Best Samsung Best Value Phones Under $500 in 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra S23 Ultra Black 256GB
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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE SM-S731UDBAXAA Navy 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
A 6.7" 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display with 1900 nits peak brightness and an Exynos 2400 processor is paired with a 4900mAh battery, 45W charging, IP68 rating, and rugged Armor Aluminum frame. Galaxy AI features like Generative Edit and Gemini Live add practical utility, while the 50MP main camera with 3x telephoto offers versatile photography. This phone is best for budget-conscious users who need a durable daily driver with long battery life and a bright outdoor screen.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra S22 Ultra Green 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The 108MP quad-camera system with 10x optical zoom and a built-in S Pen with 2.8ms latency delivers flagship-level imaging and note-taking precision. This refurbished Grade C model cuts the cost significantly, though its body may show dents, scuffs, and screen blemishes. It suits business users and photographers who need the 1750-nit Dynamic AMOLED display and 5000mAh battery endurance without prioritizing a flawless exterior.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ S23+ Black 512GB
Why we recommend this ▼
A refurbished Grade B unit with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED reaching 1750 nits, and IP68 water resistance offers flagship performance at a reduced price. Its 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, 4700mAh battery with 45W charging, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build provide long-term reliability. Best for budget-minded users needing a durable, high-performance phone who are willing to accept cosmetic blemishes.
Samsung Galaxy A Series A36 Awesome Black 256GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 drives a 120Hz 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1200-nit Vision Booster, backed by a 50MP OIS main camera and 10x optical zoom for sharp, stable photos. A 5000mAh battery with 45W charging, IP67 water resistance, and six years of OS updates deliver lasting value, along with free Samsung TV Plus and a three-month Peacock Premium trial. This phone suits budget-focused buyers seeking a durable 5G device for all-day streaming, AI-assisted selfies, and reliable battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Awesome Black 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED peaking at 1900 nits, and 5000mAh battery with 45W charging deliver flagship-level endurance at a budget price. Six years of updates and Nightography low-light capture add lasting value rarely seen in this segment. It’s best for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a bright, large screen for streaming and all-day battery life over raw performance.
Samsung Galaxy A SM-A566UZKAXAA Awesome Graphite 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
A 1900-nit, 120Hz OLED display pairs with a 5000mAh battery and 45W charging to provide sharp visuals and all-day endurance, powered by the Exynos 1580 chip. Its six-year update promise and lightweight 196g metal-and-glass build with IP67 rating set it apart in the budget segment. This device is best for cost-conscious users who stream media throughout the day and need a durable phone with reliable battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S22 S901U Phantom Black 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers a 6.1-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED hitting 1300 nits in a sleek 168g IP68 frame. Its triple-camera system captures versatile images with a 50MP OIS main, 3x optical telephoto, and 8K 60fps video. This is ideal for users who prioritize a one-hand-friendly flagship with strong photography, accepting that the 3700mAh battery scores just 64/100 in endurance.
Samsung Galaxy A37 A37 Awesome Charcoal 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
Powered by the Exynos 1480 chip, its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display peaks at 1900 nits, and the IP68 build is backed by a promise of 6 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. The 50MP triple camera system offers 10x optical zoom and AI editing tools, while the 5000mAh battery supports 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 for all-day use. This phone suits budget-conscious buyers wanting a durable, long-supported 5G device for vibrant media viewing and capable photography, not intensive gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A56 A56 Awesome Gray 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
Featuring a 4nm Exynos 1580 chip with Xclipse 540 GPU, its 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display reaches 1200 nits peak brightness. IP67 water resistance and a 50MP OIS main camera with telephoto lens add durability and flexible photography. Best for everyday users needing a vibrant screen, 5000mAh all-day battery, and 45W charging that hits 65% in 30 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy S S10+ Prism Black 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 3040x1440 resolution and the Snapdragon 855 chip deliver a vivid, uninterrupted viewing experience without a notch. IP68 water resistance, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and Wireless PowerShare add practical durability and convenience, complemented by a 3.5mm jack and expandable storage up to 512GB. Best for users seeking a secure, multimedia-focused phone with flagship display quality and water resistance, but not ideal for heavy gaming due to middling performance scores.
Samsung Galaxy A36 SM-A366E/DS Awesome White 256GB
Why we recommend this ▼
A rare 10MP telephoto lens sets it apart in its class, complementing the 50MP main camera and 12MP ultrawide on a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness. With a 5000mAh battery and 45W Super Fast Charge, the A36 offers reliable all-day use and quick top-ups, backed by IP67 water resistance and a stereo speaker setup. This phone is best for users seeking a versatile camera phone with telephoto reach and strong battery endurance in a durable, mid-range package.
Samsung Galaxy S10+ SM-G975 Prism White 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 3040x1440 resolution, Exynos 9820 processor, and 8GB RAM delivers a crisp, fluid experience. Its 4100mAh battery features reverse wireless charging and the phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, adding practical versatility at just 175g. This device is best for users wanting a triple-camera setup and legacy ports in a compact, budget-friendly flagship alternative.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ S906U Graphite 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and a 6.6-inch AMOLED, this refurbished S22+ captures detailed 50MP photos and 8K video with 3x optical zoom. IP68 certification, 45W wired charging, and eco-conscious aftermarket packaging enhance its long-term reliability. Ideal for mobile photographers valuing optical zoom and business users needing consistent battery endurance from the 4500mAh pack.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Prism White 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The Snapdragon 855 processor, 8GB RAM, and 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED Edge display keep the experience snappy, while the triple camera with 2x optical zoom captures detailed shots. Expandable storage up to 512GB and reverse wireless charging add flexibility rare in today’s devices. It’s suited for budget-focused users who want a compact device with a vibrant screen and capable camera array.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G N981U Mystic Green 128GB
Why we recommend this ▼
The Snapdragon 865+ chipset drives a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a triple camera system capable of 8K video recording. Its built-in S Pen offers precise stylus input for annotations and sketches, while 15W wireless charging adds daily convenience. This phone is best for mobile professionals who need a stylus-driven workflow, reliable 5G, and a large screen for note-taking and media.