Looking for a new iPhone without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! The iPhone market is more competitive than ever, with a range of excellent models available for under $500. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 iPhones that offer a fantastic balance of performance, features, and affordability. Whether you’re a casual user, a mobile gamer, or someone seeking a reliable everyday phone, there’s an iPhone on this list that fits your needs.
We’ve carefully considered factors such as processing power, display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, and software updates to identify the best value options. Our selections cater to various preferences, from those who prioritize a smooth user experience to those who value a great camera or a long-lasting battery.
While it’s true that flagship iPhones pack the latest and greatest technology, these sub-$500 models offer a surprisingly impressive user experience. You can still enjoy the familiar iOS interface, access to a vast app ecosystem, and the peace of mind that comes with Apple’s robust security features.
Ready to discover your perfect iPhone under $500? Let’s dive in!
Find more on 20 Best Mobile Phone Under $500 AED 2024
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Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly phone that packs a punch with its impressive camera and sleek design. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, a powerful Tensor processor, and a 4,410mAh battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Main Camera: 12.2MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide)
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 4,410mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance, especially for photos and videos.
- Clean and fast software experience with Google's Android.
- Durable and stylish design.
- Affordable price.
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage.
- Not the most powerful phone in this price range.
- No telephoto lens.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize camera performance and a clean software experience.
- You're looking for a phone with a good battery life.
- You're on a budget and want a phone that feels premium.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You want the most powerful phone available.
- You need a phone with a telephoto lens.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6a is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a great camera phone at a budget-friendly price. Its camera performance is top-notch, and the clean and fast software experience is a major plus. While it doesn't have a telephoto lens or expandable storage, the Pixel 6a still offers a great value for the money. If you're looking for a phone that delivers excellent image quality, snappy performance, and a long-lasting battery, the Pixel 6a should be at the top of your list.
Read more on 20 Best Phone Under $500 in New Zealand: 2024 Edition
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone with a beautiful display, great battery life, and a versatile camera system. It's known for its water-resistant design and long-lasting software support.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Main Camera: 64MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) + 5MP (depth)
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Stunning display with a high refresh rate.
- Excellent battery life.
- Versatile camera system with a wide range of features.
- Water-resistant design.
- Long software support.
Reasons to avoid :
- Performance can sometimes lag.
- No expandable storage.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize a beautiful display and long battery life.
- You want a phone with a versatile camera system.
- You want a phone with long software support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with the fastest performance.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a great balance of features and performance. Its beautiful display, long battery life, and versatile camera system make it a compelling choice for users who want a premium experience without breaking the bank. While it doesn't offer the fastest performance or expandable storage, it's still a solid option for anyone who prioritizes a great screen, long battery life, and a dependable camera.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Find more on 32 Best Phone Under $500 in 2024
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a budget-friendly phone that focuses on delivering a smooth and responsive experience. It features a large display, a powerful processor, and fast charging capabilities.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Smooth and responsive performance.
- Large and vibrant display.
- Fast charging capabilities.
- Affordable price.
Reasons to avoid :
- No telephoto lens.
- Camera performance is not as good as some competitors.
- No expandable storage.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a smooth and responsive phone with a large display.
- You want a phone with fast charging capabilities.
- You're on a tight budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize camera performance.
- You want a phone with a telephoto lens.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a great option for budget-minded consumers who want a phone with a smooth and responsive experience, a large display, and fast charging capabilities. While the camera performance isn't as good as some competitors, and it lacks a telephoto lens and expandable storage, the Nord N30 5G still offers a lot of value for the money. If you're looking for a phone that prioritizes performance and value, the Nord N30 5G is worth considering.
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a compact and powerful phone that packs the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 series. It features a familiar design with a home button and Touch ID.
Specifications :
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD, 750 x 1334 pixels
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
- Main Camera: 12MP (wide)
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: 2,018mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip.
- Excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Compact and durable design.
- Long software support.
Reasons to avoid :
- Small display size.
- No telephoto lens.
- Limited camera features compared to other iPhones.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a powerful phone with a compact design.
- You prefer the familiar home button and Touch ID.
- You prioritize performance over a large display.
- You want a phone with long software support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a large display.
- You want a phone with a telephoto lens.
