Pixel 6a
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Galaxy A53 5G
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iPhone SE (2022)
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Nord N20 5G
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Moto G Power (2021)
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Edge (2022)
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30 V 5G
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Google Pixel 6a review
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
The best cheap phones can't boast all the premium features found on their flagship counterparts. But there's still plenty to like about these less expensive handsets — and we're not just talking about the price.
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We've tested multiple models that cost less than $500 and found that these phones contain just about everything you need, whether you swear by the iPhone or demand an Android device. In fact, the phones on this list prove that no one needs to spend upwards of $800 on a flagship device when you can easily find a handset that delivers comparable features while costing hundreds of dollars less.
Those on a budget will find that the best cheap phones offer capable cameras, big-enough displays for watching video and playing games and plenty of battery life to get you through most of the day. And 5G connectivity has become standard for cheap phones, so you're not sacrificing connectivity for a lower price.
You will need to make some trade-offs when choosing a phone in this price range, as you won’t always find the most powerful processors, 120Hz displays or versatile zoom cameras. But overall you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what the best cheap phones deliver. Read on for our top picks under $500. And if that's still too rich for your blood, check out our guide on the best cheap phones under $300.
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Google Pixel 6a review
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
1. Google Pixel 6a
The best cheap phone overall
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.1 inches (2400 x 1080)CPU: Tensor G1RAM: 6GBStorage / Expandable: 128GB / NoRear camera: 12.2MP main (f/1.7), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)Front camera: 8MP (f/2.0)Weight: 6.3 ounces
REASONS TO BUY
+The best cameras on a budget phone
+Bright display
+Tensor chip powers new experiences
REASONS TO AVOID
-Poor result on our battery test
-Noticeably cheap materials
If you’re willing to overlook its disappointing battery life, the Google Pixel 6a is hard to beat as the best cheap phone overall. Credit the cameras, which always stand out on Google’s budget devices. Like its predecessors, the Pixel 6a relies on computational photography to deliver some of the best images in this price range — its photos can even challenge those produced by much more expensive phone. And unlike the iPhone SE (its closest competitor on the cheap camera phone front), the Pixel 6a supports a night mode
You’ll also find a Tensor chipset powering the Pixel 6a. That’s the same silicon inside Google’s Pixel 6 flagships, which start at $150 more than the Pixel 6a. As a result, the same AI-powered tricks Google’s flagship phone can pull off are available to the Pixel 6a, too, including the photo-editing Magic Eraser tool and on-device translation.
For $449, you get a lot of value with the Pixel 6a. It’s the phone to get if you place a premium on camera capabilities and special features. The biggest question these days is whether to pony up an additional $150 to get the affordably priced Pixel 7 that's powered by a newer Tensor chipset. (Our Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6a comparison looks at what's different besides the price.) But if you really want to stick to that sub-$500 budget, the Pixel 6a is the way to go, especially if you can find any Pixel 6a deals that lower the price even further.
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