The best smartphones up to 500 euros

When looking for smartphones up to 500 euros, you stumble across many future-proof models that shine with different strengths. But you can find out which mobile phones really convince in our overview.

Granted: 500 euros is a steep price for a smartphone. Nevertheless, some cell phones in this price range have features that are otherwise available in even more expensive models – be it 5G mobile communications, a fast processor or a strong battery. Although you have to be prepared for weaknesses such as the lack of wireless charging or expandable storage with some smartphones, it is worth taking a look at this price range – the manufacturers Google, Nothing and Oppo are represented there. If you would like to bet on a future-proof mobile phone, we will show you the best smartphones up to 500 euros in our selection.

Google Pixel 6: security over 5 years

GIGA tip For a smartphone up to 500 euros, this is fulfilled Google Pixel 6 (view at Amazon) Many wishes: Thanks to OLED technology, the display shows authentic colors and despite a 90 Hertz refresh rate for smooth performance. The processor developed by Google supports with a lot of performance. Since the operating system also comes from Google, both work well together – by the way: With the Pixel 6 you benefit from one Update promise over 5 years.

The only weakness is the battery: You can get through the day, but you have to reckon with almost 2 hours of charging time. If you charge your smartphone at night, that’s no problem either. You can also charge the Google Pixel 6 wirelessly.
E

Sarah Börner, GIGA editor, expert for consumer electronics (mobile) and sustainability.

I recently reviewed the Google Pixel 6 and used it daily for a month. Above all the intuitive operation and the camera performance convinced me. It’s just fun to have your cell phone with you and capture beautiful moments with it.

Advantages:

• strong performance
• long-term update promise
• certified protection against water and dust
• wireless battery charging possible

Disadvantages:

• Battery charging takes time
• no expandable storage

Are you unsure whether it should be a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6a? Then we have the right video for you here:

Oppo Find X Lite: convinces with rarities

price tip With the Oppo Find X5 Lite you get a smartphone for less than 500 euros (see at Amazon), which not only (like the Pixel 6 above) stands out with its handy size (6.4 inch display diagonal), but above all with features that are common to devices in this price range few and far between: one 3.5 mm jack connection and a micro SD slot.

The display works with 2,400 × 1,080 pixels, supported by a Refresh rate of 90 Hertz – So the same as the above Google cell phone. In the Find X5 Lite, the Mediatek Dimension 900 beats as a system-on-a-chip. Even if it is inferior to the Snapdragon processors of the following Nothing Phone (1) and Xiaomi 11T Pro, it ensures a performance suitable for everyday use, which one or the other game makes possible.

Stiftung Warentest praises the 4,500mAh battery of the Oppo Find X Lite: With normal use, you get a runtime of 39 hours, while charging takes a good 45 minutes. So you should easily survive two days with your smartphone. That justifies the grade 1.7. In contrast, the camera only received a rating of 2.5 from the test institute. Pictures succeed, but only with appropriately good light.

Advantages:

• strong battery
• internal storage is expandable
• 3.5 mm jack connection

Disadvantages:

• fair weather camera only
• no certified protection against water and dust

Nothing Phone (1): Definitely an eye-catcher

The hype is over for the smartphone enthusiasts among you Nothing Phone (1) (look at Otto) certainly not passed by. But is it justified? Our editor Peter tested the mobile phone and his conclusion: yes. Of course, above all, do it the extraordinary design and practical features such as wireless charging. The cell phone with the IP53 certification is also protected from water and dust like the above models and you benefit from a long update guarantee.

However, there were always problems with the software, which caused the system to hesitate from time to time – be it when rotating the screen or changing the font color. Small things that need to be fixed with future updates. The battery isn’t perfect either: Although you can get through the day with it and the Nothing Phone can even be charged wirelessly, it takes a long time Charging process over 2 hours. Nevertheless: For a smartphone up to 500 euros, you can’t go wrong with the Nothing Phone (1).

Advantages:

• extraordinary design
• wireless charging
• certified protection against water and dust

Disadvantages:

• small software weaknesses
• too long charging

Are you still unsure when buying a smartphone? Then our GIGA guide will help you further:

Xiaomi 11T Pro: Fast charging

Although Qualcomm’s top chip Snapdragon 888 in the Xiaomi 11T Pro (view at Cyberport) is no longer brand new (the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 currently holds this position), in contrast to the Snapdragon 778G+ in the Moto Edge 30 and Nothing Phone (1), it has a decent amount of power. Along with the big one At least 8 GB of RAM and a refresh rate of 120 Hz it ensures good performance. You can’t complain about the camera with 108 MP resolution either – the results for photos and videos are convincing, only the lack of optical image stabilization makes a steady hand necessary.

What also makes a good impression is the battery: With a capacity of 5,000 mAh, it has the strongest battery (compared to the other models in our selection). Not only does it last a long time, but it also works with the included 120 W power supply unit Charged from 0 to 100% in less than half an hour. Despite all these top features, however, you have to do without a certified waterproof housing.

Advantages:

• high-contrast AMOLED display
• high performance
• high loading speed

Disadvantages:

• no certified protection against water and dust
• no wireless charging

Are you looking for smartphones in lower price ranges? Then we have the right GIGA overviews for you here:

Smartphones up to 500 euros: This is how the selection was made

Many mobile phone models compete with each other in this price category. Certain characteristics were an exclusion criterion for us, such as being too old. We based our tests partly on our own tests, but also on the results of other test sites such as Stiftung Warentest (ratings are linked below). User assessments also influenced the selection. The latter are helpful because they don’t judge based on benchmark numbers and other laboratory values ​​that don’t say much, but instead emphasize individual impressions.

Sources used: Stiftung Warentest (Edition 11/2022)

With our research we want to recommend you suitable products and avoid bad purchases. Your trust is important to us – that’s why you can rely on us. In a separate article you will learn how GIGA handles product recommendations and tests:

I myself have been dealing with mobile phones and smartphones for years. All generations have fascinated me, from the Nokia classics to the first clamshell and sliding cell phones to smartphones. Personally, not only technical innovations are important to me, but also sustainability.

Finally, a note on the prices: Strong price fluctuations are always to be expected for smartphones. As soon as a new generation appears, the previous series can quickly suffer a price drop, which means that models that were previously too expensive suddenly fit into your personal budget. Deal events such as Black Friday or Cyber ​​Monday also have a strong impact on prices. We keep you up to date on current offers in our deal overview, it’s worth checking out the daily offers regularly!

Are you still looking for the right mobile phone? Then our mobile phone advisor will help you:

Don’t want to miss any more news about technology, games and pop culture? No current tests and guides? Then follow us
Facebook
or Twitter.