Not for nothing, Samsung has long been the leading smartphone manufacturer. Whether you would like to buy a high-end flagship smartphone, go for an elegant foldable phone, or get a relatively affordable yet capable device, the South Korean giant has got you fully covered. In this article, I’m going to line up the 8 best Samsung Galaxy Smartphones Under $500 you can buy in 2025. So, if you are willing to buy a pretty solid Galaxy without having to dole out a ton of dollars, look no further than this lineup. Read on to…
Best Samsung Galaxy Smartphones Under $500 You Can Buy
Without an iota of doubt, the likes of Galaxy Series Ultra and the iPhone Pro lineup boast the enviable specs. Packed with top-of-the-line processors, monster batteries, or pro-grade cameras, they are ahead of the curve on multiple fronts. However, you don’t need to shell out a lot of bucks to get almost 80% of their features. Yeah, you got that right! You would be surprised to check what these budget-friendly smartphones have to offer.
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is an impressive addition to the Fan Edition lineup, combining high-end features with AI-powered enhancements. Featuring a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,900 nits peak brightness, the screen delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals, even under direct sunlight. Whether gaming, streaming, or scrolling, the experience remains fluid and immersive.
Powered by One UI 6.1 on Android 14, the phone ensures a refined and user-friendly experience. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, multitasking is seamless, and there’s ample space for apps and media.
The AI-driven Photo Assist feature allows users to edit images effortlessly by moving, resizing, or removing objects, ensuring every shot is picture-perfect. Additionally, Night Portrait mode enhances low-light photography, making details pop even in dim settings.
A standout AI-powered feature is real-time translation, which helps users understand text, calls, and conversations in different languages. Instant Slow-Mo also adds a creative touch by allowing any video to be replayed in slow motion with a simple tap.
The intelligent battery management system optimizes power usage, ensuring extended battery life. With its AI-enhanced capabilities, powerful hardware, and sleek design, the Galaxy S24 FE is a fantastic choice for those seeking premium performance at a reasonable price.
2. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a robust mid-range smartphone that delivers premium features at an affordable price. Powered by One UI 6.0 on Android 14, it ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience. The 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology makes content consumption enjoyable, even under bright sunlight. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or scrolling, the visuals remain crisp and fluid.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate its advanced triple-lens camera, which captures high-resolution images and sharp videos. With Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Nightography, low-light shots appear clearer, making nighttime photography a breeze. The phone’s performance is backed by 6GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking, while the 128GB of internal storage—expandable up to 1TB—provides ample space for photos, apps, and videos.
Connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and NFC add to its versatility. Additionally, the innovative Circle to Search feature with Google enhances convenience by allowing users to search for anything on-screen with a simple gesture. Overall, the Galaxy A35 5G offers a well-rounded package with a bright display, powerful cameras, and ample storage, making it a great choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone.
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a powerful smartphone that brings flagship-level performance at a more affordable price. Featuring a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certification, the screen delivers stunning colors, deep contrasts, and ultra-smooth scrolling. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing, the visuals remain crisp and vibrant.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor ensures fast performance, complemented by 12GB of RAM for seamless multitasking. The 128GB of storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. Its 4500mAh battery keeps you powered throughout the day, and fast charging support means less downtime.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The 10MP front camera ensures sharp selfies and smooth video calls. Additionally, the under-display fingerprint sensor enhances security while maintaining a sleek design.
With 5G connectivity, a durable build, and broad carrier compatibility, the Galaxy S23 FE is a fantastic choice for users looking for premium features without the flagship price tag. It’s a well-balanced phone that delivers excellent performance across the board.
4. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a premium experience without breaking the bank. With its 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, the screen delivers vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and enhanced durability.
Powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset and an octa-core processor, the Galaxy A55 5G ensures reliable performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage—expandable up to 1TB via microSD—users have ample space for apps, media, and files. The 5000mAh battery provides all-day power, and fast charging support keeps downtime minimal.
