5 Best Smartphones Under $500 You Can Buy in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Google Pixel 9a	for its excellent camera and AI features
Best value	Motorola Moto G Power	for exceptional battery life under $300
Best for Apple users	iPhone 16e	for iOS experience at a lower price
Best for long-term support	Samsung Galaxy A25 5G	for years of updates
Best unique design	Nothing Phone 3a	for distinctive style and features
Also recommended	OnePlus Nord N30 5G	blazing fast charging and a smooth 120Hz screen
Also recommended	Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	a reliable, affordable 5G phone with a great display
Also recommended	Google Pixel 8a	a premium Pixel that frequently drops to a great price

How we chose and tested

We analyzed multiple expert Our criteria focused on real-world performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and overall value. We prioritized phones that deliver the most for your money without major compromises.

The best smartphones under $500 right now

Google Pixel 9a - Best overall

The Pixel 9a gives you Google's best AI features and camera quality for under $500, making it the smartest choice for most people. It's essentially a flagship phone without the flagship price.

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Key highlights

Google's Tensor G3 processor with AI features
Excellent camera system that rivals more expensive phones
Seven years of software updates and security patches
Clean Android experience with Pixel-exclusive features
Bright OLED display with smooth performance

Pros

Outstanding camera quality for the price
Long-term software support commitment
Google's AI features like Circle to Search
Premium build quality and design
Regular feature updates from Google

Cons

Battery life could be better
Only 60Hz refresh rate on base model
Limited storage options
Can get warm during intensive tasks

Who it is for: Anyone who wants flagship-level camera quality and smart features without paying flagship prices. It's perfect for photography enthusiasts and Google ecosystem users.

Skip if

You need the absolute best battery life or want a high refresh rate display. Consider the Motorola Moto G Power or Samsung Galaxy A25 instead.

Motorola Moto G Power - Best value

For under $300, the Moto G Power delivers exceptional battery life that can last two days on a single charge. It's the practical choice for people who hate charging their phone constantly.

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Key highlights

Massive battery that lasts up to two days
120Hz refresh rate display for smooth scrolling
Clean Android experience with useful Moto gestures
Solid performance for everyday tasks
IP68 water and dust resistance

Pros

Outstanding battery life
Smooth 120Hz display
Good value for money
Water and dust resistant
Useful Moto software features

Cons

Only two years of Android updates
Camera quality is just average
Performance lags behind more expensive phones
Plastic build feels less premium

Who it is for: Heavy phone users who prioritize battery life above all else. Students, travelers, and anyone who needs their phone to last all day and then some.

Skip if

You want the best camera or long-term software support. The Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A25 are better choices for those needs.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G - Best for long-term support

Samsung promises four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, making the Galaxy A25 the best choice for people who keep their phones for years.

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Key highlights

Four years of Android OS updates
Five years of security updates
Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
Solid camera system with optical image stabilization
Samsung's feature-rich One UI software

Pros

Excellent long-term software support
Bright, colorful AMOLED display
Good camera with OIS for stable video
Reliable Samsung build quality
Feature-packed software experience

Cons

Performance isn't as smooth as more expensive phones
One UI can feel bloated to some users
Battery life is good but not exceptional
Charging speed is just average

Who it is for: People who keep their phones for 3-4 years and want guaranteed updates. It's also great for Samsung ecosystem users who want consistency.

Skip if

You prefer clean Android or want faster performance. The Pixel 9a or Nothing Phone 3a might suit you better.

iPhone 16e - Best for Apple users

The iPhone 16e brings Apple's ecosystem to the under-$500 category, offering iOS experience with most iPhone features intact.

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Key highlights

Apple's A-series processor for smooth performance
iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features
Familiar iPhone design and build quality
Access to Apple's ecosystem and services
Regular software updates for years

Pros

Smooth iOS experience
Regular, long-term software updates
Access to Apple's ecosystem
Good build quality
Apple Intelligence features

Cons

More expensive than Android alternatives
Limited to 60Hz display
Camera system is basic compared to flagships
Storage options are limited

Who it is for: Current iPhone users who want to upgrade without breaking the bank, or anyone committed to Apple's ecosystem.

Skip if

You want the best value or camera quality for your money. Android options offer more features for less.

Nothing Phone 3a - Best unique design

The Nothing Phone 3a offers distinctive transparent design with LED glyph interface at an affordable price, standing out in a sea of similar-looking phones.

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Key highlights

Unique transparent design with LED glyph interface
Clean Nothing OS 2.0 software experience
Good performance for the price
Solid camera system
Distinctive aesthetic that stands out

Pros

Unique, eye-catching design
Clean software experience
Good value for money
Solid overall performance
Fun LED notification system

Cons

Limited availability in some regions
Only two years of Android updates
Camera isn't class-leading
Build quality feels less premium than more expensive phones

Who it is for: People who want a phone that looks different and stands out from the crowd. Design enthusiasts and early adopters.

Skip if

You prioritize long-term software support or want the absolute best camera. The Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A25 are safer choices.

Also Good

OnePlus Nord N30 5G - blazing fast charging and a smooth 120Hz screen.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - a reliable, affordable 5G phone with a great display.
Google Pixel 8a - a premium Pixel that frequently drops to a great price.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when picking your next smartphone under $500:

Camera quality: If photography matters most, the Pixel 9a is your best bet. Its camera system consistently outperforms others in this price range.

Battery life: The Motorola Moto G Power 2026 offers exceptional battery life that can last two days. This is crucial if you're a heavy user or travel frequently.

Software support: Samsung's Galaxy A25 offers the longest update commitment (4 years of OS updates). This matters if you keep phones for years.

Ecosystem: If you're already invested in Apple's ecosystem, the iPhone 16e makes sense despite its higher price. For Google users, the Pixel 9a integrates perfectly.

Design: The Nothing Phone 3a offers unique aesthetics if you want something different. Most other phones in this range look quite similar.

Performance: All these phones handle everyday tasks well, but the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e offer slightly smoother performance for more demanding apps.

FAQ

What's the biggest compromise with phones under $500?

You'll typically see compromises in camera quality (especially in low light), build materials (more plastic), and software update commitments. However, these compromises have become much smaller in recent years.

How long should a $500 phone last?

Most phones in this category should last 3-4 years with proper care. Samsung's Galaxy A25 offers the longest official software support at 4 years of OS updates.

Are refurbished flagships better than new budget phones?

Sometimes, but it depends. Refurbished flagships offer better build quality and cameras but may have shorter battery life and no warranty. New budget phones offer warranties and fresh batteries.

Do I need 5G on a budget phone?

Yes, 5G is becoming standard even on budget phones. All the phones on this list support 5G, which future-proofs your purchase as networks continue to expand.

What about foldable phones under $500?

True foldable phones still cost significantly more than $500. The closest you'll find are refurbished older models, but they come with reliability concerns and shorter software support.