The buyer question · week of Nov 2 – 8

Best Smartphones Under $500 Ranking

Picked by AI, checked by people.

The weekly chart ?

The top 20 products brands right now.

Product chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Google Pixel 10a holds #1.

#1 in 11 of the last 25 weeks

1 debut1 backbiggest climb 142 out

All 24 moves ↓

Tap a card for each AI’s place and the monthly check.

#ProductPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekPixel 10aGoogleAlso #7 Smartphones · #13 Best Compact Smartphones · +1Last week #1 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#1
    2. Claude#1
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#2
    6. Perplexity#2

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #1 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.61,683 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    • Press1/4outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 4 publications
    • PCMagMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Ars TechnicaMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tech AdvisorRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • The GuardianMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal
    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    Google Pixel 10A Impressions: (Never) Seen This BeforeYouTube: Marques Brownlee · 3.8M views · Mar 2026

    3 TikTok clips · 596K views

    364K133K99.7K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Google Pixel 10a
  2. #2up 1 place since last weekPixel 9aGoogleAlso #18 Smartphones · #19 Best Compact SmartphonesLast week #3 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#5
    2. Claude#5
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#14
    6. Perplexity#12

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #2 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.63,356 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123
    • Press5/6outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 6 publications
    • The GuardianRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • GSMArena.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • CNNRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • DxOMarkMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • NotebookcheckRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • TechRadarRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    Google Pixel 9A Impressions: One Great Spec!YouTube: Marques Brownlee · 3.3M views · Mar 2025

    5 TikTok clips · 2.3M views

    1.3M822K152K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Google Pixel 9a
  3. #3down 1 place since last weekPhone (4a) ProNothingnot checkedLast week #2 · 13 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#8
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#1

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #3 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Nothing Phone 4A/Pro Review: I Have a TheoryYouTube: Marques Brownlee · 3.3M views · Mar 2026
    Search Google for Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
  4. #4up 2 places since last weekiPhone 17EAppleAlso #11 Best Compact SmartphonesLast week #6 · 8 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#2
    2. Claude#3
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#7

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #4 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.63,446 ratings · Sep 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Sep 2026 ? 123
    • Press3/4outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Sep 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 4 publications
    • TechRadarRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Trusted ReviewsMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • IGNRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PetaPixelRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    iPhone 17e Review, but I Respect Your Time..YouTube: MinimalisTech · 306K views · Jun 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple iPhone 17E
  5. #5down 1 place since last weekGalaxy A37 5GSamsungLast week #4 · 10 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#13
    2. Claude#10
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#3

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #5 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Sep 2026 ? 123

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Samsung Galaxy A37 review: Playing it too safe?YouTube: GSMArena Official · 141K views · Apr 2026
    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
  6. #6down 1 place since last weekGalaxy A57 5GSamsungMonthly check: Passes the checkLast week #5 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#6
    2. Claude#2
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #6 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Passes the check · buyers rate it highly ?
    • Buyers’ rating4.818,411 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Samsung Galaxy A57 Review - Watch Before You Buy!YouTube: SuperSaf · 377K views · May 2026
    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy A57 5G
  7. #7same place as last weekNord 5OnePlusLast week #7 · 18 weeks in top 20Monthly check: Fails the check: breakage reports

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#9
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#4
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #7 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating3.9946 ratings · Jul 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Aug 2026 ? 123
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures1serious failure · 9 threads read · Oct 2026 123
    • Press2/5outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 5 publications
    • TechRadarRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • NotebookcheckRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tom's GuideMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • GSMArena.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • t3.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    Owners

    Breakage · 4 distinct threads · 9 read

    Watch · YouTube ?

