Best Phones Under $500
5 min · Updated July 2026
Shopping for a phone under $500 in 2026 gives you plenty of solid options. You can get a new mid-range phone with a great display and long battery life, or step up to a refurbished flagship with better cameras and performance. We have ranked the best picks from our catalog to help you decide based on what matters most to you.
Our picks
Samsung
Galaxy A56
$449New
Samsung
Galaxy A56
New
$449
Refurb
$379
Used
$329
The Galaxy A56 is our top pick for most people. It has a vibrant 6.7 inch 120Hz display, a large 5000mAh battery, and solid performance from the Exynos 1580 chip. The 50MP main camera takes good photos in good light, and the ultrawide is useful for group shots. It also gets four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. At $449 new, it offers the best balance of features and value under $500.
- 6.7 inch Super AMOLED 120Hz
- 5000 mAh battery
- 50MP + 12MP + 5MP cameras
- Exynos 1580 chipset
Pros
- +Vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display with high peak brightness
- +Smooth performance from Exynos 1580
Cons
- −No microSD card slot
Samsung
Galaxy S22
$449New
Samsung
Galaxy S22
New
$449
Refurb
$329
Used
$279
If you want a compact phone with flagship cameras, the Galaxy S22 is a great choice. It has a 6.1 inch 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a 3x telephoto lens for zoom shots. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip delivers fast performance. However, the 3700mAh battery is smaller, so battery life is average. You can find it refurbished for around $329 or new for $449. It is a good pick if camera quality is your priority.
- 6.1 inch Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz
- 3700 mAh battery
- 50MP + 12MP + 10MP cameras
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Pros
- +Compact and lightweight design
- +Excellent main camera performance
Cons
- −Below-average battery life
Samsung
Galaxy A55
$399New
Samsung
Galaxy A55
New
$399
Refurb
$329
Used
$279
The Galaxy A55 is a well rounded mid ranger with an aluminum frame and a 6.6 inch 120Hz display. Its Exynos 1480 chip handles daily tasks smoothly, and the 5000mAh battery lasts all day. The 50MP main camera is decent, and the 12MP ultrawide is better than the A35's 8MP. It is priced at $399 new, making it a solid alternative if the A56 is out of stock or you prefer a slightly smaller screen.
- 6.6 inch Super AMOLED 120Hz
- 5000 mAh battery
- 50MP + 12MP + 5MP cameras
- Exynos 1480 chipset
Pros
- +Premium aluminum frame and glass design
- +Bright and smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
Cons
- −Charging speed limited to 25W
Samsung
Galaxy A35
$299New
Samsung
Galaxy A35
New
$299
Refurb
$229
Used
$199
The Galaxy A35 is a good budget option at $299 new. It has a 6.6 inch 120Hz display and a 5000mAh battery, so you get a smooth screen and long battery life for less. The Exynos 1380 chip is fine for everyday use, but the cameras are average, especially the ultrawide. If you are on a tight budget and want a new phone with a great display, the A35 is a solid choice.
- 6.6 inch Super AMOLED 120Hz
- 5000 mAh battery
- 50MP + 8MP + 5MP cameras
- Exynos 1380 chipset
Pros
- +Bright and smooth 120Hz display
- +Excellent battery life
Cons
- −Average camera performance in low light
Samsung
Galaxy A36
$349New
Samsung
Galaxy A36
New
$349
Refurb
$279
Used
$249
The Galaxy A36 is a minor upgrade over the A35 with a slightly larger 6.7 inch display and faster 45W charging. It uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, which performs similarly to the Exynos 1380. At $349 new, it is a good option if you want the latest A series features, but the A35 offers better value if you can find it on sale.
- 6.7 inch Super AMOLED 120Hz
- 5000 mAh battery
- 50MP + 8MP + 5MP cameras
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
Pros
- +Vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- +Excellent battery life with 45W fast charging
Cons
- −No microSD card slot
Buying advice
When choosing a phone under $500, focus on the display quality, battery life, and software support. A 120Hz screen makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. A battery of 4500mAh or more will easily last a full day. Look for at least three years of OS updates. If you want the best cameras, consider a refurbished flagship like the Galaxy S22. For a new phone with long battery life, the Galaxy A56 is a great choice. Always check the current price, as deals can vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a good camera phone under $500?+
Yes. The Galaxy S22 refurbished offers a 50MP main camera with a 3x telephoto lens, which takes excellent photos. The Galaxy A56 also has a capable 50MP camera with a 12MP ultrawide. For the best camera quality, go with the S22.
Which phone under $500 has the best battery life?+
The Galaxy A56, A55, A36, and A35 all have 5000mAh batteries that easily last a full day. The A56 and A36 also support 45W fast charging, so they charge faster. The Galaxy S22 has a smaller 3700mAh battery and will need a midday top up for heavy users.
Is it better to buy a new mid range phone or a refurbished flagship under $500?+
It depends on your priorities. A new mid range phone like the Galaxy A56 gives you a fresh battery, longer software support, and a larger display. A refurbished flagship like the Galaxy S22 offers better cameras, a more premium build, and a compact size. If you want the best cameras and don't mind a smaller battery, go refurbished. If you want long battery life and the latest features, go new.
Do these phones support 5G?+
Yes, all the phones in this list support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A35, A36, A55, A56, and S22 all have 5G modems.
How long will these phones get software updates?+
Samsung promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the Galaxy A56, A55, A36, and A35. The Galaxy S22 launched with Android 12 and will get up to Android 16 with security updates until 2027. For the longest support, choose the A56 or A55.
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