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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 | 88.8 % | 02/2022 |  | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Qualcomm Adreno 660 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 7.9 mm | 177 g | 87 % | 6.40" | 120 Hz | 2340x1080 | Android 12 |
| 2 | 87.4 % | 10/2022 |  | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G Qualcomm Adreno 660 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 7.45 mm | 172 g | 91 % | 6.55" | 144 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
| 3 | 86.4 % | 04/2023 New! |  | 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 |
| 4 | 86.4 % | 01/2023 |  | Xiaomi 12T MediaTek Dimensity 8100 ARM Mali-G610 MP6 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 8.6 mm | 202 g | 93 % | 6.67" | 120 Hz | 2712x1220 | Android 12 |
| 5 | 86.4 % | 09/2022 |  | Xiaomi Poco F4 Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G Qualcomm Adreno 650 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 7.7 mm | 195 g | 87 % | 6.67" | 120 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
| 6 | 86.4 % | 07/2022 |  | Motorola Edge 30 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G Qualcomm Adreno 642L 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 6.8 mm | 155 g | 87.6 % | 6.50" | 144 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
| 7 | 85.8 % | 09/2022 |  | Google Pixel 6a Google Tensor ARM Mali-G78 MP20 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 8.9 mm | 178 g | 82 % | 6.10" | 060 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
| 8 | 85.7 % | 05/2023 New! |  | 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 |
| 9 | 85.6 % | 10/2022 |  | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT MediaTek Dimensity 8100 ARM Mali-G610 MP6 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 8.9 mm | 200 g | 85.1 % | 6.60" | 144 Hz | 2460x1080 | Android 12 |
| 10 | 85.6 % | 09/2022 |  | Xiaomi 12 Lite Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G Qualcomm Adreno 642L 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 7.29 mm | 173 g | 88 % | 6.55" | 120 Hz | 2400x1080 | Android 12 |
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
1st – Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) wants to be the best Samsung smartphone according to community standards and at the same time offer a good price-performance ratio. It uses a slightly smaller AMOLED screen (6.4 inches, 120 Hz) than its predecessor, but it is a bit brighter in return. With 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, the storage configuration would be adequate if the Koreans had not dropped the optional storage expansion. A 256 GB version is also offered, but it is considerably more expensive.
The smartphone offers a highly attractive overall package due to the Galaxy S21 FE's strong price drop.
The rest of the equipment proves to be coherent: USB 3.2, a 4,500 mAh battery, wireless charging, a good triple camera, and IP68 certification. Samsung also distributes four years of security updates and three Android versions. Furthermore, the Fan Edition is still the only option in Europe to purchase a Galaxy S smartphone with a Snapdragon processor.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G in Olive color is available on Amazon US for $450.39.
Pricecompare
2nd – Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is a slim mid-range smartphone with good performance and features. The Edge 30 Fusion's camera protrudes significantly from the back, which leads to a slight wobble when the device is placed on a table. The build quality is good overall, with small and even gaps. The smartphone has an IP52 certification. The 6.55-inch OLED display of the Edge 30 Fusion offers perfect black levels, contrasts and a pleasantly high brightness. The maximum brightness is 1,196 cd/m² with ambient light sensor and 525 cd/m² without sensor. The maximum refresh rate is 144 Hz, and the user can choose between different options.
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers a lot of computing power and a very bright display.
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion supports dual-SIM with two nano-SIM cards, but not eSIM. It does not have a slot for a microSD card or a headphone jack, but it offers stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos certification. All buttons are on the right side, with the optical fingerprint sensor integrated into the display.
Currently, Amazon US lists the smartphone, prices starting at around $500.
Pricecompare
3rd – 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
4th – Xiaomi 12T
The Xiaomi 12T 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with an enhanced Full HD resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The touchscreen even supports a high sampling rate of up to 480 Hz. The smartphone is powered by a modern SoC from MediaTek, which is located in the upper class and has 8 GB of RAM. There is a choice of 128 or 256 GB of internal storage; microSD cards are not supported.
