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.

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

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

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

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

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Samsung and Nothing have both introduced their latest mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A56 and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, respectively. While both devices cater to a similar segment, they take different approaches to design, performance, and user experience. Let’s break down the differences and see which one might be the better choice for you.

Design & Display

Samsung sticks to its tried-and-tested design language with the Galaxy A56, featuring a flat 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It reaches up to 1,900 nits peak brightness, making it highly visible outdoors, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. The device boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring better durability than its competitor.

On the other hand, Nothing continues its unique transparent aesthetic with the Phone (3a) Pro. It features a slightly smaller 6.77-inch AMOLED display but offers an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest screens in the mid-range segment. It also supports HDR10+ for better contrast and color reproduction. The device features an IP64 rating, which is slightly inferior to the Galaxy A56 in terms of water resistance but still offers decent protection.

Performance & Software

Samsung’s Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset, built on a 4nm process, and paired with the AMD Xclipse 540 GPU. This setup offers solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Samsung has also equipped the device with a larger vapor chamber for improved thermal management.

In contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. While efficient, it slightly lags behind the Exynos 1580 in raw performance. However, Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, delivers a clean, bloat-free experience that may appeal to those who prefer stock Android.

Samsung promises six years of Android OS and One UI updates, making the Galaxy A56 a long-term investment. Nothing, on the other hand, offers only three years of major Android updates but matches Samsung with six years of security patches.

Cameras

Both phones offer solid camera hardware, but Nothing takes a more ambitious approach. The Galaxy A56 features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP macro lens. It supports 10-bit HDR recording and an improved Nightography mode for better low-light shots. Samsung also introduces the ‘Best Face’ feature, which helps users select the best facial expressions in group photos.

Nothing ups the ante with its 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto camera with up to 60x digital zoom. The 3a Pro also offers a higher-resolution 50MP front camera, compared to the Galaxy A56’s 12MP selfie shooter. If zoom photography is a priority, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is the better choice.

Battery & Charging

Both phones house a 5,000mAh battery, but charging speeds differ. The Galaxy A56 supports 45W fast charging, which is fast but slightly slower than the 50W charging offered by the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro. Nothing claims its device can charge from 0 to 50% in just 19 minutes, and to 100% in under an hour. However, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro lacks wireless charging, something Samsung also omits in the Galaxy A56.

Additional Features

Samsung includes an in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and NFC. The Galaxy A56 also benefits from Samsung’s enterprise-grade security with features like Knox and a special Enterprise Edition that gets an extra year of security updates.

Nothing stands out with its Glyph Interface, which adds customizable LED notifications that can sync with apps like Uber, Zomato, and more. The new Essential Key below the power button offers quick access to the AI-powered Essential Space, providing a unique productivity tool for users who like quick note-taking and voice recording.

Pricing & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is priced at $499.99 for the base 8GB + 128GB model, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro starts at around $360 for the 8GB + 128GB model, making it significantly more affordable.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a long-term device with better software support, stronger durability (IP67), and a more refined ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is the better pick. Its AMOLED display, optimized performance, and security features make it a reliable choice, especially for enterprise users.

However, if you prefer a unique design, brighter display, better telephoto zoom, and faster charging, then the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a great alternative, especially at a much lower price.

Ultimately, it comes down to priorities: Samsung offers stability and longevity, while Nothing brings innovation and affordability to the table.

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The Samsung Galaxy A series has consistently aimed to deliver solid features at a competitive price point. With the upcoming Galaxy A56 5G, Samsung is continuing this tradition while introducing some notable improvements and refinements compared to its predecessors. Let’s explore how the A56 5G differentiates itself.

Build and Durability

The Galaxy A56 5G showcases a significant upgrade in build quality, featuring a full-glass construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. This represents a clear step up from previous models, offering enhanced durability and a more premium feel. While IP67 dust/water resistance has been a staple in recent A-series phones, maintaining it in the A56 5G reinforces Samsung’s commitment to durability. The A56 is the slimmest A5x-series phone from the brand so far. The Galaxy A55 measured 8.2mm in thickness, but the A56 has been significantly slimmed down to 7.4mm without any reduction in battery size.

Enhanced display and visual experience

The A56 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with improved peak brightness, reaching 1,900 nits. This translates to better visibility in outdoor environments. The 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, carried over from previous models, ensure a smooth and immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Software

The A56 5G is expected to be powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset, a newer generation processor that should offer improved performance and efficiency compared to the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 and the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A54.  

A significant highlight is the promise of up to six major Android upgrades and One UI 7, providing long-term software support and access to the latest features. This is a considerable improvement, ensuring the device remains up-to-date for years to come. The phone comes preloaded with the latest One UI 7-based Android 15, like the Galaxy S25 series.

Camera Enhancements

While the Galaxy A56 5G retains the same triple-camera setup as the A55 and A54 (50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and 5-megapixel macro), improvements in image processing and software optimization are likely to enhance the overall photography experience. The A56 also supports 10-bit HDR video recording on the front camera, a feature not available on the A55 or A54.

Battery and Other Features

The Galaxy A56 5G retains the 5,000mAh battery capacity, a reliable feature for all-day usage. A major upgrade is the 45W wired charging, a significant improvement over the 25W charging found in previous models. The A56 5G continues to offer features like an under-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and NFC, maintaining the core functionalities expected from a modern smartphone.

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy A56 5G builds on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing meaningful upgrades in design, display, performance, and charging. While it may not revolutionize the mid-range smartphone market, it offers a more polished and future-proof experience compared to the A55, A54, and earlier models. For those looking for a reliable and feature-packed mid-range device, the Galaxy A56 5G is a solid choice that bridges the gap between affordability and premium features.

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