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The best phones under $500 in 2026
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro wins for its vivid screen, strong battery and polished everyday performance; the Galaxy A17 is the budget pick.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Nothing Phone (4a) Pro | Samsung Galaxy A37 5G | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G |
| Price | about $449–$499 | about $400 | about $249 |
| Why | Reviewers praise its bright, smooth 144Hz AMOLED screen, long battery life, metal build and reliable sustained performance. It costs about $499 at Amazon, or about $449 when the reported sale is available. | It offers a capable midrange package for about $400 on Amazon, roughly $100 less than the Nothing at its regular price. Recent coverage reports Amazon availability for the US version, though this is a much newer pick with less review history than the others. | Engadget recommends it as its best cheap Android phone, and PhoneArena highlights its AMOLED screen, full-day-plus battery and long update promise. Recent reporting put the US version at about $249 on Amazon. |
| Good to know | Its cameras can be inconsistent, and it does not support wireless charging. | Its current review record is thinner than the other two picks. | Its limited memory and slower processor can make everyday multitasking feel sluggish. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIReviewers praise its bright, smooth 144Hz AMOLED screen, long battery life, metal build and reliable sustained performance. It costs about $499 at Amazon, or about $449 when the reported sale is available.
Good to know: Its cameras can be inconsistent, and it does not support wireless charging.
See on Amazonpicture by AIIt offers a capable midrange package for about $400 on Amazon, roughly $100 less than the Nothing at its regular price. Recent coverage reports Amazon availability for the US version, though this is a much newer pick with less review history than the others.
Good to know: Its current review record is thinner than the other two picks.
See on Amazonpicture by AIEngadget recommends it as its best cheap Android phone, and PhoneArena highlights its AMOLED screen, full-day-plus battery and long update promise. Recent reporting put the US version at about $249 on Amazon.
Good to know: Its limited memory and slower processor can make everyday multitasking feel sluggish.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Prioritize the things you notice daily: screen quality, battery life, camera performance and software support. Check carrier compatibility before ordering, especially with less-common brands, and confirm the Amazon listing is the US unlocked model.
Who this is for
These picks are for US shoppers who want a new phone for $500 or less without signing up for a carrier deal. The Nothing is the best-rounded choice for most, while the Samsung costs much less for basic everyday use.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
Reviewers praise its bright, smooth 144Hz AMOLED screen, long battery life, metal build and reliable sustained performance. It costs about $499 at Amazon, or about $449 when the reported sale is available. The 6.83-inch screen is especially appealing if you watch video or want a larger display. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is not a top gaming chip, but reviewers found everyday use smooth and sustained performance better than the Pixel 10a in demanding sessions. The triple-camera setup adds a useful 3.5x telephoto lens, though photo quality is less consistent than the Pixel's. Check your carrier's compatibility before buying; shoppers who prioritize dependable photos or wireless charging should consider another phone.
Good to know: Its cameras can be inconsistent, and it does not support wireless charging.
See on AmazonBest value: Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
It offers a capable midrange package for about $400 on Amazon, roughly $100 less than the Nothing at its regular price. Recent coverage reports Amazon availability for the US version, though this is a much newer pick with less review history than the others. The discount makes it an appealing option if you want a current Samsung phone while keeping a clear gap below the $500 picks. It is a better fit for everyday calls, browsing and streaming than for demanding gaming or photography-first use. Amazon's reported price and availability can change, so check the listing carefully before checkout. Skip it if you specifically want the strongest independent review consensus or the more distinctive hardware of the Nothing.
Good to know: Its current review record is thinner than the other two picks.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Engadget recommends it as its best cheap Android phone, and PhoneArena highlights its AMOLED screen, full-day-plus battery and long update promise. Recent reporting put the US version at about $249 on Amazon. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and 90Hz refresh rate make it a pleasant phone for scrolling and watching video at a much lower price. Its 5,000mAh battery is rated for a full day and then some, and Samsung promises six years of updates. The trade-off is speed: reviewers note that the processor and 4GB of RAM can feel slow when switching apps or multitasking. It suits light users on a tight budget, but skip it if you want fast gaming or snappy multitasking.
Good to know: Its limited memory and slower processor can make everyday multitasking feel sluggish.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers compared real-world camera photos, screen quality, battery life and everyday speed; lab tests included battery run-downs, display measurements and processor benchmarks. The testing sources describe hands-on use and repeatable tests, not one shared, fixed testing period. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.