If you want to offer yourself a new smartphone, powerful and reliable, without going on the very high-end and the prices that go with it, a device under 500 euros is a good choice. Here are the best smartphone models under 500 euros currently available.
The top 3 best smartphones under 500 euros
If the price of smartphones continues to soar, it is around 500 euros that we find the best value for money. Processors powerful enough to play, OLED screens and fast charging are commonplace in this segment.
The compromises are mainly made on comfort functions such as waterproofing or wireless charging. Photography is also an area where we notice real differences with more expensive models, even if brands are making more and more efforts on this point. If you want to find a phone that excels in photography, Check out our selection of the best photophones of the moment.
Do you want a more general view? Take a look at our Comparison of the best smartphones in 2023. To see what is being done on the lower price range, you can turn to our Guide to smartphones under 400 euros.
Ready to explore the top of the basket on the mid-range? Here is Our selection of the best smartphones sold between 400 and 500 euros.
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9 /10
The successor of the Galaxy A53 does not disappoint, quite the contrary. This new generation simply takes the honorary title of smartphone with the best value for money available at the moment. The Samsung Galaxy A54 offers a quality design and a good grip, whatever the size of your hand.
As for its elder, the first quality of the smartphone is first housed in its screen. This is a beautiful 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel that is set up. In terms of performance, we can also note a nice refresh rate up to 120 Hz and a definition in Full HD. During our measurements, we noted a peak brightness at 1275 cd/m2. You are entitled to one of the best screen experiences for a smartphone.
One of the big strengths of this Samsung Galaxy A54 is housed in its sustainability. The range benefits from 5 years of Android updates. This is a good investment if you are looking for excellent value for money. In terms of internal power, the Exynos 1380 accompanied by 8 GB of RAM offers great performance even if the competition at the same price is sometimes better. The autonomy is able to withstand two days of use, a good performance.
In the radius of weaknesses, we can first regret a recharge not as fast as hoped. 100% is achieved in one hour and twenty minutes. Similarly, photography is good but suffers from weak points, especially at night. Facing a Pixel 6a, the phone does not hold the comparison. Sold for less than 500 euros, this Samsung smartphone is the best on this price range.
Our review of the Samsung Galaxy A54 is available to learn more.
The Nothing brand was founded by Carl Pei, former CEO of OnePlus, and aims to make a name for itself in tech with high quality products. Does the phone (1) manage to satisfy the wait generated for months? One thing is certain, this smartphone under 500 euros will not leave you insensitive.
This starts with a very original design, with this transparent back clad in LEDs and a shape resembling an iPhone. In addition to the quite remarkable design for a smartphone, the grip is also very successful. The fingerprint sensor is well located and the rear light glyphs provide real functionality. Finally, the product is IP53 certified.
The second great asset of the phone is the internal power. The phone (1) is equipped with a Snapdragon 778G + chip accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for its basic version. Despite accusations of cheating on benchmarks, the smartphone can run demanding software such as Genshin Impact or Fortnite. The autonomy is also convincing, offering a full day of use.
For the rest, some concessions are to be noted. On paper, you are entitled to a beautiful 6.55-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh. It can cover all uses, but some inconveniences are to be noted. The brightness at 652 cd / m² is a little low compared to what is done on the market …
Finally, on the photo part, the phone (1) is equipped with a dual sensor of 50 megapixels. The main lens is quite gifted and has the ability to recover a lot of details. The Glyph at the back allows to vary the lighting, Like a Ring Light. However, we would have liked a night mode a little faster.
To learn more about this smartphone, We advise you to read our complete test.
Vivo V23
Vivo’s balanced proposal
Within the catalog Vivo smartphones, the all-new V23 is in line with the V21 with a few additional additions. In this case, it is the design part that shines, literally, following the exposure of its hull to UV. As for the shape, the phone takes the lines of an iPhone 13.
For its entry price, the Vivo V23 internal power is provided by a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chip, but also 12 GB of RAM memory. This configuration is very effective for everyday software, but also for mobile games. Above all, the computing power allowed allows the smartphone to be flexible on photo processing.
Indeed, as with its predecessor, the V23 has received special attention when it comes to photography. The selfie part is provided by a dual sensor put forward with a 50-megapixel lens. Several software are available such as setting up filters to help you. The dorsal slope is of good quality even if the result does not raise the crowds.
One last point on the 6.44-inch AMOLED touch screen that equips the Vivo V23. It has a resolution in Full HD +, as well as an adaptive refresh oscillating between 60 and 90 Hz. For less than 500 euros, it offers good performance, especially for those who enjoy photography.
Read our full review of the Vivo V23 to learn more.
7 /10
For 2023, Xiaomi has released a new line of Redmi Note products. The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus is the most premium of them. Offered at 499 euros, it is a balanced device that has many strengths. Its technical sheet is important enough to be attractive in terms of value for money.