    OnePlus Nord 5 Review 30 Days Later – The Complete Phone Under Rs 30,000?YouTube: Trakin Tech English · 353K views · Aug 2025
    Search Google for OnePlus Nord 5
  8. #8same place as last weekMoto G Power (2026)Motorolanot checkedAlso #2 Best Battery Life Phones · #9 SmartphonesLast week #8 · 18 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#12
    2. Claude#18
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#5

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #8 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Press3/8outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 8 publications
    • Android CentralMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • PhoneArenaRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • CNETMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Android AuthorityRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • GSMArena.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • ZDNETRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tom's GuideMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • PCMagMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Moto G Power 2026 review: More than a pretty face?YouTube: GSMArena Official · 59.6K views · Feb 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Motorola Moto G Power (2026)
  9. #9up 3 places since last weekPhone 3aNothingnot checkedLast week #12 · 19 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#7
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#6
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #9 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Press2/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • GSMArena.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PCMagRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • StuffMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · TikTok ?

    1 TikTok clip · 749K views

    749K
    Search Google for Nothing Phone 3a
  10. #10down 1 place since last weekMoto G Stylus 2026MotorolaLast week #9 · 12 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#26
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#4

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #10 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Sep 2026 ? 123
    Search Google for Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026
  11. #11same place as last weekPixel 8aGoogleLast week #11 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#21
    3. Gemini#1
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#26
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #11 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.5204 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123
    • Press3/9outlets recommend · 2 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 9 publications

    Publication details not saved for this check

    Search Google for Google Pixel 8a
  12. #12down 2 places since last weekRedmi Note 15 Pro 5GXiaominot checkedLast week #10 · 4 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#10
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#16

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #12 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G
  13. #13up 14 places since last weekGalaxy S25 FESamsungRe-entryBiggest climbnot checkedLast week #27 · 6 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#3
    2. Claude#4
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #13 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
  14. #14up 6 places since last weekPoco X8 ProXiaominot checkedLast week #20 · 3 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#11
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#10
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #14 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro
  15. #15up 3 places since last weekGalaxy A56 5GSamsungLast week #18 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#11

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #15 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.852,964 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    • Press4/7outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 7 publications
    • Expert ReviewsRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Trusted ReviewsRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Android PoliceMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • t3.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tech AdvisorMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • PhoneArenaRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Android AuthorityMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal
    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
  16. #16up 5 places since last weekGalaxy A17 5GSamsungDebutnot checkedLast week #21 · 1 week in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#17
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#8

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
  17. #17down 4 places since last weekNord 6OnePlusnot checkedLast week #13 · 8 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#9
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#17

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #17 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for OnePlus Nord 6
  18. #18down 4 places since last week12ROnePlusLast week #14 · 13 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#4
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#13
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 5 videos · Sep 2026 ? 123
    Search Google for OnePlus 12R
  19. #19same place as last weekGalaxy A56Samsungnot checkedLast week #19 · 7 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#1
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Samsung Galaxy A56
  20. #20down 5 places since last weekEdge 60Motorolanot checkedLast week #15 · 8 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#3
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #20 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Motorola Edge 60