The camera system is another highlight, featuring a versatile triple-lens setup: a 50MP main sensor for detailed shots, a 12MP ultrawide lens for expansive landscapes, and a 5MP macro lens for close-ups. The 32MP front camera ensures sharp and vibrant selfies.
Advanced photography features like HDR and panorama mode further enhance image quality. With Android 14 and One UI 6.1, users get a seamless and intuitive software experience. Overall, the Galaxy A55 5G is a fantastic choice for those seeking a stylish, powerful, and feature-packed smartphone at a competitive price.
5. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is an entry-level smartphone that delivers solid features at an affordable price. With a large 6.7-inch display and a crisp 1880 x 2340 resolution, users can enjoy immersive viewing for browsing, reading, and streaming. The screen ensures clear visuals, making everyday tasks smooth and enjoyable.
Powered by a 2.4GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy A16 5G offers reliable performance for essential tasks like messaging, social media, and web browsing. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps and media, with the option to expand via microSD. The inclusion of 5G connectivity ensures faster downloads and seamless streaming.
The triple-lens camera system allows users to capture detailed shots in various scenarios, whether it’s wide-angle group photos or close-up shots. With advanced camera software, users can enhance their pictures effortlessly. The device also boasts an IP54 rating, offering improved durability against dust and splashes, making it a reliable choice for daily use.
Running on Android 14 with One UI, the Galaxy A16 5G provides a smooth and user-friendly experience. Additional perks like Samsung Wallet and integration with Samsung Health make it a practical choice for users who want essential features with a modern touch.
6. Samsung Galaxy M55 5G
Samsung Galaxy M55 5G is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers an impressive balance of performance, display quality, and battery life. It sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) processor and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming efficiently, supported by the Adreno 644 GPU for solid graphics performance.
The camera setup is quite appealing, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro shooter on the rear, capturing detailed and dynamic shots. The 50MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies and sharp video calls. One UI 6.1 based on Android 14 enhances the user experience with smooth navigation and useful customizations.
With 256GB of storage, there’s ample room for apps, media, and files. A 5,000mAh battery provides all-day endurance, while 25W fast charging ensures quick top-ups. Other notable features include an under-display fingerprint sensor and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Overall, the Galaxy M55 5G is an excellent choice for users looking for a powerful, well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.
7. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers solid performance, a smooth display, and long battery life. It features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Powered by the Exynos 1280 chipset, an octa-core processor, and 6GB of RAM, it ensures a smooth user experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
The 50MP main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) enhances low-light photography and video stability, while the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro sensors add versatility. The 13MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls. Running on Android with Samsung’s One UI, the software experience is intuitive and customizable.
With 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD, storage concerns are minimal. A 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, complemented by fast charging support. At 6.95 oz, it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable 5G phone with a great display, reliable performance, and a capable camera setup.
8. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is a premium smartphone that delivers flagship-level performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system. It features a 6.6-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an Infinity-O design, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling with a high refresh rate.
Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. While there’s no SD card slot, the onboard storage should be sufficient for most users. The Adreno 730 GPU ensures smooth gaming and graphics performance. Running on Android 12 with One UI 4.1, it offers an intuitive and feature-rich experience.
The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
The 10MP front camera delivers sharp and clear selfies. Battery life is solid with a 4,500mAh battery, and Wireless PowerShare lets you charge other devices on the go. Overall, the Galaxy S22+ 5G is a powerhouse with a sleek design, high-end performance, and excellent camera capabilities.
Disclaimer: Having thoroughly taken a close look at products, we review and recommend them without any bias or strings attached. When you buy any item through our affiliate or sponsored links, we earn a small commission, which helps manage the ever-growing team and the site. Read more…
Signing off…
And there you have it, folks! I hope you have found these Samsung phones up to the market. Both in terms of power and efficiency, they have got the specs to deliver the goods. And that too without burning a hole in your pocket. By the way, which one of these Galaxies is going to grace your palm?
