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Looking for the best smartphones under $500 in 2025? Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, you don’t need to break the bank to get a fast, reliable, and feature-packed phone. With so many options available, finding the perfect balance between price and performance can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you! This guide reviews 10 of the best budget-friendly smartphones, considering factors like performance, battery life, camera quality, display, and overall value.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!
What to Look for in a Smartphone Under $500
Before choosing a phone, consider these key features to get the best bang for your buck:
✅ Performance: Look for at least a Snapdragon 7-series, Dimensity, or Apple A-series processor for smooth multitasking.
✅ Display: AMOLED or OLED screens with 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates offer better visuals.
✅ Battery Life: A 4,500mAh battery or more ensures all-day usage.
✅ Camera Quality: 48MP+ main sensors with AI processing improve photography.
✅ Software Updates: Phones with long-term Android or iOS support last longer.
Now, let’s explore the best smartphones under $500 in 2025!
1. Google Pixel 6a – Best Camera Phone Under $500
💰 Price: ~$449
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📸 Best For: Anyone who wants a flagship-level camera at a budget price.
The Google Pixel 6a is hands down the best camera phone in this price range. Thanks to Google’s AI-powered image processing, it captures stunning, detailed photos, even in low light. It also offers a clean Android experience with 5 years of security updates, ensuring longevity.
Key Features:
Processor: Google Tensor
Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz
Battery: 4,410mAh, 18W fast charging
Camera: 12.2MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide), 8MP (front)
Software Updates: Guaranteed updates for 5 years
✅ Pros:
✔ Best-in-class camera with Google’s AI optimizations
✔ Stock Android experience with no bloatware
✔ Long software support for security updates
❌ Cons:
✖ No high refresh rate display
✖ Battery life could be better
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you love photography but don’t want to spend over $1,000, the Pixel 6a delivers flagship-level camera quality at half the price.
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – Best Overall Choice
💰 Price: ~$499
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🔥 Best For: Those looking for the most balanced phone under $500.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is an all-rounder, featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display, long battery life, and solid camera performance. With Samsung’s One UI and 4 years of Android updates, this phone will last for years.
Key Features:
Processor: Exynos 1380
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
Camera: 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro), 32MP (front)
Software Updates: 4 years of Android updates
✅ Pros:
✔ Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
✔ Long battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✔ Great build quality and premium design
❌ Cons:
✖ No wireless charging
✖ Samsung’s UI has some bloatware
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want a well-rounded smartphone with a beautiful display, solid performance, and great battery life, the Galaxy A54 5G is the best pick.
3. iPhone SE (2022) – Best Budget iPhone
💰 Price: ~$429
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iPhone SE (2022
🍏 Best For: Apple fans who want an affordable iPhone with flagship-level performance.
The iPhone SE (2022) may look outdated, but it packs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, making it one of the fastest phones under $500. It’s future-proof, with iOS updates for at least 5 more years.
Key Features:
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Display: 4.7-inch LCD, 60Hz
Battery: 2,018mAh, 20W fast charging
Camera: 12MP (main), 7MP (front)
Software Updates: Likely 5+ years of iOS updates
✅ Pros:
✔ A15 Bionic chip – best performance at this price
✔ Years of iOS updates
✔ Compact and lightweight
❌ Cons:
✖ Small screen, outdated design
✖ No night mode for low-light photography
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want an iPhone on a budget and don’t mind the older design, this is a powerful, future-proof choice.
4. OnePlus Nord 3 – Best Performance for the Price
💰 Price: ~$469
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⚡ Best For: Power users who want fast performance and smooth animations.
The OnePlus Nord 3 stands out with its 120Hz AMOLED display, super-fast charging, and OxygenOS experience. It’s one of the best-performing phones in this price range.
Key Features:
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8100
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 4,500mAh, 80W fast charging
Camera: 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 16MP (front)
✅ Pros:
✔ Flagship-like performance with Dimensity 8100
✔ Super-fast 80W charging
✔ OxygenOS is smooth and clean
❌ Cons:
✖ No wireless charging
✖ Average camera performance
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you need a powerful phone with a high refresh rate display, the OnePlus Nord 3 is a solid pick.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the best phone under $500 depends on your needs:
📸 Best Camera: Google Pixel 6a
📱 Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
🍏 Best iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)
⚡ Best Performance: OnePlus Nord 3
💡 Pro Tip: Prices fluctuate, so check Amazon for the latest discounts!
📌 See the Full List on Amazon
5. Motorola Edge (2023) – Best for Battery Life
💰 Price: ~$499
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🔋 Best For: Users who need a long-lasting battery and a curved display.
The Motorola Edge (2023) is one of the most underrated phones under $500. It features a 6.6-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it one of the smoothest screens at this price point. Combined with a 5,000mAh battery, this phone easily lasts two days on a single charge.
