Best Smartphones Under $500 in 2025
Thanks to rapid improvements in mid-range technology, 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year for finding a feature-rich smartphone for under $500. Budget devices now offer high-refresh-rate displays, capable cameras, long software support, and more — meaning you don’t need to spend flagship dollars to get a great experience. PhoneArena+3DIY Photography+3Tom’s Guide+3
In this article, we’ll look at what to look for when buying in this price-tier, and highlight top smartphone picks for under $500. (Note: prices may vary by region / exchange rate.)
✅ What to Look For in a Smartphone Under $500
When choosing a smartphone in this “sub-$500” category, here are key criteria to check:
- Display & refresh rate: Ideally 1080p resolution and at least 90 Hz (120 Hz if possible) for smooth scrolling. DIY Photography
- Processor & performance: A chip that handles everyday tasks, gaming and multitasking without serious lag.
- Camera system: Good main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization), an ultrawide and decent selfie cam. Budget phones now do much better than before. WIRED+1
- Software updates & support: One of the biggest differentiators: longer support means your phone stays usable and secure for years. Tom’s Guide+1
- Battery & charging: Good battery life (often >1 day), and fast charging is a plus.
- Build & extras: Water/dust resistance, wireless charging, design quality can push a budget device closer to premium feel.
- Compromises to expect: Under $500 you’ll likely give up some “flagship extras” (top-tier zoom lenses, ultra high end materials, bleeding-edge chip) but many are now less relevant than they used to be. PhoneArena+1
📱 Top Smartphone Picks (Under ~$500)
Here are six strong contenders for 2025 in the under-$500 range. Availability and local pricing (Pakistan / South Asia) may vary, so check local shops, import options and currency conversions.
1. Google Pixel 9a
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Why it stands out: At ~$499 it offers flagship-level features (for the price) like the Tensor G4 chipset, 6.3″ OLED display with 120 Hz refresh, IP68 water resistance, and strong camera performance. Tom’s Guide+2Tom’s Guide+2
Highlights:
- 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz — smooth and modern. Tom’s Guide
- Tensor G4 chip — same generation as some higher-priced phones in 2025. Tom’s Guide
- Excellent software update promise from Google.
Considerations: You might give up some ultra-premium features (e.g., ultra-long optical zoom lenses) but for most users this hits the sweet spot.
2. OnePlus 13R
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Why choose it: This phone offers one of the best balances of performance, display and battery in the mid-range segment. According to one review: “mid-2025 … the 13R remains the best mid-range phone you can buy.” PhoneArena
Highlights:
- Big 6.78″ 120Hz screen. The Verge
- Strong battery and fast charging (80W wired). The Verge
- Good software update commitment: 4 years of Android + 6 years of security patches. PhoneArena
Considerations: May lack wireless charging or some ultra-premium build finishes compared to a $1000+ phone.
3. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
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Why pick it: For those who want something a bit more design-forward and different, this phone offers value and style. In 2025 budget round-ups it’s highlighted as one of the best value devices under $500. Tom’s Guide+1
Highlights:
- Unique design (transparent back + ambient “glyph” lighting in typical Nothing style).
- Good spec for the price (camera system, decent display).
Considerations: Compared to the Pixel or OnePlus, slightly less “straight-up best” — you might sacrifice some performance or update longevity for style.
4. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
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Why consider: Samsung’s mid-range A-series phones are strong value plays. The A56 5G is cited as a “solid buy if you can find it under $400” and promises 6 years of updates. Android Central+1
Highlights:
- 6.7″ Super AMOLED display, 120 Hz. Android Central
- Six years of OS/security updates — rare in this price tier. WIRED
Considerations: While strong, may not quite match the “flagship feel” in every spec compared to others here. But for brand reliability and update support, it’s a smart pick.
5. Xiaomi 14T
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Why it’s interesting: Sometimes you can find the Xiaomi 14T (or similar “T” model) heavily discounted into the ~$500 range, giving flagship-adjacent specs for less. YouTube
Highlights:
- Strong “bang for buck” when discounts apply.
- Good overall camera and performance ecosystem.
Considerations: Availability and price may vary a lot regionally. Importing costs and after-sales support should be considered.
6. Motorola Edge 50 Neo
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Why include it: For those who want something a bit different, the Motorola Edge series (e.g., Edge 60, Edge 50) in 2025 are being praised for punching above their price. TechRadar
Highlights:
- Stylish design, good performance for the price.
- Potential discounts bring it under or around $500 depending on region.
Considerations: As with many value devices, some trade-offs: speaker quality, camera may not match top tier flagships, software update guarantee may be less.
🧐 Final Thoughts & Buying Tips for Pakistan / South Asia
- Local pricing & import: In Pakistan and South Asia, US-dollar price doesn’t always translate directly (taxes, import duties, shipping). Check local retailers for deals, grey-imports, or wait for discounts.
- Update policy matters: Especially for Android phones, longer support means the phone remains useful for years — check how many Android version upgrades + security updates the manufacturer promises.
- Check network compatibility: If importing, ensure the phone supports Pakistani 4G/5G bands and has a warranty you can access locally.
- Warranty & service: Big brands generally have better after-sales support locally. If you go with off-brand/import, consider where you’ll service it.
- Consider future needs: If you keep your phone 3-4 years, it’s wise to pick something that will stay fast and supported. That often means spending up to ~$500 makes sense rather than “cheapest possible”.
- Don’t over-buy for spec-sheet alone: A phone with 200MP camera may sound great, but if software processing is weak, actual results might disappoint. The picks above strike an effective balance.
