A selection of the best unlocked phones available under $500.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a reliable and versatile smartphone is essential. But with so many options available, finding the perfect device that fits your budget and needs can be overwhelming. Especially when you’re looking for an unlocked phone that gives you the freedom to choose your carrier and plan.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a powerful and feature-rich phone, then you’re in luck! There are a number of excellent unlocked smartphones available for under $500 that offer impressive performance, stunning displays, and long-lasting battery life.
This article will delve into the top three unlocked phones under $500, each offering unique features and benefits to cater to different user preferences. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or simply looking for a solid daily driver, we’ve got you covered.
So buckle up, as we embark on a journey to discover the best unlocked phone under $500 that will empower you with the flexibility to choose your own path in the mobile world.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Pixel 6a |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G |  |
3.9 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a is a great option for those who want a pure Android experience with excellent camera quality. It's a smaller and more affordable alternative to the Pixel 6, offering a great value proposition.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4410mAh
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent camera quality: The Pixel 6a has a fantastic camera system that consistently produces great photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Pure Android experience: It runs a clean version of Android with no bloatware, and you'll get the latest updates quickly.
- Affordable price: It's a great value for money, offering a lot of features and performance for its price point.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited storage: Only comes with 128GB of storage, which may be insufficient for some users.
- No expandable storage: There's no microSD card slot for additional storage.
- No wireless charging: This feature is missing, which could be a dealbreaker for some users.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality and a clean Android experience.
- You're looking for a phone under $500.
- You don't need a ton of storage space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging capabilities.
- You need a high refresh rate display.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6a is a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone with an excellent camera at a reasonable price. If you prioritize photography and a clean Android experience, the Pixel 6a excels. However, its limited storage options and lack of expandable storage or wireless charging may be dealbreakers for some users. If these features are important to you, consider exploring other alternatives within the same price range.
Read more about this on 15 Best Budget Phone Under $500: Affordable Quality
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Find more on 16 Best Phone Under $500 AUD: Australian Market
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The Galaxy A53 5G is a great choice for those who want a phone with a long-lasting battery, a beautiful display, and a decent camera system. It's also a great value for money, offering a lot of features for its price.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth
- Battery: 5000mAh
Reasons to buy:
- Long-lasting battery: The Galaxy A53 5G has a large battery that easily lasts for a full day, even with heavy use.
- Beautiful display: It has a vibrant and sharp Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Decent camera system: The camera system is capable of taking good photos and videos in most lighting conditions.
Reasons to avoid:
- Processor performance: The Exynos 1280 processor may not be as powerful as some other phones in this price range.
- No headphone jack: The Galaxy A53 5G doesn't have a headphone jack, which may be an inconvenience for some users.
- Software updates: Software updates may not be as frequent or as long-lasting as some other brands.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize a long-lasting battery.
- You want a beautiful and vibrant display.
- You're looking for a phone with a decent camera system.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the most powerful processor.
- You want a phone with a headphone jack.
- You need the latest software updates for an extended period.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a great option for those who are looking for a well-rounded phone with a long-lasting battery, a beautiful display, and a solid camera experience. It offers a great value for money and is a good choice for users who don't need the absolute top-of-the-line performance. However, its processor performance and lack of a headphone jack may be drawbacks for some. It's also important to consider that its software update cycle may be shorter compared to other brands. If these factors are a concern, you may want to consider other alternatives.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who want a phone with a large display, a long-lasting battery, and 5G connectivity. It's a solid choice for everyday use and is particularly appealing to those on a tighter budget.
You can find more information on 16 Best 5G Phone Under $500: Updated List
Specifications:
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP monochrome
- Battery: 4500mAh
Reasons to buy:
- Large display: The Nord N20 5G has a large 6.49-inch display, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games.
- Long-lasting battery: It has a large battery that easily lasts for a full day, even with moderate use.
- 5G connectivity: The Nord N20 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds.
Reasons to avoid:
- Camera quality: The camera system is not as impressive as some other phones in this price range.
- No wireless charging: It doesn't support wireless charging, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Limited software updates: It's unclear how long OnePlus will support the Nord N20 5G with software updates.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You want a phone with a large display.
- You prioritize a long-lasting battery.
- You want 5G connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality.
- You need wireless charging capabilities.
- You need a phone with a long software update cycle.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a great budget-friendly option for those seeking a phone with a large display, a long-lasting battery, and 5G connectivity. It's a solid choice for everyday use and offers a lot of value for its price. However, its camera system may not be as impressive as some other phones in this price range, and it lacks wireless charging capabilities. Additionally, it's unclear how long OnePlus will support the Nord N20 5G with software updates, which could be a concern for some. If you prioritize camera quality, wireless charging, and long-term software support, you may want to consider other options within this price range.
So, there you have it! Three great unlocked phones under $500, each offering a unique combination of features and benefits. Whether you prioritize performance, photography, or a sleek design, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Read more about this on 7 Best Android Phones Under $500 in 2024
Remember, an unlocked phone gives you the freedom to choose your own carrier and plan, allowing you to tailor your mobile experience to your specific preferences. With a little research and consideration, you can easily find a device that meets your requirements and enhances your mobile experience.
The world of unlocked phones is constantly evolving, with new models and innovations emerging regularly. Keep an eye out for future releases and stay informed about the latest trends in mobile technology.
Ultimately, the best unlocked phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. So, take your time, explore your options, and choose the phone that empowers you to connect, create, and explore with ease and confidence.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem