Stop Overpaying: Best Smartphones Under $500 in 2025

In 2025, the display is a critical factor in choosing a smartphone, as it directly impacts user experience. The Google Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch Actua OLED display with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, providing exceptional clarity even in bright sunlight. Its 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth transitions, although it has large bezels. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers a larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, also 120Hz, but with a slightly lower peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) expands further with a 6.7-inch pOLED screen, providing vibrant color reproduction. OnePlus 12R's LTPO 4.0 AMOLED display with dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 4,500 nits stands out for its adaptability and extreme brightness. Each design choice, from the Pixel 8a's compact frame to the OnePlus 12R's larger dimensions, affects portability and user preference.

Processing power is a cornerstone of smartphone performance. The Google Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset, which excels in AI-driven tasks. Samsung's Galaxy A35 5G uses the Exynos 1380, a 5nm octa-core processor, ensuring efficient multitasking. The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) utilizes the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, offering balanced performance with a focus on battery efficiency. OnePlus 12R, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, delivers flagship-level performance at a lower price point, making it ideal for heavy applications and gaming. Apple's iPhone 14, with its A15 Bionic chip, continues to provide robust performance, leveraging its 5-core GPU for graphic-intensive tasks. Each processor offers a unique balance between performance and energy efficiency, influencing overall user experience.

Battery life and charging speed are pivotal in daily smartphone usage. The OnePlus 12R leads with a 5,500mAh battery and 80W fast charging, ideal for users who need quick top-ups. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Moto g stylus 5G (2024) both offer solid 5,000mAh batteries, though the Moto g stands out with both 30W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities. The Pixel 8a, while having a smaller 4,492mAh battery, supports wireless charging, a rare feature at this price point. Apple's iPhone 14, with a 3,279mAh battery, efficiently manages power with up to 20 hours of video playback, thanks to its optimized software. Charging technologies vary, affecting how quickly users can return to full power, crucial for those on the go.

Camera quality remains a key consideration for smartphone buyers. The Google Pixel 8a features a 64MP main camera with Quad PD AF and OIS, capturing detailed images with excellent low-light performance. Samsung's Galaxy A35 5G offers a 50MP main camera with OIS, providing stable and sharp photos. The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) includes a 50MP camera with Ultra Pixel technology, enhancing detail capture. OnePlus 12R's camera system features a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, delivering impressive image quality. The iPhone 14's 12MP dual camera system, while lower in resolution, benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine, enhancing low-light performance. Each camera setup offers unique strengths, from high resolutions to advanced stabilization, catering to diverse photographic needs.