The Xiaomi 12T is an enticing upper-class smartphone with a 108 MPix camera.
The heart of the triple camera is a 108 MPix sensor, which is supplemented by a rather weak ultra-wide-angle as well as a puny 2 MPix macro lens. The large battery helps the Xiaomi 12T to very long runtimes. If it does run out of steam, it can be charged quickly with up to 120 watts. The Xiaomi smartphone can convince in the test, but it is a pity that neither Wi-Fi 6E nor wireless charging is supported.
In the USA, interested users can order the device on Amazon at the price $484.
Pricecompare
5th – Xiaomi Poco F4
The Xiaomi Poco F4 is the classic among the budget flagship smartphones and has now arrived in its fourth generation. Even though the price-performance ratio is no longer as stunning as in the first model, it still offers a lot of smartphones for the money.
The Xiaomi Poco F4 offers a lot of computing power, a bright 120 Hz OLED and good battery runtimes.
With a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, fast Qualcomm SoC, ample storage, and a 4,500 mAh battery, Xiaomi puts the Poco F4 on a strong footing. The main camera sensor has also been upgraded and takes visibly better pictures. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide any information about the update's duration.
At the time of writing, the Xiaomi Poco F4 can be order via Amazon, prices starting at $389.99.
Pricecompare
6th – Motorola Edge 30
The Motorola Edge 30 offers a coherent overall package, which is already available for under 400 Euros. The 6.5-inch AMOLED display can work with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. It is powered by a Qualcomm SoC from the upper mid-range, which enables a smooth system performance in combination with the 144 Hz panel. Motorola also provides 8 GB of working memory and 128 GB of internal storage, but the latter cannot be expanded.
Motorola Edge 30 scores with an accurate 144 Hz AMOLED, stereo speakers and fast communication modules, among other things.
Another advantage of the Edge 30 is its slim build and comparatively low weight. It also already supports Wi-Fi 6E including the 6 GHz band. The battery runtimes are okay, but the Moto smartphone is not an endurance runner. Due to the three-year update supply, it should also still get Android 14. The triple camera can directly use two 50 MP sensors.
At the time of writing, it is hard to find the Motorola Edge 30 in the USA.
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7th – Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is comparatively compact and has a 6.1-inch OLED display that only works with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It is powered by the fast Tensor SoC, which is supported by 6 GB of working memory. 128 GB are available for the user's own data.
The Google Pixel 6a offers a good dual camera and a long update warranty.
The IP67 certification and the USB 3.2 port are also particularly positive. Unfortunately, the Pixel smartphone does not support wireless charging, and the charging speed is not particularly high when using a cord.
The Pixel 6a can be ordered directly from Google's store, but it is cheaper at Amazon.
Pricecompare
8th – 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 $348.
Pricecompare
9th - Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
The Xiaomi Poco X4 GT has a 6.6-inch IPS panel that can work with Full HD+ and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. It is powered by a modern upper-class SoC from MediaTek with a generous 8 GB of RAM. There is a choice of 128 or 256 GB available for the user's own data; microSD support is not available.
The Poco X4 GT is a strong mid-ranger without any real highlights.
In the test, the Poco X4 GT primarily shines with its very good battery runtimes and the main camera also makes a decent impression in daylight. Wired charging with up to 67 watts is also possible. The Xiaomi smartphone does not make any major mistakes. Since there is no AoD, a notification LED would certainly have been useful.
The Poco X4 GT can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's online store, but is also available from Amazon, among others.
Pricecompare
10th – Xiaomi 12 Lite 5G
The Xiaomi 12 Lite 5G offers a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with Full HD Plus resolution and up to 120 Hz. The upper mid-range SoC was already used in the predecessor and can rely on 8 GB of working memory and 128 GB of internal storage. A memory expansion is not possible. The smartphone is comparatively light at 173 grams and uses a 4,300 mAh battery.
