The Best Phones Under $500 2023

The latest flagship phones from Samsung, Google and Apple all start with a price tag over $900. And that’s just to purchase the phone—The price goes up from there if you want accessories, an extended warranty, or a cell service plan. For those that aren’t keen on spending that much, the best phones under $500 can get you a solid camera, a speedy processor and more. In fact, you have a bunch of excellent options, like the brand new Google Pixel 7a (our pick for the best phone under $500 overall).

receive calls or text messages, use the web and so much more.

Illustration: Forbes, Photos: Retailers

Our picks for some of the best phones available right now actually cost less than $500—and come from major retailers you know, like Google, Samsung, Apple, Motorola, OnePlus and Nokia. Best of all, they all come unlocked, so you can take them to your preferred carrier. So, if you’re shopping for a low-cost phone for yourself or a family member, check out these impressive and affordable options.

Best Features

Best for: Taking full advantage of a versatile Android-based phone that’s both affordable and powerful.

The all-new Google Pixel 7a may seem like a scaled-down version of the Pixel 7 Pro, but it still offers the computing power needed to handle everyday smartphone tasks. The 6.1-inch (1,080 x ,2400 pixel resolution) OLED display has a refresh rate up 90Hz. The screen itself has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 coating for added durability and scratch resistance. Powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor and combined with the Titan M2 security coprocessor, the duo can handle higher-end tasks like shooting high-resolution digital images or 4K video at up to 60fps. You also get an extremely impressive battery life—up to 24 hours. With the Extreme Battery Saver mode, battery life can be boosted up to 72 hours, and the phone is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance.

While the camera setup isn’t as impressive as the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 7a offers a 64MP main rear-facing camera with Super Res Zoom up to 8x. All of the cameras built into the photo use both optical and electronic image stabilization plus support for Google’s Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and Portrait Light. Choose between four casing colors: Charcoal, sea, snow and coral.

Pros:

6.1-inch OLED display
Powerful Google Tensor G2 and Titan M2 coprocessor
Impressive camera functionality for shooting still images and 4K video

Cons:

Only available with 128GB of storage
No built-in microSD card reader

Best for: Those who want to stay in the Samsung ecosystem.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, priced under $400, offers a beautiful 6.4-inch AMOLED display (1,080 x 2,340 pixel resolution) with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. The camera setup has a 50MP main (rear) camera accompanied by a 12MP (ultra-wide) and 5MP (macro) in the rear, plus a 32MP camera in the front. These cameras allow you to shoot up to 4K video at 30fps.

The phone itself may only offer 128GB of internal storage, don’t despair. The built-in microSD memory card slot can hold an optional memory card with up to 1TB capacity. Battery life is also impressive, offering up to 68 hours of operation (although it’s greatly reduced to under 20 hours, if you use the phone’s Wi-Fi or cellular capabilities).

Pros:

6.4-inch AMOLED display
IP67 rated for dust and water resistance
Expandable storage up to 1TB using a microSD memory card

Cons:

No built in headphone jack
No wireless charging
Wired charger sold separately

Editor’s Pick

Best Buy

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

Best for: Someone who wants to stay within the Apple ecosystem.

The latest model of the iPhone SE allows Apple fans to stay in the family without spending four figures on an iPhone. This phone offers a smaller and lower resolution screen (4.7-inches) with a 625 nits maximum brightness. However, it does offer full iOS compatibility and comes with the same collection of pre-installed apps as every other iPhone model.

The rear-facing camera can capture 4K video at 60fps while the front-facing camera is limited to 1080p at 30fps—which for everyday use should be more than adequate. The iPhone SE lacks FaceID, but it does have a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking the phone and approving Apple Pay purchases. And, like all of the latest iPhones, this one has a handful of safety and security features built in, like fall detection and emergency SOS. This 3rd generation iPhone SE also offers 1.2x faster graphics performance (which is great for gaming). Out of all the iPhones currently available, we feel this latest version of the iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers the best value.

What our writers say: “Both of my parents are in their early-80s. When their old iPhones became obsolete, upgrading to the latest version of the iPhone SE allowed them to keep using an iPhone, without having to spend more than $1,000 on an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. This phone gives them the core functionality they need, plus access to all of the iPhone apps available from the App Store and compatibility with their Apple Watches.”

