Phone deals under $500 in September
Are you looking for the best phone under $500? We can help you find the best deal while saving up to $600 a year, per line.
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Buying a phone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the best phones under $500 from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Best iPhones under $500
The Apple iPhone 6S has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 6S is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $76.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 6S (Refurbished) | 32GB | $76 |
| Storage | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| Screen size | 4.7" |
| Display | Retina HD with 3D Touch |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 11 hours |
| Processor | Apple A9 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 5MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28in |
| Weight | 5.04oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | iOS 9 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Apple iPhone 6S User Manual |
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $85.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 (Refurbished) | 32GB | $85 |
| Storage | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 4.7" |
| Display | Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 13 hours |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 7MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28in |
| Weight | 4.87oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | iOS 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP67 |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Apple iPhone 7 User Manual |
The Apple iPhone 7 Plus has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.5" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 Plus is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $155.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus (Refurbished) | 32GB | $155 |
| Storage | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 5.5" |
| Display | Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 14 hours |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 3GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 7MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29in |
| Weight | 6.63oz |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | iOS 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP67 |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Apple iPhone 7 Plus User Manual |
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $106.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 8 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $106 |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 4.7" |
| Display | Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 13 hours |
| Processor | Apple A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 2GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 7MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29in |
| Weight | 5.22oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | iOS 11 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP67 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Apple iPhone 8 User Manual |
Best Android phones under $500
Best Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy A12: Price, Specs & Reviews
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- New - Unlocked
- Price
- $12/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The Samsung Galaxy A12 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This new Galaxy A12 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $12/mo.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A12 (Refurbished) | 32GB | $110 |
| Samsung Galaxy A12 (Unlocked) | 32GB | $12/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy A12 (T-Mobile) | 32GB | $12/mo |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | PLS TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 21 hours |
| Processor | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 |
| RAM | 2GB, 6GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 48MP |
| Camera type | 48MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Video resolution | HD |
| Size | 6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35in |
| Weight | 7.23oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 3.1 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | 3D face unlock and fingerprint |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: Price, Specs & Reviews
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- New - Unlocked
- Price
- $12/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This new Galaxy A32 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $12/mo.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A32 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $149 |
| Samsung Galaxy A32 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $12/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy A32 (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $12/mo |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | HD+ TFT |
| Resolution | 1600 x 720 |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 32 hours |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 720 |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB |
| 5G | Yes |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 48MP |
| Camera type | 48MP |
| Front camera | 13MP |
| Video resolution | UHD 4K |
| Size | 6.46 x 3 x 0.36in |
| Weight | 7.23oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 11 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best One Plus phones
Best Motorola phones
- Retailer
- US Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- New - Unlocked
- Price
- $14/mo0% APR for 12 mths
The Motorola Moto G Play has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 13MP camera. This new Moto G Play is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $14/mo.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G Play (Unlocked) | 32GB | $14/mo |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | HD+ IPS TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 1600 x 720 |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 18 hours |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 13MP |
| Camera type | 13MP |
| Front camera | 5MP |
| Video resolution | FHD |
| Size | 6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37in |
| Weight | 7.2oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID, Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
- Retailer
- US Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- New - Unlocked
- Price
- $14/mo0% APR for 12 mths
The Motorola Moto G Play has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 13MP camera. This new Moto G Play is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $14/mo.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G Play (Unlocked) | 32GB | $14/mo |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | HD+ IPS TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 1600 x 720 |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 18 hours |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 13MP |
| Camera type | 13MP |
| Front camera | 5MP |
| Video resolution | FHD |
| Size | 6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37in |
| Weight | 7.2oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID, Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Motorola G Power: Price, Specs & Reviews
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Ultra Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- New - Unlocked
- Price
- $14/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The Motorola Moto G Power has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4" screen and 16MP camera. This new Moto G Power is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $14/mo.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G Power (Unlocked) | 32GB | $14/mo |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Screen size | 6.4" |
| Display | HD+ IPS |
| Resolution | 2300 x 1080 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 19 hours |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| RAM | 3GB, 4GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 16MP |
| Camera type | 16MP |
| Front camera | 16MP |
| Video resolution | FHD, HD |
| Size | 6.29 x 2.99 x 0.38in |
| Weight | 7.02oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Nokia phones
Phones under $500 benefits
Offering the best phones under $500, there are a number of great benefits to buying a phone with an MVNO.
- Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the best budget phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
- Latest cell phones: Offering the same phones as the big three, but without the three-year contract.
- Cheap monthly payments: Many low-cost carriers offer affordable interest-free payment plans on their phones along with cell phone plans starting from only $10 a month.
- Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
- 5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there is a selection of budget 5G phones to choose from.
- Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of budget phones suitable for seniors, under $500.
- Phones for kids: Low-cost carriers offer a variety of phones under $500 suitable for kids, and for even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Best refurbished phones under $500
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.5" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S7 edge is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $94.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Refurbished) | 32GB | $94 |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Screen size | 5.5" |
| Display | QHD Super AMOLED Edge Display |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 18 hours |
| Processor | Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 5MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.94 x 2.86 x 0.3in |
| Weight | 5.54oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual |
The Samsung Galaxy S8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S8 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $100.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S8 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $100 |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 5.8" |
| Display | QHD+ Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 16 hours |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31in |
| Weight | 5.47oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID, Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S8 User Manual |
The Samsung Galaxy S9 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S9 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $110.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $110 |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 5.8" |
| Display | QHD+ Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 16 hours |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 5.81 x 2.7 x 0.33in |
| Weight | 5.75oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID, Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S9 User Manual |
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 16MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10e is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $117.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S10e (Refurbished) | 128GB | $117 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e (Unlocked) | 128GB | $18/mo |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 5.8" |
| Display | FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2280 x 1080 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 10 hours |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 16MP |
| Camera type | 16MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 5.6 x 2.75 x 0.31in |
| Weight | 5.29oz |
| Optical zoom | 0.5x zoom |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Screen protection | Protective Film |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Face, Capacitive Fingerprint Sensor |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S10e User Manual |
The Samsung Galaxy Note8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.3" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note8 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $169.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note8 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $169 |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.3" |
| Display | QHD+ Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 16 hours |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, HD |
| Size | 6.4 x 2.94 x 0.34in |
| Weight | 6.88oz |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID, Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy Note8 User Manual |
Best cheap cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile 12GB plan | 12GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | T-Mobile | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Unltd | Verizon | $30 |
Phones under $500 FAQs
What's a good phone for around $500?
With a budget of $500, you'll find a great selection of smartphones including 5G compatible phones. Some of the top-rated phones for under $500 are the Apple iPhone 11, iPhone SE, Google Pixel 5a 5G, and the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
What is the best low budget smartphone?
Deciding on the best affordable smartphone will be different for everyone depending on the features you're looking for and your budget. Luckily there's a great selection of low-cost phones available including the Samsung Galaxy A12, and the iPhone SE and for even more discounts there are plenty of options available with refurbished phones.
Recap
Whether looking for the latest iPhone or a cheap cell phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
MVNOs, like Red Pocket or Mint Mobile, offer phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best phones under $500 at the cheapest price.
