and out, and features a fantastic camera
The latest ZenFone 3 from Asus features a 5.5-inch, full-HD display, plus a sharp Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, and 4GB of RAM. It’s equipped with a solid 16-megapixel camera on the rear, and an 8-megapixel camera on the face. There’s only 16GB of memory on this phone, however, it does feature a MicroSD card slot for added convenience. The 3,000 mAh battery is said to last all day. Additional features worth noting: USB-Type C port available, and a beautiful design that looks like a cross between the iPhone and Galaxy S7.
When it comes to reviews, the UI is less than stellar, as the standard model comes with a ton of notifications that constantly go off until the user actually physically turns them off. Also, while the glass rear is nice to look at, it’s a fingerprint magnet that can muddy the look of the device.
Moto G4 Plus 
Cost : $250
Why : As close to a stock Android phone on the market as there is, plus a nice performing camera, display, and tons of power
Moto’s G4 Plus features a 5.5-inch, full-HD display, along with a super-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor, and 4GB of RAM. On its rear there is a 16-megapixel camera which, at this price point, is best-in-class; on the front is a 5-megapixel camera, which is standard. The basic version of this model comes with just 16GB of storage; however, there is a MicroSD card slot for expansion. Everything’s powered by a 3,000mAh battery. Additional features worth noting: fingerprint sensor, and a super-simple UI that is almost like using stock Android; that is, it’s without any bloatware.
As far as reviews, again, the giveaway here is no NFC. Also, if you want to spend $50 less, you have to give up half the phone’s RAM, and you’ll be stuck with a significantly lesser quality camera.
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