A guide to the best phones under $500 available in New Zealand.
Looking for a great phone without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’re rounding up the 16 best phones you can buy in New Zealand for under $500. Whether you’re after a sleek design, a powerful camera, or a phone that can handle all your daily tasks with ease, we’ve got you covered. We’ve carefully curated this list based on the latest releases and top-rated models, taking into account factors like performance, battery life, display quality, and overall value for money.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right phone for you. We’ve done the hard work for you, narrowing down the field to the most impressive phones that offer the best bang for your buck. This list caters to a variety of needs and preferences, so you’re sure to find a phone that perfectly suits your budget and lifestyle.
From top brands like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi to rising stars like OnePlus and Realme, our list includes a diverse selection of phones to choose from. We’ve also considered different features, including 5G connectivity, fast charging capabilities, and expandable storage, to ensure you get the best possible value for your investment.
So, whether you’re looking for a new phone for yourself or as a gift for someone special, read on to discover the 16 best phones under $500 in New Zealand for 2024. You’re sure to find the perfect companion for your digital life without having to spend a fortune.
| QUICKLIST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Pixel 6a |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G |  |
3.9 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A33 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xiaomi Poco X5 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realme 9 Pro+ |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Motorola Edge 30 |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oppo Reno7 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia G60 5G |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
A solid mid-range phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
- OS: Android 12, One UI 4.1
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera system, especially for photos and videos
- Long-lasting battery life
- Smooth performance with the 120Hz refresh rate
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Performance can be laggy at times, especially with demanding games
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a great camera system and long battery life.
- You're looking for a solid all-around performer.
- You need a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with the absolute best performance.
- You want expandable storage.
- You need wireless charging.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers great value for money. It has an excellent camera, long-lasting battery life, and a smooth 120Hz display. It's a good choice for people who want a well-rounded phone without breaking the bank. However, it's not the most powerful phone in its class, and it lacks expandable storage and wireless charging. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Google Pixel 6a
A budget-friendly phone with a great camera and clean software experience.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4,410mAh, 18W fast charging
- OS: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera performance, especially for photos and videos
- Clean and uncluttered Android software experience
- Fast and smooth performance
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- Only a 60Hz refresh rate
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a great camera and a clean software experience.
- You're looking for a phone with fast and smooth performance.
- You need a phone with a good battery life.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging.
- You want a high refresh rate display.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6a is a great budget-friendly phone that offers a lot of value for the price. It has a fantastic camera, a clean software experience, and solid performance. It's a great option for people who want a phone that's easy to use and takes great photos. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, wireless charging, or a high refresh rate display. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
A budget-friendly phone with a large display and a decent camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP monochrome
- Battery: 4,500mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Android 11, OxygenOS 11.3
Reasons to buy :
- Large and vibrant display
- Good value for money
- Decent camera performance
- Fast charging
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a large display.
- You want a phone with decent camera performance.
- You need a phone with fast charging.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging.
- You need a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a budget-friendly phone that offers a lot of value for the price. It has a large and vibrant display, decent camera performance, and fast charging. It's a good option for people who want a phone with a good screen and a long battery life. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, wireless charging, or water and dust resistance. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
You can find more information on 16 Best 5G Phone Under $500: Updated List
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
A mid-range phone with a good camera and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
- OS: Android 12, One UI 4.1
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera system, especially for photos and videos
- Long-lasting battery life
- Smooth performance with the 90Hz refresh rate
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Performance can be laggy at times, especially with demanding games
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a great camera system and long battery life.
- You're looking for a solid all-around performer.
- You need a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with the absolute best performance.
- You want expandable storage.
- You need wireless charging.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a solid mid-range phone that offers great value for money. It has an excellent camera, long-lasting battery life, and a smooth 90Hz display. It's a good choice for people who want a well-rounded phone without breaking the bank. However, it's not the most powerful phone in its class, and it lacks expandable storage and wireless charging. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Xiaomi Poco X5
A budget-friendly phone with a powerful processor and a large display.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Android 13, MIUI 14
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful processor for smooth performance
- Large and vibrant display
- Good value for money
- Decent camera performance
- Fast charging
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
- Bloated software
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a powerful processor.
- You want a phone with a large display.
- You need a phone with fast charging.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want a phone that's water and dust resistant.
- You prefer a clean software experience.
