Top Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco Phones Under $150 You Can Actually Buy in the USA in 2025
Hey everyone, and welcome back to xiaomiforall.com! We know you guys love a good deal, and more importantly, you love getting your hands on some seriously solid tech without breaking the bank. Xiaomi, along with its super popular sub-brands Redmi and Poco, has always been the king of the budget smartphone world. Now, even though Xiaomi doesn’t officially sell its phones directly here in the States, that doesn’t mean we can’t get them! Smart shoppers snag these awesome devices from online retailers like Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay, often grabbing global versions that play nice with networks like T-Mobile.
So, if you’re in the US and looking for a brand-new phone that won’t cost you more than $150 in 2025, you’re in the right place. We’ve dug through the latest offerings and rounded up six of the absolute best Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco phones you can snag right now. We’ll break down what makes each one tick, who it’s perfect for, and even throw in a handy comparison table at the end. Let’s dive in!
1. Xiaomi Redmi 13C: The All-Rounder Champ
Approximate Price: $100 (on Amazon)
Alright, kicking things off with the Redmi 13C. For around $100, this phone packs a serious punch. You’re getting a pretty spacious 6.74-inch IPS LCD display that refreshes at 90Hz, which is super smooth for scrolling through social media or watching videos. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G85 processor is more than capable of handling your daily tasks – think browsing, messaging, streaming – and even some lighter gaming.
The main camera is a 50MP sensor that uses AI smarts to help you snap decent casual photos. And the battery? A massive 5,000 mAh unit with 18W charging support means you can easily go a full day, probably more, without needing to hunt for a charger. Plus, it’s often compatible with T-Mobile networks and lets you pop in a microSD card if you need more storage.
Who’s it perfect for? If you’re on a tight budget but need a reliable daily driver for all the basics, the Redmi 13C is your guy. It’s a fantastic option for students, seniors, or anyone who just needs a secondary phone. Its long-lasting battery and affordable price tag make it a winner for no-frills usage.
2. Xiaomi Redmi A3: Simplicity and Stamina
Approximate Price: $80 (on eBay)
Stepping down the price ladder a bit, we have the Redmi A3. For about $80, this phone focuses on the essentials, and does them well. It boasts a 6.71-inch IPS LCD screen, also with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is pretty sweet for such an affordable device. Powering it is the MediaTek Helio G36 chip, which is perfectly fine for all your core apps and keeping things running smoothly for everyday needs.
The battery life here is also a standout feature, with a solid 5,000 mAh capacity that will easily get you through a day of use. The 8MP main camera is functional for quick snapshots when you need them. What’s really cool about the A3 is that it often comes with Android 14 (Go Edition), which is specifically optimized for entry-level hardware, making the whole experience snappier.
Who’s it perfect for? This is the go-to for users who really just need the basics: calls, texts, some light web browsing. It’s a fantastic choice for older folks who want a simple, easy-to-use phone, or for anyone looking for an ultra-budget secondary device. It’s all about keeping costs down and battery life high.
3. Poco C65: Style Meets Substance on a Budget
Approximate Price: $120 (on Amazon)
Next up is the Poco C65, and this one’s got a bit of flair! For around $120, you get that same nice 6.74-inch 90Hz IPS LCD display we saw on the Redmi 13C, which is great for all your multimedia consumption. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor makes a return here, meaning you can handle multitasking and even dip your toes into casual gaming without much fuss.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor that can capture some pretty decent shots, especially in good lighting. And yup, you guessed it, another hefty 5,000 mAh battery with 18W charging support keeps you powered up. What often sets Poco phones apart is their design, and the C65 usually sports a modern look that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. Plus, it often has that handy T-Mobile network compatibility.
Who’s it perfect for? This phone is a winner for younger users or anyone who wants a phone that looks good, performs well for social media, streaming, and light gaming, all without emptying their wallet. It’s a stylish and capable option that punches above its weight class.
4. Xiaomi Redmi 12C: Reliable and Ready
Approximate Price: $90 (on AliExpress)
Bringing back the trusty MediaTek Helio G85, the Redmi 12C is another strong contender in the sub-$150 space. For about $90, you get a large 6.71-inch IPS LCD display, making it a solid choice for watching videos or browsing. The Helio G85 processor is known for its reliability in handling everyday tasks, so you won’t be left wanting for basic smartphone functionality.
