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If you’re wondering which phones under $500 are worth your money, stick around! After we run through each product, I’ll give you my personal take—Would I buy it, or would I skip it? No fluff, just my honest opinion. Let’s get into it!
Watch the video version: The BEST Phones Under 0 Ranked - From Great to TRULY Awful!
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Redmi Note 13 4G is a budget-friendly powerhouse with a stunning 6.67-inch OLED display that boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and impressive 1800 nits max brightness. Its Snapdragon 685 processor delivers solid performance for daily tasks and even light gaming, while the 5000 mAh battery ensures you’ll stay powered throughout the day. The 108 MP main camera captures detailed shots, though the secondary cameras are a bit lackluster. With four years of security updates and an included 33W charger, this phone offers great value for its price point.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers flagship-like features at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Galaxy S21 FE packs a punch with its Snapdragon 888 processor, delivering flagship-level performance in a more affordable package. Its 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The triple camera setup, including a 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto lens, offers versatile shooting options. With 5G support, an IP68 rating, and an under-display fingerprint sensor, this phone doesn’t skimp on premium features.
Would I buy it?
Yes, as it strikes an excellent balance between high-end features and affordability, making it a great option for those who want a near-flagship experience without breaking the bank.
Oppo A79
The Oppo A79 comes with a large 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, offering decent visuals for its price range. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 processor and 8GB of RAM provide adequate performance for everyday tasks. The 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging is a nice addition, ensuring you won’t run out of juice quickly. However, the camera setup is underwhelming, with just a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, lacking the versatility of its competitors.
Would I buy it?
No, because while it offers some decent features, it falls short in key areas like camera performance and overall value compared to other options in this price range.
2022 iPhone SE
The iPhone SE (2022) packs the powerful A15 Bionic chip, delivering flagship-level performance in a compact body. Its 4.7-inch display feels tiny by today’s standards, which may be a dealbreaker for many users. The single 12MP rear camera takes great photos, but the lack of night mode is disappointing. While it offers 5G connectivity, it doesn’t support mmWave 5G, limiting its future-proofing.
Would I buy it?
No, because despite its powerful processor, the dated design and limited camera features make it hard to recommend over more modern alternatives in the same price range.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R impresses with its stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,500 nits of peak brightness. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers flagship-level performance, handling demanding tasks with ease. The 5,500mAh battery offers exceptional longevity, easily lasting two days on a single charge. However, the camera system, while capable, falls short of expectations, particularly in the ultrawide and macro departments.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The OnePlus 12R offers great value with its top-notch display and performance, but camera enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere.
Google Pixel 6A
This compact powerhouse packs Google’s Tensor chip, delivering smooth performance and enabling impressive AI features. The camera system, while not cutting-edge, still produces excellent photos thanks to Google’s computational photography prowess. Battery life is decent, though not exceptional, and the 60Hz display feels a bit dated compared to competitors. The lack of wireless charging and the finicky in-display fingerprint scanner are notable drawbacks.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The Pixel 6A offers a clean Android experience and great cameras at a budget-friendly price, but it’s showing its age in some areas.
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8 brings a refreshed design with more rounded corners and a brighter 120Hz display, addressing some of its predecessor’s shortcomings. Its new Tensor G3 chip enables impressive AI features, especially in the camera department with tricks like Magic Editor. However, the phone tends to overheat during intensive tasks, and battery life can be inconsistent. The lack of a telephoto lens might disappoint some photography enthusiasts.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The Pixel 8 offers a great software experience and camera capabilities, but its thermal issues and battery life concerns give me pause.
Xiaomi Poco X6
The Poco X6 stands out with its brilliant 6.67-inch OLED display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and impressive brightness levels. Its main 64MP camera captures detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Performance is snappy thanks to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, though it’s not quite flagship-level. The phone’s plastic build and lack of wireless charging are reminders of its budget status.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The Poco X6 offers great value with its display and camera, but the lack of premium features might deter some buyers.
Motorola Razr (2023)
This stylish flip phone offers a vibrant 6.9-inch pOLED internal display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations a joy. Its compact design and reasonable price make it an attractive option for those wanting a foldable without breaking the bank. The Razr’s performance is responsive, easily handling multiple apps, though its benchmark scores are middling compared to some competitors. While the crease in the screen is visible from certain angles, it becomes less noticeable with regular use, and the 1,400 nits peak brightness ensures great visibility even in direct sunlight.
Would I buy it?
Yes. The Motorola Razr (2023) offers a unique foldable experience at a more accessible price point, making it a compelling choice for those wanting to try out the flip phone form factor without spending flagship money.
Samsung Galaxy A25
This mid-range phone impresses with its smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The Exynos 1280 chipset provides decent performance for everyday tasks, though it may struggle with more demanding applications. I appreciate the inclusion of a headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. However, the outdoor visibility could be better, as I found it difficult to read the screen in bright sunlight.
Would I buy it?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy A25 offers a great balance of features for its price, including a high-quality display and solid performance, making it a strong contender in the sub-$500 category.
