What I’m Looking For
Strong Software Support
At least a couple of years of OS upgrades and, ideally, three years of security updates. There’s no point in buying even a cheap phone if you have to replace it after just a couple of years because it stopped getting security patches.
A Good Screen
Since you look at it roughly two thousand times a day, your phone’s screen is one place you shouldn’t compromise. An OLED has richer contrast and color than an LCD, and the big screens on today’s phones really need at least a 1080p resolution. Faster refresh rates like 90Hz and even 120Hz are becoming more common on budget phone screens, but for my money, a smooth-scrolling LCD doesn’t look as nice as an OLED with a standard refresh rate.
Serviceable Storage Space
If you plan to hang onto your phone for a while, you’ll want enough storage space to accommodate all the system files, photos, and videos you’ll accumulate over the years. Ideally, you’ll get at least 128GB built-in, but at a minimum, I look for 64GB with the option to expand space via a MicroSD card.
One Good Rear Camera, Not Four Mediocre Ones
Upgrades like telephoto cameras and optical image stabilization are rare in the under-$500 class, but you can still expect good, basic performance in good lighting from any modern smartphone. Low light is trickier. Phones in this class should offer a night mode to help with non-moving subjects in very dim light. And there are no bonus points awarded for adding extra macro and depth cameras to pad out the rear camera array – those 2- and 5-megapixel sensors are pretty much useless.
The Best iPhone Under $500
The A35 5G comes with a water-resistance rating and software support policy that are unusually strong for its class. Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge
Unfortunately, the camera is lackluster; it’s fine in bright light but struggles in dim and mixed indoor lighting. It doesn’t have the strongest processing performance you can find under $500, either, and the Samsung-made Exynos processor occasionally stutters when quickly bouncing between tasks. I was horrified – horrified! – when I accidentally texted my husband one of the automatically generated replies because it popped up at the last moment as I was trying to tap on something else. These things don’t happen when everything loads quickly.
But overall, it’s a compelling package – especially with a big, crowd-pleasing OLED display and strong battery performance. If you’re a light user and not fussy about camera quality, the A35 5G offers some upgrades that make a real difference in the long term.
Other Budget Phones We Tested
The 2024 Motorola Moto G Power has all the makings of a good budget phone, including a lovely vegan leather exterior and wireless charging. But it’s loaded with bloatware of the worst kind, and that alone disqualifies it from our recommendations. Read our impressions.
We also tested the OnePlus Nord N300, which doesn’t make an appearance among our recommendations. The N300 is very affordable at $228 but cuts too many corners to include fast charging. The pricier 12R that snags our recommendation above offers much better overall performance. Read our review.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is another perfectly capable phone that doesn’t quite earn a recommendation here. It’s a little outside the scope of this guide at $649 anyway, but you do get a telephoto lens and a nice, big screen for that price. Still, you’re better off saving a bunch and picking up the Pixel 8A or trying to score a trade-in promo for the new Galaxy S25. Read our review.
Finally, if you’re looking for something quite different, the Nothing Phone 2 is an option with its sleek appearance and flashy interface (literally, it flashes) – just know that it’s not fully compatible with Verizon’s network.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a budget phone, you don’t have to sacrifice too much to get a good one. With a little compromise, you can get a phone that will serve you well for years to come. Look for a phone with a good screen, strong software support, and enough storage space, and you’ll be set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key features to look for in a budget phone?
A: Look for a phone with a good screen, strong software support, and enough storage space.
Q: What are some compromises I can expect to make with a budget phone?
A: You may have to compromise on camera quality, processing power, and additional features like wireless charging or water resistance.
Q: Can I get a good budget phone for under $500?
A: Yes, there are many good options available for under $500. Look for phones with a good screen, strong software support, and enough storage space.
Q: What is the best budget phone for someone who is a light user?
A: For a light user, the A35 5G is a good option. It has a big, crowd-pleasing OLED display and strong battery performance, and it’s a great value for the price.
