Best Smartphones Under $500: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the dynamic world of technology, choosing a smartphone under $500 can be a challenging task. Among the popular choices in this price range are the Samsung A54, Xiaomi Poco F5, and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Let's delve into a detailed comparison across various aspects:

 

Samsung A54

The Samsung A54 stands out as an attractive mid-range device. Inspired by the flagship S series, it features a rear camera setup aligned horizontally, exuding a flagship vibe. Despite its plastic build, the A54 maintains a professional look and feel, minimizing any perception of cheapness. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 and a 120Hz refresh rate provides a satisfying visual experience. Powered by the Exynos 1380 octa-core processor, the A54 delivers stable performance for everyday tasks, but it may face challenges with high-end gaming. Notably, it boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. The rear triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 5MP macro lens, captures impressive photos. The 32MP front camera also delivers good quality selfies. With a 5000mAh battery and 25W fast charging, the A54 ensures a full day of usage.

 

Xiaomi Poco F5

The Xiaomi Poco F5 gained popularity for meeting the expectations of users seeking a flagship killer in the under $500 range. Its flat design features a distinctive camera arrangement on both the front and back. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offers excellent visual clarity. Equipped with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, the Poco F5 handles demanding applications and games smoothly. While its IP53 rating might be considered a drawback compared to competitors, it compensates with a triple-camera system on the back (64MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro) and a 16MP front camera. The 5000mAh battery, coupled with the 67W fast charger included in the box, ensures rapid and efficient charging.

 

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Released on January 7, 2022, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G positions itself as a top-tier device under $500. Running on Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 14) with One UI 6.1, it boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, ensures flagship-level performance. The triple-camera setup on the back (12MP wide, 8MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide) delivers exceptional photo quality, complemented by the 32MP front camera. With a 5000mAh battery and 25W fast charging, the S21 FE 5G excels in battery life and charging speed.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the best smartphone under $500 depends on your preferences and needs. The Samsung A54 offers an elegant design and capable cameras, the Xiaomi Poco F5 impresses with its powerful processor and fast charging, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G stands out with premium features within a budget. This comprehensive comparison aims to guide you in making an informed decision based on your priorities."

 

Source: Storeyab