Buying a smartphone doesn’t have to mean spending a thousand dollars. Over the last few years, the mid-range smartphone market has improved significantly, and Samsung’s current lineup is a good example of this trend. Between standard retail pricing, carrier discounts, and regular sales, there are several capable Samsung devices available for under $500.
Whether you prioritize battery life, long-term software support, or a decent camera, here is a look at the most practical Samsung phones you can get in this price range right now.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
The Galaxy S25 FE has a standard retail price of $649, which puts it above our budget. However, Samsung and retailers like Walmart frequently discount the device or offer trade-in promotions that bring the price down to around $450. If you can wait for one of these sales, it is the most well-rounded option on this list.
For that price, the phone offers a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an Exynos 2400 processor. It also includes a 4,900mAh battery and a dedicated 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a feature usually reserved for more expensive models.
Additionally, Samsung promises seven years of Android and security updates, which adds a lot of longevity to the device. It also supports recent software features like Gemini Live and Circle to Search.
MSRP: $649
Typical Sale Price: ~$449 to $457
2. Samsung Galaxy A57 5G
The newly announced Galaxy A57 5G is another phone that technically sits above the $500 mark at retail, but carrier incentives and trade-in credits regularly bring it down.
The A57 5G comes with a relatively thin 6.9mm design and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 45W charging. It runs on the Exynos 1680 processor and comes with Android 16. Samsung has included several software tools here, such as Voice Transcription for calls and a Best Face feature for group photos.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, and the phone comes with a guarantee of six years of OS and security updates. It’s a solid choice if you want a modern device with a long support lifecycle.
MSRP: $549
Price with discounts: Under $500
3. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
If you don’t mind buying a slightly older model, the Galaxy A56 5G is a very practical choice. While its official price is $499, it frequently goes on sale at retailers like Amazon for around $385.
Because it’s from the previous release cycle, it ships with Android 15 (upgradable to Android 16) and the Exynos 1580 processor. However, the hardware holds up well. You get a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen, a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5,000mAh battery.
It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, which is slightly lower than the IP68 rating on the newer models, but still perfectly adequate for daily use.
MSRP: $499
Typical Sale Price: ~$385
4. Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
For a phone that sits comfortably under $500 without needing to rely on trade-ins, the Galaxy A37 5G is the standard option. It retails for $449 but can often be found for about $375.
The A37 5G shares a lot of its design and basic specs with the A57 5G, including the 6.7-inch 120Hz display, the 5,000mAh battery, and the IP68 water and dust resistance. To keep the price lower, Samsung uses the Exynos 1480 processor and an 8MP ultra-wide camera instead of a 12MP one.
Despite the hardware step-down, it still runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5 out of the box, meaning you get access to current software features like Circle to Search. It is a straightforward, reliable phone for everyday tasks.
MSRP: $449
Typical Sale Price: ~$375
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! 💡
