Best Phones under 500 dollars of 2025 (Top 8: Google Pixels, Oppo and More)
Last Updated on June 8, 2025
Best Phones under $500: Why break the bank when you can score a fantastic phone for less than $500?
Imagine this: you walk into a store, cash in hand, and you’re ready to buy a new phone. You start sweating when you see the price tags, but wait! What if I told you that you can get a top-tier smartphone without emptying your wallet? That’s right, it’s time to embrace the world of affordable excellence!
From stunning cameras to long-lasting batteries, the market is brimming with options that won’t break the bank. Let’s dive into the BEST PHONES UNDER $500 that combine functionality, style, and performance—all without requiring a second mortgage on your house!
Contents
- The Best Phones under 500 dollars of 2025
- Google Pixel 8
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Oppo A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Honor Play Smartphone
- OnePlus 6T
- Motorola One Action
- HMD Fusion Smartphone
- Final Thoughts on the Best Phones under 500 dollars
- Comprehensive Buying Guide for Budget Phones
- The Best Phones under 500 dollars - FAQs
- Check Out the Best Phones under 500 dollars
- Also Check Out Other Helpful Articles
- Video About the Best Phones under 500 dollars
The Best Phones under 500 dollars of 2025
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 stands out with its exceptional camera and Google AI features that enhance daily use. It's a perfect choice for anyone who values photography and security.
Why You'll Love It
- Stunning camera capabilities
- Powerful Google AI features
- All-day battery life
- Fast charging
- Great display quality
Drawbacks
- Some smudging on camera lens
- Fixed search bar on home screen
The Google Pixel 8 is a powerhouse smartphone crafted to elevate your daily mobile experience. With a focus on photography, this phone utilizes the advanced Pixel camera system to deliver stunning, high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. The Google Tensor G3 chip enhances performance, ensuring that apps run smoothly and tasks are completed quickly.
Equipped with a 24-hour battery, the Pixel 8 adapts to your usage patterns, conserving power when needed to keep you connected longer. The 6.2-inch OLED display showcases vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption or gaming. The phone’s sleek design and lightweight build make it comfortable to hold and use throughout the day.
Moreover, Google’s commitment to security is evident with the Titan M2 security chip and regular software updates, ensuring your data remains protected. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply need a reliable smartphone, the Pixel 8 impresses with its features and performance, all while maintaining an affordable price point.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE impresses with its powerful performance and long-lasting battery. Its camera features are enhanced with AI technology, making every photo a standout.
Why You'll Love It
- High-resolution 50MP camera
- Long battery life
- Fast charging support
- Water resistant
- Excellent display
Drawbacks
- Slightly heavier than competitors
- No headphone jack
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is designed to deliver high performance and stunning photography in a user-friendly package. With its 50MP camera enhanced by AI capabilities, you can capture and edit photos effortlessly, making it a great choice for both casual and enthusiastic photographers.
You’ll enjoy a vibrant 6.7-inch display with a peak brightness of 1900 nits, perfect for outdoor use. The phone also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring you stay connected at high speeds wherever you go. Its 4700mAh battery can easily last all day, even with heavy use, so you won't have to worry about running out of power during critical moments.
In addition to impressive hardware, the S24 FE features One UI based on Android 14, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. With a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, NFC, and USB-C, you can easily connect your devices and accessories. Overall, this phone balances performance and usability, making it a fantastic investment for anyone looking for quality at a reasonable price.
Oppo A54 5G
The Oppo A54 excels with its impressive battery life and solid performance. It's an ideal choice for users who need a device that lasts all day on a single charge.
Why You'll Love It
- 5000mAh battery for extended use
- Good camera features
- Expandable storage
- Sleek design
- Affordable price
Drawbacks
- Performance may lag with heavy use
- Limited brand presence in some regions
The Oppo A54 5G stands out for its robust battery life, making it perfect for users who rely on their smartphones throughout the day. With a 5000mAh battery, you can expect exceptional longevity, even with heavy usage, and thanks to its fast charging technology, you can quickly recharge when needed.
This smartphone is equipped with a 48MP AI camera system, allowing you to capture stunning photos, whether in bright daylight or challenging low-light conditions. The 6.5-inch LCD display offers excellent visuals for streaming and gaming, ensuring that you enjoy your entertainment without compromise.