SAMSUNG Galaxy A15 5G
This budget-friendly option from Samsung comes with a decent 6.5-inch display, but it lacks the higher refresh rates found in its pricier siblings. The phone’s performance is adequate for basic tasks, but I noticed some sluggishness when multitasking or running more demanding apps. On the bright side, the 5,000mAh battery offers excellent endurance, easily lasting through a full day of use. The camera performance is mixed, producing usable photos in good lighting conditions but struggling in low-light situations.
Would I buy it?
No. While the Galaxy A15 5G offers decent battery life and Samsung’s software support, its performance limitations and lackluster display make it hard to recommend when there are better options available in this price range.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
This budget phone packs some impressive features, including a large 6.72-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 50-watt fast charging is a standout feature, allowing you to recharge the 5,000mAh battery from near-zero to about 75% in just 30 minutes. However, the 108-megapixel main camera, while impressive on paper, doesn’t perform any miracles in real-world use. The phone’s performance is decent thanks to its Snapdragon 695 processor and 8GB of RAM, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks.
Would I buy it?
No. Despite its impressive fast charging and high-resolution camera, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G falls short in overall performance and camera quality compared to other options in this price range, making it difficult to recommend.
Motorola Moto G54
The Moto G54 offers a decent 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is a nice upgrade from its predecessor. However, its MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor delivers only acceptable performance, struggling with more demanding tasks. The 5,000mAh battery is a strong point, but the 20W charging speed is relatively slow compared to competitors. While the camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, the overall image quality leaves much to be desired.
Would I buy it?
No, because there are better options in this price range that offer more compelling features and performance.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Galaxy A35 impresses with its 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations look fantastic. Its Exynos 1380 processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks with ease. The phone’s design is sleek, with Gorilla Glass Victus Plus offering improved scratch resistance. I particularly appreciate the expandable storage option, supporting up to 1TB via microSD, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers a great balance of features, performance, and build quality at a competitive price point.
Google Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A packs a punch with its 6.1-inch OLED display, featuring a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate that ensures smooth visuals while conserving battery life. Google’s Tensor G3 chip powers the device, enabling impressive AI features and ensuring snappy performance in day-to-day use. The camera system, while not as advanced as its pricier siblings, still delivers excellent image quality thanks to Google’s computational photography prowess. Perhaps the most compelling aspect is Google’s commitment to seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity and security.
Would I buy it?
Maybe, because while it offers great features and long-term support, the price point is at the upper limit of the budget range, making it a tougher sell compared to some competitors.
Nothing Phone (2a)
The Nothing Phone (2a) stands out with its unique design and 6.7-inch OLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a joy to use for media consumption and everyday tasks. Its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip delivers solid performance, handling multitasking and even some light gaming with ease. The dual 50MP camera setup on the rear produces impressive shots, while the 32MP front camera takes care of your selfie needs. With Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14 and promised upgrades up to Android 17, you’re getting a clean, near-stock Android experience with longevity.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers a great combination of unique design, solid performance, and a clean software experience at a competitive price point.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
This budget-friendly powerhouse packs a punch with its 6.43-inch AMOLED display and 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The 108MP main camera delivers impressive shots, while the 5000mAh battery ensures you’ll stay powered up all day long. Performance-wise, the Mediatek Helio G96 chipset might not be top-tier, but it handles everyday tasks with ease. The phone also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and runs on the latest Android 13 with MIUI 14, providing a modern user experience.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers great value for money with its impressive camera and display, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking for a feature-packed device.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
This affordable display king boasts a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and an impressive peak brightness of 1289 nits. The phone offers ample storage options and plenty of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance. Its triple camera setup, while not groundbreaking, should satisfy most users’ photography needs. The inclusion of expandable storage, an audio jack, and an infrared blaster adds versatility to this budget-friendly device.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers an exceptional display and good overall performance at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize visual experience.
Google Pixel 7A
While this phone boasts a compact design and clean user interface, it falls short in several areas. The chunky bezels and 90Hz refresh rate feel outdated compared to other options in this price range. The Tensor G2 chip, while capable, tends to overheat easily and doesn’t offer top-tier performance. Battery life is decent, but the charging speed is frustratingly slow, even by Pixel standards.
Would I buy it?
No, because despite its good camera capabilities, the Pixel 7A’s outdated design, overheating issues, and slow charging make it hard to recommend over other options in this price range.
Samsung A52 5G
This mid-range marvel offers a crisp 120Hz AMOLED display that rivals more expensive phones, providing a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The phone’s 5G connectivity future-proofs your investment, while its solid battery life ensures you’ll get through a full day of use. Samsung’s commitment to software support means you’ll receive three years of Android upgrades, keeping your device up-to-date for longer. While the performance isn’t top-tier, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks and some light gaming.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it strikes a great balance between features and affordability, offering 5G connectivity, a fantastic display, and long-term software support at a reasonable price point.
Thanks for watching, I hope this video helped you pick the phones under $500 for you. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. Links to all of these products mentioned in this video will be in the description.
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