In 2025, you no longer need to spend $1,000+ to get a powerful, feature-rich smartphone. With mid-range devices now offering high-refresh-rate displays, impressive cameras, and smooth performance, the under-$500 market is hotter than ever. Whether you’re a gamer, a social media lover, or someone who just wants a reliable phone for daily use, there’s something here for you.
In this post, we’ll explore the best smartphones under $500 in 2025, covering performance, battery life, camera quality, and value for money. Let’s dive in.
Top 7 Smartphones Under $500 (2025)
| Rank | Smartphone | Starting Price | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Pixel 7a | $499 | Camera & Software |
| 2 | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | $449 | Super AMOLED Display |
| 3 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 | $399 | 120Hz Display |
| 4 | Motorola Edge (2024) | $479 | Clean Android Experience |
| 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) | $399 | Unique Design |
| 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro | $369 | High MP Camera |
| 7 | iPhone SE (2022) | $429 | iOS in a Compact Body |
1. Google Pixel 7a – Best Camera for the Price
Price: $499
Why it’s great: Google’s Pixel 7a delivers the best camera in the segment, especially for still photography. The Tensor G2 chip ensures snappy performance and software updates for years.
Highlights:
64MP main camera with Google’s AI image processing
6.1″ OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
IP67 water resistance
5 years of security updates
Pros:
✔ Clean Android experience
✔ Unmatched camera for the price
✔ Wireless charging support
Cons:
✘ Average battery life
✘ Slower charging speeds
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – Best Display in the Mid-Range
Price: $449
Why it’s great: Samsung’s AMOLED panels are among the best, and the A54 is no exception. It’s perfect for media consumption and casual gaming.
Highlights:
6.4″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Exynos 1380 chip
IP67 water/dust resistance
Pros:
✔ Beautiful display
✔ Great build quality
✔ Expandable storage
Cons:
✘ Slightly heavy
✘ Occasional software lag
3. OnePlus Nord CE 3 – Balanced Performance and Value
Price: $399
Why it’s great: OnePlus brings fluid software and fast charging to a budget-friendly device. The 120Hz display makes it feel much more premium.
Highlights:
Snapdragon 782G
6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz
80W fast charging
Pros:
✔ OxygenOS is smooth
✔ Excellent battery life
✔ Bright and large display
Cons:
✘ Average camera
✘ No wireless charging
4. Motorola Edge (2024) – Clean Android with Good Specs
Price: $479
Why it’s great: Motorola’s near-stock Android is fast and clean. This phone has a solid display, decent cameras, and fast charging.
Highlights:
6.6″ OLED display
50MP main camera
5000mAh battery
Pros:
✔ Clean UI
✔ Good battery life
✔ Fast refresh rate
Cons:
✘ Limited software updates
✘ Plastic build
5. Nothing Phone (2a) – Most Unique Design
Price: $399
Why it’s great: If you want something that stands out, the Nothing Phone (2a) brings a fresh design and good specs. It’s not just pretty—it performs well too.
Highlights:
Glyph interface (LED lights on back)
Dimensity 7200 Pro
6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz
Pros:
✔ Futuristic look
✔ Good battery efficiency
✔ Smooth UI (Nothing OS)
Cons:
✘ Still maturing ecosystem
✘ Limited availability
6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro – Top-Tier Camera Specs at a Low Price
Price: $369
Why it’s great: With a 200MP camera (yes, really), the Note 13 Pro pushes boundaries in the budget range.
Highlights:
200MP main camera
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz
Pros:
✔ Fantastic value
✔ Great for photography
✔ Sleek design
Cons:
✘ MIUI can feel bloated
✘ Software ads in some regions
7. iPhone SE (2022) – Apple’s Budget Pick
Price: $429
Why it’s great: For fans of iOS, the SE is the best way to get into the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank.
Highlights:
A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13)
Compact 4.7″ Retina Display
5G support
Pros:
✔ Blazing fast chip
✔ Long software support
✔ Compact for one-handed use
Cons:
✘ Outdated design
✘ Small battery
What to Look for in a Sub-$500 Phone in 2025
- When shopping in this price range, here’s what matters:
- Display: AMOLED with 90Hz or 120Hz is now common and worth it.
- Battery Life: Look for 4500mAh+ with fast charging.
- Camera Quality: Don’t chase megapixels alone—look for reviews and real-world samples.
- Software Support: At least 2-3 years of updates is ideal.
- Build Quality: Glass back or solid plastic build ensures durability.
Conclusion
You don’t need a flagship to enjoy a premium smartphone experience in 2025. Devices like the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54 show just how far mid-range phones have come. Whether you value photography, performance, or display quality, there’s a great smartphone under $500 for you.