Best phones under $500 in 2026: the budget models worth buying

Key figures

What a $500 phone gets you in 2026

Cheap phones have never been this good. For $500 or less, you now get a 120 Hz OLED screen, a battery that lasts a full day or more, cameras that handle daylight very well and, from Google and Samsung, many years of software updates. What you give up compared with a $1,000 flagship: the fastest processor, the best low-light and zoom photography, wireless charging on some models and premium materials. For most people, those trade-offs are easy to accept.

Our picks at a glance

Prices and battery results from Tom's Guide, Engadget and TechRadar. Battery tests use different methods, so compare results within the same outlet.

1. Google Pixel 10a: the best cheap phone overall

$499 (128 GB), $599 (256 GB), often $424 on sale. Tom's Guide calls the Pixel 10a the most well-rounded phone at its price. It has a 6.3-inch 120 Hz OLED screen, Google's Tensor G4 chip with 8 GB of memory, a 48 MP main camera and a 13 MP ultrawide. In Tom's Guide's test it lasted 15 h 16 min and reached 64 % in 30 minutes of charging. Above all, Google promises seven years of Android and security updates, which no cheaper rival matches.

• Strengths: reliable photos, clean software with Gemini features, long battery life, flat camera bump, seven years of updates.
• Limits: a small update over the Pixel 9a (Tom's Guide calls it "the laziest upgrade"), only two rear cameras.

2. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro: the best features for the money

$499. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the most feature-packed phone on this list: a big 6.83-inch AMOLED screen up to 5,000 nits, a 50 MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom, a 50 MP main camera, a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip and 50 W charging. Its 5,080 mAh battery lasted 24 hours in Engadget's rundown test, and Engadget scored it 84/100, describing it as a rival to the Pixel 10a.

• Strengths: aluminium unibody design, bright screen, real zoom lens, long battery life.
• Limits: only three years of Android updates and three years of security patches, no wireless charging, disappointing video according to Engadget.

3. Samsung Galaxy A57: Samsung's best mid-ranger, best on sale

$549.99 (128 GB), slightly above our budget but frequently discounted. The Galaxy A57 is thin (6.9 mm) and light (179 g), with a bright 6.7-inch 120 Hz screen (1,900 nits), an IP68 rating rare at this price, 45 W charging and Samsung's promise of six major Android updates, according to TechRadar.

• Strengths: display, water resistance, clean One UI software, long support.
• Limits: TechRadar finds middling performance, dull photos and a price rise over the A56; wait for a discount below $500.

4. Motorola Moto G (2026): the battery champion on a budget

About $299 today, launched at $199. Tom's Guide measured 19 h 10 min of battery life, better than many flagships, from a 6.7-inch phone with a 50 MP main camera. It is a good choice for a teenager's first phone or a reliable backup.

• Strengths: excellent battery life, big screen, decent daylight photos.
• Limits: only 4 GB of memory, slow charging (27 % in 30 minutes), and Tom's Guide recommends it only near its original price.

5. Samsung Galaxy A17 5G: the cheapest phone we recommend

About $200, or less on sale. Engadget's top cheap pick: a 6.7-inch 90 Hz OLED screen, triple rear cameras with a 50 MP main sensor, a microSD slot to add storage, and Samsung's long software support for a phone this cheap.

• Strengths: price, screen quality, expandable storage, updates.
• Limits: the Exynos 1330 chip is dated and can struggle with multitasking, according to Engadget.

6. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G: for note-takers

About $400, often on sale. The only phone here with a built-in stylus, plus a 6.7-inch screen and a 5,000 mAh battery. Engadget notes weaker cameras, slower charging and limited water protection, but if you write notes or sign documents on your phone, nothing else at this price does it.

What about an iPhone?

There is no new iPhone under $500. The cheapest current model, the iPhone 17e, costs $599.99 with 256 GB. Tom's Guide praises its A19 chip and MagSafe support, but notes a single rear camera and a 60 Hz screen. If you want an iPhone for less, consider a refurbished model; read our guide to buying a refurbished phone safely.

What to check before buying a cheap phone

• Software updates: prefer phones with at least five years of security updates. The Pixel 10a (7 years) and Samsung's A series lead here.
• Storage: 128 GB is the minimum in 2026; choose 256 GB or a microSD slot if you take many videos.
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM keeps the phone smooth for years; 4 GB is acceptable only for basic use.
• 5G and bands: check that the phone supports your carrier's network, especially for imported models.
• Water resistance: IP67 or IP68 protects against rain and accidental drops in water.
• Price history: cheap phones are often discounted. Our Black Friday 2026 guide explains how to spot real deals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best phone under $500 in 2026? The Pixel 10a for most people, thanks to its balance of camera, battery and seven years of updates.

Which cheap phone has the best battery? In reviewers' tests, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and the Moto G (2026) last the longest.

Which cheap phone has the best camera? The Pixel 10a for consistent photos; the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro if you want optical zoom.

Is it worth paying $699 for the Galaxy S26 FE instead? Only if you want a bigger screen, a 3x telephoto and faster charging; see Pixel 10a vs Galaxy S26 FE.

Are prices the same in Europe? No. Prices, models and promotions vary by country; compare local offers before buying.

Verdict

The Pixel 10a is the best phone under $500 in 2026: dependable, with a good camera, long battery life and seven years of updates. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the enthusiast's choice, with a superb screen, a real zoom and excellent battery life, if three years of Android updates are enough for you. On a tighter budget, the Moto G (2026) and Galaxy A17 5G cover the essentials, and the Galaxy A57 is worth it as soon as it drops below $500. Whatever you choose, check the years of updates: it decides how long your phone will stay safe to use.

This buying guide analyses tests and reviews published by other outlets, in our own words. RealDigitalTech did not test these phones itself. Prices are US prices at the time of writing.