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

Show places 21–100Hide places 21–100
  1. #21Moto G 2026Motorola · last wk #23 0 wks in top 20
  2. #22Galaxy A55 5GSamsung · last wk #17 17 wks in top 20
  3. #23Galaxy A27 5GSamsung · last wk #25 0 wks in top 20
  4. #24Phone (2a) PlusNothing · last wk #24 4 wks in top 20
  5. #25Phone 4aNothing · last wk #26 0 wks in top 20
  6. #26Zenfone 12ASUS · last wk #30 0 wks in top 20
  7. #27Galaxy A35 5GSamsung · last wk #16 6 wks in top 20
  8. #28OnePlus 15ROnePlus · last wk #34 0 wks in top 20
  9. #29Edge 50 NeoMotorola · last wk #22 3 wks in top 20
  10. #30Redmi Note 15 ProXiaomi · last wk #37 1 wk in top 20
  11. #31Phone (3a) ProNothing · last wk #29 13 wks in top 20
  12. #32Edge 2025Motorola · last wk #45 0 wks in top 20
  13. #33200Honor · last wk #32 0 wks in top 20
  14. #34Xperia 10 VIISony · last wk #33 4 wks in top 20
  15. #35Razr 2025Motorola · last wk #43 0 wks in top 20
  16. #36iPhone 16eApple · last wk #28 12 wks in top 20Fails the check
  17. #37Galaxy A36Samsung · last wk #44 0 wks in top 20
  18. #38CMF Phone 1CMF · last wk #35 0 wks in top 20
  19. #39GT 6TRealme · last wk #39 0 wks in top 20
  20. #40Nord CE6OnePlus · last wk #36 0 wks in top 20
  21. #41Galaxy S25 FE 128GB JetblackSamsung · last wk #38 0 wks in top 20
  22. #42realme GT 7Realme · last wk #40 7 wks in top 20
  23. #43Moto G Stylus (2025/2026)Motorola · last wk #41 0 wks in top 20
  24. #44X6 ProPoco · last wk #59 0 wks in top 20
  25. #45Zero 40 5GInfinix · last wk #58 0 wks in top 20
  26. #46Moto G Play (2026)Motorola · last wk #48 0 wks in top 20
  27. #47Poco F6 ProXiaomi · last wk #46 0 wks in top 20
  28. #48Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)Motorola · last wk #31 0 wks in top 20
  29. #49Moto G Stylus 2025Motorola · last wk #55 0 wks in top 20
  30. #50V30vivo · last wk #52 0 wks in top 20
  31. #51Nord CE5OnePlus · last wk #42 0 wks in top 20
  32. #52Note 13 Pro 5GRedmi · last wk #53 0 wks in top 20
  33. #5315TXiaomi · last wk #73 0 wks in top 20
  34. #54Galaxy A26 5GSamsung · last wk #50 7 wks in top 20
  35. #55GT 7 SERealme · last wk #95 0 wks in top 20
  36. #56Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)Motorola · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  37. #5714TXiaomi · last wk #87 0 wks in top 20
  38. #58Galaxy A25 5GSamsung · last wk #85 0 wks in top 20
  39. #59Camon 30 Premier 5GTecno · last wk #81 0 wks in top 20
  40. #60Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5GXiaomi · last wk #88 0 wks in top 20
  41. #61X9dHonor · last wk #51 0 wks in top 20
  42. #62Poco X7 ProXiaomi · last wk #67 4 wks in top 20
  43. #63Edge 70 FusionMotorola · last wk #75 0 wks in top 20
  44. #64Moto G Power 5G (2026)Motorola · last wk #69 0 wks in top 20
  45. #65Edge (2026)Motorola · last wk #70 0 wks in top 20
  46. #6650 Pro NXTPAPER 5GTCL · last wk #62 0 wks in top 20
  47. #6760 XE NxtPaper 5GTCL · last wk #74 0 wks in top 20
  48. #68Pixel 7aGoogle · last wk #60 7 wks in top 20
  49. #69Edge 60 FusionMotorola · last wk #61 0 wks in top 20
  50. #70Nord 4OnePlus · last wk #47 3 wks in top 20
  51. #7112 ProRealme · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  52. #72Poco F7Xiaomi · last wk #86 4 wks in top 20
  53. #73SkylineHMD · last wk #66 0 wks in top 20
  54. #74Edge (2024)Motorola · last wk #56 0 wks in top 20
  55. #75Xiaomi POCO F8Xiaomi · last wk #80 0 wks in top 20
  56. #76iPhone SE 5Apple · last wk #54 0 wks in top 20
  57. #77Edge 50 FusionMotorola · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  58. #78Redmi Note 17 ProXiaomi · last wk #89 0 wks in top 20
  59. #79F6 ProPoco · last wk #91 0 wks in top 20
  60. #80Moto G Stylus 5G (2026)Motorola · last wk #92 0 wks in top 20
  61. #81Nord CE 5OnePlus · last wk #63 4 wks in top 20
  62. #82Camon 30 ProTecno · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  63. #83Redmi Note 13 Pro+Xiaomi · last wk #93 0 wks in top 20
  64. #84Redmi 17 5GXiaomi · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  65. #85Xiaomi 16 ProXiaomi · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  66. #86OnePlus 13ROnePlus · last wk #83 11 wks in top 20
  67. #87Magic7 LiteHonor · last wk #99 0 wks in top 20
  68. #88Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5GXiaomi · last wk — 4 wks in top 20
  69. #8915 Pro 5GRealme · last wk #90 0 wks in top 20
  70. #90Poco F6Xiaomi · last wk #76 0 wks in top 20
  71. #91Galaxy A36 5GSamsung · last wk #57 13 wks in top 20
  72. #92200 ProHonor · last wk #98 0 wks in top 20
  73. #936Fairphone · last wk #68 0 wks in top 20
  74. #94Razr (2026)Motorola · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  75. #95Edge 60 NeoMotorola · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  76. #96Redmi Note 15 5GXiaomi · last wk #96 0 wks in top 20
  77. #97Xperia 10 VIIISony · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  78. #98Redmi 15CXiaomi · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  79. #99G Power (2026)Motorola · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  80. #100XR21Nokia · last wk — 0 wks in top 20

