The very best telephones underneath $500 embrace so many options that you simply wish to see in a wonderful cellphone, with sacrifices that you simply won’t even discover. These are telephones that embrace shows with excessive refresh charges, trendy chips, good cameras and 5G. They even get a number of years of software program and safety updates.Â
These telephones do make cuts that justify why they’re cheaper than telephones that price greater than $500, however these cuts are more and more in areas that may not increase any specific flag once you simply need a dependable gadget. Apple’s iPhone SE together with Google’s Pixel 6A and 7A telephones, for example, have smaller screens, however all run on newer processors and software program. Samsung’s Galaxy A collection of telephones typically look similar to the Galaxy S line, however as a substitute run on a much less highly effective processor. And the Moto G Stylus 5G takes good pictures, offers a roomy 256GB of area and throws in a stylus, however Motorola does not present software program help for so long as its opponents.
Pictures and video particularly are areas the place the telephones on this worth bracket take a noticeable hit compared to their dearer counterparts. Nevertheless, photo-processing software program ought to assist decide up among the slack. As an example, whereas the iPhone SE has a single 12-megapixel digital camera that does not help night time images, its A15 Bionic chip does permit for Apple’s Deep Fusion processing. It is a comparable scenario for the Pixel 6A, which makes use of a 12-megapixel predominant digital camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, but can improve these pictures with processing powered by the cellphone’s Tensor chip. Nevertheless the brand new Pixel 7A presents a 64-megapixel predominant digital camera, which some may think about an improve from the Pixel 7’s 50-megapixel predominant digital camera.
You possibly can see the professionals and cons of every of those telephones beneath, with extra particulars obtainable in our full opinions.
Watch this: Pixel 7A Evaluate: A Step Ahead for Google’s Price range Telephone
What’s the finest cellphone underneath $500?
Google’s $499 Pixel 7A compares so carefully to the $599 Pixel 7, that it is now powerful to suggest the dearer choice. The Pixel 7A contains the identical Tensor G2 processor that powers Google’s Pixel-exclusive options, will get wi-fi charging, a 90Hz refresh charge and a 64-megapixel predominant digital camera paired up with a 13-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. My colleague Lisa Eadicicco stated that the Pixel 7A does miss out on the Pixel 7’s battery share characteristic, the digital camera’s Motion Pan mode and barely sooner charging, however none of these options really feel like a significant omission.
And if you wish to save much more cash, final yr’s Pixel 6A has obtained a everlasting worth drop to $349 and nonetheless has so much to supply. It runs on the Tensor chip, contains most of the identical Pixel options like Actual Tone for images and Maintain for Me for cellphone calls and takes crisp and colourful pictures for a cellphone of its worth. That is very true when it will get discounted to $299, which it typically is, making it the finest cellphone for underneath $300Â so long as it is on sale.
Finest telephones underneath $500
Google’s finances cellphone took a leap ahead in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which presents most of the identical advantages because the Pixel 7 however at a less expensive worth. Just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, that means it has most of the identical picture enhancing and language translation options as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel digital camera additionally takes wonderful pictures that rival the Pixel 7’s in high quality.
The Pixel 6A remains to be obtainable, and at its completely discounted worth of $349, it nonetheless has so much to supply. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco stated in her Pixel 6A assessment that the cellphone contains most of the Pixel 6’s finest options, and that continues to be the case even because the Pixel 7A hits the market at $499.
The Samsung Galaxy A53 contains most of the finest options seen within the Galaxy S22 line, with just a few tradeoffs to hit that lower cost. The cellphone features a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a 2,400×1,080-pixel decision, 5G help and a long-lasting 5,000-mAh battery. The cellphone additionally comes with a 64-megapixel predominant digital camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, 5-megapixel macro digital camera and 5-megapixel depth digital camera.
The $429 iPhone SE is a mixture of an older design with the newest smartphone options, together with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 5G help. It is also one of many few telephones available on the market that features a smaller, 4.7-inch display.
The $500 Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is likely one of the finest stylus-equipped telephones you may get proper now, particularly for the value. You get Android 12, 5G connectivity, a big 6.8-inch display and a spacious 256GB of storage. Sadly, the cellphone is just promised one software program replace and three years of safety updates, which is a a lot shorter timeline than the 4 years promised by Samsung for the Galaxy A53.
With the launch of the iPhone 14 collection, Apple discontinued the $500 iPhone 11, however it’s nonetheless extensively obtainable. It may be just a few generations previous, however this cellphone remains to be greater than succesful, dealing with gaming properly and outfitted with two very good rear cameras. It’s lacking 5G help, which is more and more enhancing as wi-fi carriers spend money on the community, however the cellphone will work tremendous on LTE and Wi-Fi. The iPhone 11 additionally doesn’t help MagSafe equipment, which have been launched alongside the iPhone 12.
The Nothing Telephone 1 is technically obtainable within the US for $299, however solely by means of a beta program that’s promoting a global mannequin with restricted US provider compatibility. Whereas the corporate does plan to formally launch a future cellphone for the North American market, this cellphone remains to be price a glance in international locations the place it is obtainable. It presents a placing design and first rate specs for the cash, even at its larger £399 UK worth (which converts to roughly AU$700).
