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+