IPhone SE and other mid-range phones are worth your money

The first alternative that comes to mind is Google’s Pixel 3a. It costs the same as the SE, although you may find it for sale now as a Pixel 4a is rumored to be coming soon. Although the Pixel 3a includes a mid-range Snapdragon 670 processor, Google tweaked its software so that the $ 400 phone works basically as fast as a flagship. Of course, if you’re a processor snob, you might prefer the iPhone’s A13 Bionic, which is the same high-end chip found in the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max. But most people will not notice a difference in performance.

However, the Pixel 3a’s screen is noticeably larger than that of the iPhone SE. Google’s budget phone has a 5.6-inch OLED screen, which is enormously large compared to the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen. The Pixel also has a higher resolution at 1080p, while the iPhone works at just 750p. Both phones start with 64GB of storage and offer individual 12-megapixel rear cameras with the same f / 1.8 aperture, although Google possibly has better image-processing software. The pair also has equally sharp selfie cameras, and since the iPhone SE is newer, it supports the latest WiFi 6 standard, while the Pixel 3a still uses 802.11ac. However, almost no one uses WiFi 6 yet, so this is not the most significant feature for now.

If you choose between Google and Apple, your decision ultimately comes down to your software preference. These two phones are pretty similar where it counts, though the iPhone SE is a bit more future-proof, thanks to its superior processor. However, the Pixel has a slightly better screen and a more modern appearance.

But these two are not the only companies that make decent phones for under $ 500. Samsung, Motorola, and OnePlus have deals in that range that you might consider. The Galaxy A51, for example, costs $ 400 and is currently even cheaper at various stores, while the Moto G Stylus costs $ 300 at Best Buy. Both types are larger devices, with a 6.5-inch Galaxy screen and a 6.4-inch Moto. Although both work in Full HD, Samsung, as always, offers a superior AMOLED screen, while Motorola uses an LCD panel. The Galaxy A51 and Moto G Stylus also look more modern than the iPhone SE, with the full-screen faces and front-facing cameras we look forward to in flagships.

Samsung also offers the sharpest selfie camera of the four, with a 32-megapixel sensor. Meanwhile, Moto beats the Pixel and iPhone SE with its 16-megapixel front camera. At the rear, the G Stylus has a 48-megapixel triple camera system, while the Galaxy adds a depth detection option. Both phones include macro and ultra wide-angle lenses in their matrices, allowing for a more versatile shot.

Samsung uses its own Exynos 9611 chipset in the Galaxy A51, which works similarly to the Moto G Stylus Snapdragon 665. However, these are still pale compared to the A13 Bionic, which works much faster.

Of the four phones I’ve mentioned, those who prioritize powerful cameras and displays might prefer the Galaxy A51. If you like clean Android software, the Pixel 3a is for you, that is, if you can’t wait until fall, at that point we hope the Pixel 4a has arrived. The Moto G Stylus has the added benefit of having a built-in passive stylus, plus it’s the only option for a microSD card slot.

Those with a little more money to spare should consider the OnePlus 7T. The latest generation phone features a beautiful build and a 6.5-inch Full HD screen that runs at 90Hz with no problems. It even supports HDR for richer image quality. Like the Moto G Stylus, the OnePlus 7T offers a 48-megapixel triple camera system at the rear and a 16-megapixel sensor at the front. It costs a little more than the others at $ 500, but it uses a powerful Snapdragon 855 processor.

There are, of course, several more options under $ 500 the likes of TCL, LG, Nokia, and ASUS, but honestly, they don’t live up to our favorites here. Those looking for an alternative to the new iPhone SE will appreciate that there are many respectable options in this price range. But note that they are all Android devices. If you are stuck on iOS then you are stuck with iPhone SE. It’s cool and all, offering iconic performance at a good price. But you will have to live with the outdated design and single camera setup. The next cheapest iPhone is the XR, which starts at $ 600 and doesn’t give you more cameras or a better processor. It seems that Apple fans who want to save money don’t have that many options after all.