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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
    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)
    $427.94
    SAVE $371
    Your price for this item is $427.94
  2. 2
    OnePlus Nord N30 5G 128GB - Grey - Unlocked Great phone

    About this product

    A grey 5G smartphone with 128GB storage, 108MP camera, 120Hz display, and long-lasting 5,000mAh battery.

    A grey 5G smartphone with 128GB storage, 108MP camera, 120Hz display, and long-lasting 5,000mAh battery.

    What customers like

    • Great value for the price
    • Impressive camera quality
    • Vibrant and smooth 120Hz display
    • Excellent battery life
    • Fast charging capabilities
    4.6 (983 reviews)
    $379.99 Your price for this item is $379.99
  3. 3
    GOOGLE Pixel 6 Pro – Unlocked Android 5G Smartphone – 128 GB – Stormy In Black Best phone I ever had

    About this product

    A powerful, redesigned 5G smartphone with a custom-built processor, advanced camera system, and all-day battery.

    A powerful, redesigned 5G smartphone with a custom-built processor, advanced camera system, and all-day battery.

    What customers like

    • Sleek design
    • Great battery life
    • Excellent camera quality
    • Smooth performance
    • User-friendly interface
    4.1 (2,111 reviews)
    $439.99
    SAVE $259
    Your price for this item is $439.99
  4. 4
    GOOGLE - Pixel 7 128GB - Obsidian - Unlocked Love the Pixel 7

    About this product

    An unlocked smartphone in obsidian featuring Google Tensor G2, advanced camera, and multiple security layers.

    An unlocked smartphone in obsidian featuring Google Tensor G2, advanced camera, and multiple security layers.

    4.2 (6 reviews)
    $299.99
    SAVE $100
    Your price for this item is $299.99
  5. 5
    GOOGLE Pixel 6 Pro 128GB - Stormy - Unlocked - New In Black Great Phone

    About this product

    A powerful unlocked smartphone in stormy black with 128GB storage for seamless performance and connectivity.

    A powerful unlocked smartphone in stormy black with 128GB storage for seamless performance and connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Excellent camera quality and features
    • Smooth and fast performance with Google Tensor processor
    • Vibrant, high-resolution AMOLED display
    • Long battery life and adaptive charging
    • Sleek, premium design with user-friendly setup
    4.2 (2,517 reviews)
    $399.00
    SAVE $200
    Your price for this item is $399
  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)
    $246.59 Your price for this item is $246.59
  7. 7
    SAMSUNG Galaxy A36 5G Sm-A366W 128 GB Smartphone - 6.7" Super Amoled Full HD Plus 1080 X 2340 I love my A36 the large and vivid display of the screen, the long lasting and fast charge battery is

    About this product

    An Android 15 smartphone in Awesome Black featuring a 6.7" Super AMOLED display, 5G, and triple rear cameras.

    An Android 15 smartphone in Awesome Black featuring a 6.7" Super AMOLED display, 5G, and triple rear cameras.

    What customers like

    • Impressive camera quality and features
    • Smooth and responsive performance
    • Excellent battery life and fast charging
    • Stunning and vibrant 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display
    • Premium design and build quality
    4.6 (289 reviews)
    $349.00
    SAVE $220
    Your price for this item is $349
  8. 8
    APPLE Refurbished (Good) - Iphone X 256GB Smartphone - Space - Unlocked In Gray

    About this product

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in gray with 256GB storage, fully tested for reliable performance.

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in gray with 256GB storage, fully tested for reliable performance.

    4.2 (5 reviews)
    $339.85
    SAVE $438
    Your price for this item is $339.85
  9. 9
    APPLE Refurbished (Good) - Iphone 11 64GB Smartphone - (Product)Red - Unlocked The shipping was fast & the iPhone looks great & works great

    About this product

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in vibrant red with 64GB storage and fully functional performance.

    A refurbished unlocked smartphone in vibrant red with 64GB storage and fully functional performance.

    4.0 (4 reviews)
    $265.99
    SAVE $133
    Your price for this item is $265.99
  10. 10
    MOTOROLA Moto G Pure 32/3GB (Xt2163-4) - Gsm Unlocked Smartphone - International Model - Deep Indigo - Brand New

    About this product

    A GSM unlocked smartphone in Deep Indigo featuring a 6.5" HD+ display and two-day battery life.

    A GSM unlocked smartphone in Deep Indigo featuring a 6.5" HD+ display and two-day battery life.

    4.0 (3 reviews)
    $170.00
    SAVE $329
    Your price for this item is $170

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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