The Gizchina portal recently highlighted the best sub-flagship smartphones available for under $500, a price point roughly equivalent to 28.2 thousand rubles online. This carefully curated list focuses on devices that balance performance and affordability without sacrificing the features that matter to modern users in Canada and the United States.
<p Kicking off the lineup is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powered model priced under $500. The iQoo Neo 6 stands out with a 6.62-inch FullHD+ AMOLED display and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. In photography, it pairs a 64-megapixel main sensor with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel monochrome module. A 16-megapixel front camera handles selfies, while a 4700mAh battery and 80W fast charging keep momentum high for long days away from a wall socket.
<p The second Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 option on the list is the Poco F4 GT. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and FullHD+ resolution. On the back, a 64-megapixel primary sensor leads the camera setup, complemented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. The front camera clocks in at 20 megapixels. The Poco F4 GT packs a 4700mAh battery and supports 120W fast charging, addressing power-hungry gaming sessions with rapid replenishment.
<p A noteworthy inclusion uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max chipset and a 6.7-inch OLED display with FullHD+ resolution, bringing 120Hz refresh to the OnePlus Ace. The camera array centers on a 50-megapixel main sensor, with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide and a 2-megapixel macro module, while a 16-megapixel front camera handles selfies. The phone carries a 4500mAh battery and supports 150W fast charging for those times when speed is everything.
<p The Oppo K10 Pro is another strong contender, pairing a 2021 flagship Snapdragon 888 with a 6.62-inch FullHD+ AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. It features a 50-megapixel main camera plus an 8-megapixel ultra-wide and macro lens. A large 5000mAh battery powers the device, with 80W fast charging delivering a quick top-up during busy days or long commutes.
<p Rounding out the list is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which also uses the Snapdragon 888. It offers a more compact 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with FullHD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it a practical fit for those who prefer one-handed use. The camera setup includes a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. A 32-megapixel selfie camera sits on the front. The Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, with support for 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. One caveat for buyers is that Samsung did not include a charger in the box, which is something to consider when budgeting for a new device.
<p Previously, it was noted that these phones stood out as some of the most powerful sub-flagships of early summer, according to Antutu benchmarking results. This emphasis on performance alongside price makes these models appealing to Canadian and American shoppers seeking value without sacrificing speed, camera quality, or battery life.
Overall, the list demonstrates how brands balance power with efficiency in a sub-flagship segment. From flagship-class chipsets in compact forms to high-refresh-rate displays and robust cameras, these devices deliver features typically found in pricier phones, all while staying under the $500 ceiling. For buyers in North America, this collection provides diverse options to matching screen size preferences, camera priorities, and charging expectations, enabling informed choices in a competitive market.