The Xiaomi 12 Lite is quite light and has a 108 MPix camera.
The Xiaomi smartphone does not make any real fluff in the test, but it has taken a few steps backwards compared with the predecessor and the update future is uncertain.
Interested users can purchase the smartphone directly from the manufacturer's online store or Amazon US.
Pricecompare
Best Smartphones for Less Than 500 Euros in Comparison
Test Results
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Adreno 660, SD 888+ 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi 13 Lite Adreno 644, SD 7 Gen 1, 256 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi 12T Mali-G610 MP6, Dimensity 8100, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi Poco F4 Adreno 650, SD 870, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Motorola Edge 30 Adreno 642L, SD 778G+ 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Google Pixel 6a Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Mali-G68 MP5, Exynos 1380, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Mali-G610 MP6, Dimensity 8100, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Xiaomi 12 Lite Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 10.4 ? | 1.19 ? | 1.25 ? | 1.2 ? | 1.01 ? | 14 ? | 1.78 ? | 1.55 ? | 26.92 ? | 1.08 ? |
| Response Time Black / White * | 2.4 ? | 0.79 ? | 1.22 ? | 0.89 ? | 1.06 ? | 11 ? | 2.91 ? | 1.67 ? | 12.05 ? | 1.15 ? |
| PWM Frequency | 247.5 | 753 | 120 | 120 | 443 | 250 | 240 | 253 | 51540 | 119.7 |
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 758 | 954 | 905 | 915 | 917 | 632 | 758 | 940 | 629 | 757 |
| Brightness | 758 | 961 | 904 | 914 | 923 | 630 | 767 | 935 | 614 | 773 |
| Brightness Distribution | 99 | 98 | 99 | 98 | 96 | 92 | 93 | 99 | 94 | 97 |
| Black Level * | 0.4 | |||||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | 1.1 | 2 | 1.46 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.1 | 2.5 | 3 | 2.7 | 5.2 | 3.32 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.3 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 2 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Gamma | 2.06 107% | 2.24 98% | 2.23 99% | 2.24 98% | 2.23 99% | 2.209 100% | 2.2 100% | 2.05 107% | 2.25 98% | 2.22 99% |
| CCT | 6378 102% | 6254 104% | 6382 102% | 6457 101% | 6447 101% | 6755 96% | 6599 98% | 6422 101% | 6374 102% | 6403 102% |
| Contrast | 1573 | |||||||||
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 35.4 | 34.7 | 34.1 | 31.7 | 31.7 | 46.5 | 38.2 | 37.4 | 35.1 | 36 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 35.3 | 34.1 | 32.6 | 30.3 | 31.6 | 48.5 | 38.4 | 37.6 | 34.5 | 33.7 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 31.8 | 29.4 | 28.8 | 26.9 | 27.3 | 37.8 | 29.9 | 27.3 | 31.4 | 29.9 |
| Idle Bottom * | 28.7 | 27.7 | 27.2 | 25.9 | 26.5 | 37.2 | 28 | 26.6 | 28.7 | 27.7 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| Reader / Idle | 1430 | 2240 | 1578 | 1342 | 1604 | 1878 | 2591 | 2552 | 1566 | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 594 | 686 | 822 | 984 | 665 | 638 | 768 | 941 | 929 | 712 |
| Load | 388 | 321 | 256 | 246 | 268 | 360 | 284 | 295 | 279 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| WebXPRT 3 - --- (sort by value) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi 12T | |
| Xiaomi Poco F4 | |
| Motorola Edge 30 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | |
| Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | |
| Xiaomi 12 Lite | |
| PUBG Mobile - HD (sort by value) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Xiaomi 12T | |
| Xiaomi Poco F4 | |
| Motorola Edge 30 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | |
| Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | |
| Xiaomi 12 Lite | |
