The Gizchina Portal editor has compiled a list of the top smartphones available for up to 500 dollars, roughly 32.3 thousand rubles, in December. The goal was to combine strong performance, capable cameras, and reliable battery life in a compact, value-packed package for both Canadian and American users.
Leading the lineup is the compact flagship Xiaomi 12. It features a 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, and power runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. The camera system includes three rear sensors at 50 MP, 13 MP, and 5 MP, while the front-facing camera sports a 32 MP sensor for sharp selfies. Despite its small footprint, the Xiaomi 12 houses a 4500 mAh battery with 67 W fast charging, plus 50 W wireless charging and 10 W reverse wireless charging, offering practical battery flexibility for daily use.
The Redmi K50 Ultra secures the second spot. It brings a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Its camera array centers on a 108 MP main sensor, complemented by an 8 MP ultra-wide lens and a 2 MP macro module. The selfie experience is handled by a 20 MP front camera. A sizable 5000 mAh battery supports ultra-fast 120 W charging, making it a strong contender for long sessions and quick top-ups.
In third place is the Lenovo Legion Y90, a gaming-focused device that pairs performance with a large display. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and offers a 6.92-inch AMOLED screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The rear camera setup includes a 64 MP main module and a 13 MP secondary shooter, while the selfie camera sits at 16 MP. A substantial 5600 mAh battery powers the device, and it supports 68 W fast charging, ensuring longer playtime between charges.
Taking the fourth and fifth spots are the Poco F4 GT and the Motorola Edge X30, both recognized for delivering strong value within the sub-$500 tier. The Poco F4 GT emphasizes gaming performance and refresh experiences, while the Edge X30 balances flagship-like speed with durable battery life and a competitive camera setup.
The market narrative also includes a note from Xiaomi indicating ongoing developments in flagship devices, including a high-profile tablet with an unusual screen resolution. This signals that manufacturers are continuing to push the envelope on display technology and overall device capability, even at price-conscious tiers. According to industry coverage from Gizchina, these moves reflect a broader strategy to offer premium features at accessible price points for North American audiences while maintaining strong support for carriers and regional software updates.