Top 5 Best Smartphones for Under $500 – March 2022

Despite flagship phones getting more expensive over the years, the market still offers some very good options for those who want a high-end phone at a reasonable price. If you're in that category and looking for a new daily driver, then keep reading as we'll now be having a look at the to 5 best smartphones currently on sale for under $500!

Best Smartphones for Under $500

1. Redmi K50

Let's get the ball rolling with the most powerful smartphone on the list, the Redmi K50. The recently launched phone does indeed pack the quite powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset; along with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Other specs on the Redmi K50 include a large 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz, a touch sampling rate of 480Hz and a 20MP snapper in the punch-hole at the top. Meanwhile, on the back, the smartphone packs three cameras including a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera.

Finally, the Redmi phone comes with a 5500mAh capacity battery with support for 67W fast charging. There's NFC and an infrared emitter.

2. Motorola Moto G200 5G

Next we have the Motorola Moto G200 5G which packs the flagship, though previous gen, Snapdragon 888+ flagship SoC; paired with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The Moto G200 5G then features a massive 6.8-inch display with Full HD+ resolution and a quite high 144Hz refresh rate.

In the camera department, the smartphone brings a 108MP main shooter paired with a 13MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro lens on the back and a single 16MP snapper at the front.

Finally, the Moto G200 5G packs a large 5000mAh capacity battery with support for 33W fast charging. There's NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.

3. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Another very interesting smartphone coming with last year's flagship SoC, the Snapdragon 888, is the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

The handset then features a compact 6.4-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 32MP selfie snapper in the punch-hole above. On the back, we find three cameras including a whopping 12MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra wide angle lens and an 8MP telephoto lens.

Lastly, Samsung's phone equips a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

4. Vivo iQOO Neo5 SE

Next, we have the first of two handsets coming with the good Snapdragon 870, the iQOO Neo5 SE. The high-end chipset is then coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The iQOO phone features a 6.67-inch FHD+ display with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a variable fresh rate of 1Hz to save energy. Meanwhile for photography, the Neo5 SE brings a 48MP main sensor; along with an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies we find a 16MP snapper.

The iQOO Neo5 SE phone comes packing an averagely sized 4500mAh battery with support for 55W fast charging and it has a 3.5mm audio jack.

Best Smartphones for Under $500

5. Realme GT Neo 2

Last but not least, we have the Realme GT Neo 2 which, as mentioned previously, also boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The GT Neo 2 by Realme then brings a 6.62-inch Samsung AMOLED E4 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a super high 600Hz touch sampling rate.

Camera wise, the handset packs a 64MP resolution main camera; paired with an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens and 2MP macro lens. While at the front there's a 16MP selfie snapper.

Finally, the Realme GT Neo 2 is kept on by a large 5000mAh battery, supports 65W fast charging and it features NFC.

Check out our sub $300 list if you're on a tighter budget!