If you\u2019re shopping for a new phone on a budget, we\u2019ve got good news: you\u2019re more likely to find mid-range sub-$500 phones available in these days of crunched supply chains than many of the recent flagships. Fortunately, there are many excellent alternatives to the pricey, premium models that are nearly as capable and cost a lot less to boot.<\/p>\n

Companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung are spreading the wealth of features enjoyed by their flagships down to less expensive options. Other brands like TCL are also finding ways to challenge more established manufacturers with lower prices and more premium features.<\/p>\n

The bad news is this makes the job of picking the best budget phone that <\/em>much harder. It\u2019s impossible to buy a phone that does everything well at this price point. So prioritize the features that matter most to you, whether it\u2019s 5G compatibility with a particular network, high-resolution screen, low price, best camera, or longevity with software updates. It\u2019s difficult to get straight A\u2019s in every single one of these needs, but if you\u2019re able to tolerate the occasional B, you\u2019ll find a phone you\u2019ll love. We recommend getting an unlocked phone for the best price and portability, but you might find better deals by buying through a carrier and signing up for a wireless plan.<\/p>\n