Budget-Friendly Powerhouses: Five Smartphones Under $500 That Won’t Break The Bank

The Best Budget Phones Under $500 in 2024: Finding Value in a Sea of Smartphones

For many, the world of smartphones can feel overwhelming. Flagship phones boast impressive specs and sleek designs, but their hefty price tags often leave a dent in the wallet. But what about those who prioritize functionality over extravagance? Is it really necessary to spend $1,000 on a phone that will primarily serve as a tool for communication, navigation, and basic entertainment?

The answer, for those who embrace the "I eat to live" philosophy in tech, is a resounding no. Budget phones, those priced under $500, have evolved significantly and offer remarkable capabilities at a fraction of the cost. These devices won’t have all the bells and whistles, but they will deliver essential features for daily use while saving precious cash for…well, actual bells and whistles.

Before we dive in, let’s outline the key features I look for in a budget phone:

• Strong software support: At least two years of operating system (OS) upgrades and ideally three years of security updates. Investing in a cheap phone only to replace it after a couple of years due to outdated security is a lose-lose scenario.
• A good screen: Since you gaze at it thousands of times a day, the screen is one area where compromises shouldn’t be made. A vivid OLED screen offers richer contrast and color compared to an LCD, and contemporary phones deserve at least 1080p resolution for sharp visuals. Faster refresh rates, such as 90Hz or even 120Hz, are becoming more prevalent in budget phones, but a smooth-scrolling LCD can’t compare to the visual impact of an OLED, even at a standard refresh rate.
• Serviceable storage space: If you intend to keep your phone for a while, you’ll need ample storage for system files, photos, and videos. Aim for at least 128GB of built-in storage, but 64GB with MicroSD card expansion is acceptable as a minimum.
• One good rear camera, not four mediocre ones: Telephoto cameras and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) are rarer commodities in the sub-$500 class, but you can still expect decent, basic performance from modern smartphone cameras in good lighting. Low light photography is trickier, so the phone should include a night mode to improve photos taken in dim conditions. Extra cameras like macro and depth sensors are often barely functional with 2- and 5-megapixel resolutions, offering minimal value.

With these criteria in mind, here are the best budget phones for 2024:

The Best iPhone Under $500

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

• Price: $429

• Key Features: 4.7-inch, 1334p LCD screen; A15 Bionic processor; 12-megapixel f/1.8 camera with OIS; 7-megapixel selfie camera; 20W wired charging, 7.5W wireless charging; IP67 water resistance.

  Pros:

• Excellent performance thanks to the powerful A15 Bionic processor.
• Decent camera with OIS for great photos in most lighting conditions.
• Five years of iOS updates for long-term software support.
• Includes wireless charging, a rarity in this price range.

Cons:

• Very small and dated 4.7-inch screen may feel cramped over time.
• No night mode for low light photography.
• Limited storage options, only available in 64GB and 128GB configurations.

Verdict: For those seeking a new iPhone under $500, the iPhone SE is the only option. It’s a solid entry point into the iOS ecosystem, but those who can stretch their budget should seriously consider a more spacious iPhone 14, currently priced at $599.

The Best Android Phone Under $500

Google Pixel 8A

• Price: $499
• Key Features: 6.1-inch, 1080p OLED, 120Hz screen; Tensor G3 processor; 64-megapixel f/1.89 camera with OIS; 13-megapixel ultrawide camera; 13-megapixel selfie camera; 4,492mAh battery; 18W wired charging, 7.5W wireless charging; IP67 water resistance.

Pros:

• Google’s impressive Tensor G3 processor for smooth performance.
• One of the best camera systems in the budget class.
• Stunning 120Hz OLED display for smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
• Seven years of software and security updates, providing exceptional long-term support.
• Offers wireless charging and IP67 water resistance.

Cons:

• The camera system still lags behind the Pixel 9 series in advanced features and low-light capabilities.

Verdict: The Pixel 8A delivers excellent value at $499, offering most of the Pixel 9 series’s appeal at a lower price. It’s a strong contender for those who prioritize software support, a good camera, and a smooth display.

The Best Budget Phone that Performs Like a Flagship

OnePlus 12R

• Price: $500
• Key Features: 6.78-inch, 1264 x 2780 120Hz OLED screen; Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor; 50-megapixel f/1.8 camera with OIS; 8-megapixel ultrawide camera; 2-megapixel macro camera; 16-megapixel selfie camera; 5,500mAh battery; 80W wired charging; IP64 water resistance.

Pros:

• Striking display with a fast refresh rate and advanced low-power modes.
• Delivers flagship-level performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
• Large 5,500mAh battery with 80W fast wired charging.

Cons:

• No wireless charging.
• Limited water resistance rating (IP64).
• Mediocre camera system with a largely useless macro camera.

Verdict: The OnePlus 12R offers an exceptional display and powerful performance, making it feel far more expensive than its $500 price tag. This phone is a great option for those who want a phone that simply delivers on speed and visuals.

The Best Phone Under $400

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

• Price: $399
• Key Features: 6.6-inch, 1080p 120Hz OLED screen; Exynos 1380 processor; 50-megapixel f/1.8 camera with OIS; 8-megapixel ultrawide camera; 5-megapixel macro camera; 13-megapixel selfie camera; 5,000mAh battery; 25W wired charging; IP67 water resistance.

Pros:

• Excellent 6.6-inch OLED panel with a fast refresh rate.
• IP67 dust and water resistance rating for better protection.
• Four years of OS updates and five years of security updates – a strong commitment for this price range.
• Good battery performance.

Cons:

• Mediocre camera performance in low light and mixed lighting conditions.
• The Exynos processor can struggle with demanding tasks and slow down occasionally.

Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers a compelling package with its large OLED display, strong software support, and water resistance. While performance isn’t its strongest asset, it is a solid budget phone that will meet the needs of many users, especially those who prize a great display and prefer a more durable device.

Other Budget Phones We Tested

• Motorola Moto G Power (2024): This phone is tempting with its vegan leather exterior and wireless charging, but is riddled with bloatware, ultimately disqualifying it from our recommendations.

• OnePlus Nord N300: This very affordable device comes in at $228, but sacrifices fast charging for its price point. The OnePlus 12R offers much better overall performance compared to the N300, making it a superior investment.

  If you’re looking outside the realm of budget phones:

• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Priced just outside of the “budget” range at $600, it still offers great value with its telephoto lens and excellent screen.
• Nothing Phone 2: This phone stands out with its stylish transparent design and flashy interface (literally). It’s important to note that its compatibility with Verizon’s network is limited.

Conclusion:

In 2024, budget phones aren’t just "good enough" — they’re remarkably capable and deliver features that were once reserved for premium devices. The key lies in understanding your priorities. Do you prioritize long-term software support? Do you crave a fast and smooth experience? Do you need a phone that’s built to last? By considering your needs thoughtfully, you can find a budget phone that will be a valuable companion for years to come without breaking the bank.

Article Reference