Joe Mark / Android Authority
The phones we all want to talk the most are incredibly expensive. Base Galaxy S. 25 starts at $ 800, while the Ultra Launch took place at 3,300. Pixel 9 also goes to $ 800, and you will need at least $ 1,100 for the XL model. It’s a lot of money.
And don’t even start me on a foldable. The Pixel 9 Pro Folds goes to 8,800, while the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 costs $ 2,000.
I like technology, especially phones, but I’m not paying so much for my next device. I don’t need to spend more than $ 500, and I think it’s for other people – why it is here.
How much do you spend while buying a new phone?
804 votes
Not more than $ 300
26 %
close to Around 500
42 %
Max $ 800
16 %
Up to $ 1,000
9 %
Over $ 1,000
7 %
More than enough power
Ryan Hans / Android Authority
You don’t have to spend a break -free experience on the phone. These days, most of the medium -sized phones are higher than enough power for the majority of consumers.
Right now the phone pixel in the upper part of my list is 9A. It comes in $ 500 and packs Tancer G4 under the hood, which is the same SOC that you get in the rest of the Pixel 9 – which includes $ 1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Folds. Make 8 GB Ram, this phone will handle everything I need and even more.
The same is the case with some other phones in this price limit. Among them are the Galaxy S24, One Plus 13R, nothing but the phone 3A Pro, and even some who are currently not available in the United States like Xumi 14 T and Galaxy A56. Some of them were started slightly more than my budget, but often sales and can also come about $ 500 when shopping around.
The cameras are still very good
Ryan Hans / Android Authority
I am not a great fond of photography, but I still admire a camera that can capture great images. The $ 500 pixel 9A is found in the area, which offers two sensors in the back that perform well in the light of day and when the limited lights are available. This setup is with the features of Google AI, including the magic editor, which can get rid of unwanted people and items from my shots.
Pixel 9A offers an intuitive camera interface and packs many methods of shooting.
My colleague Ryan tested and affected the Pixel 9A cameras. He said he acts very well on the image, offers a simple, intuitive camera interface, and packs many ways of shooting.
I’ve played with Pixel 9A myself, as well as Samsung and various Chinese brands under $ 500 as well as many mid -Rangers, and compared to the price tag when I was always affected by the quality of the icon. Certainly, I can lose some features that I get with more premium phones and probably have to do with two instead of three rear cameras, but this is the thing I can live with if it means to save a lot of money.
Software update promise is no change
Mashal Rehman / Android Authority
The thing I care more about buying a new phone is software support. The good news is that many $ 500 phones offer the same software pledge that costs $ 2,000.
Pixel 9A, for example, has been promised seven years OS and security updates, which are like the rest of the Pixel 9 series. The story is similar to the Galaxy S24 per, while the Galaxy A56 falls for six years, which is still good enough because I will upgrade my phone anyway.
The only potential error with Samsung phones is that the updates may sometimes take a while. When Samsung begins sending the latest version of Android, the premium phones get them first before putting them around the $ 500 mark. In this case, Pixel 9A has a better option as it gets the latest version of Android in the first day, along with the remaining supported pixel phones.
Plenty of premium properties
Ryan Hans / Android Authority
Just because I don’t spend more than $ 500 on the phone, it doesn’t mean that I will not find any of the premium features available on the flagship phone.
Some mid -Rangers come with IP rating and wireless charging.
Certainly, the quality of construction can be slightly low premiums, as the price range usually contains plastic back instead of glasses. However, many of them come with the IP rating that will protect the device from water and dust. It also includes Pixel 9A, which also supports wireless charging. Then there is a 120 -he feet display for a smooth view experience.
Samsung’s S24 also packs all these features, while A56 has wireless charging, with which I can live. Nothing, cheap phones like Phone 3A Pro make extra sacrifices, such as droping water resistance from IP68 to IP64, which means they can only handle water sprinkles.
Battery life sometimes improves
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
You think the battery life of a cheap phone will be worse and worse, but you will be wrong. It is equal in most cases, and in some even better.
Let’s take your favorite budget phone, Pixel 9A, as an example. It plays 6.3 inch display and 5,100mAh battery. For reference, the more expensive pixel comes with a single display size and a small 4,700 mAh battery.
Then the premium pixel is 9 Pro XL, with a large screen 6.8 inches but still plays a small battery in 5,060mah. And considering that this phone has more power under the hood, which takes its toll on the battery, the pixel 9A comes at the top as a better option for battery life. Great battery life is a great smartphone pillar, and you don’t have to spend the phone on a grand.
As you were probably able to say, I’m looking at Pixel 9A’s eyes like my next phone. It has everything I need $ 500, and it really seems that I will not make much sacrifice than being a flagship, which is the least double price. Of course, your mileage can be different because we all have different desires and needs.
In addition to Pixel 9A, I would be happy with S24 FE if I could sell it for about $ 500. Samsung is currently selling it in 5 525, so it is technically only a small than my price limit. Then there is A56, which is also a terrific phone, but it is not yet available in the United States. I am from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, though, I can easily pick up one.
I think the average user will be happy with the phones of brands like One Plus, and Xiaomi, which does not cost their arm and leg. But to me, I will stick to one of the pixels or galaxies because of the software experience and update promise, as well as the rest of the features I value.
What do you think about? Which phone will you consider buying under $ 500? Tell me in the comments.