- You need a phone with a versatile camera system.
Bottom Line:
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a great option for users who want a powerful phone in a compact form factor. Its A15 Bionic chip delivers incredible performance, and its durable design ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) also comes with the promise of long software support, ensuring you'll have access to the latest updates for years to come. However, the phone's small display size and limited camera features might be a dealbreaker for some users. If you prioritize a compact design and powerful performance, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a solid choice.
Motorola Edge 30
The Motorola Edge 30 is a stylish and powerful phone with a curved OLED display and a fast refresh rate. It features a capable camera system and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 1080 x 2460 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth)
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 4,020mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish design with a curved OLED display.
- Fast refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Capable camera system with a wide range of features.
- Long battery life.
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage.
- No telephoto lens.
- Can get hot during intense use.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a stylish phone with a beautiful display.
- You want a phone with a fast refresh rate for a smooth experience.
- You need a phone with a good battery life.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You want a phone with a telephoto lens.
- You're concerned about the phone getting hot during intense use.
Bottom Line:
The Motorola Edge 30 is a stylish and powerful phone that offers a great display, fast performance, and a capable camera system. Its curved OLED display with a fast refresh rate delivers a smooth and immersive viewing experience, while the long-lasting battery ensures you can use the phone throughout the day without worrying about running out of juice. While it lacks a telephoto lens and expandable storage, the Edge 30 still provides excellent value for the money. If you're looking for a phone that combines style, performance, and battery life, the Motorola Edge 30 is a great option.
Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a is the latest addition to Google's budget-friendly Pixel lineup. It features a powerful Tensor G2 processor, a superb camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Main Camera: 64MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide)
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 4,385mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance, especially for photos and videos.
- Powerful Tensor G2 processor for smooth and fast performance.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Clean and fast software experience with Google's Android.
- Affordable price.
Reasons to avoid :
- No telephoto lens.
- No expandable storage.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize camera performance and a clean software experience.
- You want a phone with a long-lasting battery.
- You're looking for a phone with a powerful processor for smooth performance.
- You're on a budget and want a phone that feels premium.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You want a phone with a telephoto lens.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 7a is a phenomenal phone that offers an incredible combination of performance, camera quality, and affordability. It boasts a powerful Tensor G2 processor, a superb camera system, and a long-lasting battery, all wrapped in a sleek and stylish design. The Pixel 7a truly delivers the Google experience at an affordable price. If you're looking for a phone that excels in camera performance, software experience, and overall value, the Pixel 7a is a top contender.
Explore further with 15 Best Phone Under $500 in Australia: 2024 Guide
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a mid-range phone that focuses on delivering a great value for the money. It features a large display, a capable camera system, and long battery life.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Main Camera: 48MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Large and vibrant display with a high refresh rate.
- Capable camera system with a wide range of features.
- Long battery life.
- Affordable price.
- Water-resistant design.
Reasons to avoid :
- No telephoto lens.
- No expandable storage.
- Not the most powerful phone in this price range.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize a large display and long battery life.
- You want a phone with a good camera system.
- You're on a budget and want a phone with a premium design.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with the fastest performance.
- You need a phone with expandable storage.
- You want a phone with a telephoto lens.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a solid mid-range phone that delivers great value for the money. It boasts a beautiful display, a capable camera system, long battery life, and a premium design, all at a price that's easy on the wallet. While it doesn't offer the fastest performance or expandable storage, the A34 5G is still a fantastic option for budget-minded consumers who want a phone with a great screen, long battery life, and a dependable camera.
Finding a great iPhone under $500 is easier than you might think. While the latest flagship models are undoubtedly tempting, these budget-friendly options offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and affordability. Whether you're a first-time iPhone user, looking for an upgrade, or just want a reliable phone without breaking the bank, this list has something for everyone.
Remember that your needs and priorities will ultimately determine the best iPhone for you. Consider factors like screen size, camera quality, battery life, and storage capacity before making your final decision.
If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to check out user reviews and comparisons online. You can also visit your nearest Apple Store or carrier for hands-on experience with the models on this list.
With so many excellent options available, you can find the perfect iPhone for your budget without compromising on quality.
Read more about this on 25 Best Smart Phone Under $500: Comprehensive Guide
Amira 
Mohammed