Additionally, the Oppo A54 5G provides expandable storage options, allowing you to add a microSD card for increased capacity. While the performance is generally good, it may lag during intensive tasks, but for daily use, it remains a solid choice. Overall, the Oppo A54 5G combines great features, long battery life, and affordability, making it a well-rounded option for budget-conscious consumers.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The Galaxy S20 Ultra integrates seamlessly with productivity tools, making it an excellent choice for professionals on the go. Its 5G capability and large display enhance work efficiency.
Why You'll Love It
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office
- 5G capability for fast connectivity
- Large, vibrant display
- Strong performance
- Good battery life
Drawbacks
- Heavy and bulky design
- Limited availability
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is engineered for high productivity and seamless connectivity, making it an ideal companion for professionals who require a dependable device. This smartphone boasts a large 6.9-inch AMOLED display, perfect for multitasking and viewing documents or presentations on the go.
With native integration of Microsoft Office and OneDrive, you can easily access and edit files without the need for additional applications. The hyperfast 5G connectivity allows for rapid downloads and uploads, ensuring that you can work efficiently from anywhere. Moreover, the robust 12GB RAM and Snapdragon processor deliver outstanding performance, handling multiple tasks with ease.
The S20 Ultra also features a powerful camera system, allowing you to capture high-quality images and videos for business purposes. Its long-lasting battery ensures that you stay powered throughout the day, making it a reliable choice for those who are always on the move. Overall, this smartphone brings together performance, productivity, and connectivity in one impressive package.
Honor Play Smartphone
The Honor Play is tailored for gamers, offering a vibrant display and solid performance. However, it may not be the best fit for everyday users who require a versatile smartphone.
Why You'll Love It
- Great gaming performance
- Vibrant 6.3-inch display
- Good battery life
- Useful gaming features
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- Limited camera capabilities
- Not suitable for everyday tasks
The Honor Play is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a 6.3-inch full view display that enhances your gaming experience. The GPU Turbo technology ensures smooth gameplay at high frame rates, making it ideal for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
With a 3750mAh battery, the Honor Play can last through long gaming sessions without needing frequent recharges. The phone also includes built-in vibration feedback to immerse you more deeply into your gaming experience. However, the camera performance may not be as strong as other contenders in this price range, making it less suitable for users who prioritize photography.
While it excels in gaming, the Honor Play may struggle with everyday tasks and versatility. If you’re primarily looking for a device to enjoy games on the go, this phone could be the right choice. Its affordability and gaming-centric features make it a great option for budget-conscious gamers.
OnePlus 6T
The OnePlus 6T provides flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for power users. Its sleek design and fast charging are standout features.
Why You'll Love It
- Fast in-display fingerprint sensor
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon 845
- Fast charging capability
- Large display
- Excellent camera features
Drawbacks
- No wireless charging
- Outdated software updates
The OnePlus 6T is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers flagship-level performance and features. It features a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display that provides stunning visuals and vibrant colors, significantly enhancing your media consumption experience.
The in-display fingerprint sensor is one of the fastest in the industry, allowing you to unlock your phone quickly. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and 8GB of RAM, it ensures smooth multitasking and gaming experiences without any lag. The 3700mAh battery combined with fast charging technology means you can quickly power up your device and continue using it throughout the day.
In terms of camera performance, the OnePlus 6T includes Optical Image Stabilization and Nightscape mode, allowing you to capture beautiful photos regardless of lighting conditions. Although the software may not be the latest, it still offers a fluid user experience. This phone is perfect for users who seek a high-end experience without breaking the bank.
Motorola One Action
The Motorola One Action offers unique video features that appeal to content creators. While its performance is decent, it may not meet the demands of all users.
Why You'll Love It
- Unique action camera capabilities
- Good video quality
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Large storage
Drawbacks
- Performance can lag during heavy use
- Limited software updates
The Motorola One Action is an innovative smartphone that features an industry-first ultra-wide action camera, allowing you to capture vibrant videos and photos in unique perspectives. The 6.3-inch display provides a great viewing experience, making it perfect for watching videos or editing your content on the go.
