Smartphones

Best Budget Smartphones of 2025: Top Picks Under $500 (₹42,000)

2025-03-31
10 min read
Best Budget Smartphones of 2025: Top Picks Under $500 (₹42,000)

In 2025, budget smartphones are more powerful than ever, offering flagship-like features at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for an excellent camera, strong battery life, or a smooth display, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great device. Here’s a look at the best smartphones under $500 (₹42,000) that provide excellent performance, build quality, and software experience without breaking the bank.

1. Google Pixel 7a

Why It’s a Top Pick:

The Pixel 7a brings Google’s flagship features to a budget-friendly price, with its AI-powered camera, clean Android experience, and 5 years of software updates.

Key Features:

  • Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Google Tensor G2

  • Cameras: 64MP (OIS) + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP front camera

  • Battery: 4,385mAh, 18W fast charging

  • Software: Android 14 with stock experience

Price:

  • $499 (~₹41,500)

2. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Samsung’s A-series continues to dominate the mid-range market with premium build quality, a smooth display, and long-term software support.

Key Features:

  • Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Exynos 1480

  • Cameras: 50MP (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro, 32MP front camera

  • Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging

  • Software: One UI 6 (Android 14), 4 years of updates

Price:

  • $450 (~₹37,500)

3. OnePlus Nord 3 5G

Why It’s a Top Pick:

For those who love fast performance, smooth OxygenOS, and premium design, the OnePlus Nord 3 delivers flagship-like performance at a mid-range price.

Key Features:

  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000

  • Cameras: 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 16MP front camera

  • Battery: 5,000mAh, 80W SuperVOOC charging

  • Software: OxygenOS 14 (Android 14)

Price:

  • $470 (~₹39,000)

4. iPhone SE 4 (2025)

Why It’s a Top Pick:

For Apple fans, the iPhone SE 4 is the most affordable way to get into the iOS ecosystem, featuring Touch ID, a powerful processor, and great cameras.

Key Features:

  • Display: 6.1-inch LCD, 60Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Apple A16 Bionic

  • Cameras: 12MP main (OIS), 12MP front camera

  • Battery: 3,100mAh, 20W fast charging

  • Software: iOS 18 with 5 years of updates

Price:

  • $499 (~₹41,500)

5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is known for value-packed devices, and the Note 13 Pro+ brings a premium design, powerful chipset, and high-resolution camera.

Key Features:

  • Display: 6.67-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200

  • Cameras: 200MP (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 16MP front camera

  • Battery: 5,000mAh, 120W fast charging

  • Software: MIUI 15 (Android 14)

Price:

  • $450 (~₹37,500)

Conclusion

If you're looking for the best budget smartphones of 2025, these options offer the perfect balance between performance, battery life, and camera quality. Whether you prefer stock Android, Samsung’s One UI, or Apple’s iOS, there’s a smartphone in this price range for you.

  • For the best camera and software: Pixel 7a

  • For display and battery life: Galaxy A55 5G

  • For fast charging and gaming: OnePlus Nord 3

  • For iPhone lovers: iPhone SE 4

  • For best value: Redmi Note 13 Pro+