Dr's Best SmartPhones Under $500

Today's top SmartPhones like the Apple 7+/256GB and Samsung Galaxy S7/EDGE will cost almost $1,000. I'm often asked which devices are the best and surprisingly, it's not always the big dollar models. Don't get me wrong, if you're looking to give me a SmartPhone for Christmas, please make it an iPhone 7+/64GB. That being said, here are my favorite models for those who want the most bang for the buck...

APPLE iPhone Options
iPhone SE (MSRP $399.99 or $16.67 x 24 Months)
This model is one of Apple's best kept secrets. This model is the same size as the 5s model screen size wise, but has the same guts as last year's top of line 6s series. While it does not have the 3D touch feature, it does have Apple's amazing A9 processor and 12GB camera and lots of other goodies. Great for women, kids and men with Donal Trump hands (some post election humor). 

iPhone 6 - This model is getting harder to find. It is almost three years old but probably the best iPhone that I have ever owned, in terms of stability and reliability. I gave my wife my iPhone 6/128GB and moved up to the iPhone 6s+/64GB. Bad move! While the screen was larger and brighter, the accelerometer would stick and the device's battery life has steadily decreased. Thew iPhone 6 retails now for only $449.99 for the 16GB version. 

Apple is now selling carrier unlocked refurbished devices at discounted pricing in their stores. They put a new battery and new cover on these models along with a one year warranty. Don't expect to find any of the newest iPhone 7 models or the SE. They do have the 6 and 6s series though. Grab one and call me to activate!

There is no shortage of good Chinese made SmartPhones. Motorola was bought out by Lenovo and has several great new models. Huawei's latest models are getting pretty good reviews. There are also some fine devices coming from South Korea. LG in particular is making some great models. The LG G4 and G5 are very popular as are the HTC models.

The One Plus 3 Flagship model has an MSRP of $399.99. This brand started by selling their One Plus One model first by invitation, then on the internet, but only on Tuesdays. They created a demand that far exceeded the supply. Their devices typically price out at about half that of the big boys for the same features.

For Windows models, NOKIA is out of the phone business but their 950XL can be found in the $300 range and is a beauty for Windows 10 platform advocates.