Top 10 Budget Smartphones Under $500

Here’s a list of Top 10 Budget Smartphones Under $500 providing excellent performance, features, and value.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro

Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 108MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
US Price: $250
Malaysia Price: RM 1,099
Website: Xiaomi Official
Why Buy: Offers flagship-level 108MP camera and a smooth display with fast charging at an affordable price.

2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Exynos 1380
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh with 25W fast charging
US Price: $349
Malaysia Price: RM 1,499
Website: Samsung Official
Why Buy: Great display quality, long-term software updates, and a solid camera setup.

3. Realme Narzo 60 Pro

Display: 6.6-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 64MP main + 2MP depth sensor
Battery: 5000mAh with 33W charging
US Price: $229
Malaysia Price: RM 1,099
Website: Realme Official
Why Buy: Affordable, solid performance, and good camera for the price.

4. Motorola Moto G73 5G

Display: 6.5-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 930
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide
Battery: 5000mAh with 30W charging
US Price: $220
Malaysia Price: RM 999
Website: Motorola Official
Why Buy: Clean Android experience, great battery life, and solid performance for the price.

5. OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM & Storage: 8GB/128GB
Cameras: 108MP main + 2MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh with 50W fast charging
US Price: $299
Malaysia Price: RM 1,299
Website: OnePlus Official
Why Buy: Great for gaming, photography, and multitasking, with excellent value.

6. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
Processor: Exynos 1280
RAM & Storage: Up to 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh
US Price: $199
Malaysia Price: RM 1,099
Website: Samsung Official
Why Buy: Excellent value with a good display, camera, and performance for the price.

7. Poco X5 Pro

Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 108MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
US Price: $299
Malaysia Price: RM 1,199
Website: Poco Official
Why Buy: Offers high performance with great camera features, making it a solid choice for gaming and media consumption.

8. Vivo Y100 5G

Display: 6.38-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 900
RAM & Storage: 8GB/128GB
Cameras: 64MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro
Battery: 4500mAh with 44W fast charging
US Price: $249
Malaysia Price: RM 1,099
Website: Vivo Official
Why Buy: Sleek design, good display, and solid performance at a budget price.

9. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
RAM & Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
Battery: 5000mAh with 33W fast charging
US Price: $249
Malaysia Price: RM 1,199
Website: Xiaomi Official
Why Buy: Great value for its camera and display, ideal for media lovers.

10. Realme 11 Pro

Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
RAM & Storage: 8GB/256GB
Cameras: 100MP main + 2MP depth
Battery: 5000mAh with 67W fast charging
US Price: $299
Malaysia Price: RM 1,299
Website: Realme Official
Why Buy: Excellent camera quality, performance, and fast charging, all at an affordable price.

These smartphones provide a great mix of performance, display quality, and battery life. With the prices under $500, these models offer fantastic value for money in both the US and Malaysia markets.