In the benefits component, several things are interesting, starting with a very nice 6.67-inch Oled slab at 120 Hz. It offers a definition in Full HD, but above all a fairly good calibration. During our measurements, the peak brightness at 799 cd / m2 and a nice Delta E. This is one of the best possible experiences for a smartphone under 500 euros.
In terms of performance, the Dimensity 1020 chip offers a fairly flawless overall operation. Above all, the 120W charge provided in the box allows you to be at 100% in less than half an hour. In terms of endurance, the phone is able to cash in a day and a half. Again for less than 500 euros, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus is interesting.
However, the phone boasts of a 200-megapixel sensor. In itself, photography is good, but the main objective does not bring anything and especially turns out to be capricious as soon as the conditions are not met. Similarly, MIUI software is interesting on a daily basis, but has too much slag to be fluid. In terms of quality / price ratio, its placement at 499 euros still makes it quite disappointing against the competition. If you hesitate and want more details, go to our complete review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus.
7 /10
The long-awaited iPhone SE 2022 is the power of an iPhone 13 in the body of an iPhone 8. In other words, it is a product that is both efficient and particularly compact. In fact, it is even one of the latest smartphones under 5 inches that can be found on the market. The counterpart is therefore a small screen, only 4.7 inches, which obviously does not make it ideal for consuming video… but allows it to fit in the pocket without problem. On the other hand, in terms of design, the iPhone SE is no longer up to date and this may put off more than one.
Since it is an iPhone, you will find all the joys of Apple’s ecosystem, iOS in mind. Its simple 12 Mpx photo sensor will not allow it to compete with the other smartphones in this selection, it must be admitted. The Apple terminal is however suitable on autonomy, thanks to the optimization of iOS.
Among the other strengths of the terminal, we can mention the waterproofing. It is also one of the only waterproof phones of its category, and that’s a real plus. Former iPhone users will also have the joy of finding the fingerprint sensor built into the physical “Home” button. The counterpart is the presence of wide borders… In 2022, it’s an undeniably dated design.
We recommend the iPhone SE 2022 for people who don’t want or can’t do without iOS and the Apple ecosystem — be aware, however, that at the same price, there is clearly better side Android.
Be careful, however, this iPhone is offered at 529 euros in 64 GB, so we advise you to wait for a promotion to take full advantage of it and go under the bar of 500 euros.
You will find all the details in our review of the iPhone SE 2022.
You should also be aware that theiPhone 11 is always offered in new, at 529 euros in its 64 GB version. It is also a small format (6.1 inches), and a great choice for iOS enthusiasts.
And the Google Pixel 7a?
For the moment, the excellent Pixel 7a from Google is sold at 509 euros. It is therefore above the fateful bar. But if you are willing to extend your budget a little, this is a very good choice. There is also no doubt that its price will drop in the coming months — you can also choose to be patient. We will really integrate it into this selection when it is the case!
Why choose it? The Pixel 7a is an excellent mid-range smartphone with a compact format (6.1-inch Oled screen), an efficient chip (Tensor), impressive photo capabilities and the famous Pixel Experience. An almost faultless for Google. Find the full Pixel 7a review to make up your mind.
Things to know before buying a smartphone for less than 500 euros
What can you do with a smartphone for less than 500 euros?
If you are willing to put this price, it is because you want to get a quasi-premium smartphone, in any case that is as close as possible to a so-called high-end experience. These devices will generally boast a technical sheet close to those sold at double their price. Power, photo performance and autonomy are generally at the rendezvous to meet all the needs of their users.
What concessions do I have to make at this price?
Just a few. Smartphones in this price range are considered almost high-end, but affordable phones. This is not the case for all references, but it is not uncommon to find the small features reserved for models at the top of the basket, such as IP certification, an efficient fast charging system, or compatibility with wireless charging. They are also good at photography, but you should know that they will not reach the quality of the flagships of the market — even if they come very close. In addition, the design, materials and finishes can be a notch below what is done above 600 euros.
If you want really high-end services at 500 euros, our advice is also to turn to Refurbished smartphones.
What are the trustmarks?
Champions under 500 euros vary more often than on slices more premium, you can’t always trust a brand. It is therefore advisable to refer to the regularly updated buying guides, like ours. That being said, Xiaomi and Samsung are regularly featured in our selections. Overall, these are two reliable brands.
Which plan should I choose to save money after buying my smartphone?
Buying a smartphone from this price bracket is an investment. To save money, we recommend that you choose your package by including the non-binding offers of the various French operators. Find the best prices of the moment thanks to our Mobile plan comparator.
Depending on your budget, do not hesitate to consult our guide to High-end smartphones.
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