Going for the best phone under 500 pounds or dollars may seem like you're going to miss out, but the truth is most phones in this price bracket still come with a lot of amazing features if you know how to shop for one.
There will be a few sacrifices, usually when it comes to things like raw processing power and the quality of the camera, but that doesn't mean you'll be getting a bad phone just because you're on a budget.
You'll still be able to get one of the best phones with good battery life, solid durability, and loads of other smart features like voice assistants. Some even make for very good gaming phones, although it's worth treating yourself to a quality phone controller if that's your plan.
So, whether you're looking for an excellent affordable option from Samsung like the Galaxy A52, or a solid phone from Google such as the Pixel 4a 5G, we've got you covered.
Best phones under 500
- OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- Apple iPhone SE (2022)
- Samsung Galaxy A52
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Motorola One 5G Ace
- Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
click to enlarge
+ 61. OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Best OnePlus phone under 500
When sticking to a budget of 500 pounds or dollars, the OnePlus Nord 2 is the standout choice for us.
In terms of display, you're getting a sizeable 6.4-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate which is up there amongst some of the best phones for gaming in terms of speed.
When it comes to the camera, this phone features 50MP main, 8MP Ultra-wide, and 2MP mono lenses, which should mean this phone produces high-quality images.
The OnePlus Nord 2 also features up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage combined with the MediaTek processor gives you a lot of power for your money.
Read More: Best phones for under 300
click to enlarge + 62. iPhone SE (2022)
Best Apple phone under 500
If you're after one of the best iPhones but don't want to spend more than 500 pounds or dollars, the iPhone SE could be the choice for you.
This model was designed specifically to be an affordable option, however, although this phone is smaller and cheaper than the flagship model, it still packs a serious punch.
The A13 Bionic chip is the same as you'll find in the iPhone 13, which is fantastic for the price and especially alongside 5G capabilities. This handset also comes with an impressive 12MP rear camera that produces high-quality images, alongside various modes thanks to the powerful chipset.
Overall, the iPhone SE is a standout choice for iPhone lovers looking for an affordable option.
Read More: Best camera phones
click to enlarge + 63. Samsung Galaxy A52
Best Samsung phone under 500
Samsung is well-known for pioneering some of the best phones to date and amongst them are some great affordable options, like the Galaxy A52.
This handset hits the mark as one of the best phones for battery life, featuring a sizeable 4,500mAh battery, which should easily last you all day, perfect if you're often on the go and don't want to worry about charging.
It also boasts an impressive AMOLED FHD display that can provide up to 800 nits of brightness, which means you should be able to see your screen even in well-lit environments.
Given the price, the A52 is a real winner in our book.
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click to enlarge + 64. Google Pixel 4a 5G
Best Google phone under 500
Another good mid-range choice is the Google Pixel 4a, as it could be ideal for those who want a phone with 5G capabilities that don't break the bank.
The Pixel 4a is great for the price and combined with 6GB of RAM this phone should operate Android 11 smoothly. Another standout feature is the camera, with up to 16MP from the rear lenses and an 8MP front-facing camera, you'll be able to take some decent shots.
The Pixel 4a also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful if you have wired headphones or want to be able to connect an AUX cord.
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click to enlarge + 65. Motorola One 5G Ace
Best Motorola phone under 500
If you're looking for a large display for your money, the Motorola One 5G Ace could be what you're after.
A huge 6.7-inch HD screen competes with some of the most expensive phones on the market and gives you a nice amount of space when consuming entertainment or scrolling through social media.
128GB is a good amount of storage for the price, however, if you're looking for more, this phone features a MicroSD slot to allow for storage expansion.
The Motorola One 5G Ace also features a huge 5,000mAh battery and 5G capabilities, both exceptional for the price.
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click to enlarge + 66. Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
Best Xiaomi phone under 500
Xiaomi produces great all-rounders when it comes to phones of all budgets and the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite is a fitting example of such.
On par with some of the best phones for battery life, the power bank in this device is a whopping 5,260mAh, combined with 30W fast charging, you shouldn't need to worry about your phone dying.
The display is also up to scratch with a large 6.47-inch screen and 1080 x 2340 pixels, combined with the great battery life you'll be able to watch movies on the go. You'll also be able to snap high-quality images with the quad rear cameras up to 64MP and the front-facing 32MP camera.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite provides a lot of awesome features with a reasonable price tag.
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