If you’re chasing a smartphone that’s loaded with AI features and still fits under $500, you’re in for a treat. AI isn’t just for the big spenders anymore, it’s popping up in phones that won’t drain your savings, and I’ve handpicked the best ones for 2025.
These devices don’t mess around; they deliver sharp photos, smart AI assistants, and some seriously cool features, all while keeping your budget in check. Let’s jump into the top AI phones you can snag right now and see what they’ve got up their sleeves.
1. OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R (review) rolls in with AI features that make it a standout. You’ve got AI Eraser and AI Smart Cutout to zap photobombers or pluck out subjects from your photos. AI Clear Face sharpens up blurry faces, while AI Speak reads articles aloud and AI Summary boils down long articles.
AI Writer suggests and crafts messages for you, Recording Summary summarizes your calls and meetings or even voice recordings, AI Link Boost keeps your signal strong, AI Best Face fixes group shots, and Gemini’s there to lend a smart hand. Circle to Search is also available.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13R packs a lot. The 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display hits 4500 Nits, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. Cameras rock a 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 50MP 2X telephoto, and 16MP front camera. A 5,500 mAh battery with 100W charging keeps it humming all day.
Key AI Features:
AI Eraser, AI Smart Cutout, AI Clear Face, AI Speak, AI Summary, AI Writer, Recording Summary, AI Link Boost, AI Best Face, Gemini, Circle to Search
2. OPPO Reno13 Pro
The OPPO Reno13 Pro (review) also features a lot (or even more) of the AI features seen on the OnePlus 13R. AI Eraser scrubs out photo clutter, AI Studio churns out wild portrait styles from one snap, and AI Reflection, AI Livephoto, AI Clarity Enhancer, and AI Unblur are some other great AI features.
The Reno13 Pro isn’t just about photography AI features though, you also have AI Recording Summary, AI Summary for web pages, AI Writer to handle notes and text, and AI Speak to read articles aloud. There’s also AI Link Boost to keep you connected, and Gemini adds that extra brainpower. Circle to Search is also available.
As for the phone itself, it features a 6.83-inch AMOLED quad-curved display that hits 120 Hz with 1.5K resolution, driven by a Dimensity 8350 chip, 12 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage. Cameras shine with a 50MP main (OIS), 50MP 3.5X telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, and 50MP front camera. To round it off, it features a 5,600 mAh battery with 80W charging.
Key AI Features:
AI Eraser, AI Smart Cutout, AI Clear Face, AI Speak, AI Summary, AI Writer, Recording Summary, AI Link Boost, AI Best Face, Gemini, Circle to Search
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE brings Galaxy AI to the party. Circle to Search lets you circle anything on-screen for instant Google results—super handy. Live Translate translates calls in real-time, Note Assist helps with notes, and Generative Edit helps edit photos. Chat Assist polishes and crafts your messages, Photo Assist helps with image editing, and Gemini’s along for the ride.
For the specs, the Reno13 Pro features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display running at 120 Hz, powered by an Exynos 2400e chip with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Cameras include a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP 3X telephoto, and 10MP front lens. A 4,700 mAh battery with 25W charging keeps it going.
Key AI Features:
Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, Generative Edit, Chat Assist, Photo Assist, Gemini
4. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra keeps AI subtle but sweet with its Moto AI. Magic Canvas generates wallpapers, Magic Editor and Magic Eraser fix photos, and Photo Unblur sharpens blurry snaps. AI Action Shot helps with motion capture, AI Adaptive Stabilization smooths videos, and AI Photo Enhancement boosts colors. Google Gemini ties it all together.
Performance is top-tier. The 6.67-inch 1.5K pOLED display hits 2800 Nits at 144 Hz, powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. Cameras rock a 50MP main (OIS), 50MP ultra-wide, 64MP 3X telephoto, and 50MP front camera. A 4,500 mAh battery with 125W charging screams speed.
Key AI Features:
Magic Canvas, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, AI Action Shot, AI Adaptive Stabilization, AI Photo Enhancement, Gemini
5. Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 (review) packs Galaxy AI punch. Circle to Search is there for quick lookups, Live Translate handles calls, and Note Assist sorts your notes. Generative Edit and Photo Assist level up your pics, Chat Assist refines texts, and Gemini’s on board. It’s a compact flagship with big brains.
Specs hold up strong, even in 2025. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display hits 120Hz, driven by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Cameras feature a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3X telephoto, and 12MP front camera. It features a 3,900 mAh battery with 25W charging, which, honestly, is underwhelming for 2025.
Key AI Features:
Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, Generative Edit, Chat Assist, Photo Assist, Gemini
6. Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8 is an AI champ straight from the source. Magic Editor and Magic Eraser tweak photos like magic, Photo Unblur saves fuzzy shots, and AI Wallpapers keep your screen fresh. Circle to Search is here, Call Assist translates live calls, and Gemini runs the show with Google’s latest AI features.
As for the specs, the Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display that hits 2000 Nits and 120 Hz, powered by a Tensor G3 chip with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. Cameras rock a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10.5MP front camera. A 4,575 mAh battery with 27W charging keeps it ticking.
Key AI Features:
Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, AI Wallpapers, Circle to Search, Call Assist, Gemini
Best AI Smartphones Under $500
There you have it—six of the best phones under $500 that bring AI features to your fingertips. The OnePlus 13R and OPPO Reno13 Pro pack long AI lists and solid builds, perfect for all-rounders. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE and S23 shine with Galaxy AI goodies. Which one’s your pick for the best AI smartphone under $500? Let us know in the comments.