The 10 best phones under £500 in 2025, great tech for less

The Google Pixel 8a is perfect for keeping up with family, capturing life's moments, and resisting the occasional coffee (or cocktail) spill, all without stretching the bank account. Its dual camera makes taking photos effortless, whether enjoying a drink with a friend or surviving the chaos of a family gathering. And if a glass of something inevitably topples over, there's no need to panic. With one of the highest water and dust resistance ratings available, the Pixel 8a can handle a little chaos.

It comes in white, a classic choice that looks fresh and goes with just about everything. However, if you prefer a bit more flair, the bay blue option adds a touch of personality.

With a bright 6.1-inch display, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and an easy-to-navigate home screen, scrolling through family photos, catching up on social media, or sneaking in an episode of your favourite show feels seamless. So, if you want a reliable, fuss-free phone that just works, the Pixel 8a is a brilliant choice.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a joy to use. Its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display makes watching shows and scrolling through photos feel wonderfully immersive, like having a cinema in the palm of your hand. The speedy processor keeps everything running smoothly, so there's no frustration. And with 128GB of storage (expandable up to a near-excessive 1TB), there's plenty of space for apps, pictures, and videos.

However, if there's one standout, it's the gorgeous 50MP camera. With an ultra-wide and macro lens, you can get creative with every shot, and with up to 18 hours of battery life, it will keep up with you all day. A brilliant buy at this price.

Whether you're capturing a birthday dinner, a playful moment with the grandchildren, or a stunning holiday sunset, the Samsung S22's 50MP camera ensures your memories are preserved with crystal clarity and true-to-life colours. You can enjoy every detail on its stunning AMOLED screen.

With ultrawide, telephoto, and selfie cameras, you can also frame every shot just the way you want, whether it's a sweeping landscape, a close-up in nature, or a quick snap with friends. Thanks to its impressive octa-core processor, everything runs smoothly. A fantastic all-rounder that makes everyday moments look their best.

If you're after a great smartphone worth every penny, the Xiaomi Poco F6 is pretty hard to beat. Somehow, Xiaomi has packed in some seriously impressive specs without pushing up the price. The main camera is a huge 64MP, so your photos will be crisp and full of detail.

The real treat, though, is the AMOLED screen. Whether you're scrolling through old holiday snaps, watching videos, or just having a leisurely browse, everything looks bright and wonderfully crisp. And then there's the battery life, which stretches well beyond a day. No more nervously eyeing that percentage bar while out and about, wondering if you'll make it home before your phone taps out.

With Apple's famously smooth operating system, messaging, FaceTime calls, and social media feel effortless. The 6.1-inch Retina display is crisp and clear, making everything from texts to videos easy on the eyes. While the 12MP camera is simple compared to other cameras on this list, it still captures lovely, natural-looking photos with rich, true-to-life colours. And if you already have an iPad or MacBook, everything will sync up seamlessly.

Battery life is a solid 15 hours, but switching on the 'optimised battery charging' setting for long-term care is worth it to better preserve its lifespan.

If you have a talent for dropping your phone or find yourself out on a hike now and then, the Nokia XR21 is here to help. With military-grade durability and waterproofing, it's the sort of phone that could probably survive a tumble down a mountain, though I wouldn't recommend testing that theory.

Inside, the Snapdragon 695 5G processor and 6GB RAM keep everything running smoothly, so there's no endless waiting for apps to load. The 6.5-inch display is bright and easy to read, perfect for scrolling through photos, catching up on your favourite shows, or watching whatever viral video everyone’s talking about. And while the camera won't outshine the latest top-end models, it still takes lovely, reliable photos, even when the lighting isn't quite perfect.

Expert techy William Austin-Lobley gave it a proper workout: "I took it hiking, dropped it daily, and even dunked it in water, and it never once let me down. The battery lasted easily two days, and face recognition made unlocking a breeze.

"If I had to nit-pick, the speakers could be a little better, but for a phone this sturdy and with a battery this vast, it's a small price to pay. It's a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a tough, no-fuss smartphone that can handle whatever life throws at it."

Sleek, stylish, and practical, and all for under £400, the Motorola edge50 pro is a bargain you simply can't pass up. Its slim design, elegant vegan leather, and marble finishes offer a touch of elegance. The 6.7-inch OLED screen dazzles with vibrant colours, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes everyday use feel buttery smooth.

While it might not have the same star power as the flagship models, the edge50 pro shines when it comes to photography. With a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto, and a 13MP ultrawide lens, it's ready to capture everything from your grandchild's first steps to a weekend brunch with friends. Plus, should you be out and about, its IP68 water and dust-proofing protect it from any splashes or spills. So if you're after a dependable, good-looking phone that won't break the bank, the edge50 pro is definitely worth considering.

If you're someone who enjoys capturing life's moments and hoarding twenty near-identical photos of your dog being cute, the Honor 90 might just be the phone for you. With an impressive 200MP main camera, this phone captures family moments in remarkable detail. And with 256GB of storage, you can store countless pictures without the dreaded 'delete to make room' panic.

Light, stylish, and downright delightful to use, the Honor 90 might just be the phone your camera roll has been waiting for.

The Google Pixel 7a proves you don’t need to splurge on an Apple or Samsung to get a solid smartphone. It covers all the basics, simplifying everything into a user-friendly interface that feels more helpful than unnecessarily complicated. The camera, with its 64MP main lens and ultrawide option, is perfect for capturing photos. Plus, Google's smart software makes searching for photos you've already taken easy – type in a keyword, and it'll find exactly what you're looking for.

The OLED display ensures that videos and apps look fantastic, while the phone itself is light and comfortable to hold. It's a great choice for anyone who wants something reliable without the stress of complexity.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a dependable, fuss-free phone that will give you peace of mind when going about your day. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it handles messages, browsing, and storing photos with ease. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display is bright enough to make your social media scroll feel slightly more glamorous and great for watching a movie without straining your eyes.

With four cameras, it gives you some flexibility when capturing those moments you want to remember, whether it's a flower in your garden or the sunset you can never quite do justice to in a photo. It's sturdy, reliable, and doesn't make a fuss about anything. So, if you're after a reliable Android phone that just works – no hassle, no drama – this is a brilliant choice.