Best Mobile Phones Under £500 for 2025 in the UK

Gone are the days when buying a phone under £500 meant settling for less. These days, these mid-range marvels offer stunning screens, impressive cameras, and battery life that keeps up with our busy lives. In 2025, manufacturers are fitting these phones with fast displays, powerful processors, and intuitive software support without the premium price tag.

I've put the usual contenders through their paces—like Google, Samsung, and Motorola—and also checked out fresh faces such as Nothing. What follows is a straightforward guide to the best phones under £500 you can buy in the UK today. You'll find out where each handset excels, where it could do better, and who it's best suited for.

Top Picks with Detailed Reviews

1. Google Pixel 9a

• Display & Performance: Sporting a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 9a makes colours pop while keeping things smooth as butter. Google's Tensor G4 chip ensures everything runs seamlessly, whether you're juggling apps or snapping photos. It's the camera prowess that really stands out here.
• Build Quality: Simple and sturdy, the Pixel 9a isn't the flashiest but feels solid and reliable. Its understated design is complemented by Google's software finesse, elevating the overall experience.
• Battery Life: With its 4,500mAh battery, you'll generally get through a day of moderate use. Heavy users might need a top-up by late afternoon. Decent, just not mind-blowing.
• Pricing: Typically found around £399 on Amazon UK.
• Ideal User: Perfect for those who crave a top-notch camera and a pure Android experience, backed by extended software updates. Great for photography fans on a budget.

Notes: Pixel 9a shines with its cameras, especially in low-light scenarios. However, there's no expandable storage, and only one major OS update is guaranteed from launch.

2. Samsung Galaxy A56

• Display & Performance: Featuring a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display at 120Hz, it's bright, vivid, and easy to see even outdoors. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
• Build Quality: Samsung's attention to detail is apparent. The phone feels robust with a design that's functional if not flashy. Plus, you get long-term security updates.
• Battery Life: With a 5,000mAh battery, expect endurance beyond a day, often stretching to a day and a half for typical users. Charging at 25W is adequate but not the fastest.
• Pricing: Priced around £424 directly from Samsung in the UK.
• Ideal User: If you value battery life and a stunning AMOLED screen, and need expandable storage, this phone is a wise choice.

Notes: Ideal for media consumption and travel, thanks to its long-lasting battery and microSD support. Be prepared for some preinstalled apps.

3. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

• Display & Performance: The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh offers flagship-level vibrancy. With a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and 12GB RAM, the Edge 50 Fusion operates fluidly.
• Build Quality: Lightweight yet sturdy, it feels more premium than its price tag suggests.
• Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery provides outstanding longevity, with over 27 hours recorded in continuous video tests—perfect if you're obsessed with battery life.
• Pricing: A fantastic value, typically between £205–£225 at major UK retailers, with frequent discounts on Amazon UK.
• Ideal User: Ideal for those who want a big, bright display and marathon battery life without spending a fortune. Perfect for binge-watchers and commuters.

Notes: The main 50MP sensor is solid, but the ultrawide lens isn't quite as impressive. No microSD slot, which is worth noting if storage expansion is important to you.

4. Motorola Moto G55 5G

• Display & Performance: A straightforward 6.49-inch FHD LCD with accurate colours, though not as vibrant as AMOLED screens. The MediaTek Dimensity 7025 paired with 8GB RAM delivers smooth everyday performance.
• Build Quality: For a budget device, it feels robust. The design is simple but effective.
• Battery Life: With a 5,000mAh battery and rapid charging, expect around a day and a half with typical use—excellent value for the price.
• Pricing: A real bargain at around £149.99–£154 from retailers like John Lewis.
• Ideal User: Perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who still want substantial battery life and good daylight cameras. A smart choice for students or anyone needing dependable daily performance.

Notes: Provides excellent value, but don't expect the best display or long-term OS support.

5. Nothing Phone 3a

• Display & Performance: The 6.55-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz is both smooth and eye-catching. Powered by a Nothing-customised Snapdragon 7 Gen 2, it offers brisk real-world performance with a responsive interface.
• Build Quality: Known for its distinctive and minimalist design, it's visually striking but can feel a bit slippery.
• Battery Life: A 4,700mAh battery with fast charging ensures most users get through the day without hassle.
• Pricing: Prices range between £349 and £399 in the UK, with occasional price variations.
• Ideal User: If you fancy something unique with a modern aesthetic and swift performance, this phone is for you. Ideal for those who appreciate design and a fresh interface.

Notes: The cameras are decent for the price, especially in good lighting, but there's no microSD slot and some find the back a bit slick.

Comparison Table

Buying Guide

• Performance Needs: If you're mainly browsing, streaming, and using social apps, a mid-range chip like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 or Tensor G4 is more than capable. Fancy a bit of gaming? Prioritise higher RAM (12GB is ideal) and a fast display.
• Budget Considerations: Decide what's more important—stellar battery life or a top-notch camera. Phones like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offer fantastic battery performance for under £225, while the Pixel 9a delivers brilliant low-light photography and robust software support for £399.
• Build Quality vs Price: Expect some compromises. Cheaper phones might skip AMOLED panels or shorter update cycles. However, models like the Samsung A56 and Pixel 9a strike a good balance of materials and durability for the price. Which.co.uk and TechRadar are great resources for checking long-term reliability and update schedules.
• Storage & Expandability: If you store a lot of media, look for microSD support—Samsung and some Motorolas still offer this. Otherwise, aim for 128GB or 256GB models.
• Software & Updates: Software polish can make a budget phone feel premium. Pixels often receive the most timely software updates, while Samsung provides decent security patches.
• Camera Trade-offs: In this price range, you'll often see one standout sensor paired with a weaker companion lens. The Pixel 9a excels in low light, while Nothing and Motorola do well in daylight.

Conclusion

So, which phone should you go for? If you're after the best all-rounder under £500 with superb camera capabilities and a clean Android interface, the Google Pixel 9a gets my Editor's Choice—it’s the most well-rounded option. If your main focus is on battery life and display brightness, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers excellent value. For those on a tighter budget, the Moto G55 5G is a fantastic choice.

Remember, prices fluctuate, especially during sales, so a little patience could land you a better deal. Are you leaning towards a top camera, impressive battery life, or simply the best value for your money? Drop me a line, and I'll help you make the right pick.