If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone but don’t want to compromise on performance, display quality, or essential features, there are plenty of excellent options available for under £500. Here’s a roundup of some of the best smartphones you can snag for this price in the UK, offering solid specs, great displays, and long battery life without the flagship price tag.
1. Nothing Phone 3A
The Nothing Phone 3A is a standout in the budget category with some surprising features. This smartphone comes with an iconic LED light feature on the back (the "disco ass") that lights up with notifications or music. It also boasts a stunning AMOLED display, a stereo speaker system, and a Snapdragon processor capable of running demanding games. The camera setup, which includes a telephoto lens, delivers impressive results, especially in challenging conditions. Plus, the software features, like the Essential Space for reminders and to-do lists, are a nice touch for everyday productivity.
Key Features:
AMOLED screen
Stereo speakers
Snapdragon processor
Telephoto camera
Unique LED notifications
2. CMF Phone 1
If you're on an even tighter budget, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing offers a solid alternative. While it doesn’t have the flashy LED lights of its bigger sibling, it still offers a unique design and a customizable back cover. The AMOLED screen, decent battery life, and capable performance make it a great budget option, though it lacks features like Optical Image Stabilization for the camera and NFC for mobile payments.
Key Features:
Customizable back cover
AMOLED screen
Decent performance for casual gaming
Budget-friendly price
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G from Xiaomi is another strong contender in the budget category, especially with its recent discounting. This smartphone features a sharp AMOLED display with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, making it perfect for streaming media. With a 200MP main camera, it can handle day-to-day photography, though video quality can be a bit lacking. The performance, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity chipset, handles casual gaming well, and the battery life is reliable.
Key Features:
200MP camera
AMOLED display with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Solid performance for casual gaming
Water resistance
4. Poco F6
The Poco F6 is another Xiaomi device that frequently goes on sale for under £300. Featuring a large 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, this phone is built for smooth gaming experiences. The battery life is excellent, and charging speeds are rapid, so it’ll keep you powered up throughout the day. The camera setup is good for everyday photos, though not as impressive as some flagship devices.
Key Features:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
6.7-inch AMOLED display
Rapid charging
Solid gaming performance
5. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is a fantastic budget option for those who want solid performance and an excellent display. It comes with an OLED screen, stereo speakers, and a large 5,100mAh battery, which lasts all day with ease. While the Snapdragon 695 chip isn’t the latest for gaming, this phone performs well for general use, social media, and streaming. Plus, the camera is an upgrade over previous models, and it has 80W SuperVOOC charging, which is fast for the price.
Key Features:
OLED display
5,100mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging
Good camera quality
Affordable pricing
6. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola's Edge 50 Fusion is a well-rounded option for those looking for a lightweight design and smooth performance. It features a 144Hz refresh rate on its 6.7-inch screen and includes a 50MP camera that performs well for everyday shots. The 5,000mAh battery lasts all day, and charging is fairly quick. While it doesn’t offer top-tier gaming performance, it’s perfect for those who want a sleek phone for casual use.
Key Features:
144Hz display
50MP camera
5,000mAh battery
Sleek design
7. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung offers the Galaxy A35 5G as a solid alternative in the budget segment. It comes with a 6.6-inch display, decent camera performance, and a 5,000mAh battery. While it’s not a powerhouse for gaming, it handles everyday tasks and media consumption well. It's often found for under £300 and offers good value for money with Samsung’s software experience and camera quality.
Key Features:
5,000mAh battery
6.6-inch display
Good camera performance for everyday shots
Samsung software experience
8. Motorola G85
For those looking for even more value, the Motorola G85 is an excellent budget option. It has a 6.6-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a solid 50MP camera. Battery life is strong, and you get a 5,000mAh battery, but the performance is held back by the Snapdragon 6S Gen 3 chipset, so gamers should look elsewhere. Still, it’s a solid option for those who want a simple, no-frills phone for daily tasks.
Key Features:
120Hz display
50MP camera
5,000mAh battery
Stock Android experience
Conclusion
If you're looking for a budget smartphone under £500 in 2025, these options deliver excellent value. Whether you prioritize screen quality, battery life, or performance, there's something for everyone. Nothing Phone 3A, Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, and Poco F6 stand out for their displays and gaming capabilities, while OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion provide solid all-round performance. Keep an eye out for discounts and sales to snag these devices at even better prices!