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MagyarThe Best Smartphones for Less Than 500 Euros
Upper-class smartphones are located in the price range of between mainstream and high-end models and are targeted towards users who are not willing to pay more than 700 Euros (900 USD) for an expensive high-end phone, but still want good performance, good cameras, and nice build quality.
The price range of up to 500 Euros (600 USD) includes both powerful upper-class models as well as old high-end smartphones. The latter are an interesting alternative, because the specifications are usually still very good and often receive at least one major update. The following rankings might be interesting for you as well:
The Best Premium Smartphones
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Height | Weight | Screen-Body Ratio | Size | Refresh-Rate | Resolution | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87.7 % | 12/2023 |  | Xiaomi 13T MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra ARM Mali-G610 MP6 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 8.49 mm | 197 g | 87 % | 6.67" | 144 Hz | 2712x1220 | Android 13 |
| 2 | 87.4 % | 03/2024 |  | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G MediaTek Dimensity 7200 ARM Mali-G610 MP4 12 GB Memory, 512 GB | 8.9 mm | 204.5 g | 90 % | 6.67" | 120 Hz | 2712x1220 | Android 13 |
| 3 | 87.1 % | 06/2023 |  | Google Pixel 7a Google Tensor G2 ARM Mali-G710 MP7 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 9 mm | 193.5 g | 81 % | 6.10" | 090 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 13 |
| 4 | 86.9 % | 04/2024 New! |  | Nothing Phone (2a) MediaTek Dimensity 7200 ARM Mali-G610 MP4 12 GB Memory, 256 GB | 8.55 mm | 190 g | 88 % | 6.70" | 120 Hz | 2412x1084 | Android 14 |
| 5 | 86.8 % | 09/2023 |  | Xiaomi Poco F5 Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 Qualcomm Adreno 725 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 7.9 mm | 181 g | 89 % | 6.67" | 120 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 13 |
| 6 | 86.8 % | 07/2023 |  | Motorola Edge 40 MediaTek Dimensity 8020 ARM Mali-G77 MP9 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 7.49 mm | 171 g | 92.7 % | 6.55" | 144 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 13 |
| 7 | 86.4 % | 04/2023 |  | Xiaomi 13 Lite Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 644 8 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.23 mm | 171 g | 89 % | 6.55" | 120 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
| 8 | 86.1 % | 03/2024 |  | Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra ARM Mali-G615 MP6 12 GB Memory, 512 GB | 8.25 mm | 186 g | 90 % | 6.67" | 120 Hz | 2712x1220 | Android 14 |
| 9 | 86 % | 08/2023 |  | Honor 90 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 644 12 GB Memory, 512 GB | 7.8 mm | 183 g | 90 % | 6.70" | 120 Hz | 2664x1200 | Android 13 |
| 10 | 86 % | 05/2023 |  | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Samsung Exynos 1380 ARM Mali-G68 MP5 8 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 8.2 mm | 202 g | 83 % | 6.40" | 120 Hz | 2340x1080 | Android 13 |
The table above contains an overview over the best smartphones for less than 500 Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Editors' Comments
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion has to make way for reasons of age and the Nothing Phone (2a) is a fresh addition. But with the Galaxy S23 FE, which costs just over 500 euros, and the Galaxy A55, Samsung still has two hot irons in the fire.
1st – Xiaomi 13T
The Xiaomi 13T shows many small improvements compared to last year's model. The AMOLED display still measures 6.67 inches and offers a high pixel density, but now works with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz and has significantly more brightness. The built-in MediaTek SoC is positioned in the upper mid-range, has 8 GB of RAM and ensures good system performance. There is 256 GB of internal memory available, which cannot be expanded.
The Xiaomi 13T offers a well-rounded overall package, including a Leica camera.
The equipment is otherwise quite complete: IR blaster, IP68 certification, 67-watt fast charging and five-year updates are on the credit side. Unfortunately, the 13T does not support wireless charging and only uses USB 2.0. The Xiaomi smartphone also shows many changes in the camera setup, which now relies on two 50 MPix sensors and one with 12 MPix. Although the 13T does not achieve top imaging performance, it still offers a good and flexible setup.
In the USA, interested users can order the device on Amazon at the price $479.50.
Pricecompare
2nd – Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G may have a rather unwieldy name, but it was convincing in the test. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which offers a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and can be very bright. It is powered by a mid-range MediaTek SoC and can access 8/256 GB or 12/512 GB of memory, depending on the selected configuration. Xiaomi has also given it IP68 certification for the first time in the Note series. The 5,000 mAh battery can be charged quickly with 120 watts and the 200 MPix main camera delivers good photos.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G offers a stylish design and plenty of powerful technology.
Compromises have to be made with the additional camera optics. The smartphone is supplied with updates for four years, but as it is still supplied with Android 13, Android 16 is the end of the line. It also only uses USB 2.0 and does not support wireless charging.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G can be purchased directly from the Xiaomi store, but is also available from Amazon, among others.
