Top 10 Affordable Phones Under $500 You Can Buy Today

1. Google Pixel 7a: The Unbeatable All-Rounder

• Price: Typically $449 (often on sale for less)
• Key Specs: Google Tensor G2 chip, 6.1″ 90Hz OLED, 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide cameras, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, IP67 rating.
  The Pixel 7a isn’t just a good budget phone; it’s one of the best phones, period. It takes the core experience of Google’s flagship Pixels—superior software, industry-leading computational photography, and timely updates—and packages it at a remarkable price. The Tensor G2 chip delivers smooth performance and enables unique AI features. Its camera system, particularly in low-light, outperforms rivals costing twice as much. The 90Hz OLED display is vibrant, and build quality with its recycled aluminum frame feels premium. The trade-offs are slow charging and average battery life.
• Who It’s For: Photography enthusiasts, Android purists who want clean software and guaranteed updates, anyone seeking flagship-lite experience.
• Buy If: Camera quality is your top priority and you value long-term software support above all.

2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: The Refined Mainstream Choice

• Price: $449
• Key Specs: Exynos 1380 chip, 6.4″ 120Hz Super AMOLED, 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro cameras, 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage (microSD expandable), IP67 rating.
  Samsung’s A-series is a benchmark for mid-range excellence, and the A54 5G continues the legacy. It offers a stunning 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a versatile and reliable triple-camera array, and a polished design that mirrors the Galaxy S23. Samsung’s One UI software is feature-rich and promises four major Android updates. Battery life is excellent, routinely lasting a day and a half. Performance is capable for daily tasks and light gaming, though not as snappy as some competitors. It’s a complete, no-compromise package.
• Who It’s For: Samsung ecosystem users, those who prioritize screen quality and battery life, buyers wanting a dependable, brand-name device.
• Buy If: You want a balanced, well-built phone with great support and a top-tier display from a trusted brand.

3. Nothing Phone (2a): The Disruptive Design Statement

• Price: $349
• Key Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, 6.7″ 120Hz AMOLED, 50MP main (GN9) + 50MP ultrawide cameras, 8/12GB RAM, 128/256GB storage, unique Glyph Interface lighting.
  The Nothing Phone (2a) brings the brand’s radical transparent design and Glyph Interface lights to an aggressively competitive price point. It’s not just about looks; performance from the custom Dimensity chip is excellent for gaming and multitasking. The dual 50MP cameras capture sharp, vibrant photos, and the 120Hz AMOLED is fluid and bright. Nothing OS offers a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with clever customization. It stands out in a sea of lookalike devices.
• Who It’s For: Tech enthusiasts, those who value design and individuality, users wanting high performance for gaming on a budget.
• Buy If: You want the most unique-looking phone on the market with compelling specs and software.

4. OnePlus Nord N30 5G: The Speed and Charging Champion

• Price: $299
• Key Specs: Snapdragon 695 5G chip, 6.7″ 120Hz LCD, 108MP main camera, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage (microSD expandable), 5000mAh battery with 50W SuperVOOC charging.
  The Nord N30 5G dominates in two key areas: smoothness and charging speed. The 120Hz display, while LCD, makes every interaction fluid. Its 50W charger can take the massive battery from 1% to near-full in about 30 minutes—a game-changer. The 108MP camera captures detailed shots in good light. OxygenOS remains fast and clean. For the price, its performance and charging are unmatched, though the plastic build and lack of an ultrawide camera are concessions.
• Who It’s For: Power users who hate waiting for a charge, value-focused buyers, those who prioritize display refresh rate.
• Buy If: You want the fastest charging under $500 and a supremely smooth everyday experience.

5. Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024): The Battery Life Juggernaut

• Price: $299
• Key Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chip, 6.7″ 120Hz pOLED display, 50MP main camera, 8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage, 5000mAh battery, 30W charging.
  The “Power” name is a promise, and the 2024 model delivers with multi-day battery life that sets the standard. The upgrade to a 120Hz pOLED display is significant, offering richer colors and smoother scrolling than previous LCD models. Performance is solid for daily use, and the near-stock Android software is intuitive. While cameras are serviceable in daylight, they struggle in complexity against pricier rivals. This is the phone you buy when you never want to worry about your next charge.
• Who It’s For: Heavy users, travelers, those with limited charging access, anyone for whom battery anxiety is real.
• Buy If: Battery endurance is your single most important feature.

