Budget phones in 2026 are better than ever, but they also got a little more expensive. Rising memory prices pushed several popular models up this year, and the old idea of a great phone for under $400 is harder to find. The good news is that around the $450 to $500 mark, you can still get a phone with a smooth 120Hz screen, a solid camera, all day battery and years of software updates.
Three phones keep coming up when people ask what to buy at this price: the Google Pixel 10a, the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. Each one is good at something different, so let’s look at who each phone is really for.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Google Pixel 10a, for its camera, clean software and seven years of updates.
- Best screen and safe all rounder: Samsung Galaxy A37 5G, for its AMOLED display and familiar Samsung features.
- Best for zoom and style: Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, for its telephoto zoom photos and unique design.
Comparison table
| Feature | Pixel 10a | Galaxy A37 5G | Nothing Phone (4a) Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3 inch Actua pOLED, 60 to 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chip | Google Tensor G4 | Midrange chip | Midrange chip |
| RAM | 8GB | Varies by model | Up to 12GB |
| Software updates | 7 years | Several years (shorter than Pixel) | Shorter than Pixel |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP rated | IP rated |
| Best at | Photos and software | Screen and features | Zoom and design |
| Launch price (US) | $499 | $449.99 | Around $419 to $599 depending on deal |
Note: prices for budget phones have moved a lot in 2026. Always check the current price before buying.
Google Pixel 10a: the best budget phone for most people
Tom’s Guide named the Pixel 10a its best cheap phone overall, and it is easy to see why. You get a 6.3 inch Actua pOLED screen that switches between 60 and 120Hz depending on what you are doing, just like the more expensive Pixel 10. It is IP68 rated, so it can handle rain, spills and the odd drop in the sink.
The camera is the main reason to buy it. Google did not change the camera hardware much from last year, but Pixel processing still makes everyday photos look better than most phones at this price. Skin tones look natural, night shots are clean, and you get Google’s AI editing tools built in.
The other big selling point is support. Google promises seven years of OS and security updates, which is longer than any other phone in this price range. If you keep your phone for a long time, that alone makes the Pixel 10a a smart buy. Battery life is also good, with Tom’s Guide recording 15 hours and 16 minutes in its web browsing test.
The downsides? It runs last year’s Tensor G4 chip, which is fine for daily use but not the best for heavy gaming. It is also on the thicker side at around 9mm. And some reports show the price creeping up from its $499 launch price in late 2026, so wait for a sale if you can.
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G: the safe, familiar choice
Samsung’s A series is the most popular budget phone line in the world for a reason. The Galaxy A37 5G gives you a bright, punchy AMOLED screen that looks great for videos and social media, along with Samsung’s One UI software and many of its Galaxy AI features.
At $449.99 unlocked from Samsung at launch, it was one of the few good phones that stayed under $500, although some retailers raised the price slightly in October. Reviewers note that the camera, display and performance under heavy load are not class leading. But for calls, chats, browsing, streaming and photos for social media, it does everything well and feels reliable.
If you are already using Samsung products like Galaxy Buds or a Galaxy Watch, the A37 fits in nicely. Software support is long, though not quite as long as the Pixel’s seven years.
If you can stretch your budget a little, the Galaxy A57 5G is worth a look. It launched at $549.99 and feels much more premium, at just 6.9mm thick and 179 grams with a 6.7 inch AMOLED screen. TechRadar’s reviewer said it looks like a flagship.
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro: the stylish zoom pick
Nothing phones always stand out, and the (4a) Pro is no different. Its distinctive design makes it the most fun looking phone here. But it is more than looks. TechRepublic picked it as the best budget phone for zoom photography, and it is one of the few phones near this price with a proper telephoto camera.
Some versions come with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is more than the 8GB you get on the Pixel 10a and Galaxy A57 at a similar storage tier. Nothing OS is also very clean, with no bloatware and a nice minimal look.
The catch is pricing. Nothing’s US store has listed it at both $419 on sale and $599 at full price at different times, so whether it is a bargain depends entirely on when you buy. Software support is also shorter than the Pixel’s.
What about cheaper phones?
If $450 is still too much, there are good options lower down. The Moto G Power (2026) is a strong pick under $300, with huge battery life and tougher construction. The Moto G (2026) is a decent choice under $200. Older models like the Nothing Phone (3a) can also be found for around $379 and are still good phones.
Just know that as you go cheaper, you usually give up camera quality, update length and water resistance first.
What to look for in a budget phone
- Software updates: More years of updates means your phone stays secure and useful longer. Pixel leads here.
- Screen: A 120Hz OLED or AMOLED screen makes a cheap phone feel expensive. All three phones here have one.
- Camera: Processing matters more than megapixels at this price. Google’s processing is still the best.
- Water resistance: Look for an IP rating. IP68 is the best you will find.
- Price history: Budget phones get discounted often. A phone that is $599 today might be $449 next month.
Final verdict
For most people, the Pixel 10a is the best budget phone you can buy right now. It takes the best photos, gets the longest updates and is water resistant. Pick it up on sale if you can.
Choose the Galaxy A37 5G if you want a great screen and a familiar Samsung experience at a lower price. Choose the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro if you want better zoom and a phone that looks like nothing else, especially if you catch it at its sale price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best phone under $500 in 2026?
The Google Pixel 10a is the best overall pick thanks to its camera, IP68 rating and seven years of updates.
Is the Galaxy A37 better than the Pixel 10a?
The Galaxy A37 has a lower launch price and a great AMOLED screen, but the Pixel 10a has the better camera and longer software support.
Why did budget phone prices go up in 2026?
Higher memory and component costs pushed several phone makers to raise prices this year, including on budget and midrange models.
Which budget phone has the best zoom?
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, which TechRepublic picked as the best budget phone for zoom photography.