Brand chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Google holds #1.

#1 in 25 of the last 25 weeks

1 back1 out

All 16 moves ↓

Tap a card for its products here, its price tier and other charts.

#BrandPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekGoogleModels here: #1 Pixel 10a · #2 Pixel 9a · +2Last week #1 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Google products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #1 Pixel 10aBuyers’ rating 4.6 · 1.7K ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #2 Pixel 9aBuyers’ rating 4.6 · 3.4K ratings · Jun 2026
    3. #11 Pixel 8aBuyers’ rating 4.5 · 204 ratings · Oct 2026
    4. #68 Pixel 7abelow the top 20

    Where Google is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Google smartphones under $500
  2. #2same place as last weekSamsungModels here: #5 Galaxy A37 5G · #6 Galaxy A57 5G · +12Last week #2 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Samsung products here ?

    14 products in the top 100 · 6 in the top 20

    1. #5 Galaxy A37 5GScore read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    2. #6 Galaxy A57 5GPasses the check: buyers 4.8★
    3. #13 Galaxy S25 FEnot checked
    4. #15 Galaxy A56 5GBuyers’ rating 4.8 · 53K ratings · Jun 2026
    5. #16 Galaxy A17 5Gnot checked

    Where Samsung is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Samsung smartphones under $500
  3. #3same place as last weekNothingModels here: #3 Phone (4a) Pro · #9 Phone 3a · +3Last week #3 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Nothing products here ?

    5 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #3 Phone (4a) Pronot checked
    2. #9 Phone 3anot checked
    3. #24 Phone (2a) Plusbelow the top 20
    4. #25 Phone 4abelow the top 20
    5. #31 Phone (3a) Probelow the top 20

    Where Nothing is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Nothing smartphones under $500
  4. #4same place as last weekMotorolaModels here: #8 Moto G Power (2026) · #10 Moto G Stylus 2026 · +20Last week #4 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Motorola products here ?

    22 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #8 Moto G Power (2026)not checked
    2. #10 Moto G Stylus 2026Score read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    3. #20 Edge 60not checked
    4. #21 Moto G 2026below the top 20
    5. #29 Edge 50 Neobelow the top 20

    Where Motorola is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Motorola smartphones under $500
  5. #5same place as last weekOnePlusModels here: #7 Nord 5 · #17 Nord 6 · +7Last week #5 · 25 weeks in top 20

    OnePlus products here ?

    9 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #7 Nord 5Fails the check: breakage reports
    2. #17 Nord 6not checked
    3. #18 12RScore read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    4. #28 OnePlus 15Rbelow the top 20
    5. #40 Nord CE6below the top 20

    Where OnePlus is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for OnePlus smartphones under $500
  6. #6same place as last weekXiaomiModels here: #12 Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G · #14 Poco X8 Pro · +16Last week #6 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Xiaomi products here ?

