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Unlocking Value: The Top 5 Smartphones Under $500

The smartphone market is a dynamic landscape that offers a wide range of options catering to different budgets. If you're in the market for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank, there are several smartphones that deliver impressive performance, innovative features, and a satisfying user experience.

The smartphone market proves that cutting-edge features and a satisfying user experience don't have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, an Apple ecosystem loyalist, or a fan of feature-packed Android devices, there are smartphones under $500 that offer a compelling mix of performance, innovation, and affordability.

Check out this list of 5 smartphones under the budget of $500

1. OnePlus Nord 2 (Approx. $449)

The OnePlus Nord 2 emerges as a standout choice in the sub-$500 category, boasting a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI processor. With a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display, a 50MP triple-camera setup, and a 4,500mAh battery, the Nord 2 offers flagship-like features at a mid-range price. OxygenOS, OnePlus' clean and user-friendly interface, adds to the allure, providing a smooth and customizable user experience.

2. Google Pixel 5a (Approx. $449)

The Google Pixel 5a excels in the camera department, featuring a dual-camera setup with a 12.2MP main sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. Known for its exceptional image processing and Night Sight mode, the Pixel 5a ensures stunning photography in various conditions. With a large 6.34-inch OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, and a robust 4,680mAh battery, it's a reliable and camera-centric choice in the mid-range segment.

3. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Approx. $499)

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G stands out for its vibrant and large 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, it provides 5G capabilities for faster connectivity. The quad-camera system, featuring a 64MP main sensor, offers versatile shooting options. With One UI's intuitive interface, a 4,500mAh battery, and Samsung's reputation for durability, the A52s 5G brings a premium feel to the mid-range segment.

4. Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (Approx. $399)

The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) caters to users who prefer a compact form factor without compromising on performance. With the powerful A13 Bionic chip, the same found in the iPhone 11 series, it delivers swift performance. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display might be smaller than most, but it ensures a comfortable one-handed usage experience. Running on iOS, it guarantees timely updates and a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Priced attractively, the iPhone SE appeals to those seeking a reliable and compact device within a budget.

5. Xiaomi Poco F3 (Approx. $449): Flagship Features

The Poco F3 from Xiaomi packs a punch with flagship-like features at a budget-friendly price. Sporting a 6.67-inch 120Hz E4 AMOLED display, it offers smooth visuals. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, it's capable of handling demanding tasks. The triple-camera setup, featuring a 48MP main sensor, provides versatile photography options. With a 4,520mAh battery and stereo speakers, the Poco F3 enhances both entertainment and productivity.

tech news

1. The Price of the OnePlus 12 starts at Rs 64,999

The price for the base model of the OnePlus 12, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, begins at Rs 64,999. Meanwhile, the 16GB+512GB variant is available at Rs 69,999. Starting from January 30, the OnePlus 12 will be available for purchase through the OnePlus website, Amazon, and various retail outlets.

2. Color Options of OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 smartphone is available in two color variants which include, Flowy Emerald and Silky Black.

3. OnePlus operates on the most recent version of the Android operating system

Out of the box, the OnePlus 12 features OxygenOS 14, built on Android 14 and supports dual SIM functionality.

4. Having a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the device features Gorilla Glass protection on both front and back panels

The OnePlus 12 features a front-facing punch-hole style notch design. The smartphone showcases a 6.82-inch quad-HD+ (1,440 x 3,168 pixels) LTPO 4.0 AMOLED screen, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Corning Glass 5 on the back. OnePlus claims that the display achieves a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. Additionally, the device has dimensions measuring 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15mm and weighs 220g.

5. Powered by the most powerful Android processor available

The OnePlus 12 is equipped with Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, acclaimed as the most powerful Android processor. This System-on-chip (SoC) comes with a maximum of 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

6. The OnePlus 12 features a triple rear camera arrangement, tuned by Hasselblad

The OnePlus 12 smartphone features a Hasselblad-tuned triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony LYT-808 sensor and an f/1.6 aperture, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with 114-degree field-of-view, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoon and f/2.6 aperture. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a 32-megapixel selfie camera boasting an f/2.4 aperture.

7. OnePlus 12 is claimed to achieve a full 0 to 100% charge in just26 minutes

The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a 5,400mAh battery which supports rapid charging at 100W through the included SuperVOC charger. Also, the phone possesses 50W wireless charging capabilities and 10W reverse wireless charging. The OnePlus 12 smartphone is claimed to achieve a full 0 to 100% battery charge in only 26 minutes when utilizing the 100W SUPERVOOC wired charger.