Buying a great smartphone doesn’t mean spending over a thousand dollars. In 2025, manufacturers have stepped up their game, offering powerful devices packed with features — all at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or someone who just wants great value for money, this list will help you pick the right phone without breaking the bank.
Here are the top 10 best smartphones under $500 this year.
1. Google Pixel 7a
Price: Around $499
Why it’s great: The Pixel 7a is a fan favorite for its clean Android experience and excellent camera performance. Google’s Tensor chip delivers fast, smooth performance, and the phone gets regular software updates directly from Google.
Key features:
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- 64MP rear camera
- 5G support
- Wireless charging
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Price: $449
Why it’s great: Samsung’s A-series is known for offering premium features at a mid-range price. The A54 brings a vibrant AMOLED display, decent performance, and Samsung’s software polish.
Key features:
- 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Triple camera setup
- Long battery life
- IP67 water resistance
3. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Price: $329
Why it’s great: OnePlus delivers sleek design and OxygenOS, one of the most optimized Android skins. It’s smooth, responsive, and handles gaming well for the price.
Key features:
- 6.72-inch 120Hz LCD
- 108MP main camera
- 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging
4. Motorola Edge (2023)
Price: $499
Why it’s great: Motorola’s latest Edge series gives you a curved OLED display and a minimalist Android experience. It’s surprisingly premium for a phone under $500.
Key features:
- 6.6-inch OLED, 144Hz refresh
- Stereo speakers
- Clean Android interface
- 68W fast charging
5. Nothing Phone (2a)
Price: $399
Why it’s great: Nothing brings a unique design and a near-stock Android experience. The LED Glyph interface and minimalist vibe make this phone stand out.
Key features:
- 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Dual rear cameras
- MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip
- Glyph lighting on the back
6. iPhone SE (2022)
Price: $429
Why it’s great: If you’re an Apple fan on a budget, the iPhone SE offers iOS performance in a compact size. Though the design is dated, the A15 chip makes it fast and reliable.
Key features:
- 4.7-inch Retina display
- Touch ID
- iOS updates for years
- A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13)
7. POCO X6 Pro
Price: $349
Why it’s great: Xiaomi’s sub-brand POCO continues to impress with high-end specs at low prices. Great for gaming and multitasking, thanks to the powerful chip and cooling system.
Key features:
- 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
- 5000mAh battery
- MIUI 14 for POCO
8. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
Price: $229
Why it’s great: If you’re really on a tight budget, this one packs surprising value. It’s ideal for casual users who want a solid, no-nonsense 5G phone.
Key features:
- 6.6-inch PLS LCD
- Exynos 1330 chip
- 6000mAh battery
- Triple rear camera
9. Realme Narzo 60 5G
Price: $259
Why it’s great: Realme continues to challenge the mid-range market with smooth performance and impressive cameras. It’s a sleek device that feels more expensive than it is.
Key features:
- 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz
- MediaTek Dimensity 6020
- Vegan leather back option
- 64MP camera
10. TCL 50 XL 5G
Price: $199
Why it’s great: A hidden gem for buyers in the U.S., TCL’s budget device is ideal for casual users who need a big screen and dependable performance.
Key features:
- 6.8-inch LCD
- Dual speakers
- 5G support
- Long battery life
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great smartphone in 2025. Whether you prefer Android or iOS, gaming or photography, there’s a solid option available under $500. These phones prove that high-quality doesn’t always mean high-price.
Choose the one that fits your needs and enjoy top-tier features at a budget-friendly price.
