Phone deals under $500 in February
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 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $92.
The Apple iPhone 7 Plus has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.5 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 Plus is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $140.
Best Android phones under $500
Best Samsung phones
Best One Plus phones
OnePlus Nord N10
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $11/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The OnePlus Nord N10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.49 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Nord N10 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $11/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord N10 Unlocked | $11/mo |
Best Motorola phones
Motorola Moto E
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $11/mo*0% APR for 12 mths
The Motorola Moto E has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 13 MP, 2 MP camera. This new Moto E is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $11/mo.
| Device | 32GB |
|---|---|
| Motorola Moto E Unlocked | $11/mo |
Motorola Moto G Power
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $12/mo*0% APR for 12 mths
The Motorola Moto G Power has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This new Moto G Power is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $12/mo.
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G Power Unlocked | $12/mo | $23/mo | $189 |
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 S10e has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10e is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $120.
Best cheap cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
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.