Pricecompare
3rd – Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a is visually very similar to its big brother and is not much less technically equipped. The 6.1-inch OLED display offers a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz and can be very bright. Unfortunately, Google has failed to implement an eye-friendly PWM dimming function. In return, however, USB 3.2, 6 GHz WLAN and wireless charging are on board. The casing is also IP67-certified and the 7a offers a long update supply.
The Pixel 7a is a real price fighter and brings back old Nexus memories.
Despite the current USB standard, the Pixel 7a does not offer all the advantages of the interface and the fast SoC is unfortunately not particularly well cooled, which is why the long-term performance is rather poor.
The Pixel 7a can be purchased directly from Google, but is cheaper at other retailers such as Amazon.
Pricecompare
4th – Nothing Phone (2a)
The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with an extended Full HD resolution, a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a four-digit maximum brightness. It is powered by an upper mid-range MediaTek SoC and offers four years of updates.
The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a lot of smartphone for little money.
Although the casing has a plastic surface almost all around and a reduced area for the glyph interface, it still has a high-quality appearance. Contrary to the manufacturer's statement, the 2a still supports Wi-Fi 6E, but offers neither wireless charging nor eSIM support. In terms of cameras, Nothing dispenses with unnecessary sensors, instead providing two 50-MPix sensors on the back, which achieve a good imaging performance.
Currently, Amazon US lists the smartphone with prices starting at around $437.
Pricecompare
5th – Xiaomi Poco F5
The Xiaomi Poco F5 has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that works with Full HD+ and up to 120 Hz. The panel proved to be very bright in the test and supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It is powered by a modern and fast Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, which can draw on 8 or 12 GB of RAM depending on the variant selected. The internal memory is always 256 GB and cannot be expanded. Xiaomi is also one of the few manufacturers to integrate an IR blaster into its smartphones. The F5 also has an audio jack.
Xiaomi's Poco F5 combines high performance and powerful hardware in a slim and lightweight body.
In the test, the Poco F5 impressed with its high performance, long battery life and comprehensive features. On the other hand, the update supply is uncertain and the camera is rather mediocre.
In the US, the Xiaomi Poco F5 5G is currently available on Amazon for $395.
Pricecompare
6th - Motorola Edge 40
The Motorola Edge 40 is a particularly slim smartphone, not even 7.5 millimeters thick and at 171 grams, it is also one of the lighter models. The display measures 6.55 inches, has a resolution of Full HD+ and works with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. It is powered by a modern SoC from MediaTek and has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory. The dual camera also delivers decent images. Fast charging with 68 watts and stereo speakers are also on board.
The Motorola Edge 40 offers an attractive overall package with good system performance and long battery life.
However, it is a pity that a telephoto lens is not included and only USB 2.0 is integrated. In addition, the update supply should be longer.
The Motorola Edge 40 can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's online store, but is also available from Amazon, among others.
Pricecompare
7th – Xiaomi 13 Lite
The Xiaomi 13 Lite presents itself with a 6.55-inch display that wants to convince with features like a dual selfie camera and 1,000 nits brightness. The Xiaomi 13 Lite is similar to the Xiaomi 12 Lite in many technical aspects and is also in the mid-range. There are only a few major changes, such as in the camera setup. The 108 MP main camera of the Xiaomi 12 Lite has been replaced by a 50 MP camera. The front camera now has two sensors: a 32-MP main sensor and an 8-MP depth sensor, which should allow for better bokeh effects. The battery has also been slightly improved and now has a capacity of 4500 mAh instead of 4300 mAh before.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite is a slim as well as compelling mid-range smartphone.
The Xiaomi 3 Lite has to accept criticism for its rather weak mono speaker. It also only comes with Android 12. However, it also convinces with fast charging and fast Wi-Fi in the review.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite is available directly from the manufacturer, but can also be purchased from other online retailers like Amazon.
Pricecompare
8th – Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G
The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro turns out to be a smartphone with strong hardware features in the test. It has a 6.67-inch 120 Hz AMOLED display, is powered by a fast MediaTek SoC and can access 8/256 or 12/512 GB of memory, depending on the selected configuration, but does not have microSD support, although it does have an IR blaster. Also on the plus side: fast charging with 67 watts and modern UFS 4.0 memory.
The Poco X6 Pro 5G is a real price-performance hit in terms of hardware, but shows weaknesses in the software.
Of course, there are also compromises to be made in view of the price range. The main camera offers rather average fare and the two additional lenses are rather mediocre. There is also only USB 2.0 and neither eSIM support nor wireless charging. Updates also stop after just three years.
At the time of writing, interested users can order the Poco X6 Pro 5G via Amazon or from Xiaomi's webstore.
Pricecompare
9th – Honor 90 5G
The Honor 90 5G offers a 6.7-inch 120 Hz AMOLED that works with Full HD+. The speedy top-of-the-range SoC from Qualcomm has 12 GB of RAM and a generous 512 GB of storage for your own data. A highlight is the 200 MPix main camera and even the front has 50 MPix. Honor also provides a large 5,000 mAh battery, which can be charged with 66 watts.
