Best Budget Smartphones of 2024: Top 5 Picks Under $500

In 2024, buying a smartphone without breaking the bank has never been easier. With so many brands and models competing to deliver the best bang for your buck, the market for budget smartphones is packed with options that don’t sacrifice performance for price. If you’re like me, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed when faced with a sea of specifications, cameras, and sleek designs. So, how do you choose? Personally, I’ve been testing out smartphones for years—sometimes it’s for work, sometimes it’s for fun—and I’m here to help you cut through the noise.

I’ve had plenty of experiences with budget phones. Some models impressed me beyond expectations, while others fell short despite the hype. My friend Tom once bought a budget phone purely because of the price tag, but he regretted it within weeks when the battery life plummeted. On the flip side, another friend of mine picked up a lesser-known brand on a whim, and three years later, it’s still running smoothly. These stories are a reminder: budget-friendly doesn’t mean low quality if you know where to look.

Top Budget Smartphones Under $500: 2024 Edition

1. Google Pixel 7a: The Affordable Flagship Experience

The Google Pixel 7a is one of those phones I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. With Google’s Pixel line, you’re always assured of three things: a clean Android experience, fantastic software updates, and, most importantly, a top-notch camera. For under $500, the Pixel 7a is, hands down, one of the best devices on the market.

Camera Quality
Here’s the thing—most people buy expensive phones for their camera performance. With the Pixel 7a, I’m convinced you don’t need to splurge anymore. Its 64 MP primary sensor and Google’s computational photography magic deliver shots that rival flagship models. I’ve compared night shots with a friend’s phone that cost twice as much, and the Pixel won every time. My favorite feature? The Night Sight. If you love capturing memories after dark, you’ll appreciate this feature as much as I do.

Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Tensor G2 chip, this phone handles multitasking like a champ. I’ve had dozens of apps open without noticing any slowdown. And the battery? It easily lasts a full day of heavy use, which includes endless scrolling, video calls, and gaming sessions. One thing to note, though: I wish the charging speed was faster. At 18W, it feels a little sluggish compared to some competitors, but I can live with it considering the overall experience.

Pros:

Stellar camera, especially in low light
Pure Android experience with timely updates
Excellent performance for its price

Cons:

Charging could be faster

2. Samsung Galaxy A54: The All-Rounder

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 stands as a reminder of how far budget phones have come. I remember when budget Samsung phones used to feel cheap and sluggish. Now, with the A54, I find it hard to believe this phone is under $500. It’s fast, sleek, and packed with features you’d expect from a more expensive model.

Design and Display
The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is one of the A54’s highlights. I’ve used it in direct sunlight and found the screen brightness to be excellent. Watching Netflix or YouTube on this phone is a delight thanks to its vibrant colors and sharpness. I’m also a fan of the 120Hz refresh rate—it makes everything feel buttery smooth, whether I’m scrolling through social media or playing games.

Software and Features
Samsung’s One UI has come a long way. It’s feature-packed without feeling overwhelming, and the customization options are endless. I’ve always appreciated how Samsung includes a lot of premium features, like a built-in screen recorder and wireless charging, even in their budget lineups. The phone also supports 5G, which, at this price point, is a big win.

Pros:

Gorgeous 120Hz display
Impressive battery life
Samsung’s rich feature set

Cons:

Occasional software bloat

3. OnePlus Nord N30: Flagship Feel on a Budget

OnePlus continues to push boundaries with their budget-friendly Nord series. The Nord N30 has the kind of flagship feel that you wouldn’t expect in this price range. I’ve had friends who are die-hard OnePlus fans and, after trying the Nord N30, I understand why.

Performance and User Experience
Powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Nord N30 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. I’ve used it for gaming, web browsing, and streaming, and it handles everything effortlessly. OnePlus’s OxygenOS is one of the cleanest Android skins out there. I’ve always been a fan of its minimalism—it’s fast, responsive, and free of unnecessary apps.

Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery is massive for a phone this size. I’m someone who hates carrying around chargers, and with this phone, I never had to worry about it. It also supports 33W fast charging, which can get you from 0 to 70% in just half an hour—a lifesaver for busy days.

Pros:

Fast charging
Clean and responsive OxygenOS
Excellent battery life

Cons:

Display could be brighter

4. Motorola Moto G Power 2024: Battery King

If there’s one thing Motorola has nailed with the Moto G Power series, it’s battery life. I remember testing this phone on a weekend trip where I had forgotten my charger, and guess what? It lasted the entire three-day trip without dying. This isn’t an exaggeration—if battery life is your top priority, this phone is unbeatable.

Battery and Performance
The 5000mAh battery is the star of the show. Even with heavy use, I’ve had it last up to two full days. The Snapdragon 680 processor is decent for everyday tasks, although I did notice some lag with more demanding apps and games. But, honestly, for the price, I wasn’t expecting it to handle everything like a flagship would.

Camera
One downside is the camera. While it’s good enough for quick snaps in daylight, the 50 MP main shooter struggles in low light, and the lack of a dedicated night mode is noticeable. If photography is important to you, this might not be the best choice, but if you just need a reliable phone with insane battery life, it’s perfect.

Pros:

Unmatched battery life
Affordable price
Clean Android experience

Cons:

Camera could be better
Slower performance in demanding apps

5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13: The Budget Beast

Xiaomi’s Redmi series has always been known for offering incredible value, and the Redmi Note 13 is no different. Priced well below $500, it punches way above its weight in terms of performance and features.

Performance and Display
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset ensures that this phone runs smoothly even with heavier apps. I’ve played games like PUBG on this device, and while I had to tone down the graphics settings a bit, the overall experience was surprisingly good. The 6.6-inch AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, though it doesn’t quite match the sharpness of higher-end models.

Camera
The 108 MP main camera on this phone is almost too good to be true at this price point. It delivers sharp, detailed photos in good lighting conditions, though like most budget phones, it does struggle in low light. But for a device this cheap, I can’t complain. Xiaomi continues to push the envelope with their budget devices, and this one is no exception.

Pros:

Incredible value for the price
Impressive camera for the cost
Good performance for daily use

Cons:

Low-light camera performance could be better

Conclusion

After spending time with these devices, I can confidently say that 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for budget smartphones. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or a smooth user experience, there’s a phone in this price range for you. Personally, I’m a fan of the Google Pixel 7a for its unbeatable camera, but if you want a battery powerhouse, the Moto G Power is the way to go.

So, if you’re looking for the best budget smartphone under $500, any of these options will serve you well. They each have their strengths, and it all comes down to what you value most in a phone.