The Best Smartphones of 2025 Under $500

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

[{"selector":"#anim-d64063f8-f10c-4469-a4e2-3673f06c2e45 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A premium design, Super AMOLED display, and powerful Exynos processor make this a great budget-friendly choice. IMAGE : PINTEREST

OnePlus Nord 3

[{"selector":"#anim-0b4a8477-b5cd-46b2-be66-edd4dffcd09c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] With a fast refresh rate display, clean OxygenOS, and reliable battery life, the OnePlus Nord 3 is a solid performer under $500. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Apple iPhone SE

[{"selector":"#anim-83050ade-a6f6-4d7e-a69c-a6488ab09de6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Apple’s compact iPhone SE offers the A15 Bionic chip, iOS updates, and a classic design for those who love smaller phones. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Motorola Edge

[{"selector":"#anim-50153dc3-3d36-4afc-bc92-62a0726bd167 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Featuring a curved OLED display, great battery life, and 5G support, this is an excellent mid-range device. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Google Pixel 6a

[{"selector":"#anim-af7cce72-b015-4641-a8f7-887568b7bf77 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Pixel 6a delivers a top-notch camera, smooth software experience, and Google’s AI features at an affordable price. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Nothing Phone 2

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Realme GT Neo 5

[{"selector":"#anim-be7bc16c-07ea-46e1-b0ca-7c98b63d18bb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0.722095309337746%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A gaming-friendly smartphone with a high-refresh display, powerful chipset, and fast charging capabilities. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+

[{"selector":"#anim-e3298ff1-f12c-4bfd-9c36-2e8e301dd410 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] With a 200MP camera, fast charging, and a smooth 120Hz display, this smartphone delivers exceptional value. IMAGE : PINTEREST

Vivo V27 Pro

[{"selector":"#anim-b59a8620-c2ec-4015-a516-ac0f2569789b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A stylish phone with a great camera setup, AMOLED display, and MediaTek Dimensity processor. IMAGE : PINTEREST