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Best Cell Phone Under $500

Looking for the best cell phone under $500? You've come to the right place! Our carefully curated list features top-rated smartphones based on user reviews, ensuring that you'll find a high-quality device... that won't break the bank. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply in need of an affordable upgrade, our selection covers a range of features and functionalities to suit your preferences. With an emphasis on user satisfaction, you can shop with confidence knowing that these smartphones have earned the seal of approval from fellow consumers. Say hello to exceptional value and performance as you explore our collection of the best cell phones under $500.
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What to look for in the best cell phone under $500

1. Performance and Processor

Look for a device with a modern processor and sufficient RAM to ensure smooth multitasking, app usage, and gaming. Even budget-friendly phones can offer fast performance if they have updated chipsets.

2. Display Quality

A sharp, bright display makes streaming, browsing, and gaming more enjoyable. Consider resolution (Full HD or higher), screen size, and refresh rate when comparing models.

3. Camera Features

Many affordable smartphones now include impressive cameras. Check for features like multiple lenses, low-light capabilities, and high megapixel counts if photography is important to you.

4. Battery Life

Long battery life is essential for all-day use. Look for phones with large battery capacities (measured in mAh) and power-efficient processors to avoid frequent charging.
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  1. 1
    Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB - Awesome Black - Unlocked Great phone, Great service at Best Buy

    About this product

    An unlocked 5G smartphone in awesome black with AI photo editing, immersive display, and Type-C connectivity.

    An unlocked 5G smartphone in awesome black with AI photo editing, immersive display, and Type-C connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Long-lasting battery life
    • Smooth and vibrant display
    • Premium design and feel
    • Excellent camera quality
    • Great value for money
    4.6 (325 reviews)
    $399.99
    SAVE $130
    Your price for this item is $399.99
  2. 2
    TCL 502 Smartphone, 6" Display, Quad-Core Processor, 8Mp Camera, 4G Lte Great Phone!

    About this product

    A compact 4G LTE smartphone featuring a 6" display, quad-core processor, and 8MP camera.

    A compact 4G LTE smartphone featuring a 6" display, quad-core processor, and 8MP camera.

    4.3 (3 reviews)
    $94.49
    SAVE $20
    Your price for this item is $94.49
  3. 3
    GOOGLE Refurbished (Excellent) - Pixel 8 128GB - Hazel - Unlocked great phone, fast shipping and support through best buy

    About this product

    An unlocked hazel smartphone with 128GB storage, advanced camera, Google AI, and all-day battery life.

    An unlocked hazel smartphone with 128GB storage, advanced camera, Google AI, and all-day battery life.

    5.0 (2 reviews)
    $349.99
    SAVE $100
    Your price for this item is $349.99
  4. 4
    MOTOROLA G Pure (2021) 32GB Smartphone - Deep Indigo - Unlocked - New This company as a Marketplace Seller for Best Buy Canada is phenomenal!

    About this product

    An unlocked smartphone in deep indigo featuring a 6.5" HD+ display, Android 11, and water-repellent design.

    An unlocked smartphone in deep indigo featuring a 6.5" HD+ display, Android 11, and water-repellent design.

    5.0 (1 reviews)
    $249.99
    SAVE $149
    Your price for this item is $249.99
  5. 5
    MOTOROLA Moto G 5G (2022) – Factory Unlocked Smartphone - Moonlight - Brand New In Gray I love the camera including low light and best selfie

    About this product

    A new gray Motorola Moto G 5G (2022) smartphone, factory unlocked and on sale.

    A new gray Motorola Moto G 5G (2022) smartphone, factory unlocked and on sale.

    What customers like

    • Stylus functionality
    • Battery life
    • Price
    • Performance
    • Compact size
    4.4 (1,129 reviews)
    $129.00
    SAVE $270
    Your price for this item is $129
  6. 6
    APPLE Refurbished (Excellent) - Iphone X 64GB Smartphone - Space - Unlocked - Certified Refurbished In Grey Great phone

    About this product

    An unlocked grey smartphone featuring a Super Retina OLED display, Face ID, dual cameras, and wireless charging.

    An unlocked grey smartphone featuring a Super Retina OLED display, Face ID, dual cameras, and wireless charging.

    What customers like

    • Impressive OLED display and screen quality
    • Convenient Face ID and facial recognition
    • Stylish and durable design
    • Seamless compatibility with other Apple products
    • Fast and smooth performance
    4.8 (329 reviews)
    $389.99
    SAVE $9
    Your price for this item is $389.99
  7. 7
    APPLE Refurbished (Excellent) - Iphone 14 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked - Esim

    About this product

    An unlocked black smartphone with 128GB storage, dual cameras, eSIM support, and advanced safety features.

    An unlocked black smartphone with 128GB storage, dual cameras, eSIM support, and advanced safety features.

    4.3 (3 reviews)
    $475.96
    SAVE $323
    Your price for this item is $475.96
  8. 8
    APPLE Refurbished (Good) - Iphone Xr 64GB Smartphone - - Unlocked In Coral

    About this product

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in vibrant coral with 64GB storage for versatile everyday use.

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in vibrant coral with 64GB storage for versatile everyday use.

    5.0 (2 reviews)
    $248.99
    SAVE $12
    Your price for this item is $248.99
  9. 9
    GOOGLE Refurbished (Fair) - Pixel 8 128GB - Obsidian - Unlocked

    About this product

    An unlocked smartphone in obsidian with 128GB storage, advanced camera, Google AI, and enhanced security features.

    An unlocked smartphone in obsidian with 128GB storage, advanced camera, Google AI, and enhanced security features.

    4.0 (1 reviews)
    $299.99
    SAVE $200
    Your price for this item is $299.99
  10. 10
    CSMART 【】 360 Rotating Tablet Desk Stand Flexible Cellphone Holder Mount for Iphone / Ipad / Samsung Tablet / Smartphone In White

    About this product

    A flexible white desk stand with 360-degree rotation for smartphones and tablets from various brands.

    A flexible white desk stand with 360-degree rotation for smartphones and tablets from various brands.

    5.0 (1 reviews)
    $12.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $12.99

FAQ

What features should I look for in a cell phone under $500? + -

When shopping for a cell phone under $500, consider features such as battery life, camera quality, display resolution, processor speed, and storage capacity. Many affordable phones also offer extras like fingerprint sensors, fast charging, and 5G connectivity.

Can I get a good camera on a cell phone under $500? + -

Yes, many cell phones under $500 come equipped with high-quality cameras that can capture sharp photos and videos. Look for models with multiple lenses, night mode, and advanced image processing for the best results.

Are there cell phones under $500 that support 5G networks? + -

Absolutely! Several manufacturers offer budget-friendly smartphones with 5G capability. These devices allow you to take advantage of faster data speeds where 5G service is available.

Do affordable smartphones receive software updates? + -

Many reputable brands provide regular software and security updates even for their budget-friendly models. It's a good idea to check the manufacturer's update policy when choosing your device.

Is it possible to find unlocked cell phones under $500? + -

Yes, there are plenty of unlocked smartphones available in this price range. Unlocked phones give you the flexibility to choose or switch carriers without being tied to a specific network contract.

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