Best phones under $500: New iPhone SE, Galaxy A51, Pixel 3A XL and more
With recently announced cell phones like that new iPhone SE, the Galaxy A51 and the Moto G stylusPhone buyers on a tight budget now have more options to choose from than ever before. In addition to these phones, there will be plenty of reliable cellphones starting in 2019 – and all will cost around $ 500 or less. And despite their affordable prices, Budget smartphones are becoming more and more advanced and own premium functions such as fast processors, amazing cameras and modern software functions. Check out the list below and read CNET’s reviews to see our top deals. Note that we have linked to the unlocked version of each phone and this should run on most of the four major U.S. mobile operators unless otherwise stated.
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Best cheap phones to try now
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With a four-year hiatus between the iPhone SE 2020 and the previous one, Apple has given its latest budget phone a number of upgrades. This includes wireless charging, better camera specs, and water resistance. (Unfortunately, there is no headphone jack for wired headphone users.) If you’re looking for a new iPhone but want to save as much money as possible, the iPhone SE for USD 399 (GBP 419, AU $ 749) is the one for you Bid.
Read our review of the Apple iPhone SE (2020).
Juan Garzon / CNET
In addition to the main Galaxy S flagship phones, Samsung has a more cost-effective A-series. This year, the Galaxy A51 was introduced, another phone that costs $ 399 (there is a 5G variant that costs $ 499). The device has four cameras, an on-screen fingerprint reader and expandable memory.
Read the Galaxy A51 first.
Angela Lang / CNET
Google’s Pixel 3A XL offers everything you like about Pixel 3A (which is also on this list), but in a larger package (it has a 6-inch OLED screen compared to the 5.6-inch screen of the Pixel 3A). However, both phones have a headphone jack and retain the same amazing night vision camera as the original Pixel 3, which allows you to take great photos in the dark. (Photos and videos taken during the day also look fantastic.) The device is also compatible with all major US phone providers.
The larger counterpart also has a larger 3,700 mAh battery.
Read our Google Pixel 3A XL test.
Sarah Tew / CNET
If you’re looking for a cheaper Note 10 alternative, the Moto G stylus offers a stylus for $ 300 that you can keep on the phone with the built-in Notes app to increase productivity. The phone also has triple rear cameras, 128 GB memory and a robust 4,000 mAh battery.
Read our Moto G Stylus review.
Angela Lang / CNET
Even though the Galaxy A50 came out last year (and is the predecessor of the A51 phone mentioned above), it is still a great phone. At $ 250, it’s even cheaper than when you first started it. The phone has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen, an on-screen fingerprint reader, and a headphone jack. On the back of the three cameras there is a wide-angle lens and a “deep lens” with which portraits are taken with blurred, dramatic backgrounds.
Read our Samsung Galaxy A50 review.
Angela Lang / CNET
As a little brother of the Pixel 3A XL, the Pixel 3A has almost identical specifications, but a smaller screen and a smaller battery. It’s also cheaper, at just $ 399.
Read our Google Pixel 3A test.
Sarah Tew / CNET
The new Moto G Power is a little cheaper than the G Stylus at $ 250, but has a sturdy 5,000 mAh battery. During our tests, it took an impressive four days without a charge. The phone has three rear cameras (with a macro lens on them), a 6.4-inch display and expandable memory.
Read our Moto G Power Test.
Sarah Tew / CNET
The often discounted Moto G7 Play is one of our most popular affordable Android phones. Like the more expensive Moto G7 (which we’ll discuss later), it has a Snapdragon chipset and a water-repellent coating. However, the G7 Play has a smaller 5.7-inch display and a single 13-megapixel camera. For those who like to take a lot of selfies, you will find a selfie camera flash on the front of the phone that will brighten up all of these unforgettable moments.
Read more about the Moto G7 Play.
Josh Miller / CNET
Two years have passed since its introduction, but the Galaxy S9 is still a worth considering phone. The phone is waterproof, wirelessly rechargeable, expandable and has a headphone jack. The curved OLED screen gives the phone a modern look that is still going strong.
Read our Samsung Galaxy S9 review.
Angela Tang / CNET
The Moto G7 may not be as cheap as its G7 Play counterpart, but at $ 300, it’s still a good deal. Although the single speaker doesn’t offer the best sound and takes mediocre photos and videos in low light, the Moto G7 has a dual camera setup on the back, long battery life, and a sleek design. It also charges quickly, which is useful if you need to drink juice on the go.
Read our Motorola Moto G7 review.
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