    18 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #12 Redmi Note 15 Pro 5Gnot checked
    2. #14 Poco X8 Pronot checked
    3. #30 Redmi Note 15 Probelow the top 20
    4. #47 Poco F6 Probelow the top 20
    5. #53 15Tbelow the top 20

    Where Xiaomi is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Xiaomi smartphones under $500
  7. #7same place as last weekAppleModels here: #4 iPhone 17E · #36 iPhone 16e · +1Last week #7 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Apple products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #4 iPhone 17EBuyers’ rating 4.6 · 3.4K ratings · Sep 2026
    2. #36 iPhone 16ebelow the top 20
    3. #76 iPhone SE 5below the top 20

    Where Apple is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Apple smartphones under $500
  8. #8same place as last weekRealmeModels here: #39 GT 6T · #42 realme GT 7 · +3Last week #8 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Realme products here ?

    5 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #39 GT 6Tbelow the top 20
    2. #42 realme GT 7below the top 20
    3. #55 GT 7 SEbelow the top 20
    4. #71 12 Probelow the top 20
    5. #89 15 Pro 5Gbelow the top 20

    Where Realme is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Realme smartphones under $500
  9. #9same place as last weekHonorModels here: #33 200 · #61 X9d · +2Last week #9 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Honor products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #33 200below the top 20
    2. #61 X9dbelow the top 20
    3. #87 Magic7 Litebelow the top 20
    4. #92 200 Probelow the top 20

    Where Honor is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Honor smartphones under $500
  10. #10same place as last weekPocoModels here: #44 X6 Pro · #79 F6 ProLast week #10 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Poco products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #44 X6 Probelow the top 20
    2. #79 F6 Probelow the top 20

    Where Poco is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Poco smartphones under $500
  11. #11same place as last weekvivoModels here: #50 V30Last week #11 · 25 weeks in top 20

    vivo products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #50 V30below the top 20

    Where vivo is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for vivo smartphones under $500
  12. #12up 1 place since last weekSonyModels here: #34 Xperia 10 VII · #97 Xperia 10 VIIILast week #13 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Sony products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #34 Xperia 10 VIIbelow the top 20
    2. #97 Xperia 10 VIIIbelow the top 20

    Where Sony is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Sony smartphones under $500
  13. #13up 1 place since last weekASUSModels here: #26 Zenfone 12Last week #14 · 23 weeks in top 20

    ASUS products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #26 Zenfone 12below the top 20

    Where ASUS is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for ASUS smartphones under $500
  14. #14up 1 place since last weekTCLModels here: #66 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5G · #67 60 XE NxtPaper 5GLast week #15 · 25 weeks in top 20

    TCL products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #66 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5Gbelow the top 20
    2. #67 60 XE NxtPaper 5Gbelow the top 20

    Where TCL is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for TCL smartphones under $500
  15. #15up 5 places since last weekInfinixModels here: #45 Zero 40 5GLast week #20 · 20 weeks in top 20

    Infinix products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #45 Zero 40 5Gbelow the top 20

    Where Infinix is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Infinix smartphones under $500
  16. #16down 4 places since last weekCMFModels here: #38 CMF Phone 1Last week #12 · 15 weeks in top 20

    CMF products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #38 CMF Phone 1below the top 20
    Search Google for CMF smartphones under $500
  17. #17up 4 places since last weekTecnoRe-entryModels here: #59 Camon 30 Premier 5G · #82 Camon 30 ProLast week #21 · 10 weeks in top 20

    Tecno products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #59 Camon 30 Premier 5Gbelow the top 20
    2. #82 Camon 30 Probelow the top 20
    Search Google for Tecno smartphones under $500
  18. #18down 1 place since last weekOppoAlso #6 Best Battery Life Phones · #6 Best Camera Phones · +4Last week #17 · 25 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#24
    2. Claude#26
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#18
    6. Perplexity#28

    named by 4/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    Where Oppo is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Oppo smartphones under $500
  19. #19down 3 places since last weekNokiaModels here: #100 XR21Last week #16 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Nokia products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #100 XR21below the top 20

