We’ve seen lots of flagships getting launched these past months but, sadly, they all go for more than $500, making them unattainable for most. Do not despair though, as we just put together a list with the best smartphones currently on sale for under $500; keep reading!
Best Smartphones for Under $500
1. Realme GT Neo 5
Let’s start things off with the recently launched Realme GT Neo 5, a semi-flagship that tops almost every stats. The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen1; coupled up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Realme GT Neo 5 then packs a large 6.74-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a whopping refresh rate of 144Hz and a maximum brightness of 1400 nits.
As far as photography is concerned, smartphone sports a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. While at the front we find a 16MP snapper for selfies
The GT Neo 5 packs a 5000mAh capacity battery with support for an incredible 150W fast charging technology. The smartphones also features an IR emitter.
2. Redmi K60
Next on the list we have the quite similar the Redmi K60. This semi-flagship also comes with the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen1; along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Redmi K60 features a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 480Hz touch sampling rate.
In the camera department, the handset sports a 64MP main rear camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. At the front, there’s a 16MP camera for selfies.
Finally, the Redmi K60 comes packing a 5500mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging and it also supports 30W wireless charging, which is a first in its price range.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
3. Xiaomi 12
Next, coming from Redmi’s parent company, Xiaomi, we find last year’s flagship – the Xiaomi 12. This oldie but goldie is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset; along 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Xiaomi’s past flagship is also great for those who want a more compact device as it packs a smaller 6.28-inch AMOLED display, with Full HD+ resolution and sports a 120Hz refresh rate.
As far as photos are concerned, the Xiaomi phone packs a 50MP main sensor; paired with a 13MP ultra wide angle lens and a 5MP macro lens. Meanwhile at the front there’s a single 32MP snapper for high quality selfies.
The Xiaomi 12 brings a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 67W fast charging. The handset also features 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
4. OnePlus Ace 2
If you don’t fancy any of the smartphones above, the recently launched OnePlus Ace 2 could be your best pick. This high-end device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset; along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Ace 2 also features a 6.74-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate.
Photography wise, the OnePlus Ace 2 packs a 50MP main shooter, along with an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies there’s a 16MP snapper at the front.
Finally, the OnePlus Ace 2 sports a 5000mAh capacity battery and supports a whopping 100W fast charging technology. Other specs include NFC and an IR emitter.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
5. POCO F4 GT
Finally, coming last in order but nevertheless important, the POCO F4 GT is still a great option for around $400. The smartphones is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal
The POCO phone also sports a large 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution, refresh rate of 120Hz and 480Hz touch sampling rate.
On the camera side, the POCO F4 GT sports 64MP main sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra wide camera and a 2MP macro lens. Meanwhile at the front there’s a single 16MP camera.
The F4 GT by POCO is fueled by a 4700mAh capacity battery with support for 120W fast charging. We also find NFC and an IR emitter.
Check out our sub $300 list if you’re on a tighter budget!
