Top 5 Best Smartphones for Under $500 – September 2022

Are you looking for a flagship phone but you aren’t willing to spend more than $500 for it? Then you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll indeed be checking out the best smartphones now on sale for under $500; keep reading!

Best Smartphones for Under $500

1. Vivo iQOO Neo 6

Let's get things started with the Vivo iQOO Neo 6, which is once again on the list as it's one of the most powerful smartphone currently available for under $500. The handset packs the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset; coupled 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

Along with the powerful chip we find a large 6.62-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate.

As for cameras, the iQOO Neo 6 comes with a 64MP resolution main camera. Other cameras include a 12MP ultra wide-angle lens and 2MP B&W sensor. Meanwhile at the front there's a 16MP sensor for selfies.

Lastly, the Vivo iQOO Neo 6 integrates a 4700mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.

2. POCO F4 GT

Next, we have another handset also coming with the mighty Snapdragon 8 Gen1 - the POCO F4 GT. This hardware powers a quite large 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 480Hz.

As far as photography is concerned, the F4 GT comes with a total of three cameras. These include a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies we have a 20MP snapper at the front.

The POCO phone is fueled by a 4700mAh capacity battery with support for an incredible 120W fast charging.

Best Smartphones for Under $500

3. Motorola Edge X30

Since you can never get tired of high-performing phones, the next device on the list is the Motorola Edge X30. As you could have guessed, the handset also packs the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset.

On the Moto Edge X30 we then find a great 6.7-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a whopping 144Hz refresh rate.

Photography wise, Edge X30 by Motorola features a 50MP main shooter paired with a 50MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP portrait camera. At the front we find an ultra detailed 60MP camera for selfies.

Lastly, the Moto Edge X30 packs a large 5000mAh capacity battery with support for 68W fast charging technology.

Best Smartphones for Under $500

4. Redmi Note 11T Pro

Next, if you're looking for something more affordable, the Redmi Note 11T Pro (China) is quite a bargain at around $360. At that price you do indeed get a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

The Redmi Note 11T Pro brings large 6.6-inch IPS display with Full HD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Making it a great option for gamers.

As for cameras, the Note 11T Pro equips a 64MP main camera; paired with an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens and 2MP macro lens. While for selfies we find a 16MP sensor at the front.

Finally, the smartphone is fueled by a 5080mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.

Best Smartphones for Under $500

5. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Last but not least, if you're a Samsung user and you enjoy Samsung's ecosystem, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G might be the best upgrade for you. The smartphone packs the last-gen but still very powerful Snapdragon 888; along with 6Gb of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G then packs a compact 6.4-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Cameras wise, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G brings a 12MP main sensor; paired with a 13MP ultra wide angle lens and an 8MP telephoto lens. At the front there’s a single 32MP snapper.

Finally, the Samsung phone runs on a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 25W fast charging. We also find 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

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