Top Phones Under $500 & $300 (2026)

PhoneArena names the Pixel 10a its best phone under $500 for balanced features and an amazing camera. TechRepublic picks it for balanced everyday use, and Mobility Arena lists it among the safest unlocked picks under $500.

Skip it if: You want a telephoto zoom lens

TechRepublic names the Galaxy A37 5G the best sub-$500 phone for long software support, and Mobility Arena lists it among the safest unlocked phones under $500 at current pricing.

Skip it if: You want the best camera zoom or fastest chip

TechRepublic says the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro stands apart from most sub-$500 phones with a 50MP periscope camera offering 3.5x optical zoom. T3 and Tom's Guide both gave it a 2026 award as a top budget phone.

Skip it if: You need the longest software support

TechRepublic names the Moto G Power 2026 its best pick for spending under $300, with a 5,200mAh battery and 50MP camera. Tom's Guide's battery test also lists it at about 18 hours.

Skip it if: You want long updates or a premium camera

Mobility Arena calls the Galaxy A17 5G the strongest overall pick under $300, mainly because of its six years of promised OS and security updates, far more than most budget phones. BGR names the Galaxy A26 5G the best Samsung phone under $300.

Skip it if: You want the best camera or fastest speed

Gizmochina ranks the Moto G Play (2026) first on its under-$300 list for its blend of features and all-day battery. Mobility Arena lists it among the safest unlocked picks under $300, and Tom's Guide's battery test lists it at about 18 hours 50 minutes.

Skip it if: You want lots of storage or long updates

Tom's Guide ranks the Moto G (2026) first for battery at 19 hours 10 minutes. Mobility Arena lists it among the safest picks under $300 but notes the price rose after launch because of memory-chip costs.

Skip it if: The price has gone over your budget