Hey tech-lovers! Hunting for a phone that won’t make your wallet cry but still packs a punch? You’re in the right spot. Dive into our list of the best phone under 500 for 2023.
Spoiler alert: they’re loaded with features you wouldn’t believe come at this price. Let’s find that budget-friendly gem you’ve been waiting for!
Top 10 best phones under 500
Google Pixel 6a
Starting off strong at number 10, we’ve got the Google Pixel 6a.
Remember the Google Pixel 6a? Sure, the Pixel 7a is the latest buzz, but don’t sleep on the 6a—it’s still a killer phone.
With a crisp 6.1-inch OLED screen, solid water-resistance (yeah, it’s IP67 rated), and a battery that’ll keep you scrolling for up to 24 hours, it’s got your back.
And if you’re a Google app junkie? This baby syncs up perfectly. Grab it in sage, chalk, or charcoal. If you’re not into all the flashy extras, this is your perfect match!
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Number 9, for those who are all about sleek design and value: OnePlus Nord N20 5G.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is like that chic outfit you wear on a night out. It’s got style, and a rad 3.5mm headphone jack (yup, they still exist) and a nifty microSD slot for your tunes and pics.
But hold up, don’t expect a concert from those internal speakers – they’re more like coffee shop background music. Battery-wise? This bad boy rides out for over 13 hours!
If you’re dreaming of some next-level Instagram shots, though, you might wanna look somewhere else.
On the software front, it’s rocking the OxygenOS, which is kinda like Android 11’s twin. The display? Solid 1080p and a chill 60Hz refresh vibe.
So, day-to-day tasks? It’s got your back. Just don’t throw super intense apps at it. And the price tag? Oh boy, it’s a steal!
Motorola Moto G Power 5G
Alright, for all you content binge-watchers out there, at number 8, it’s the Motorola Moto G Power 5G.
If you’re all about that screen time, this phone’s right up your alley. Fresh outta 2023, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G is like that energy drink that just keeps on giving.
I mean, a whopping 48-hour battery life? Say goodbye to those “low battery” nightmares.
And, for those of you who vibe to Spotify or whatever’s on your playlist, the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support are pure gold. Still rocking wired headphones? Cool, ’cause there’s a 3.5mm jack.
And if you’re more of the wireless type, it’s got Bluetooth too. On the screen side of things, it’s flaunting a nice 6.5-inch LCD with a slick 120Hz refresh rate.
Need more space for those endless memes and pics? Pop in a microSD card, up to a massive 1TB.
And for the safety peeps, there’s fingerprint, face recognition, or good ol’ PIN for locking it down.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Landing at number 7 is the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.
You know when you’re at a party, and there’s that one person who has the bling everyone’s checking out? That’s this phone’s screen. A banging 6.4-inch, 1080p OLED, and a buttery 120Hz refresh rate.
It’s like sipping on premium coffee without the price tag. Now, it ain’t no Pixel 7A when it comes to the camera game, but starting at $449, it’s giving those midrangers a run for their money.
Tough as nails with glass panels front and back, plus, it’s got that cool IP67 rating. Beach day? No worries. And, hats off to Samsung for going all-in with updates: four years of Android goodness and five years of security patches.
Now that’s commitment! Got a charger lying around? Cool. If not, grab one if you wanna juice up this baby super quick with its 25W charging.
Just a heads up, low light pics? Meh. For those “capture the moment” kinda shots, Pixel 7A’s still the boss. But all in all? Solid choice.
Nokia 2780 Flip
Feeling nostalgic? Our 6th spot goes to Nokia 2780 Flip.
It’s like those Motorola flip phones we all loved, but with a Nokia twist. This bad boy’s all about keeping things simple: call, text, and… well, that’s mostly it.
Worried about battery? If you’re chatting away all day, yeah, you might need to charge it up. But if you occasionally forget to plug in (come on, we’ve all been there), this phone’s got your back with a whopping 19-day standby time.
For tunes or calls, there’s Bluetooth 4.2, so get those wireless earbuds ready. Still clinging onto your wired headphones? Good news – there’s a 3.5mm jack waiting for ya.
Bottom line? Nokia 2780 Flip is your go-to if you’re about that simple life but with a sprinkle of 21st-century perks. Just a heads up – she’s a bit splash-proof, but don’t go diving with it!
