Hello and welcome to our top 5 for the month of May. This list in particular is dedicated to those who want a new high-end phone but their budget is limited to $500. If that sounds like you, then keep reading check out which are the best smartphones in this price range.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
1. POCO F5 Pro
Let’s kick off with the recently launched POCO F5 Pro which brings flagship specs for just under $500. The handset does indeed pack the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen1; along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The POCO F5 Pro then sports a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 480Hz touch sampling rate.
On the camera side, the F5 Pro features a 64MP main rear camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. At the front, there’s a 16MP camera for selfies.
Finally, the POCO F5 Pro comes packing a 5160mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging and it also supports 30W wireless charging. The smartphone also features an IR emitter.
2. Realme GT Neo 5
Coming with very similar hardware, we have the Realme GT Neo 5. The Realme phone is indeed also powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen1; coupled up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Realme GT Neo 5 brings a slightly larger 6.74-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a very high refresh rate of 144Hz and a maximum brightness of 1400 nits.
As for the cameras, the smartphone integrates a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. At the front there’s a 16MP snapper for selfies
Finally, the Realme GT Neo 5 encases a 5000mAh capacity battery with support for an ultra fast 150W charging technology. The smartphones also features an IR emitter.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
3. Xiaomi 12
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If you’re looking for an actual flagship phone, last year’s Xiaomi 12 is the way to go. Xiaomi’s flagship for 2022 is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset; along 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Xiaomi 12 is the best option for those who want a more compact device as it features a 6.28-inch AMOLED display, with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
Xiaomi’s 12 should also place first as far as photography. The handset packs a 50MP main sensor; paired with a 13MP ultra wide angle lens and a 5MP macro lens. At the front there’s a single high-res 32MP selfie snapper.
Finally, the Xiaomi 12 is fueled by a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 67W fast charging. The smartphone also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Best Smartphones for Under $500
4. POCO F5
Opposite to the Xiaomi 12 above, if all you want is a solid phone with a price of around $400, the POCO F5 is your best pick. The recently launched device is powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen2 chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal
The POCO F5 then features a large 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution, refresh rate of 120Hz and 480Hz touch sampling rate.
As far as cameras are concerned, the F5 by POCO sports a 64MP main sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra wide camera and a 2MP macro lens. For selfies there’s a single 16MP camera at the front.
The POCO F5 is fueled by a 5000mAh capacity battery with support for 67W fast charging. We also find a 3.5mm audio jack and an IR emitter
5. OnePlus 10T
Lastly, since you can find the OnePlus 10T for under $500, the smartphone has become a great option in this price range. OnePlus’ high-end phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen1; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The OnePlus 10T then packs a large 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 720Hz.
As for photography, the handset integrates a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 2MP macro. At the front we find a 16MP snapper.
Finally, the OnePlus 10T packs a 4800mAh capacity battery with support for a ridiculous fast 150W charging technology.
Check out our sub $300 list if you’re on a tighter budget!