If you’re in the market for a new phone and have $500 or less to spend, there are plenty of solid options this year. At the higher end, we have the Google Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. If you’re looking to save a bit more without sacrificing too many specs, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G and the standard Nothing Phone 3a are strong contenders. Below that, ultra-budget choices like the Moto G series still have their place. While these phones differ in many ways, one key area to focus on at this price point is the processor.
Thankfully, budget chips aren’t as sluggish as they used to be, but choosing a high-performance processor is still a smart move. Who knows what apps, games, or features your phone might need to handle years down the line? Software support now stretches to four years or more—but the hardware needs to keep up, too. Planning ahead can save you both money and frustration later on.