The 5,000 mAh battery is a massive plus, ensuring you have plenty of juice to last you through the day and beyond. The 50MP main camera is perfectly adequate for everyday photos, and the inclusion of expandable storage via microSD is always a welcome feature, especially at this price point. Its very competitive price makes it an attractive proposition.
Who’s it perfect for? If you’re looking for an affordable, dependable phone for the essentials – messaging, web browsing, watching videos – the Redmi 12C is a great pick. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or anyone who needs a reliable secondary device without any fancy bells and whistles.
5. Xiaomi Redmi 10A: The Ultra-Budget Essential
Approximate Price: $85 (on eBay)
For those on an extremely tight budget, the Redmi 10A is worth a look. Coming in at around $85, this phone is all about providing the absolute core smartphone experience. It features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, which is perfectly fine for everyday use. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G25 processor is geared towards basic tasks like calls, WhatsApp, and light internet browsing.
The 5,000 mAh battery is a huge plus, giving you excellent endurance. While the 13MP main camera is basic, it’s functional for simple photos, which is all you can really ask for at this price. Its straightforward design and incredibly low price point make it a highly accessible option.
Who’s it perfect for? This is the ultimate budget champion. If your needs are limited to calls, messaging apps, and basic web navigation, and your budget is super constrained, the Redmi 10A is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for seniors or as a very inexpensive backup phone.
6. Poco M5: A Step Up in Performance
Approximate Price: $130 (on Amazon)
Finishing off our list is the Poco M5, which offers a nice bump in performance for just around $130. You get a great 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is fantastic for both gaming and media. The real star here is the MediaTek Helio G99 processor – it’s quite efficient and offers a noticeable improvement for multitasking and casual gaming compared to some of the other options.
The 50MP main camera performs well for its price bracket, and you still get that all-important 5,000 mAh battery with 18W charging. Poco’s signature attractive design is also present, making the M5 feel like a more expensive device. And importantly, it often comes with T-Mobile network compatibility.
Who’s it perfect for? If you want a good balance between price and performance, the Poco M5 is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for students or younger users who enjoy casual gaming, social media scrolling, and streaming content, all wrapped up in a modern package with great battery life.
Your Budget-Friendly Smartphone Guide: Under $150 in the US for 2025
Here’s a quick look at how these six affordable powerhouses stack up:
| Model | Price ($) | Display | Processor | Main Camera | Battery | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 13C | 100 | 6.74″ IPS LCD, 90Hz | MediaTek Helio G85 | 50MP | 5,000 mAh, 18W | Good all-round performance, long battery, microSD |
| Redmi A3 | 80 | 6.71″ IPS LCD, 90Hz | MediaTek Helio G36 | 8MP | 5,000 mAh | Ultra-affordable, great for basic use |
| Poco C65 | 120 | 6.74″ IPS LCD, 90Hz | MediaTek Helio G85 | 50MP | 5,000 mAh, 18W | Stylish design, capable for casual gaming |
| Redmi 12C | 90 | 6.71″ IPS LCD | MediaTek Helio G85 | 50MP | 5,000 mAh | Very low price, good battery, expandable storage |
| Redmi 10A | 85 | 6.53″ IPS LCD | MediaTek Helio G25 | 13MP | 5,000 mAh | Extremely budget-friendly, essential functions |
| Poco M5 | 130 | 6.58″ IPS LCD, 90Hz | MediaTek Helio G99 | 50MP | 5,000 mAh, 18W | Strong performance for price, appealing design |
Finding Your Perfect Affordable Tech Companion
So, what’s the verdict for us folks in the US looking for a smartphone under $150 in 2025? Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco continue to absolutely nail it with value. While you’ll be buying through online retailers and need to double-check network compatibility (especially with T-Mobile), the options are fantastic.
For a solid all-rounder that balances performance, a good screen, and battery life, the Redmi 13C and Poco C65 are top picks, especially if you’re a student or just want a capable daily driver without overspending. If absolute lowest cost is the priority, the Redmi A3 and Redmi 10A are your budget champions, perfect for essential communication. And if you want a bit more pep in your step for casual gaming or smoother multitasking, the Redmi 12C and particularly the Poco M5 offer that extra performance edge. These phones truly prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great smartphone experience, even in the US market.
A Quick heads-up:
Prices and availability can change faster than you can say “cheap phone”! Always make sure to check with the seller and verify network band compatibility (4G/5G) with your specific carrier before you hit that buy button. Happy hunting!
