In today’s world, the latest and fast-paced technology has covered us. Owning a smartphone with top-notch features is essential, but you don’t have to break your bank account for that. Speaking of that, a growing market of Android phones has offered several budget-friendly options under $500.
When buying a smartphone, one looks for the best battery life, smooth performance for gaming, a solid body, and an excellent camera to capture memories. You can get all these features and specifications in an Android phone for under $500.
Let’s explore the list of best Android phones under 500 USD and the features that make these phones a top choice for buyers on a budget.
Best Android Phones Under $500 in 2023
Android phones have gained popularity due to their customization options, diverse hardware choices, open-source nature, and extensive app ecosystem. Moreover, affordability, integration with Google services, multitasking capabilities, and constant innovation collectively offer users a personalized and versatile smartphone experience.
Speaking of an excellent equilibrium of affordability and features, here are some best Android phones under $500. Let’s find out what these smartphones offer in terms of functionality and specifications.
GOOGLE PIXEL 7
Not many smartphones are available under $500 with features that of Google Pixel 7. A 6.3-inch OLED display with a sharp resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels enhances your viewing experience. Besides, it is well-protected, thanks to the robust Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
A 4355 mAh provides long screening hours. Alongside its excellent display and battery time, the phone features the latest Google Tensor G2 chip that is 60% faster and 20% more efficient than the original Tensor chip. That said, the mobile phone provides an impressive gaming performance, with the battery providing 24 hours of non-stop usage.
Its camera has modes such as night sight, portrait, and unblur face. By intelligently filtering out background noise, even in the most noisy surroundings, the Pixel 7 ensures crystal-clear communication. Besides, it allows users to use wireless charging and is available for $449 on a flash sale.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB |
| Battery | 4355mAh |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide sensor, and 48 MP telephoto sensor |
| Front Camera | 10.8 MP |
| Video | 10-bit HDR video recording |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Security | Titan M2 security chip, Google Play Protect, and Face Unlock |
| Colors | Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel |
GOOGLE PIXEL 7A
Another best Android phone under $500 is the Google Pixel 7a. It features almost the same specs as the Google Pixel 7. The display is a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 90-hertz refresh rate.
Built-in VPN, 4385 mAh battery, and Titan M2 security chip make it no less than Google Pixel 7. Besides, it is priced at $499, and with a flash discount, the Pixel 7a is valued at $444. The availability of wireless charging and 5G connectivity makes the Google Pixel 7a stand out among budget Android phones.
The phone also stands out with its 64 MP main camera. With its price and features equilibrium, the Google Pixel 7 is surely the best Android Phone under $500 in 2023.
It Includes a VPN at no upper cost, protecting the user’s online security. The phone is a true representative of its tagline, Built to Perform. Priced Just Right.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Battery | 4385mAh |
| Rear Camera | 64MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Video | 4K video recording at 30 FPS, 60 FPS |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Security | Titan M2 security chip |
| Colors | Sea, Charcoal, Coral, and Snow |
SAMSUNG GALAXY A54 5G
Released in March 2023, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a mid-range Android phone under $500, offering a good balance of features and price. It has a large 6.5-inch display, a powerful processor, a 64MP back camera, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery. The battery supports fast charging.
It is not as premium as some other phones in this category, but a quad camera at the back supports 12 MP ultrawide angle, 5 MP depth, and 5 MP macro sensors. Alongside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor powers the phone to function smoothly. Although it is an excellent phone, it doesn’t have a headphone jack. Plus, another con is t doesn’t have a security system.
It is available for $349.99 after a flash discount of 22% from its original price of $449.99.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card |
| Camera | Quad-camera system with a 64MP main sensor |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging |
| Operating System | Android 12 with One UI 4.1 |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, and Green |
SAMSUNG GALAXY A23 5G
Samsung Galaxy A23 was released in 2022 powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G processor. For budget-friendly buyers, it is one of the best Android phones under $500. Plus, the Galaxy A23 is among the best Samsung phones in 2023.
It doesn’t boast extraordinary looks and expandable storage space. However, it can still be a best-buy for those looking for a large display screen and a good camera.
6.6-inch FHD and Infinity-V display with 2400 x 1080 resolution. Moreover, it has premium built quality and a long-lasting battery with options for RAM and ROM.
It is priced at $299.99, and for those looking for a budget phone, it has one of the best features. Not only it is the best Android phone under $500, but also one of the top smartphones under $300.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main camera |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 25W fast charging |
| Operating system | Android 12 with One UI 4.1 |
| Colors | Black, Light Blue, White, and Orange |
ONEPLUS NORD N30 5G
Available at a price of only $299.99 on Amazon, the OnePlus Nord N30 is another choice for users sifting through the list of Android phones under $500. Nord Plus N30 comes with a whopping 108 MP rear camera and 15 MP front camera. Moreover, it offers a 6.7-inch screen with a 120-hertz display.
The fingerprint is on the side. It also offers fast charging of up to 67 watts and a 5000 mAh battery. Considering its specs, it is one of the cheapest-priced Android phones with top features. Besides, it is one of the top OnePlus phones.
To enhance the efficiency of the phone, Nord 30 has an Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor with Adreno 619. This enhances efficiency and allows the users to play games at an amazingly long-lasting battery life.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, expandable up to 512 GB SD Storage |
| Rear Cameras | 108 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging |
| Operating system | OxygenOS based on Android 13 |
| Colors | Chromatic Gray |
MOTOROLA MOTO G STYLUS 5G 2023
When you hear of phones with a stylus, only Samsung comes to mind. Motorola Moto G breaks the stereotypes and offers a built-in stylus. You can jot notes or draw art with this stylus on a 6.6-inch display with Max Vision technology and a 120-hertz refresh rate. Additionally, it has a fingerprint sensor on its screen, making it one of the very few phones with this technology.
While the price of a new Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is just $300, the phone has excellent specs and features. It is one of the top Android phones under $500 and offers a 50 MP camera with Quad Pixel Technology. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 model boasts a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor to enhance the functionality of the phone. Plus, its water-repellent design adds to the intriguing features this phone offers.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Operating system | Android 13 |
| Colors | Black and Rose |
These were the best Android phones under $500. All these phones have their pros and cons. Besides, these phones offer 5G connectivity and the list of features and specifications is never-ending. The list of the best techs under budget never ends. That said, you can explore the top phones under $150 if you are on a budget.
While buying a phone on a budget, you should never compromise on the battery. We’ve listed some top phones with the best battery life.
For more information and details on the latest mobile phones, keep reading the Techniqle blogs.
