With the increased availability of SIM-Only phone plans that offer users the ultimate in flexibility and great prices on new devices, it’s no wonder that many phone buyers are seeking to buy a phone outright in 2021.
It’s better for consumers and the environment, as it offers you the chance to buy any new phone without the restrictions of a contract and keep it as long as you want, which reduces waste.
The one most significant factor that phone buyers need to consider is the cost. As you’re buying the phone outright, you will have to stump up the total price upfront.
While it might be possible to buy a new device on finance or pay by credit card, you could end up paying more for the device over time.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of great value android phones available so that you can find the perfect option at the right price.
While flagship Android phone models, such as the Samsung Galaxy and the iPhone 12, cost more than £1000, there are more affordable options available.
With these mid-range options, you can still get a great phone without going over your budget. You can browse cheap phones online so that you can buy your new device from the comfort of your home.
While the best phone under 500 might seem like an elusive dream, there’s actually are a lot of options out there.
You won’t have to buy a refurbished option or a mobile that’s on an old operating system: all the smartphones under £500 options listed here offer cutting-edge features and outstanding performance.
In this post, we’re going to discuss what you should look for in a new smartphone and the new devices available right now with a £500 or less price tag.
What To Look For In A New Smartphone
Price is an essential factor when looking at mid-range smartphones, but it isn’t the only one you need to consider.
So, before you start persuing this list, you need to consider what you’re looking for from your new smartphone.
Think about what apps and features you use most on your current device, so you can work out what you’re looking for from your new mobile.
Some of the key factors that you need to consider include:
- The size of the display screen
- Security features such as a fingerprint sensor
- Battery life
- If it has fast-charging capabilities
- The specification of the main camera
- How many additional cameras the device has
- The operating system it uses
- The processor
- If the device has a headphone jack and other additions
By following blogs such as ours and reading the reviews of the latest smartphones on the market, you can save money and find the perfect new smartphone to meet your needs.
Keep reading to get an insight into some of the best cheap smartphones online in 2021, so you can get inspiration and start your search right.
Huawei P30
At an average price of around £200, the Huawei P30 is a cost-effective option for smartphone buyers looking for a reliable device with a quality camera. It’s a mid-sized phone that comes with headphone and USB-C ports but without wireless charging capability. The phone comes in several bold colour options, so you can choose the perfect one to suit your style! There’s also a Pro version of this model, with a front camera and triple rear camera option, which also fits into the under £500 budget. Both of them have quality cameras, although they don’t have 5G support. So, these phones could be ideal for budding photographers.
Google Pixel 4a
If you’re looking to use your new Android phone with only one hand, then the Google Pixel 4a could be ideal for you. It’s doesn’t yet have 5G connectivity, but it is considerably cheaper than the flagship Pixel 4, and it offers some great specs for a lower price. It uses the innovative Snapdragon 730G processor that’s great for gaming. With a sleek design that comes in black and has a handy 5.81-inch display, it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants a basic smartphone at a great price.
OnePlus Nord
The OnePlus Nord combines flagship features with affordability to make it an excellent choice for those who want an OnePlus 8 but don’t want to pay the total price. The plastic back comes in grey or a pleasing pale blue, and the device itself offers quality storage and battery power. It comes with a free silicon case in the pack and you can buy additional styles to customise the budget device to your heart’s content. With Gorilla Glass on the screen and a free case, the OnePlus Nord is excellent for clumsy phone users. It uses the Snapdragon 765G processor, which is slightly older but gives you the same quality performance. So, you’ll get an innovative mid-range model if you choose the OnePlus Nord.
Fairphone 3+
The Dutch smartphone producer Fairphone offers unique products that are designed as an antidote to traditional mobiles. They’re made to be repaired and last much longer than their competitors, which is why they come with a mini-screwdriver included in the box with the device. The Fairphone 3+ is one of the newer models, and it boasts camera upgrades and Android 10 capabilities and a decent battery life. The camera is the biggest flaw in the previous options from Fairphone, so the camera upgrades are a welcome upgrade to the 3+ device. The newer model retains the slightly clunky and outdated design of the original, but it’s still a unique alternative to a traditional mobile from a large name brand. So, if you want something innovative that’s designed with the environment in mind but without compromising on performance, then consider the Fairphone 3+.
Moto G 5G Plus
Many of the options on this list don’t offer 5G capabilities, so the Moto G 5G is a welcome addition, as it’s an affordable 5G option. It uses one of the newer chipsets, the Snapdragon 765, and four cameras on the rear of the device. As such, it is a powerful phone that could rival its much more costly counterparts. The design looks much more impressive than the price would suggest, with a fingerprint scanner and an oblong camera section on the back that is reminiscent of the much pricier iPhone. The device is available in lilac and metallic blue, so it’s a quirky choice for modern smartphone users.
iPhone SE 2020
The only option that’s not an Android device on this list is the iPhone SE 2020. It’s a budget version of the flagship iPhone for that year, but it still packs a mighty punch. The cost-cutting is made by using older screen technology and removing the headphone jack, but it still offers the traditional Apple iPhone experience that users love. With a bionic chipset, the smartphone is innovative, and it comes hot on the heels of the first iPhone SE that Apple released in 2016. It was designed to offer users who wanted to keep their mobile for longer. So, if you want an iPhone but don’t want to spend a lot on it or replace it regularly, then this could be perfect.
Buying a new smartphone is a fun experience, but you also need to think about getting the best phone coverage deal, as purchasing a phone outright means it will be SIM-free. Luckily, Lebara offers a selection of SIM-Only plans, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. We’ll even give you a free SIM and let you keep your old number, so you can get your new phone up and running in no time.
Happy phone buying!
