Looking for a great smartphone without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! The smartphone market is more competitive than ever, and that means you can get incredible features for under $500. While flagship phones may offer the absolute best in terms of specs and cameras, these budget-friendly smartphones pack a punch and deliver many of the same features, without the hefty price tag.
From powerful processors and stunning displays to impressive camera systems and long-lasting batteries, these best smartphones under $500 are packed with features you won’t believe you can get at this price point. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, there’s a phone on this list that’s perfect for you. So, if you’re ready to find your next great phone without sacrificing quality, keep reading!
Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with flagship features. It features a stunning 6.1-inch OLED display, a powerful Google Tensor processor, and a fantastic camera system. The Pixel 6a also has a long-lasting battery, fast charging, and a clean and intuitive Android experience.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 6a is its camera system. It features a 12.2MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, both of which capture stunning photos and videos. The Pixel 6a also boasts Google’s powerful AI-powered photo processing, which helps to enhance photos and capture the perfect shot.
Another great feature of the Pixel 6a is its performance. It is powered by the Google Tensor processor, which is designed to deliver smooth and responsive performance. The Pixel 6a can handle even the most demanding apps and games with ease. The phone also comes with 6GB of RAM, which helps to ensure that you can multitask without any lag.
Overall, the Google Pixel 6a is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with flagship features. It offers a great combination of performance, camera quality, and design, making it a great value for the price.
Samsung Galaxy A52
If you’re looking for a great smartphone under $500 that offers flagship features, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a fantastic option. This phone boasts an impressive array of features, including a stunning AMOLED display, a powerful processor, and a versatile camera system.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy A52 is its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. This screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp details, making it a pleasure to watch movies, play games, and browse the web. The display also has a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth.
Under the hood, the Galaxy A52 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, which provides ample power for everyday tasks and even some demanding games. The phone also comes with 6GB of RAM, ensuring that multitasking is a breeze.
The Galaxy A52 has a quad-camera system that captures high-quality photos and videos. The main camera is a 64MP sensor, while the other cameras include a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. This versatile camera system allows you to capture a wide range of subjects, from stunning landscapes to close-up shots.
The Galaxy A52 also features a large 4500mAh battery that provides all-day battery life. Plus, it supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with premium features. Its AMOLED display, powerful processor, versatile camera system, and long battery life make it a top contender in the sub-$500 market.
OnePlus Nord 2T
The OnePlus Nord 2T is a fantastic option for those looking for a smartphone with flagship features at a more affordable price. It packs a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor, a stunning 90Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile triple camera system, all for under $500. Its fast charging capabilities and sleek design make it a standout choice in the mid-range market.
One of the key highlights of the OnePlus Nord 2T is its performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chip provides ample power for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding apps. The 90Hz AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling, offering an immersive viewing experience. The triple camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP monochrome lens, allowing you to capture high-quality photos and videos in various situations.
The OnePlus Nord 2T also boasts a fast charging technology, with its 80W SuperVOOC charging adapter enabling you to juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 30 minutes. This is incredibly convenient for users on the go. The phone’s sleek design and comfortable grip contribute to a premium overall experience. In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord 2T is a compelling option for those seeking a powerful, feature-rich smartphone under $500, offering a perfect blend of performance, design, and affordability.
iPhone SE 2024
The iPhone SE 2024 might not have all the bells and whistles of its pricier siblings, but it still offers a compelling package for those looking for a great phone under $500. This smartphone boasts a powerful A15 Bionic chip, delivering flagship performance at a budget price. With a sharp and vibrant Retina LCD display and a capable single 12MP rear camera, it can capture stunning photos and videos. Moreover, it comes with a compact and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand, making it ideal for one-handed use.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that delivers fast performance, a solid camera, and a durable build, all at an affordable price, then the iPhone SE 2024 is a strong contender. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize performance and user experience over flashy features, offering a solid blend of power and value.
Xiaomi Poco F4
Looking for a smartphone that punches above its weight? The Xiaomi Poco F4 is a solid contender in the sub-$500 price range, offering flagship-level features at a more accessible price point.
One of the key highlights is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling and immersive viewing experience for gaming, watching videos, and browsing the web. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, making it durable against scratches and drops.
Under the hood, the Poco F4 packs a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination delivers fast and smooth performance for demanding tasks and multitasking. The phone also comes with 128GB of internal storage, providing ample space for your apps, photos, and videos.
In the photography department, the Poco F4 boasts a triple rear camera system. The main sensor is a 64MP wide-angle camera, capturing high-quality images with excellent detail. It’s complemented by an 8MP ultrawide camera for capturing wider scenes and a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots. For selfies, there’s a 20MP front-facing camera.
The Poco F4 also features a large 4,500mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery. With its combination of powerful performance, stunning display, impressive cameras, and long battery life, the Poco F4 is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who desire a flagship-like experience.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly phone with a stylus and 5G capabilities. It features a large 6.8-inch display, a powerful Snapdragon 695 processor, and a long-lasting battery. The phone also has a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, and a 16MP front-facing camera. The phone comes in at under $500 and is available in a variety of colors.
Here are some of the key features of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G:
- 6.8-inch FHD+ display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor
- 6GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- 50MP main rear camera
- 16MP front-facing camera
- 5,000mAh battery
- Stylus pen
- 5G connectivity
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a great option for those who need a phone with a stylus and 5G capabilities without breaking the bank. It’s also a great option for those who want a large display and a long-lasting battery. Overall, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a great value for the price.
Realme GT Master Edition
The Realme GT Master Edition is a fantastic option for those looking for a smartphone with flagship features at a budget-friendly price. Released in 2021, this phone boasts a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor, delivering smooth performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. Its 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a vibrant and responsive visual experience.
Another highlight is its impressive camera system. The 64MP main camera captures stunning photos and videos, while the 8MP ultrawide lens and 2MP macro lens provide versatility for different shooting scenarios. The Realme GT Master Edition also features a 4300mAh battery with fast charging support, ensuring you stay powered throughout the day. With its stylish design and premium features, this phone is a strong contender in the sub-$500 market.
Oppo Reno6 5G
The Oppo Reno6 5G is a great option for those looking for a smartphone under $500 that offers flagship features. It boasts a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive visual experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G processor, the Reno6 5G delivers exceptional performance for gaming and demanding tasks. It also features a 64MP triple rear camera system, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos. The Reno6 5G further impresses with its 4300mAh battery that supports 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day.
With its stylish design, impressive camera capabilities, and powerful performance, the Oppo Reno6 5G is a compelling choice for users seeking a smartphone that offers a flagship experience without breaking the bank. It is definitely one of the best smartphones under $500 that offer flagship features.
Vivo V23 5G
The Vivo V23 5G is a mid-range smartphone that offers flagship-level features at an affordable price. It features a stunning design with a slim profile and a colorful color-changing back. The device boasts a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor that delivers smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. The phone also comes with a triple camera system that includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, allowing you to capture beautiful photos and videos. Additionally, the V23 5G is equipped with a large 4,200mAh battery that can last for a whole day on a single charge. Overall, the Vivo V23 5G is an excellent option for those looking for a stylish and powerful smartphone under $500.
Nokia G50
The Nokia G50 is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with flagship features. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The phone also has a large 6.82-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and gaming feel incredibly smooth. The Nokia G50 comes with a 48MP triple camera system, which is excellent for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
One of the standout features of the Nokia G50 is its long battery life. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery that can easily last for a full day of use. It also supports 20W fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery if needed. Other great features include a 5G connection for blazing fast speeds, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security, and a clean Android experience with no bloatware. The Nokia G50 is a great value for money, and it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.
