Best Smartphones Under $500 in 2025 — A Buyer’s Guide

Smartphones in 2025 are better than ever — even the sub-$500 tier now packs fast chips, excellent cameras, long battery life, and perks like wireless charging or multi-year software updates. If you want the most value without paying flagship prices, this guide walks you through the best phones under $500 right now, why they stand out, and how to choose the one that fits your needs.

Quick Summary — Top Picks

• Google Pixel 9a — Best overall value for camera, software updates, and features.
• Nothing Phone (3a) Pro — Stylish, distinctive design with surprisingly strong cameras for the price.
• OnePlus 13R — Great all-around speed and battery, strong performance for gamers on a budget.
• Samsung Galaxy A56 5G — Balanced package with a good display and solid brand support.
• iPhone 16e — Best cheap iPhone option for iOS users who want new hardware without flagship cost.

1. Why $500 is a Sweet Spot in 2025

A $500 budget in 2025 buys far more than it did a few years ago. Manufacturers have shifted midrange pricing upward while trickling flagship features down to lower tiers. At this price, you commonly get:

• Modern mid-to-high tier processors are capable of smooth gaming and multitasking.
• OLED or high-refresh LCDs (90–120Hz).
• Triple-camera arrays with capable main sensors.
• Good battery life (4,500–5,500 mAh) and fast wired charging.
• Practical extras like wireless charging, IP ratings, and multi-year OS support on some models.

Because manufacturers release multiple models and regional pricing varies, you’ll frequently find sales and retailer bundles that push higher-tier phones under $500 — always worth watching for deals.

DO NOT MISS: iPhone 16 Pro Leak Reveals Stunning New Camera Upgrade

2. Deep Dive: The Best Picks

Google Pixel 9a — Best Overall Value

The Pixel 9a provides an exceptional camera experience, clean Android (with AI features), and unusually long software support in the midrange class. It borrows Google’s computational photography and many features from the flagship Pixel line, making it the easiest way to get flagship-level photos without the flagship price.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro — Best for Design and Personality

Nothing continues to push design as a selling point. The 3a Pro blends a recognizable aesthetic (transparent elements, unique LED “glyph” cues) with strong midrange specs and a capable camera system. For buyers tired of identical slabs, Nothing offers a distinctive phone that still performs.

OnePlus 13R — Best Performance per Dollar

OnePlus’s R-series targets users who want flagship-adjacent performance at lower cost. The 13R delivers snappy day-to-day performance, fast charging, and a solid OLED display — often beating rivals in raw responsiveness and battery endurance.

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G — Best Balanced Package

Samsung’s A-series continues to be the go-to for buyers who want a dependable, well-rounded phone backed by a major brand. The A56 gives you a great AMOLED display, dependable midrange chipset, good battery life, and Samsung’s promise of multiple Android updates — a reassuring choice for long-term use.

iPhone 16e — Best Option for iOS Fans

Apple’s “e” models provide a path to the latest iOS and Apple ecosystem at a much lower entry price. The iPhone 16e is Apple’s attempt to offer modern silicon, good cameras, and years of software updates for those who prefer iOS. While pure flagship iPhones remain more expensive, the 16e brings new hardware into reach for sub-$500 budgets, depending on sales and storage choices.

3. Comparison Table of the Best Phones Under $500 in 2025

Feature	Pixel 9a	Nothing Phone (3a) Pro	OnePlus 13R	Samsung Galaxy A56 5G	iPhone 16e
Typical Price (USD)	~$499	~$459	~$480	~$450	~$500
Chipset / Processor	Google Tensor G4	Snapdragon 7s Gen 3	High-performance midrange chip	Snapdragon/Exynos mid-tier	Apple’s latest “e” chip
RAM / Storage	8 GB + 128/256 GB	12 GB + 256 GB	8–12 GB + 128/256 GB	6–8 GB + 128/256 GB	6 GB + 128/256 GB
Display	6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz	6.77″ AMOLED, 120 Hz	6.7″ OLED, 120 Hz	6.6″ AMOLED, 120 Hz	6.1″ Retina, 60–90 Hz
Battery & Charging	5,100 mAh, 23W wired + wireless	5,000 mAh, 50W wired	5,000 mAh, 80W wired	5,000 mAh, 25–45W wired	3,200–3,500 mAh, 20–30W wired + MagSafe
Rear Cameras	48 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide	50 MP wide + 50 MP telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide	50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro	50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 5 MP depth/macro	12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
Front Camera	13 MP ultrawide	50 MP	16–32 MP (varies)	13–32 MP (varies)	12 MP with Face ID
Water / Dust Protection	IP68	IP64	IP54/IP67 (variant)	IP67	IP67
Software Updates	7 years	3 OS, 6 security	3–4 years	4–5 years	5–6 years
Weight	~186 g	~201 g	~195 g	~189 g	~170 g
Pros	Best camera for price, long support, IP68	Unique design, real 3× zoom, big battery	Fastest performer, rapid charging	Balanced all-rounder, Samsung support	iOS ecosystem, excellent longevity
Cons	Limited RAM, average gaming chip	Weak water resistance, heavy	Camera not as advanced	Processor weaker than rivals	Smaller battery, limited storage

 

4. Short Buyer’s Checklist — How to Choose the Right One

When comparing models under $500, prioritize based on your use case:

• Camera quality: Look at sample galleries and reviews — computational photography matters more than megapixels.
• Software & updates: Pixel and Apple lead in long OS update commitments; Samsung and OnePlus have improved promises too.
• Performance: If you game or edit on phone, prefer faster processors (OnePlus, Pixel, some Nothing models).
• Battery & charging: Look at mAh and real-world endurance; fast wired charging is common, wireless less so at this price.
• Display: OLED + 90–120Hz is preferable for crispness and smoothness.
• After-sales & warranty: Buying from a brand with a good service network can be worth a small premium.

5. Where to Save: Tips for Getting a Better Model for Less

• Buy during sale events: Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school promotions often push higher models under $500.
• Consider slightly older flagships: Last year’s flagships frequently dip below $500 after a year on the market.
• Carrier deals & trade-ins: Carriers often subsidize phones in exchange for plan commitments.
• Refurbished & certified pre-owned: Manufacturer-certified refurbished units can deliver more value with warranty.

6. FAQs

Q: Is $500 enough to get 5G, wireless charging, and IP rating?
Yes — many midrange phones in 2025 include 5G and some include wireless charging and IP ratings, though the exact combo varies by model.

Q: Should I pick Android or iPhone under $500?
If you’re tied to an ecosystem (apps, accessories, services), stay where you are. Android gives broader hardware choice at this price; iPhone gives longer OS support and a seamless ecosystem — but fewer models exist under $500 without discounts.

Q: Will a $500 phone slow down after a year?
Not necessarily. Many phones under $500 now use capable chips and receive updates for years. That said, higher-end processors age better; if future performance matters, opt for the fastest chipset you can within budget.

Final Verdict

If you want the best balance of camera, software, and long-term value, the Google Pixel 9a remains the standout pick in 2025. If you prefer something that stands out visually and still performs well, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a refreshing alternative. For raw speed and gaming, the OnePlus 13R is excellent; if you want brand familiarity and a great display, the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is a safe bet; and for iOS lovers, the iPhone 16e is worth considering when priced under your budget.

Whichever phone you choose, shop smart: compare real-world reviews and camera samples, check update policies, and look for seasonal discounts — you can get a near-flagship experience today without the flagship price tag.