How we take a look at telephones
Each cellphone on this listing has been completely examined by CNET’s skilled opinions crew. We truly use the cellphone, take a look at the options, play video games and take pictures. We assess any advertising guarantees that an organization makes about its telephones. And if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we let you know all about it.Â
We study each side of a cellphone throughout testing:
- Show
- Design and really feel
- Processor efficiency
- Battery life
- Digital camera high quality
- Options
We take a look at all of a cellphone’s cameras (each back and front) in a wide range of circumstances: from outdoor underneath daylight to dimmer indoor locales and night time time scenes (for any obtainable night time modes). We additionally examine our findings towards equally priced fashions. We’ve a collection of actual world battery assessments to see how lengthy a cellphone lasts underneath on a regular basis use.
We take note of extra cellphone options like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, quick charging, foldable shows and different helpful extras. And we, in fact, weigh all of our experiences and testing towards the value so you realize whether or not a cellphone represents good worth or not.
Learn extra: How we take a look at telephones
Telephones underneath $500 comparability
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Google Pixel 6A vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. Nothing Telephone 1 vs. Apple iPhone 11
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Google Pixel 6A | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Nothing Telephone 1 | iPhone 11 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show measurement, decision | 6.5-inch AMOLED (2,400×1,080 pixels); 120 Hz | 6.8-inch LTPS LCD FHD+; 2,460 x1,080 pixels; 120 Hz | 6.1-inch OLED; (1080 x 2400); 60Hz | 4.7-inch LCD; (1,334×750 pixels); 60 Hz | 6.55-inch OLED show, 2,400 x1080 pixels; | 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina; 1,792×828 pixels |
| Pixel density | 405ppi | TBD | 429 ppi | 326ppi | 402ppi | 326ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in. | 6.65 x 2.98 x 0.37 in. | 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.35 in. | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in. | 5.94×2.98×0.33 in. | |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | 152.2 x 7.18 x 8.9 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | 150.9×75.7×8.3 mm |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 6.67 oz.; 189g | 7.58 oz.; 215 g | 6.3 oz.; 178g | 5.09 oz.; 144g | 193.5g | 6.84 oz.; 194g |
| Cellular software program | Android 12 | Android 12 | Android 12 | iOS 15 | Android 13 | iOS 13 |
| Digital camera | 64-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 5-megapixel (macro), 5-megapixel (depth) | 50-megapixel (huge), 8-megapixel (ultrawide/macro), 2-megapixel (depth) | 12.2-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel extremely huge) | 12-megapixel (huge) | 50-megapixel (predominant), 50-megapixel (ultra-wide) | 12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 32-megapixel | 16-megapixel | 8-megapixel | 7-megapixel | 16-megapixel | 12-megapixel with Face ID |
| Video seize | 4K | 1,080p | 4K | 4K | 4K at 60fps | 4K |
| Processor | Exynos 1280 | Snapdragon 695 5G | Google Tensor | Apple A15 Bionic | Snapdragon 778G+ | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB | 8GB/256GB | 6GB RAM/128GB storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256 GB, 12GB RAM + 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | As much as 1TB | As much as 1TB | None | NA | None | None |
| Battery/Charger | 5,000 mAh (charger not included, doesn’t help wi-fi charging) | 5,000 mAh (10W wired charger included) | 4,410 mAh capability; 18-watt quick charging (adapter offered individually) | Battery NA (20W wired charging — charger not included), 7.5W wi-fi charging) | 4,500 mAh (33W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging, 5W reverse charging) | Not disclosed, however Apple claims it would final 1 hour longer than iPhone XR |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display | Facet | Underneath show | Dwelling button | In-display | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB C | Lightning | USB-C | Lightning |
| Headphone jack | None | Sure | None | None | None | No |
| Particular options | 5G-enabled; IP67 score; helps 25W wired quick charging, Samsung Pay | 5G-enabled; OIS for predominant digital camera; NFC for Google Pay; | 5G-enabled, 18W quick charging, Wi-Fi 6E, safety updates for five years, Android OS updates for 3 years, twin SIM, IP67 water resistance | 5G-enabled; helps 25W wired quick charging; Waterproof (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging | 5G, IP53, Three years of Android updates, Twin Sim, 120Hz adaptive refresh charge | Waterproof (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging |
| Value off-contract (USD) | $450 | $500 | $449 | $399 (64GB), $449 (128GB), $549 (256GB) | N/A | $499 |
| Value (GBP) | £399 | NA however converts to £405 | £399 | £419 (64GB), £469 (128GB), £569 (256GB) | £399 | £489 |
| Value (AUD) | AU$699 | NA however converts to AU$715 | A$749 | AU$749 (64GB), AU$829 (128GB), AU$999 (256GB) | N/A | AU$849 |
Telephones underneath $500 FAQs
Are cheaper telephones price it?
For many individuals, a cellphone that prices lower than $500 will doubtless have all the things you want for communication, images and leisure. In some circumstances, the telephones even present among the newest options seen on higher-end telephones like clean 120Hz refresh charges and a number of cameras.
Are you able to get a superb digital camera on a less expensive cellphone?
Sure, yow will discover a number of cheaper telephones that take nice pictures, whether or not it is by means of the digital camera obtainable on the gadget, picture processing software program on the cellphone or — is most frequently the case — a mix of each.
What makes these telephones cheaper?
Every firm takes a unique strategy towards cheaper telephones.
Extra cellphone recommendation