With good battery life and ample storage, this device is designed for users who love creating and sharing content. The action camera can produce high-quality videos, making it an excellent choice for vloggers and social media enthusiasts. However, while it excels in video capabilities, the overall performance may lag under heavy usage due to its mid-range specifications.
Motorola's commitment to stock Android provides a clean interface without bloatware, allowing for a smooth user experience. Despite its few drawbacks, the One Action can be a fantastic tool for users looking to enhance their photography and videography, all while staying within budget.
HMD Fusion Smartphone
With a generous 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, the HMD Fusion is perfect for power users who need lots of space for apps and media. However, its performance may not match higher-end models.
Why You'll Love It
- Large storage capacity
- Good RAM for multitasking
- Dual-SIM capabilities
- 5G compatible
- Decent camera quality
Drawbacks
- Mediocre performance
- Limited brand recognition
The HMD Fusion is designed for users who prioritize storage and multitasking capabilities in their smartphones. With 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, this device can accommodate a vast amount of apps, photos, videos, and more, making it suitable for those who require a lot of space.
The phone supports dual-SIM functionality, allowing you to manage personal and work lines easily. Its 5G compatibility ensures fast internet access, perfect for streaming and downloading large files on the go. The design is sleek and modern, appealing to users who appreciate aesthetics along with functionality.
However, while the storage and RAM are impressive for the price, the overall performance may not compete with more premium models. Users may notice slower speeds during heavy usage. Still, for the price point, the HMD Fusion remains a great option for anyone looking for a solid device without luxury features.
Final Thoughts on the Best Phones under 500 dollars
If you're looking for the best overall pick, go for the Google Pixel 8. Its camera technology is unmatched for this price range, perfect for photography enthusiasts. However, if battery life and performance are your top priorities, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the way to go, ensuring you stay powered up throughout your busy day. No regrets here!
Comprehensive Buying Guide for Budget Phones
When it comes to choosing a phone under $500, it’s essential to know what features matter most to you. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate your options:
1. Camera Quality
If photography is your passion, focus on phones with high-quality cameras. The Google Pixel 8 is a standout due to its exceptional camera capabilities powered by advanced AI. Check for features like night mode, optical zoom, and image stabilization.
2. Battery Life
For users who are always on the go, battery life is crucial. The Oppo A54 5G is known for its long-lasting battery, perfect for all-day use without hunting for a charger. Look for devices with a minimum of 4000mAh for decent longevity.
3. Performance
The processor and RAM will significantly affect your phone’s performance. If you’re a multitasker, opt for models with at least 6GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE excels here, offering robust performance for seamless multitasking.
4. Software Updates
Ensure the phone you choose will receive software updates for security and new features. Brands like Google (Pixel) and Samsung tend to provide better support over time, making them wise choices for long-term use.
5. Storage Options
Consider how much space you need for apps, photos, and videos. Phones like the HMD Fusion Smartphone, with generous storage options, are great for those who store a lot of data. Look for at least 64GB of internal storage, and check if it’s expandable with a microSD card.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect smartphone that fits your lifestyle and budget!
The Best Phones under 500 dollars - FAQs
What should I look for in a budget smartphone?
When shopping for a budget smartphone, prioritize essential features like camera quality, battery life, performance (processor and RAM), and software updates. Also, check for 5G capability if you want future-proofing.
Are budget phones good enough for gaming?
Many budget phones can handle light gaming well, especially models like the Honor Play, which is optimized for gamers. However, for more demanding titles, you may want to look for models with better processors and higher RAM.
How often should I replace my smartphone?
Typically, you should consider replacing your smartphone every 2-3 years, especially if it starts lagging or lacks software updates. However, if it still meets your needs, you can hold onto it longer.
Is it worth buying a refurbished phone?
Yes! Refurbished phones can offer great value for money, often at a fraction of the original price. Just ensure you purchase from a reputable source with a good return policy.
How can I improve battery life on my smartphone?
To improve battery life, try reducing screen brightness, turning off unused apps running in the background, disabling location services when not needed, and using battery saver modes.
Check Out the Best Phones under 500 dollars
Still not sure which one to choose? Click the link below to see the best-selling products.
Also Check Out Other Helpful Articles
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Video About the Best Phones under 500 dollars
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Lauren Baker finds joy in turning ideas into written content. She values clarity, relevance, and keeping readers engaged from start to finish.