Pros:

Apple’s most affordable iPhone
Full compatibility with all iOS apps
Works with all Apple services and gear, including the Apple Watch and AirPods

Cons:

Smaller display than other iPhone models
Maximum storage is 256GB
Basic camera functionality that’s inferior to other iPhone models

Amazon

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G

Best for: Everyday tasks using an affordable, Android-based phone.

Available in your choice of steel blue to seafood green, the Motorola Moto G Styles 5G phone comes equipped with a pen-shaped stylus so you to take notes on the 6.8-inch touchscreen display. The display’s 120Hz refresh rate also works when playing your favorite mobile games or catching the latest TikToks.

The phone supports 5G cellular connectivity and will work with any of the popular cellular service providers. On the plus side, if the internal 256GB storage (combined with the included 256GB microSD card storage) is not enough, you can upgrade the memory card with one with up to a 1TB capacity.

Pros:

Built in and integrated stylus
5G cellular connectivity
Expandable storage with microSD memory card

Cons:

Water-repellent, not waterproof
Camera setup is basic

Best for: Someone that wants a no-frills Android phone.

While the newest model, the Pixel 7a, just dropped, the 6a still works a a powerful, capable mobile device. The 6.1-inch OLED display looks great, plus you’ll get water-resistance (IP67 rated) and up to a 24-hour battery life.

What’s great about this phone is that it integrates seamlessly with all of Google’s popular mobile apps and services, which makes it extremely versatile in terms of its capabilities. The Google Pixel 6a is available in sage, chalk or charcoal. It’s a great starter phone for someone who does not need a lot of cutting-edge technology or features.

What our writers say: “I had a chance to work with this phone when it first came out and was impressed. Now that its price has been reduced to just $249, it’s a really good deal, especially for someone who is not tech-savvy and just needs core smartphone functionality with access to all Google apps and services.”

Pros:

Extremely affordable
6.1-inch OLED display (60Hz refresh rate)
Works with a Google apps and services, plus Google gear (like Pixel wireless earbuds)

Cons:

Recently replaced by the Pixel 7a, but still available for just $249
Fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone can be sluggish

Good Value

Best for: YouTube and TikTok watchers who want great on-the-go audio.

New for 2023, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G phone has a couple special features going for it—one of which is an extended 48-hour battery life. Equally impressive? The built-in stereo speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos offers a high quality audio for when you’re listening to Spotify and other content. The phone also has a built in 3.5mm headphone jack (and of course, Bluetooth support) for personal viewing, too. You’ll also get a 6.5-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Additionally, the device offers a built-in microSD memory card slot, so you can expand the internal storage with a memory card up to 1TB. And for security, you can use the fingerprint scanner, face recognition, or a standard PIN.

Pros:

Great built-in audio features
Impressive battery life
Built-in microSD slot

Cons:

“Water-repellent,” not waterproof
Limited video shooting resolution
No wireless charging

Best for: Fans of the retro phone design that want some modern perks.

Reminiscent of the Motorola flip phones of yesteryear, the Nokia 2780 Flip supports provides only the most basic calling and texting functionality. Battery life will last less than a full day when you take or receive calls regularly, but standby time is up to 19 days, making it great for those that forget to plug it in regularly. The phone supports Bluetooth 4.2, so you can pair it with wireless earbuds, for example. You can also use the internal 3.5mm headphone jack to plug in optional wired headphones.

The Nokia 2780 Flip is the perfect device for those that just want to make and receive calls and text messages—although other key functions are offered (at least in a limited capacity). The phone offers basic water-resistance, but has no IP rating.

Pros:

Large numeric keypad buttons and hearing aid compatibility
Priced under $100
Built-in FM radio receiver

Cons:

Limited internal storage (512MB)
4G cellular connectivity

How We Chose The Best Phone Under $500

At Forbes Vetted, we’re mobile experts and have been for over two decades. We love talking about devices, the specs, and the best combination so you can make the most out of your devices, whether it’s just making memories with quick photos or video chatting with loved ones.

We combined research with hands-on testing and experience, and we spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the products that made the cut. We carefully evaluated each phone’s features, price and more. We also paid attention to what sets each phone apart from its competition.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team strives to offer accurate and trustworthy product assessments that are the result of intensive research and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of consumer electronics and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.