Smartphones under €500: Everyone would like to have the latest iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy S Ultra. Still, not everyone can afford to spend more than €1,500 on a smartphone, not least because some are not interested in doing so, or those who prefer to look elsewhere for the everyday companion that has become irreplaceable. The solution to the dilemma is there and offers plenty of choice, as there are plenty of models on the market, more or less recent, that can be had for less than €500. A figure that forces compromises, cutting out the top of the range. On the other hand, however, there is the possibility of finding the phone closest to one’s needs: large battery, large screen, more power, top-of-the-range camera. To each his favourite smartphone.
OnePlus Nord 4
The newcomer is distinguished by its metal unibody, which brings back the look and feel of the device thanks to the aluminium. The grip is excellent, and there is minimal thickness (7.99 mm). The 5,500 mAh battery, which does not run out before 30-35 hours, stands out while differentiating the smartphone in the colours: Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver and Oasis Green. Very pleasing. The 6.74-inch display has a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR support; then there is the dual rear camera with a 50-megapixel Sony sensor and optical stabilisation, which is more ultra-wide-angle than the main camera. Two usual confirmations for OnePlus lovers are the side alert to mute or set the ringtone with a single tap and SuperVooc fast charging, filling the battery in 28 minutes.
Price: €499 8/128GB version, €599 16/256GB version.
Google Pixel 8A
It is not the top of the range but the best Pixel in value for money. Especially now that the price has dropped below the €500 mark. Equipped with Big G’s homemade Tensor G3 processor and identical to the one integrated into its big brother, it is more compact with a 6.1” display and, in addition to the best Android version, it has a good photographic compartment and, above all, AI functions with which to improve shots. From correcting the faces of framed subjects to eliminating unwanted objects, the ideal photo can be obtained in just a few steps. Equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery and available in Aloe, Bay, Obsidian and Porcelain colours, the Pixel 8A counts on 7 years of OS updates and security patches guaranteed by Google.
Price: €499.
Motorola G84
The cheapest of the lot stands out for its price, making this Motorola phone the best buy for the category. Among the strong points is the Vivo Magenta colour, Pantone-certified and useful for not going unnoticed. There is a 6.5” Oled display with Dolby Atmos enhancing audio on the hardware side, while the 50 MP main camera counts on optical image stabilisation. It’s not the highest-performing smartphone on the market, and it couldn’t be at that cost, but the 256GB of storage is impressive, and the 5,000mAh battery is a guarantee for those who don’t want to carry a charger around.
Price: €212.
Honor 90
There are several aces up this smartphone’s sleeve; first and foremost, the 200-megapixel main camera, equipped with a 1/1.4-inch sensor. Security in terms of shots, colours and balance. The elegant lines and circular camera on the back make it a model for those who care about showing off something original. This is also effective because autonomy abounds, and there is a 66W charger included in the package, plus weight (186 grams) and dimensions (7.8 mm thick and 6.7” screen) that do not disturb use or transport. It is impossible to find another 512 GB storage smartphone at this price.
Price: €369.
Oppo Reno 12 Pro
It costs slightly more than €500 but is worth keeping in mind because, as always, Oppo has made a model that is beautiful to look at and touch but also effective and up-to-date with artificial intelligence features. The 5,000 mAh battery is good, and the camera is suitable for portrait mode thanks to the 50-megapixel telephoto lens. Also good is the IP65 certification for water resistance. There is plenty of memory (12+512GB), and the Android 14 operating system offers plenty of options to improve shots. It is too bad about the Mediatek Dimensity 7300-Energy chip, though it is necessary to maintain a mid-range price.
Price: €549.
