Are you looking for the best smartphone under $500 that offers flagship-level performance, stunning cameras, and long battery life? In 2025, budget-friendly smartphones have evolved beyond expectations, delivering powerful processors, high-refresh-rate displays, and advanced AI-powered cameras—all without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we will explore the top 5 best smartphones under $500 in the USA, helping you find the best budget phone with the perfect balance of price and performance. Whether you need a gaming smartphone, a photography powerhouse, or an all-day battery champion, we’ve got the best mid-range smartphones for you.
Let’s dive into the best smartphones under $500 in 2025!
1. iPhone 16E – Best Budget iPhone Under $500
Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market, and the iPhone 16E is the best budget iPhone under $500 for those who love iOS, seamless performance, and premium build quality.
6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED Display – Delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
A18 Bionic Chip – Powerful performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven features.
48MP Advanced Camera System – Captures stunning low-light photos, cinematic videos, and detailed portraits.
Long Battery Life & MagSafe Charging – Enjoy all-day battery life with fast wireless charging support.
iOS Ecosystem & 5+ Years of Software Updates – Get the latest iOS updates and Apple’s signature smooth experience.
Why Buy iPhone 16E?
Affordable Premium Experience – Flagship features at a lower price
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display – Vivid colors and sharp visuals
A18 Processor – Faster performance and efficiency
48MP Camera – High-quality photos with improved Night Mode
Long Battery Life – All-day usage on a single charge
IP68 Water Resistance – Durable and protected against spills
iOS 18 Support – Latest features and software updates
Starting at $599 – Great value for a powerful smartphone
2. Google Pixel 8A – Best AI Camera Smartphone Under $500
For those who prioritize AI-powered photography and a clean Android experience, the Google Pixel 8A is the best smartphone under $500 for camera lovers.
6.1” OLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate – Smooth and immersive screen for gaming and media consumption.
Google Tensor G3 Chip – Optimized for AI-driven features, voice recognition, and camera enhancements.
64MP AI Camera System – Includes Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and Real Tone for stunning photos in all conditions.
Adaptive Battery & 18W Fast Charging – Offers all-day battery life with smart battery optimization.
7 Years of Software Updates – Get the latest Android updates for long-term reliability.
Why Buy Google Pixel 8a?
Affordable Flagship Experience – Premium features at a budget-friendly price
Google Tensor G3 Chip – Faster performance and AI-powered features
6.1-inch OLED Display (120Hz) – Smooth scrolling and vibrant colors
Upgraded Camera System – Stunning photos with AI enhancements
7 Years of Android Updates – Long-term software and security support
All-Day Battery Life – Adaptive power management for extended use
IP67 Water & Dust Resistance – Built to withstand the elements
Exclusive Pixel Features – Call Assist, Magic Eraser, and more
3. Nothing Phone 3A Pro – Most Unique Budget Smartphone Under $500
If you want a stylish and futuristic smartphone under $500, the Nothing Phone 3A Pro stands out with its transparent design and LED Glyph Interface.
6.77” AMOLED Display, 120Hz – Big, bright, and ultra-smooth for entertainment and gaming.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Processor – Ensures lag-free performance for everyday use and multitasking.
50MP Dual Camera System – Offers crisp, vibrant photos with excellent night mode.
Glyph Interface – Customizable LED lights on the back for notifications and calls.
5000mAh Battery with 50W Fast Charging – Charge from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes.
Why Buy Nothing Phone 3A Pro?
Unique Transparent Design with Glyph Interface – LED light notifications for calls, messages, and music.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Processor – Efficient performance for gaming and daily tasks.
50MP Triple Camera System – Advanced photography features.
120Hz AMOLED Display – Smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.
5000mAh Battery with Fast Charging – Long-lasting power.
4. OnePlus 12R – Best Gaming Smartphone Under $500
If you need the best gaming smartphone under $500, the OnePlus 12R is packed with powerful specs, fast charging, and a smooth display.
6.78” LTPO4 AMOLED Display, 120Hz – Fluid and responsive screen for gaming and fast scrolling.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset – Delivers flagship-level performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
50MP Sony Camera System – Captures high-quality photos with excellent color accuracy.
5500mAh Battery with 100W SuperVOOC Charging – Fully charges in just 26 minutes.
OxygenOS Optimization – Fast, clean UI with minimal bloatware.
Why Buy the OnePlus 12R?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor – Delivers top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
120Hz 1.5K AMOLED Display – 6.78-inch LTPO screen with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate.
50MP Sony IMX890 Camera – Flagship-grade main sensor with OIS for stunning photos and videos.
5500mAh Battery – Long-lasting power with 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging for quick refuels.
Premium Glass & Metal Design – Sleek and durable build for a premium in-hand feel.
OxygenOS 14 (Android 14) – Clean, fast, and feature-rich software experience.
Advanced Cooling System – Keeps the phone cool during intense gaming and multitasking.
5. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G – Best Samsung Smartphone Under $500
Samsung’s Galaxy A55 5G is the best budget Samsung smartphone under $500, delivering a premium display, strong performance, and One UI features.
6.5” Super AMOLED Display, 120Hz – Bright, colorful, and smooth for everyday use.
Exynos 1480 Processor – Optimized for efficient performance and multitasking.
50MP Triple Camera Setup – AI-powered image processing for clear and detailed shots.
5000mAh Battery with 25W Fast Charging – Lasts over a full day with fast recharge times.
Samsung One UI & 5 Years of Updates – Reliable software support with Samsung’s smooth UI.
Why Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55?
Powerful Performance – Exynos 1480 chipset ensures smooth multitasking and gaming.
120Hz Super AMOLED Display – 6.6-inch FHD+ screen with vibrant colors and fluid scrolling.
50MP Triple Camera System – AI-enhanced photography with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
Long-Lasting 5000mAh Battery – Supports 25W fast charging for all-day power.
Premium Glass Design – Durable Gorilla Glass protection with a sleek metal frame.
Samsung Knox Security – Multi-layered security to keep your data safe.
IP67 Water & Dust Resistance – Protection against splashes and dust.
One UI 6.1 with Android 14 – Feature-rich and optimized software experience.
Best Budget iPhone Under $500? → iPhone 16E for iOS lovers.
Best Camera Smartphone Under $500? → Pixel 8A for AI-enhanced photography.
Most Stylish Smartphone Under $500? → Nothing Phone 3A Pro for a futuristic design.
Best Gaming Smartphone Under $500? → OnePlus 12R for Snapdragon power and fast charging.
Best Samsung Smartphone Under $500? → Galaxy A55 5G for Samsung’s premium features.
With so many powerful budget smartphones under $500, you no longer need to spend over $1,000 for a flagship experience. Whether you want the best iPhone under $500, the best Android smartphone under $500, or the best gaming phone under $500, this list has you covered.
Which smartphone under $500 will you choose? Let us know in the comments!
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