Top Budget Phones: 5 Smartphones Under $500

For some, gadgets are merely tools to get tasks done, favoring functionality over extravagance. With this outlook, spending $1,000 on a phone might not seem justifiable when there are other worthy investments.

Budget phones come to the rescue. These devices, typically priced around $500 or less, offer increasing capabilities. While they may lack premium features, they provide significant savings, leaving resources for other priorities.

Criteria for Selection

Strong Software Support

Opt for phones with at least a couple of years of operating system upgrades and ideally three years of security updates. This ensures the device remains secure and functional over time.

A Quality Screen

Given the frequent use, a phone screen should not be compromised. OLED screens provide richer contrast and colors compared to LCDs, with a minimum 1080p resolution on modern large screens. Faster refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) enhance the viewing experience, although a smooth OLED screen with a standard refresh rate is preferable to a higher-refresh-rate LCD.

Adequate Storage Space

A minimum of 64GB of storage, expandable via a MicroSD card, is essential for long-term use, although 128GB is ideal to accommodate growing needs.

Effective Rear Camera

A singular, quality rear camera is preferred over multiple mediocre ones. Essential features include good performance in adequate lighting and a night mode for low-light conditions. Extra cameras with low-resolution sensors should be avoided.

Recommendations

Best iPhone Under $500

2022 iPhone SE ($429)

• Screen: 4.7-inch, 1334p LCD
• Processor: A15 Bionic
• Cameras: 12-megapixel rear (with OIS), 7-megapixel front
• Charging: 20W wired, 7.5W wireless
• Weather-resistance Rating: IP67

While the iPhone SE provides a pathway into the iOS ecosystem, its 4.7-inch screen may feel small and outdated as apps and pages evolve for larger screens. Despite this, it offers robust performance and quality build features uncommon at this price.

Best Android Phone Under $500

Google Pixel 8A

• Screen: 6.1-inch, 1080p OLED, 120Hz
• Processor: Tensor G3
• Cameras: 64-megapixel rear (with OIS), 13-megapixel ultrawide, 13-megapixel selfie
• Battery: 4,492mAh
• Charging: 18W wired, 7.5W wireless
• Weather-resistance Rating: IP67

The Pixel 8A promises a remarkable seven years of software support and includes a smooth 120Hz display, wireless charging, and reliable performance. Its camera system is reliable but less advanced than the more expensive models in the Pixel lineup.

Best Budget Phone for Performance

OnePlus 12R ($500)

• Screen: 6.78-inch, 1264 x 2780, 120Hz OLED
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Cameras: 50-megapixel rear (with OIS), 8-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro, 16-megapixel front
• Battery: 5,500mAh
• Charging: 80W wired
• Weather-resistance Rating: IP64

Equipped with a high-grade processor and excellent screen, the OnePlus 12R offers outstanding performance at a competitive price. However, it lacks full water resistance and wireless charging, which may be trade-offs depending on user priorities.

Best Phone Under $400

Google Pixel 6A

• Screen: 6.1-inch, 1080p OLED
• Processor: Tensor
• Cameras: 12-megapixel rear (with OIS), 8-megapixel front
• Battery: 4,410mAh
• Charging: 18W wired
• Weather-resistance Rating: IP67

The Pixel 6A remains a strong contender despite being an older model. With good performance and an IP67 rating, it offers significant value for its lower price, especially for those looking for longevity.

Best Long-Term Budget Phone

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

• Screen: 6.6-inch, 1080p OLED, 120Hz
• Processor: Exynos 1380
• Cameras: 50-megapixel rear (with OIS), 8-megapixel ultrawide, 5-megapixel macro, 13-megapixel front
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 25W wired
• Weather-resistance Rating: IP67

The Galaxy A35 5G provides durable features such as water resistance and a solid software update policy, ensuring longevity. However, it has less robust processing performance and an average camera.

Additional Tested Budget Phones

• Motorola Moto G Power (2024): Although packed with features like a vegan leather exterior and wireless charging, excessive bloatware reduces its appeal.
• OnePlus Nord N300: Very affordable but compromises on performance and features compared to pricier models.

In summary, within strict budgets, various trade-offs are inevitable. Prioritizing key features helps maximize value, ensuring functionality and longevity in budget-friendly options. Update as of September 19th reflects the latest Google Pixel 9 series arrivals and pricing adjustments.

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