Buying a new smartphone is always a tough decision as there are many factors to consider like specs, features, pricing, and much more. So to make things easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best smartphones you can buy for under $500 in the US. There are 5 solid options to choose from, so let’s have a look.
1. OnePlus 12R
The first on our list is the OnePlus 12R, which is a budget flagship smartphone. It has a starting price tag of $499 and offers some top notch specs and features. The device sports a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. Under the hood, the OnePlus 12R is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage for the $499 configuration.
For optics, there is a 50-megapixel triple camera setup on the rear and a 16-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. It runs on the Android 14 OS based OxygenOS 14 custom skin out of the box and is powered by a large 5,500mAh battery pack that supports 100W wired fast charging. So this is a great all-round option that you can choose, especially if you like the OnePlus ecosystem.
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2. Motorola Edge+ 2023
At this price range, most of these devices are quite competitive in terms of hardware. Just like the OnePlus 12R, you also get a 50MP triple camera setup, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and more with the Motorola Edge+ 2023. So your decision to buy a phone might be influenced by some of its unique aspects or better features. The Edge+ features a 6.67-inch curved OLED screen with a higher 165Hz refresh rate. Its camera setup also has a 12-megapixel telephoto shooter. But there is also support for 15W wireless charging. So if you want a more versatile camera setup, capable performance, and clean UI, this is a great choice for you.
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Motorola Edge 50 5G (8GB RAM + 256GB Storage) | 50MP + 13MP + 10MP | 32MP Front Camera | 5000 mAh… | Check Price on Amazon |
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3. Google Pixel 8a
While Google’s focus is the premium Android segment, its A series aims to be more accessible. The Pixel 8a is the third and most affordable entry in the Pixel 8 lineup. It is a compact phone that sports a 6.1-inch OLED display (120Hz, FHD+). The brand also promises up to 7 major Android upgrades. Google’s Pixel series is well known for its cameras, the rear has a 64-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front houses a 13-megapixel selfie shooter. Just a couple of months ago, the Pixel 8a went on sale for just $349, but it typically sells for around $400.
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4. Samsung Galaxy A35
There’s an affordable option for even Samsung fans. For just $399, it is one of the more affordable smartphones on this list. You get a solid 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate on the front, while the rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. However, the biggest letdown is its Exynos 1380 SoC. But in every other regard, it easily competes with the other models in this list. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 25W wired fast charging. So if you’re a part of the Samsung ecosystem, this is a great mid range offering.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (Awesome Iceblue, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) | Premium Glass Back | 50 MP Main… | Check Price on Amazon |
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5. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Back in 2022, Apple launched its last iPhone SE model. It was the 3rd generation entry and continues the compact form factor. The design is reminiscent of the older iPhones like the iPhone 8. So this is perfect for those looking for a simple smartphone from Apple but don’t need all the bells and whistles of the newer models. Getting this model also saves on cost since it can be purchased for under $300. Other specs worth mentioning are the 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD screen, Apple A15 Bionic, 12-megapixel rear camera, and Touch ID.