Bottom Line:
The Xiaomi Poco X5 is a budget-friendly phone that offers great value for the price. It has a powerful processor, a large and vibrant display, and fast charging. It's a good option for people who want a phone that can handle demanding tasks without breaking the bank. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, water and dust resistance, or a clean software experience. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Realme 9 Pro+
A mid-range phone with a great camera and a fast refresh rate display.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
- Battery: 4,500mAh, 60W fast charging
- OS: Android 12, Realme UI 3.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera system, especially for photos and videos
- Smooth performance with the 90Hz refresh rate
- Fast charging
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a great camera system and a fast refresh rate display.
- You're looking for a phone with fast charging.
- You need a phone that's affordable.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want a phone that's water and dust resistant.
- You need wireless charging.
Bottom Line:
The Realme 9 Pro+ is a mid-range phone that offers great value for money. It has an excellent camera system, a fast refresh rate display, and fast charging. It's a good choice for people who want a phone with a good screen and a long battery life. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, water and dust resistance, or wireless charging. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Motorola Edge 30
A mid-range phone with a fast refresh rate display and a good camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4,020mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Smooth performance with the 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent camera system
- Fast charging
- Clean and uncluttered Android software experience
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- Battery life could be better
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a fast refresh rate display and a good camera.
- You're looking for a phone with fast charging.
- You prefer a clean software experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging.
- You need a phone with the best battery life.
Bottom Line:
The Motorola Edge 30 is a mid-range phone that offers great value for money. It has a fast refresh rate display, an excellent camera system, and fast charging. It's a good choice for people who want a phone with a good screen and a long battery life. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, wireless charging, or the best battery life. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
OPPO Reno7 5G
A mid-range phone with a great design and a good camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 5G
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Camera: 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP monochrome
- Battery: 4,500mAh, 65W fast charging
- OS: Android 11, ColorOS 12
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish and premium design
- Excellent camera system, especially for photos and videos
- Fast charging
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
- No wireless charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with a great design and a good camera.
- You're looking for a phone with fast charging.
- You need a phone that's affordable.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want a phone that's water and dust resistant.
- You need wireless charging.
Bottom Line:
The OPPO Reno7 5G is a mid-range phone that offers great value for money. It has a stylish design, an excellent camera system, and fast charging. It's a good choice for people who want a phone that looks good and takes great photos. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, water and dust resistance, or wireless charging. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Read more on 20 Best Mobile Phone Under $500 AED 2024
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
A budget-friendly phone with a large display and a decent camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.6-inch PLS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 15W fast charging
- OS: Android 13, One UI 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Large and vibrant display
- Good value for money
- Decent camera performance
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a large display.
- You want a phone with decent camera performance.
- You need a phone with a long battery life.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging.
- You need a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a budget-friendly phone that offers great value for money. It has a large and vibrant display, decent camera performance, and a long battery life. It's a good option for people who want a phone with a good screen and a long battery life. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, wireless charging, or water and dust resistance. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Nokia G60 5G
A budget-friendly phone with a long-lasting battery and a focus on sustainability.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.8-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4,500mAh, 20W fast charging
- OS: Android 12
Reasons to buy :
- Long-lasting battery life
- Focus on sustainability
- Affordable price
- Good value for money
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No wireless charging
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a long-lasting battery.
- You want a phone with a focus on sustainability.
- You need a phone with a good value for money.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You want wireless charging.
- You need a phone that's water and dust resistant.
Bottom Line:
The Nokia G60 5G is a budget-friendly phone that offers great value for money. It has a long-lasting battery, a focus on sustainability, and an affordable price. It's a good option for people who want a phone that's environmentally friendly and has a long battery life. However, it doesn't have expandable storage, wireless charging, or water and dust resistance. If those features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
Google Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 6 is a powerful phone with a beautiful design and a great camera. It runs on Google's own Tensor chip, which provides excellent performance and a smooth user experience.
Learn more about 25 Best Smart Phone Under $500: Comprehensive Guide
Specifications :
- Display: 6.4-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4,614mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent camera quality
- Powerful performance
- Clean and fast Android experience
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
- Pricey compared to some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize a great camera and a clean Android experience.
- You need a powerful phone that can handle demanding tasks.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You prefer a phone with a headphone jack.
