The smartphone market is flooded with a plethora of options, catering to various budgets and preferences. If you’re looking for a smartphone under $500 that doesn’t compromise on features, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 smartphones available in 2023 that offer the best value for your money.
Google Pixel 5a
Google’s Pixel 5a is a strong contender in the sub-$500 category. With its excellent camera capabilities, pure Android experience, and a guaranteed 3 years of software updates, this device offers a premium experience at an affordable price. The 6.34-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 765G processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage make it a solid choice for anyone seeking a well-rounded phone.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Samsung’s A series has always been popular among budget-conscious buyers. The Galaxy A52 5G sports a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 750G chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB of expandable storage. The quad-camera setup, including a 64MP main sensor, makes it a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts. The device is also IP67 water and dust resistant.
OnePlus Nord 2
The OnePlus Nord 2 is a mid-range offering that provides a flagship-like experience. With a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display and a 90Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth visuals. The MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage offer snappy performance. A 50MP main camera, along with an ultra-wide and monochrome lens, make it an impressive photography device.
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Generation)
For those who prefer iOS, the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) is a fantastic option under $500. With the powerful A13 Bionic chip, 3GB RAM, and 64GB storage, it can handle day-to-day tasks effortlessly. Its compact design, 4.7-inch Retina display, and reliable single 12MP rear camera make it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable iPhone experience.
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT
The Poco X3 GT, a product of Xiaomi’s sub-brand Poco, is a feature-packed smartphone under $500. It boasts a 6.6-inch 120Hz IPS LCD display, MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The 64MP main camera, paired with an ultra-wide and macro lens, ensures versatile photography options. The 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging guarantees all-day usage.
Moto G100
The Moto G100 from Motorola offers an excellent balance between performance and affordability. Equipped with a 6.7-inch 90Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 870 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB expandable storage, this device is built to handle multitasking. The 64MP main camera, ultra-wide lens, and depth sensor allow for quality photography, while the 5,000mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance.
Asus Zenfone 8
The Asus Zenfone 8 is a compact powerhouse with a 5.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888 chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. Its 64MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide lens deliver impressive photography capabilities. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones. Its 4,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging keeps you going throughout the day.
Realme GT 5G
Realme’s GT 5G offers flagship performance at a mid-range price. The device features a 6.43-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. Its 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 2MP macro lens provide versatile photographic options. The GT 5G also includes a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging, ensuring quick recharges and extended usage.
Nokia X20
Nokia’s X20 is a reliable choice under $500, offering a clean Android experience and 3 years of software updates. The device sports a 6.67-inch 60Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 480 chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB expandable storage. The 64MP main camera, ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors cater to various photography needs. The 4,470mAh battery with 18W fast charging ensures day-long usage.
LG Stylo 7
The LG Stylo 7 is an excellent choice for those who value productivity features. It comes with a built-in stylus, making note-taking and sketching a breeze. The device has a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, 4GB RAM, and 128GB expandable storage. The 48MP main camera, ultra-wide lens, and depth sensor offer decent photography options. A 4,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging powers the device.
Conclusion
The sub-$500 smartphone segment offers a wide range of devices that cater to various preferences and needs. Our list of the top 10 smartphones under $500 includes devices with excellent cameras, strong performance, and long-lasting battery life. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, there’s a smartphone on this list that will meet your requirements without breaking the bank.
