While there are still a few 2022 models to be released there are some gems in our Best Android Phones under $500.
Now this list is not complete. We look at 2022 models (and some 2021 runout models) sold by authorised retailers and Telcos. We do not include grey market and refurbs – See Don’t buy a grey market phone (guide)
Not all 2022 models are reviewed yet, but we have basic specs in our database to give a rough rating.
What is clear is that smartphones have suffered from COVID-related shortages and factory labour issues. The model range is so much lesser this year. We use recommended prices and exclude any Carrier Plan specials.
Best Android phones under $500 (May 2022)
<$200, and most are 4G, Wi-Fi N, and 32GB, no NFC and run 32-bit Android (slower)
- $159 Vivo Y3s, 2/32GB, 6.51” 720p, dual camera, 5000mAh, dual sim and microSD, 2021
- $169 Motorola e7 Power , 2/32GB, 6.5” 720p, dual camera, 5000mAh, hybrid sim/microSD, 2021
- $199 Nokia G10, 3/32GB, 6.5” 720p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, single sim and microSD, 2022
These are all fine, but our spies tell us that while the Nokia is class-leading, the Motorola e7 Power is the pick.

<$300 and all are 4G, Wi-Fi N, 64GB/128GB (we exclude 32GB models)
- $239 Vivo Y21 4/64GB, 6.51” 720p, dual camera, 5000mAh, dual sim and microSD, 2022
- $269, OPPO A16s 4/64GB, 6.52” 720p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, dual sim and microSD, NFC, 2022 OPPO A16s – everything you need in a low-cost smartphone (review)
- $299 Nokia G21 4/64GB, 6.5” 720p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, NFC, 2022
- $249 (on runout $299) Samsung A12, 4/128GB, 6.5” 720p, quad camera, 5000mAh, single sim and microSD, No NFC, 2021
- $299 Motorola G22 4/128GB, 6.5” 720p, quad camera, 5000mAh, dual sim and microSD, NFC, 2022
On crowded segment and little between them. Our spies say the Motorola G22 is the pick with a better camera and 128GB storage. OPPO A16s is a close second with a better warranty.


<$400, and we are in 5G territory (you can still use a 4G plan)
- $329 TCL 30SE, 4G, 4/128, 6.52″ 720p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022
- $349 OPPO A76 4G, 4/128GB, 6.56” 720p, dual camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022 OPPO A76 4G – honest, reliable and fast charging (review)
- $379 Vivo Y52 5G, 4/128GB, 6.58” 1080p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022
- $349 (on runout was $399) OPPO A74 5G, 6/128, 6.5” 1080p, quad camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2021
- $399 Motorola G51 5G, 6/128GB, 6.8” 1080p, tri-camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022 Motorola g51 5G – well-priced, well-featured 5G (review)
- $399 OPPO A96 4G 8/128GB, 6.59” 1080p, dual camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022
- $399 TCL 30+, 4G, 4/128GB, 6.7″ 1090p OLED, tri-camera, 5010mAH, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC, 2022
While the Motorola G51 has some class-leading features, the OPPO A74 on runout is a huge seller. The new OPPO A96 looks good and has 8GB RAM – awesome. It is a tough market, and you can look for deals.


<$500
- $439 Realme 7 5G, 8/128GB, 6.5” 1080p, quad camera, 5000mAh, dual hybrid sim and microSD, NFC 2021

This bracket has runouts like the Samsung A32 4G and Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G. The Realme is a great phone with a 30W fast charge, Wi-Fi AC and a great camera – class-leading.
CyberShack’s view – there are some gems in Best Android phones under $500
2022 is the year 5G dropped in price to 4G levels. But you don’t have to get on an expensive 5G plan so buying a 5G capable handset is a no-brainer.
We will update the list as new models arrive. Our database allows us to compare specs and assess the top phones. At this time, OPPO is the best all-around brand for quality, warranty, local support and customer satisfaction. (OPPO also owns Realme, and Vivo is another BBK sibling, so they are all pretty good).
Motorola is really ramping up its range, and it is a safe bet, albeit that it has a 1-year warranty. It has not put a foot wrong with specs or the range.
Samsung 2022 A-series- A23, A33, A53, and A73 – are slowly getting into stores, and reviews are coming soon.
We will soon look at the best phones from $500-1000, and there are some exceptional ones in that bracket.
4 comments
Mike Iley
I am looking for a basic, easy to use smartphone at a reasonable cost (under $300).
A basic camera function.
I send SMS and check my emails when travelling.
I purchased an OPPO A53S earlier this year and find it difficult to use:
The owners manual is not very intuitive
I have spent hours on the helpline with OPPO techs and got nowhere !!
When I send photos to friends it does not / cannot reduce the file size.
I cannot change the definition setting in the camera.
My previous phone was a Samsung Galaxy 5 which serviced my needs adequately, just got old (like me)
Ray Shaw
Hi Mike
Sorry to hear about the OPPO. It is very unusual as my son has a 53S and it is perfect. Perhaps a factory reset and reinstall of your apps and data (Back up to Google Drive first) may help. Your 2022 choices are:
Samsung Galaxy A13 4G 12GB (not reviewed)
Motorola g50 5G 128GB – 2021 model
Motorola g22 4G 128GB https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/motorola-g22-the-cheap-and-cheerful-smartphone-review/
Motorola g32 4G 128GB https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/motorola-g32-4g-well-equipped-at-299-smartphone-review/
OPPO A76 4G 128GB
Motorola g62 5G 128GB https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/motorola-g62-5g-everything-you-need-for-399-smartphone-review/ and on special at $329
Samsung A22 5G 128GB $349
I would go for the Motorola g62 5G or the Samsung A22 – both just over $300.
Robyn Caridi
Hi there
I’m after a medium price Android phone with a great camera. I take lots of photos and mainly want a phone for that. Can you please help.
Thank you
Robyn
Ray Shaw
These are the three camera picks. OPPO has the best camera, realme 2nd best and Motorola is not far behind.
Realme 7 5G, 8/128GB/microSD, quad 48+8+2MP and 16MP selfie camera, 5000mAh/30W charger, review https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/realme-7-5g-a-sub-500-g-smartphone-with-the-lot-review/ $439 at JB Hi-Fi https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/realme-7-5g-128gb-mist-blue
Motorola g51 5G, 6/128/,microSD, tri 50+8+2 anmd 13MP selfie camera, 5000mAh/10W charger (joke) review https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/motorola-g51-5g-well-priced-well-featured-5g-review/ $399 at JB Hi-Fi https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/motorola-g51-5g-128gb-indigo-blue
OPPO Find X3 Lite (2021), 8/128, quad 64+8+2+2 and 32MP selfie camera, AMOLED, 4300mAh/Supervooc review https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/oppo-find-x3-lite-5g-at-749-what-not-to-lite/ $599 at JB Hi-Fi https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/oppo-find-x3-lite-5g-128gb-astral-blue