    Where Nokia is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Nokia smartphones under $500
  20. #20down 2 places since last weekRedmiModels here: #52 Note 13 Pro 5GLast week #18 · 7 weeks in top 20

    Redmi products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #52 Note 13 Pro 5Gbelow the top 20
    Search Google for Redmi smartphones under $500

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

  • HMD was #19, now #21 14 weeks in the top 20
Show places 21–28Hide places 21–28
  1. #21HMDlast wk #19 14 wks in top 20
  2. #22Fairphonelast wk #22 6 wks in top 20
  3. #23Ulefonelast wk #24 0 wks in top 20
  4. #24Blackviewlast wk #26 0 wks in top 20
  5. #25Oukitellast wk #27 0 wks in top 20
  6. #26Doogeelast wk #28 0 wks in top 20
  7. #27ZTElast wk #25 5 wks in top 20
  8. #28Nubialast wk #29 0 wks in top 20

The monthly check covers products; a brand is marked “Passes the check” only when its products here pass. See the product check → ?

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 and each AI’s own #1, in its own answer this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartProductChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Pixel 10a11224/6
#2Pixel 9a5, well above the others5, well above the others14, well below the others12, well below the others4/6
#3Phone (4a) Pro812/6
#4iPhone 17E2373/6
#5Galaxy A37 5G13, well below the others103, well above the others3/6
#6Galaxy A57 5G622/6
#7Nord 5942/6
#8Moto G Power (2026)1218, well below the others5, well above the others3/6
#9Phone 3a762/6
#10Moto G Stylus 202626, well below the others4, well above the others2/6
Each AI’s #1 further down this chart
#11Pixel 8a, Gemini’s #1211, well above the others26, well below the others3/6
#19Galaxy A56, Grok’s #111/6

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 brands: where it put the brand’s highest-placed product this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartBrandChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Google111225/6
#2Samsung322135/6
#3Nothing863615/6
#4Motorola7115345/6
#5OnePlus48, well below the others4417, well below the others5/6
#6Xiaomi1013, well below the others6, well above the others5, well above the others16, well below the others5/6
#7Apple2373/6
#8Realme22228, well above the others9, well above the others27, well below the others5/6
#9Honor2124, well below the others9, well above the others20185/6
#10Poco117103/6

The monthly check · October 2026 ?

Where people disagree with AI.

10 of the top 20 checked

  1. OnePlus Nord 5Fails the checkAI saysChart place#7named by 2 of 6People sayBuyers3.9/5946 ratingsVideo reviews4.0/55 videos123Press2 of 5outlets recommend itOwners1serious failure reported
  2. Samsung Galaxy A57 5GPasses the checkAI saysChart place#6named by 2 of 6People sayBuyers4.8/518,411 ratingsVideo reviews4.0/55 videos123

See all checked products in the chart ↓ ?

Reviews by people · YouTube and TikTok ?

The reviews behind the chart.

73 review videos · one shown per product

4 more reviewsFewer reviews

Short clips TikTok

9 clips · 3.6M views

4 more clips1 more clipFewer clips

The data behind this chart ?

What this ranking stands on.

From the AI panel 139 AI answers over 28 weeks from 6 assistants

From people

  • Buyer ratings217,990
  • Review videos143
  • Owner threads53
  • Press outlets31
  • Recall checks40

Before you buy

Questions buyers ask.

  • Who is #1 for “Best Smartphones Under $500”, and for how long?

    Google Pixel 10a is the #1 product this week, and has been #1 for 11 of the last 25 weeks. Google is the #1 brand, #1 for 25 of those weeks.

  • What changed on this chart in the last four weeks?

    5 of the top 20 products were not in the top 20 four weeks ago. The #1 then was Google Pixel 10a, and it is still #1. Among brands, 2 new names joined the top 20.

  • Do buyers, reviewers, owners and the press agree with the AI?

    10 of the top 20 were checked in October 2026: 1 fails the check, and people place none much lower than the AI does. 1 passes the check: people back it.

Data as of November 2 ?

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New #1s, debuts and the picks that fail the check, from every chart. We will write only when there is news.