- You are on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6 is a great phone for those who value a clean Android experience, a powerful processor, and excellent camera quality. It's a bit on the pricier side, but it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a premium phone experience without breaking the bank.
You can find more information on 16 Best Phone Under $500 AUD: Australian Market
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a budget-friendly phone that packs a punch. It offers excellent value for money, with a powerful processor, a large display, and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 6GB, 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent value for money
- Large and vibrant display
- Long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera quality isn't as good as some higher-end phones
- No expandable storage
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a phone with a great display, long battery life, and excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
- You prioritize a large screen for media consumption.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You are a serious mobile photographer.
Bottom Line:
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a solid choice for those who want a phone with a large display, long battery life, and good performance without breaking the bank. It's a great option for people who use their phone for media consumption, gaming, and general everyday tasks.
Realme 9 5G
The Realme 9 5G is a stylish and affordable phone that offers excellent value for money. It features a sleek design, a smooth display, and a decent camera.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.6-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 810
- RAM: 6GB, 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 48MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish design
- Smooth display
- Long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Camera quality isn't as good as some other phones in this price range
- No expandable storage
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a stylish and affordable phone with a good display, long battery life, and decent performance.
- You value a sleek and modern design.
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality.
- You need expandable storage.
Bottom Line:
The Realme 9 5G is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for a phone with a stylish design, a smooth display, and long battery life. It's a good choice for those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and light gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A04s
The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a budget-friendly phone that offers a good balance of features and affordability. It boasts a large display, a decent camera, and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.5-inch PLS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35
- RAM: 3GB, 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Long-lasting battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Performance can be sluggish at times
- Camera quality is average
- No expandable storage
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a budget-friendly phone with a large display, long battery life, and basic performance.
- You need a phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with high performance.
- You prioritize camera quality.
- You need expandable storage.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a budget-friendly option that offers a decent display, long battery life, and basic performance. It's a good choice for those who are looking for a simple and affordable phone for basic tasks, but don't expect it to handle demanding tasks or offer excellent camera quality.
Vivo Y76 5G
The Vivo Y76 5G is a stylish and affordable phone that offers a good balance of features and price. It comes with a large display, a long-lasting battery, and a decent camera system.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.58-inch LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4,100mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish design
- Long-lasting battery life
- Decent camera system
Reasons to avoid :
- Performance isn't as good as some other phones in this price range
- No expandable storage
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a stylish and affordable phone with a good display, long battery life, and decent performance.
- You value a sleek design and a decent camera system.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You prioritize camera quality.
- You need a phone for demanding tasks.
Bottom Line:
The Vivo Y76 5G is a stylish and affordable phone that offers a good balance of features and price. It's a good choice for those who are looking for a phone with a large display, a long-lasting battery, and a decent camera system. However, if you need a phone with high performance or expandable storage, there are better options available in this price range.
TCL 20 Pro 5G
The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a stylish and affordable phone that offers a great display, a decent camera, and a powerful processor. It's a good option for those who are looking for a premium phone experience without breaking the bank.
Specifications :
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Camera: 48MP main, 16MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
- Battery: 4,500mAh
Reasons to buy :
- Great display
- Powerful processor
- Good camera quality
Reasons to avoid :
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a phone with a great display, a powerful processor, and a decent camera at an affordable price.
- You are looking for a phone with a premium design and a good user experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You need expandable storage.
- You prefer a phone with a headphone jack.
- You need a phone with excellent camera quality.
Bottom Line:
The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a stylish and affordable phone that offers a great display, a powerful processor, and a decent camera. It's a good choice for those who are looking for a phone with a premium design and a good user experience. However, if you need expandable storage or a headphone jack, there are better options available in this price range.
Find more on 14 Best Mobile Phone Under $500 Australia 2024
Finding the perfect phone under $500 can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. But with our list of the 16 best phones under $500 in New Zealand, you're sure to find the ideal device for your needs. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, performance, or a sleek design, there's a phone on our list that fits the bill.
We've carefully curated this list based on the latest models and their performance in key areas. We've also considered real-world user reviews and expert opinions to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck. Remember that the best phone for you will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.
So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing our list of the top phones under $500 in New Zealand and find your perfect match. With a little research and the right guidance, you can find a phone that meets your needs and fits your budget, without compromising on quality or features.
Happy shopping!
Omar 
Yasmin 
Hassan