Apple iPhone 11
Halfway there at number 5 is the Apple iPhone 11. Don’t let its age fool you.
Even with the flashy iPhone 14 out there, let’s not forget about the iPhone 11. Sure, it’s no longer Apple’s latest and greatest, but at $500? What a steal!
This bad boy is still a gaming champ and rocks two awesome rear cameras.
Okay, it’s missing out on the 5G party (still rocking LTE and Wi-Fi, though) and doesn’t mingle with those new MagSafe toys from the iPhone 12 era. But hey, it’s a classic for a reason!
Nokia G400 5G
Number 4, we’re looking at true value with the Nokia G400 5G.
For under 200 bucks, you’re getting a fab 5G phone with a crisp 1080p screen and a super-refreshing 120Hz rate. But the real star? Its battery! This thing can last 2 days AND charges up super quick.
Packed with Android 12 and the snappy Snapdragon 480+, it’s preloaded with all those Google goodies we can’t live without.
Sturdiness? Check, thanks to its cool aluminum frame and tough Gorilla Glass 3. And yep, it’s got that classic headphone jack for your tunes.
Though it’s got just 64GB storage, there’s a sneaky microSD slot to give you more room. Oh, and unlock? Choose between your face or fingerprint. Pretty nifty, huh?
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Onto the top three! Number 3 brings us the Motorola Moto G Styles 5G.
First off, peep those cool colors – from sleek steel blue to chill seafoam green. Now imagine doodling, jotting down those random thoughts or, heck, even pretending to work on that huge 6.8-inch touchscreen.
Wanna game or binge TikToks? The 120Hz refresh rate ensures everything’s silky smooth. Oh, and it’s 5G-ready, so you can zoom past buffering and be buddies with pretty much any cell provider out there.
Here’s the crazy part: it’s got a whopping 256GB storage built-in, PLUS they toss in another 256GB on a microSD card. If that ain’t enough (hey, hoarders, looking at you!), slap in a card up to 1TB, and you’re golden!
iPhone SE
Our second spot goes to Apple’s compact powerhouse. If you wanna rock an iPhone but don’t fancy emptying your wallet, check out the iPhone SE. It’s like Apple’s little secret weapon for those on a budget.
Sure, the screen’s a bit smaller at 4.7 inches and doesn’t shine as bright (625 nits to be exact). But hey, it runs iOS just like its pricey siblings and has all those familiar apps outta the box.
Wanna shoot videos? The back camera’s got you with 4K at 60fps. Selfie cam? 1080p at 30fps – perfect for those everyday shots.
And while it’s missing the fancy FaceID, the fingerprint sensor’s there to quickly unlock or make those Apple Pay checkouts a breeze.
Some other cool features: fall detection and emergency SOS.
But here’s a juicy tidbit for gamers: this lil’ SE has a 1.2x faster graphics performance. So if you’re shopping iPhones, the 3rd gen iPhone SE is seriously worth a peek for its bangin’ value
Google Pixel 7a
And here we are, number 1: the Google Pixel 7a. This phone is not just the best under $500; it’s an all-rounder that could easily compete with its pricier counterparts.
Think of the Pixel 7a as its younger, more affordable sib. Yet, it’s no slacker. With a 6.1-inch OLED display and a slick 90Hz refresh rate, this phone’s a treat for your eyes.
And guess what? It’s rocking a Corning Gorilla Glass 3, so bye-bye annoying scratches.
Inside, we’ve got the super-smooth Google Tensor G2 processor paired with the Titan M2 security buddy. Whether you’re snapping those crispy 4K videos or diving into some intense gaming, it’s got your back.
Plus, if you’re the forgetful type, you’ll love the battery; it goes on… and on… and on. Yup, 24 hours! Or stretch it out to a whopping 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode. Splashes? Dust? No worries! This champ’s IP67 rated.
Now, let’s talk camera – 64MP main shooter with a juicy 8x Super Res Zoom. Fancy tech words alert: it’s got optical and electronic image stabilization PLUS some magic Google features like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser.
Wrap it all up with four dope colors: Charcoal, sea, snow, and coral. Choose your vibe!
Conclusion
Whew, what a list! Remember, the best phone isn’t just about specs; it’s about finding the perfect match for your needs. Hope this helps, and as always, drop a like if you enjoyed, and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more top 10s. Peace out!