The Honor 90 is a real storage giant with a good camera.
In the review, the Honor 90 particularly impressed with its very bright display, which also works with eye-friendly PWM dimming at 3,840 Hz. The main camera is also impressive. However, it is a shame that Honor does not provide its smartphone with wireless charging and the update guarantee could have been a little longer.
The Honor 90 5G is best purchased directly from Honor or Amazon.
Pricecompare
10th – Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is Samsung's flagship mid-range device. It features the new Exynos 1380 processor with 8 GB of RAM, a triple camera with an improved main sensor, eSIM support, and a revised design similar to the Galaxy S series, plus it is dust and water resistant according to IP67 certification.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a good choice for those looking for a smartphone with a long update supply and lush feature set.
The equipment includes a USB-C port, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a microSD card slot, and a hybrid SIM card that can accommodate either a memory card or a second SIM card. It runs Google Android 13 and the One UI 5.1 user interface. The smartphone receives four major Android updates and five years of security patches. Voice quality during calls is good, and the smartphone supports dual-SIM function by using an eSIM. It has a 32 MPix front camera and a 50 MPix main camera that takes good photos in good lighting conditions. The low-light quality has also been improved. There is also an ultra-wide-angle and macro lens, but their quality is not that convincing.
The Galaxy A54 5G can be ordered in all color and storage variants directly from Samsung's online store. Otherwise, user can purchase it from Amazon US, prices starting at $302.
Pricecompare
Best Smartphones for Less Than 500 Euros in Comparison
Test Results
| Xiaomi 13T Mali-G610 MP6, Dimensity 8200-Ultra, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mali-G610 MP4, Dimensity 7200, 512 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Google Pixel 7a Mali-G710 MP7, Tensor G2, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Nothing Phone (2a) Mali-G610 MP4, Dimensity 7200, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi Poco F5 Adreno 725, SD 7+ Gen 2, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Motorola Edge 40 Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 8020, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi 13 Lite Adreno 644, SD 7 Gen 1, 256 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Honor 90 5G Adreno 644, SD 7 Gen 1, 512 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Mali-G68 MP5, Exynos 1380, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G Mali-G615 MP6, Dimensity 8300-Ultra, 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 1.27 ? | 1.6 ? | 3.1 ? | 0.79 ? | 1.78 ? | 1.14 ? | 1.25 ? | 1.7 ? | 1.55 ? | 1.69 ? |
| Response Time Black / White * | 1.14 ? | 1.43 ? | 1.58 ? | 1.4 ? | 1.25 ? | 0.89 ? | 1.22 ? | 1.45 ? | 1.67 ? | 1.4 ? |
| PWM Frequency | 120 | 120 | 218 | 90 | 120 | 144 | 120 | 728 | 253 | 120 |
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 1254 | 1240 | 1006 | 1033 | 1034 | 1023 | 905 | 1180 | 940 | 1034 |
| Brightness | 1250 | 1233 | 1010 | 1042 | 1033 | 1042 | 904 | 1202 | 935 | 1035 |
| Brightness Distribution | 93 | 98 | 95 | 96 | 93 | 90 | 99 | 88 | 99 | 96 |
| Black Level * | ||||||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 1.1 |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 3 | 4.8 | 3.2 | 1.9 |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| Gamma | 2.21 100% | 2.21 100% | 2.25 98% | 2.07 106% | 2.24 98% | 2.27 97% | 2.23 99% | 2.25 98% | 2.05 107% | 2.22 99% |
| CCT | 6350 102% | 6669 97% | 6531 100% | 6482 100% | 6917 94% | 6457 101% | 6382 102% | 6489 100% | 6422 101% | 6674 97% |
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 41.9 | 42.3 | 48.3 | 42.8 | 44.8 | 46.9 | 34.1 | 47.7 | 37.4 | 43.7 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 40.7 | 41.1 | 46.7 | 41.6 | 45.9 | 48.9 | 32.6 | 44.4 | 37.6 | 40.7 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 24.1 | 27.9 | 28.6 | 28.6 | 29.6 | 29.5 | 28.8 | 36.9 | 27.3 | 26.9 |
| Idle Bottom * | 22.2 | 26.9 | 28.2 | 27.9 | 28.4 | 28.3 | 27.2 | 32.6 | 26.6 | 26.2 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| Reader / Idle | 2511 | 1586 | 1328 | 2522 | 1324 | 2272 | 2240 | 1239 | 2591 | 1815 |
| WiFi v1.3 | 1026 | 913 | 821 | 1011 | 1014 | 924 | 822 | 901 | 941 | 942 |
| Load | 247 | 373 | 252 | 293 | 343 | 304 | 321 | 247 | 284 | 251 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| WebXPRT 3 - Overall (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi 13T | |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F5 | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | |
| PUBG Mobile - HD (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi 13T | |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F5 | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G | |
| Honor 90 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | |
