The best cell phones in 2024 under 500 euros: Which models we particularly recommend after over 20 tests

From Nothing, to Xiaomi, Samsung and HMD to Google. Like the last few years, 2024 had a lot of smartphones in store for us.

In 2024, no one will have to dig deep into their pockets for a lot of power, practical AI functions or impressive camera images - things were different many years ago.

In the editorial team this year we tested a lot of smartphones well below the 500 euro limit. You can find out which ones we can recommend to you with a clear conscience in our list of the best.

Quick navigation:

• The best smartphones in 2024 under 500 euros
  • Google Pixel 8a
  • Galaxy A55
  • Nothing Phone 2a Plus
  • Redmi Note 13 Pro+
  • HMD Skyline
  • iPhone SE 2022
• The best smartphones in 2024 under 300 euros
  • Nothing Phone 2a
  • Honor Magic6 Lite
  • Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
  • Poco X6 Pro 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A35
• The best smartphones in 2024 under 200 euros
  • CMF Phone 1
  • HMD Pulse Pro

The best smartphones in 2024 under 500 euros

The models between 300 and 500 euros are characterized by an excellent camera, a largely high IP rating (dust and water protection) and a long update guarantee from the manufacturer - especially in comparison to cheaper devices. The workmanship is also at an impeccable level.

The performance of the smartphones listed cannot keep up with the flagship models, but the price-performance ratio is particularly good.

If you are looking for AI functions, you will find what you are looking for in one model or another.

Google Pixel 8a

• Preis: approximately 400 Euros

Premium features don't necessarily require a premium price.. For under 500 euros you get seven years of updates and regular new functions in the form of feature drops.

Speaking of which: In addition to the excellent camera, there are some AI functions on board, including Circle to Search, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser and much more. The Tensor G3 processor can't keep up with the latest chips from Qualcomm and Apple, but the performance is more than sufficient for surfing, photography, AI tasks and even gaming.

Test report:

Galaxy A55

• Preis: approximately 320 to 360 Euros

Samsung has given its 2024 A series a visual polish. The Galaxy A55 from the South Korean manufacturer is significantly more angular than its predecessor and feels high-quality thanks to the aluminum frame and glass back.

The Exynos 1440 performs well, even if the standby consumption is higher compared to other smartphones. With One UI 6.1, the operating system runs without any significant stutters and apps and services load quickly. Samsung has also given its mid-range smartphones a small AI upgrade. Circle to Search is now also on board.

Hands-on report:

Nothing Phone 2a Plus

• Preis: approximately 400 Euros

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on an eye-catcher, you should take a closer look at the Nothing Phone 2a Plus. The manufacturer has given its mid-range cell phone the iconic Glyph back, which has practical functions.

Aside from the bells and whistles, the 50-megapixel camera takes crisp, high-contrast images, even if the dynamic range leaves something to be desired in increasingly poor lighting conditions, especially with the ultra-wide-angle camera.

The Mediatek 7350 Pro hardly shows any weaknesses, which in combination with Nothing OS and the 120 Hertz display ensures a very smooth smartphone experience. The chip only shows its limits in graphics-intensive games.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

• Preis: approximately 300 to 335 Euros

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a feature flagship and is packed with features and numbers games when it comes to specs. Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra provides solid performance that can compete with significantly more expensive models.

With 200 megapixels, the camera can take sharp images even in poor lighting conditionsand the device doesn't stop at large numbers. Another highlight is the charging speed of up to 120 watts. The battery is fully charged within half an hour - a time that is unparalleled in this price range and is only achieved by very few premium models.

Unusually for the middle class, the model is also protected against the ingress of dust and water according to the IP68 standard.

Test report:

HMD Skyline

• Preis: approximately 430 Euros

The HMD Skyline is visually reminiscent of the Lumia cell phones from Microsoft and Nokia. For around 400 euros you can now get a cell phone with high-quality workmanship, an excellent OLED screen with 144 Hertz, a beautiful main camera and excellent repairability.

And although HMD has ensured that you can open the cell phone easily, it still offers an IP54 certification and is therefore at least protected against splash water.

Test report:

iPhone SE 2022

• Preis: approximately 430 Euros

Yes, even at the end of 2024 it will still be possible to enter the iOS world with a new iPhone for under 500 euros. Although the iPhone SE 3 was released in 2022, we would still like to make a recommendation.

If you're looking for a small smartphone, you won't have much choice these days. The iPhone SE is one of the best options. It's fast, has a nice screen, and will continue to receive updates from Apple for several years to come.

However, you have to be satisfied with a design that has its best days behind it. The phone has thick screen bezels and no Face ID. Instead, there is a home button with an integrated fingerprint sensor. Accordingly, the iPhone SE, even with iOS 18, is operated slightly differently than modern iPhones.

Experience report:

The best smartphones in 2024 under 300 euros

With smartphones between 200 and 300 euros you have to accept one or two compromises. Manufacturers save money, especially when it comes to camera performance or other functions such as speakers and connectivity (Bluetooth, WiFi).

Nevertheless, the devices are characterized by a very nice display, high-quality workmanship, excellent battery performance and quick charging.

Nothing Phone 2a

• Preis: approximately 280 Euros

Anyone interested in the Nothing Phone 2a Plus can save money with the previous model. The 2a (without Plus) was also released in 2024 and impresses with good performance. We couldn't find any significant difference in performance between the two smartphones when performing rudimentary tasks or playing games.

There are hardly any differences in the camera either.

• Wide angle: 50 megapixels (f/1.88), OIS, autofocus
• Ultra wide angle: 50 megapixels (f/2.2)
• Front camera: 32 megapixels

Only the front camera of the Plus model has 50 instead of 32 megapixels. We have summarized the few differences between the two devices in a separate article.

Test report:

Honor Magic6 Lite

• Preis: approximately 240 Euros

If you're looking for a smartphone with a good camera, you've unfortunately come to the wrong place with the Magic6 Lite. However, if you are looking for a cheap and powerful cell phone with a brilliant battery life, then the Magic6 Lite is a clear recommendation.

The smartphone's workmanship is also of a very high standard, as is the bright and sharp AMOLED display with 120 Hertz.

Test report:

Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

• Preis: approximately 280 Euros

The Redmi Note 13 Pro proves to be an all-rounder in the test, but with the usual small weaknesses of the lower mid-range: IP54 protection, only Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 5.

Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro positions itself as a solid mid-range smartphone that impresses with a good camera and an excellent display. For those looking for an acceptable compromise between performance, design and photography without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is an option worth considering.

Test report:

Poco X6 Pro 5G

• Preis: approximately 270 Euros

The Poco X6 Pro 5G is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra processor, which makes it particularly powerful for gaming. Its 6.67-inch OLED display offers a high resolution of 2,712 x 1,220 pixels and a maximum brightness of up to 1,800 nits.

A refresh rate of up to 120 Hertz is also on board. The camera equipment is surprisingly diverse. With the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras, the smartphone delivers acceptable results in low light conditions.

In addition to the high charging power of up to 67 watts, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 are also integrated into the smartphone.

Test report:

Samsung Galaxy A35

• Preis: approximately 280 Euros

The Samsung Galaxy A35 received the price-performance award from us and rightly so. For around 250 euros you get a cell phone that is excellently made for its price range. The cell phone is IP67 certified and can therefore even be submerged for a short time and the 120 Hertz AMOLED display is protected with the robust Gorilla Glass Victus Plus.

Samsung will even provide the cell phone with updates for a full five years.

So if you are looking for a cheap cell phone that is still well protected against the elements, then the Samsung Galaxy A35 is an excellent decision.

Test report:

The best smartphones in 2024 under 200 euros

Anyone looking for smartphones with a good camera for family and vacation photos will not be happy with models under 200 euros. The same applies if you are looking for devices with a high level of protection against dust and water as well as a long support period. You have to make compromises here.

The operating system of the smartphones runs perfectly - nothing stutters or loads forever, on the contrary. If you only need a cell phone for messages, emails, surfing and making calls, devices under 200 euros are the right choice.

CMF Phone 1

• Preis: approximately 180 Euros

If you just want to put a few thalers on the counter and at the same time are looking for a smartphone that can be customized as comprehensively as possible, the manufacturer offers interesting approaches with this model. The entire back can be replaced as desired and upgraded with optionally available accessories.

The Mediatek 7300 works inside, which ensures consistently solid performance, at least apart from performance-hungry games. The sufficiently bright display with a refresh rate of 120 Hertz and Nothing OS also ensure that content is displayed smoothly.

However, it should be noted that there is no NFC chip on board. Contactless payment is therefore not possible.

If you can cope with this disadvantage along with a weak camera and only three years of security updates, you get a smartphone close to stock Android with a very good price-performance ratio.

Test report:

HMD Pulse Pro

• Preis: approximately 135 Euros

Despite the low price, the HMD Pulse Pro offers excellent repairability. You can easily open the cell phone and install replacement parts, even if you are not very skilled at it. To achieve this, HMD worked with the tool manufacturer iFixit. Nevertheless, the HMD Pulse Pro offers an IP52 certification - this protects against light rain.

The display offers a refresh rate of 90 Hertz. This makes scrolling through websites and apps nice and smooth. Unfortunately, the cell phone doesn't have particularly good photo quality. But it's enough for one or two snapshots.

Test report:

Are there other smartphones under 500, 300 or even 200 euros that you can recommend? Will you get it on Black Friday or Christmas or will you wait until 2025? Which model do you currently carry in your pocket? Is there a specific model that you recommend to friends and family? Feel free to write it to us in the comments below!