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Best Smartphones Under $500: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re searching for an affordable smartphone under $500, several impressive choices await you this year. At the higher end, the Google Pixel 9a and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro stand out. For those wanting to save further while still getting good specs, consider the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and the standard Nothing Phone 3a. Additionally, the Moto G series provides solid ultra-budget alternatives. Despite their differences, a crucial aspect to consider at this price range is the processor.
Fortunately, budget processors are no longer lacking in performance, but opting for a high-quality chip remains essential. Anticipating the applications, games, and features your phone might need to accommodate in the future is wise. With software support often extending to four years or more, having the right hardware is equally important. This foresight can prevent potential monetary and usability frustrations down the road.
Here, we present the key performance specifications for some of these budget-friendly smartphones to give you a clearer picture of what to expect for your investment.
Performance Comparison
| Model | Processor | CPU | GPU | RAM | Years of Updates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9a | Tensor G4 | 1x Cortex-X4 (3.1GHz), 3x Cortex-A720 (2.6GHz), 4x Cortex-A520 (1.9GHz) | Mali-G715 7-core | 8GB | 7 | $500 |
| Galaxy A36 5G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 4x Cortex-A78 (2.4GHz), 4x Cortex-A55 (1.8GHz) | Adreno 710 | 6/8/12GB | 6 | $400 |
| Nothing Phone 3a / Pro | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | 1x Cortex-A720 (2.5GHz), 3x Cortex-A720 (2.4GHz), 4x Cortex-A520 (1.8GHz) | Adreno 710 | 8/12GB | 6 | $380 / $460 |
| Moto G / Power (2025) | Dimensity 6300 | 2x Cortex-A76 (2.4GHz), 6x Cortex-A55 (2.0GHz) | Mali-G57 2-core | 4/8GB | 2 | $200 / $300 |
The Google Pixel 9a, equipped with the flagship-level Tensor G4 processor, stands out with its exceptional capabilities. To find comparable performance in other models, one might have to look at more expensive alternatives, such as the iPhone 16e or Galaxy S24 FE. While it’s logical that a more affordable phone cannot compete at the same level as a pricier model, it raises the question of whether a budget option can provide sufficient longevity. Let’s explore the benchmarks.
The included PCMark Work 3.0 test illustrates that all four phones can adeptly handle everyday tasks, including document editing and web browsing. Even the economic Moto G manages to perform adequately for basic needs. However, the real disparities emerge under more demanding conditions, as seen in the GeekBench 6 results.
The Pixel 9a takes the lead and showcases performance benefits from its Tensor G4 chip, mirroring specifications found in the higher-end Pixel 9 Pro XL, which includes a powerful Cortex-X4 core and superior clock speeds. If you’re after top-notch performance with enduring support, the Pixel 9a is hard to surpass, despite being the most expensive option at $500.
For those planning for the long haul, considering future performance is crucial.
The Nothing Phone 3a ranks second in performance, with a well-received review supporting its capabilities. Its Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip delivers better performance than the Galaxy A36 5G, offering significant value for its price. Though it lags behind the Pixel 9a, its performance improvement—15% in single-core and 12% in multi-core scores compared to the Galaxy—might be pivotal down the road.
Feedback from our Galaxy A36 5G review highlighted that, while Samsung provides six years of software updates, the device’s performance does not seem poised to meet that long-term commitment effectively. Benchmarks reaffirm this outlook. When contrasted with the Pixel 9a, which is closely priced, it’s evident that significant performance gaps exist, showcasing why processing power matters for longevity.
The Moto G series, on the other hand, reflects the landscape of affordable smartphones—adequate but not remarkable.
Graphics performance echoes the sentiment of previous observations. The Pixel 9a significantly surpasses its competitors, offering up to 2.5 times the peak performance, making it an optimal choice for cost-conscious mobile gamers. Although Google’s chip may not dominate the premium market, the 9a certainly positions itself as a powerhouse for its price category.
The Nothing Phone 3a also excels, with its Snapdragon 7s Gen’s Adreno 710 GPU—clocked higher than that of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3—outperforming both the Galaxy A36 5G and Moto G Stylus. While it may hold up well for casual gaming today, it might struggle with graphics-intensive titles in the future. Nonetheless, its enhanced clock speed allows it to offer better performance longevity compared to its peers.
Which One Should You Buy?
While the Pixel 9a is the most powerful phone listed here, it comes with the highest price tag. With performance that often outstrips its rivals, the extra $100 can be worthwhile for a device that promises to last. For those needing to stick to a lower budget, the Nothing Phone 3a emerges as a commendable alternative. It nearly matches the performance of its Pro variant, surpasses the Galaxy A36 5G, and delivers comparable long-term software support.
However, performance may not be the sole deciding factor; each model brings unique strengths, such as the Galaxy A36 5G’s rapid charging or the advanced camera system in the 3a Pro. Should you wish to invest more, options like the OnePlus 13R or Galaxy S24 FE present near-flagship experiences, though at a cost of $600 or higher, pushing them into premium pricing. Depending on your local market, reputable brands like Xiaomi may offer competitive alternatives as well.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9a strikes a balance, delivering premium capabilities at a competitive price, making it a prime choice for budget-minded consumers.
Why purchase an inexpensive phone every few years when you can invest in a quality device that will serve you well for seven years?
The ultra-affordable Moto G and G Power haven’t been heavily emphasized here because their low-cost strategy does not stand up to premium competition. Moreover, these models only promise two years of OS upgrades, suggesting their capabilities won’t need to endure long enough before you’re eyeing an upgrade.
Yet, this reality doesn’t favor Moto, as you’d effectively need to purchase three of their models to match the support duration you could receive with a single Pixel or Nothing Phone. For the same expenditure, you could enjoy vastly superior performance today, alleviating future replacement concerns.
Certainly, the Moto G series remains appealing due to its affordability, but for long-term viability, considering the Nothing Phone 3a is advisable instead.
Nothing Phone 3a
Triple camera setup
Excellent Essential Space
Eye-catching design
11% off
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Big, bright AMOLED display
Fast wired charging
Long software support
Source
www.androidauthority.com