Budget smartphones, Father’s Day 2025: Selecting a thoughtful gift for your dad this Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a challenge this year. If he’s a tech geek or could benefit from a good upgrade, a budget smartphone can be the ideal shocker. These five options are loaded with some serious features without breaking the bank. If he’s a fan of a crisp screen, long-lasting battery, or snap photo-taking, there’s something here for him to fit his lifestyle.

Vivo T4X

Vivo T4X is a balanced performance and battery life, where the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 processor doesn’t miss a beat when handling day-to-day chores, and the 6500mAh battery doesn’t let it down even for a second. Decent enough screen to watch content on, and the 50MP dual rear camera makes it easy to capture memories on Father’s Day. It’s a bit heavy at 204g, but is not too much. Missing a headphone jack and a memory card slot may be a drawback, but the overall performance is still dependable.

iQOO Z10x

iQOO Z10x offers almost the same hardware as the Vivo T4X, such as the Dimensity 7300 chip and the giant 6500mAh battery. It excels with 4K video support and better touch response, due to its 240Hz sampling rate. The IPS screen is suitable for use outdoors, especially since the phone does not slip out of your hand. Without support for expanding storage and no water resistance, it’s a compromise, albeit a reasonable one given its performance as well as fast charging. 

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G

For those dads who prefer solid performance with premium finishing touches, Galaxy M35 5G fits the bill. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chip, the phone packs a rich Super AMOLED display guarded by Gorilla Glass Victus+. A humongous 6000mAh battery translates to less charging, and the triple-camera rear offers greater flexibility for photography. It comes with storage expansion support, which is useful for multimedia hoarders. Though it weighs more at 222g, it remains a solid daily driver.

Poco M7 Pro

Poco M7 Pro is a good option for gifting, as it pairs a slim design with robust visuals. It features a GOLED panel with Dolby Vision support and up to 2100 nits of brightness, providing great viewing even outdoors in the sun. The Dimensity 7025 Ultra chip makes it lively, and the camera configuration is good for general photography. It features an IR blaster for remote control purposes, a convenient addition for convenience-loving dads. Memory can be extended, and the construction is reasonably thin as well.

Moto G45 5G

Moto G45 5G is easy to carry and light, so it’s a great practical gift. It’s driven by the Snapdragon 6s Gen3 and features the highest RAM configuration on this list, an ideal feature for heavy multitasking. Despite a lower screen resolution, it remains responsive with its 120Hz refresh rate. The device boasts a convenient FM Radio and Gorilla Glass 3 for extra protection. Although it lacks fast charging, it excels in durability and simplicity.

Final Thoughts

These budget phones are an excellent compromise between affordability and necessity. With anything from long battery life to sharp screens and respectable cameras, they tick the right boxes. Therefore, if you want a meaningful gift without breaking the bank, any of these five might be just what your dad needs this Father’s Day.