6. Apple iPhone SE (2022): The Compact iOS Powerhouse

• Price: $429 (often discounted)
• Key Specs: Apple A15 Bionic chip, 4.7″ LCD Retina HD, 12MP single camera, 5G, Touch ID, IP67 rating.
  The iPhone SE is an anomaly: a current-generation Apple chip in a classic, compact body. The A15 Bionic provides performance that rivals current Android flagships, ensuring years of smooth operation and iOS updates. It’s the most affordable gateway into the Apple ecosystem, with its excellent video recording, seamless integration with other Apple products, and unmatched software support. The compromises are severe: a small, dated LCD screen, a single rear camera, and mediocre battery life. It’s a powerhouse in an old shell.
• Who It’s For: iOS users on a strict budget, those who prefer small phones and Touch ID, anyone needing Apple performance for basic tasks.
• Buy If: You are committed to iOS and need the fastest, most supported processor possible under $500, regardless of other features.

7. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: The A54’s Capable Sibling

• Price: $399
• Key Specs: Exynos 1380 chip, 6.6″ 120Hz Super AMOLED, 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro cameras, 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage (microSD), IP67 rating.
  The Galaxy A35 5G offers 90% of the A54 experience for a lower price. It shares the same excellent 120Hz AMOLED display, capable Exynos processor, and IP67 durability. It also receives the same promise of four OS updates. Differences include a slightly less refined plastic frame, a lower-resolution ultrawide camera, and the absence of premium features like Wi-Fi 6E. For most users, these are negligible. It represents the core Samsung mid-range value proposition in its purest form.
• Who It’s For: Buyers who want the Samsung AMOLED and update guarantee but need to save an extra $50.
• Buy If: The A54’s screen and software are your targets, but you have a tighter budget.

8. Nokia G400 5G: The Durability and Expandability Play

• Price: ~$239
• Key Specs: Snapdragon 480+ 5G, 6.6″ 120Hz LCD, 48MP triple camera, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (microSD expandable up to 1TB), 5000mAh battery.
  The Nokia G400 5G is a testament to practical, no-nonsense design. Its standout feature is the combination of a massive 1TB microSD card support and a large battery, making it a data and power hub. The 120Hz display is a welcome addition at this price. Build quality is robust, in keeping with Nokia’s reputation. Performance is adequate for basics, and the clean Android One software promises timely updates. It’s a workhorse focused on storage and longevity over flashy specs.
• Who It’s For: Users who store massive media libraries offline, need a reliable backup phone, or prioritize expandable storage above all.
• Buy If: You need a terabyte of storage on a budget and value simple, durable hardware.

9. TCL 40 X 5G: The Big Screen Bargain

• Price: $199
• Key Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip, 6.56″ 90Hz HD+ display, 50MP main camera, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage (microSD), 5000mAh battery.
  TCL leverages its display expertise to offer the 40 X 5G, which provides a large, smooth 90Hz screen for an astonishingly low price. The Dimensity 700 chip ensures reliable 5G connectivity and decent everyday performance. The 50MP camera is capable in ideal lighting. While the build is plastic and the HD+ resolution is basic, it represents incredible value for media consumption. It’s proof that a high-refresh-rate experience is no longer a premium feature.
• Who It’s For: Budget-first buyers, teens, secondary phone users, anyone who watches a lot of video on their phone.
• Buy If: Your primary need is a large, smooth screen for streaming and basic apps at the absolute lowest cost.

10. Google Pixel 6a: The Previous-Gen Value King

• Price: Often found under $350
• Key Specs: Google Tensor G1 chip, 6.1″ 60Hz OLED, 12.2MP dual-camera system, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, IP67 rating.
  Although technically succeeded by the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 6a remains a compelling purchase, especially when discounted. It carries the same legendary Pixel camera software, producing stunning photos that defy its sensor specs. The first-generation Tensor chip is still very capable, and it will receive software updates for years. The 60Hz display is its main drawback in a 120Hz world. If you can find it significantly cheaper than a 7a, it represents one of the smartest value propositions in tech.
• Who It’s For: Smart shoppers hunting for discounts, those who can compromise on screen refresh rate for ultimate camera value.
• Buy If: You find it priced well below the Pixel 7a and want that exceptional Pixel photo quality and software.