Key Features:
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1050
Display: 6.6-inch pOLED, 144Hz
Battery: 5,000mAh, 68W fast charging
Camera: 50MP (main) + 13MP (ultrawide), 32MP (front)
Software Updates: 3 years of Android updates
✅ Pros:
✔ Massive 5,000mAh battery lasts up to two days
✔ Curved 144Hz pOLED display for ultra-smooth scrolling
✔ 68W fast charging fills battery in under an hour
❌ Cons:
✖ No official IP rating for water resistance
✖ Software updates are shorter compared to Samsung and Google
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you need a big battery and a premium display without spending a fortune, the Motorola Edge (2023) is a fantastic choice.
6. Nothing Phone (1) – Best for Unique Design
💰 Price: ~$399
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✨ Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want a stylish and unique smartphone.
The Nothing Phone (1) is a head-turner with its transparent back and LED Glyph Interface that provides customizable notifications. It’s not just about looks—with a 120Hz OLED display, solid cameras, and clean Android experience, it’s a great all-around phone.
Key Features:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+
Display: 6.55-inch OLED, 120Hz
Battery: 4,500mAh, 33W fast charging
Camera: 50MP (main) + 50MP (ultrawide), 16MP (front)
Software Updates: 3 years of major updates
✅ Pros:
✔ Transparent design with LED notifications
✔ Smooth 120Hz OLED display
✔ Clean Android UI with fast updates
❌ Cons:
✖ No telephoto camera
✖ Wireless charging is slow
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want a phone that looks unique and stands out while still being fast and smooth, the Nothing Phone (1) is an excellent pick.
7. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G – Best Mid-Range Samsung Option
💰 Price: ~$399
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📊 Best For: Samsung fans who want a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy A54.
If the Galaxy A54 is a bit too expensive, the Galaxy A34 5G is a fantastic alternative. It retains a 120Hz AMOLED display, large battery, and Samsung’s software support but at a lower price.
Key Features:
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
Camera: 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro), 13MP (front)
Software Updates: 4 years of Android updates
✅ Pros:
✔ Big and smooth 120Hz display
✔ Excellent battery life
✔ Long-term software updates
❌ Cons:
✖ Plastic build instead of glass
✖ Slower charging compared to some competitors
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want a Samsung phone under $400 that still feels premium, the Galaxy A34 5G is a solid buy.
8. OnePlus Nord N30 5G – Best Budget OnePlus Phone
💰 Price: ~$299
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⚡ Best For: Buyers looking for a fast and reliable phone under $300.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G brings solid performance, a 120Hz LCD display, and 50W fast charging, making it one of the best choices for those on a tight budget.
Key Features:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Display: 6.72-inch LCD, 120Hz
Battery: 5,000mAh, 50W fast charging
Camera: 108MP (main) + 2MP (depth) + 2MP (macro), 16MP (front)
✅ Pros:
✔ Fast 120Hz refresh rate
✔ Huge 5,000mAh battery with 50W charging
✔ Great performance for the price
❌ Cons:
✖ LCD display instead of OLED
✖ No ultrawide camera
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you’re looking for a fast, smooth phone under $300, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a great option.
9. Poco F4 – Best for Gamers on a Budget
💰 Price: ~$399
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🎮 Best For: Gamers looking for high performance without overspending.
The Poco F4 offers flagship-level performance with the Snapdragon 870, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and stereo speakers—perfect for gaming and media consumption.
Key Features:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 4,500mAh, 67W fast charging
Camera: 64MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 20MP (front)
✅ Pros:
✔ Powerful Snapdragon 870 for smooth gaming
✔ 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+
✔ Loud stereo speakers for immersive audio
❌ Cons:
✖ MIUI software has ads and bloatware
✖ No official water resistance rating
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want the best gaming phone under $400, the Poco F4 delivers excellent performance.
10. Realme 11 Pro – Best Value for Money
💰 Price: ~$350
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💰 Best For: Those who want a stylish phone with premium features at a budget price.
The Realme 11 Pro features a curved AMOLED display, a massive 200MP main camera, and fast charging, making it one of the best overall budget smartphones.
Key Features:
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5,000mAh, 67W fast charging
Camera: 200MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 16MP (front)
✅ Pros:
✔ Beautiful curved display
✔ 200MP camera for detailed shots
✔ Fast 67W charging
❌ Cons:
✖ Software updates are uncertain
✖ No wireless charging
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
If you want flagship-like features at an affordable price, the Realme 11 Pro is a great deal.
Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Choose?
📸 Best Camera: Google Pixel 6a
📱 Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
🎮 Best for Gaming: Poco F4
🔋 Best Battery Life: Motorola Edge (2023)
⚡ Best Value: Realme 11 Pro
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