Top 3 Best “Cheap” Smartphones

Before revealing our complete selection, here are the top 3 best smartphones under 500 euros.

1 – Google Pixel 8a: the best smartphone under €500

2 – Poco X6 Pro (Xiaomi): the most powerful smartphone for less than €400

3 – Honor Magic 6 Lite: the best smartphone under €350

Why trust us

Pierre FONTAINE has been a journalist specializing in new technologies since the early 2000s. Having fallen into it when the TO7 was still at the top, he follows Apple news with particular attention and the competition rounds with pleasure. A passionate geek, he cut his teeth at the great old Internet Actu, before joining the Tests group. After working at Univers Mac, he then made his way at 01net, from editor to deputy editor-in-chief. He loves smart tech, and it sometimes gives him back.

How we tested these smartphones

Our smartphone tests take place in two phases. The first is a technical phase, identical for each device. We install several test applications, called synthetic, which allow us to have a fairly precise idea of ​​the performance of the processor and the graphics part of each device. Using a probe, we then take measurements of brightness, contrast and color fidelity (in natural rendering, when several settings are available) for each screen.

The next step, once the battery is broken in (emptied and recharged at least once) and the brightness adjusted to 200 cd/m2, we launch a battery life test, which consists of playing a 4K video continuously. When the battery has given up, we launch a timed charge of the device with the charger supplied as standard or recommended for the fastest charge.

Once these tests are validated, we move on to the second phase, the handling of the devices themselves. This can last from several days to several weeks. We then use them as our main smartphones, to judge their daily performance, both on the Web and for playing or taking photos.

The complete selection of the best smartphones under 500 euros

In addition to the additional, even more reasonably priced alternatives you’ll find below (down to under 200 euros), we’ve also summarized our technical tests to further assist you in your decision.

Google Pixel 8a: the best smartphone under 500 euros

The Pixel 8a, a less expensive version of the Pixel 8 , takes the strengths of its predecessors, particularly in photography, and refines Google’s recipe.

Its design , with bright colors and a metal crossbar for the photo modules, stands out visually. The case, although mainly made of plastic, remains of quality and the smartphone is pleasant to handle. On the connectivity side, the Pixel 8a offers support for nanoSIM and eSIM, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. No Wi-Fi 7 therefore, nor a microSD port . Shortcomings that could disappoint some users.

The 6.1-inch OLED screen, now refreshed at 120 Hz, offers excellent brightness, for comfortable outdoor use. The peak brightness of 1346 cd/m2 is simply impressive for a device under 500 euros. The colors are rich and vivid, even if the colorimetric accuracy (average Delta E at 4.36) is slightly behind the Pixel 7a. A high-end screen in an accessible device . The Pixel 8a also benefits from Google’s Tensor G3 chip and 8 GB of RAM, for smooth performance and effective AI features. However, it is not the most powerful SoC. It will support most applications very well but could show limits in video games .

The Pixel 8a’s greatest asset, however, remains photography . The latter maintains Google’s know-how with a 64 Mpx wide-angle and a 13 Mpx ultra-wide-angle delivering the best images in its market segment, by far. The performances are complemented by a dose of artificial intelligence that is ever more advanced and useful.

Finally, very good news, the autonomy has been significantly improved with a 4,492 mAh battery allowing it to reach almost 20 hours during our lab test. This was the main flaw of the previous Pixels. It is no longer. However, note that recharging remains a little slow for our taste. Finally, the Pixel 8a displays a high repairability index and benefits from seven years of updates, making it a sustainable choice in its price range.