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Top 8 Budget Phones Under $300 in Australia – Best Deals for 2026
Quick answer: The best budget phone under A$300 in Australia is the refurbished Google Pixel 7a at A$289, for its flagship-grade camera and clean, still-updated Android. If you want the most power for the money, the Xiaomi Mi 11 5G at A$199 runs a genuine flagship Snapdragon 888. For the longest battery, the Honor Magic6 Lite 5G at A$229 packs 5300mAh and 256GB. Apple buyers should take the iPhone SE 5G 3rd Gen at A$249 for the fastest chip and longest iOS support under budget. Every phone here is refurbished, professionally graded, and backed by a 12-month warranty from Phonebot, an Australian refurbished-phone retailer based in Melbourne.
A mobile phone under A$300 doesn't have to mean a sluggish processor and a forgettable camera. The trick is to skip new entry-level handsets and buy a refurbished flagship or upper mid-ranger from a year or two ago instead. A 300 dollar phone bought that way gets you a better screen, a faster chip, and a stronger camera than anything brand new at the same price. Phonebot has refurbished and rehomed more than a million devices in Australia since 2012, and every handset below is unlocked for all Australian carriers.
Best Budget Phones Under A$300 in Australia
- Google Pixel 7a 5G (128GB) — A$289
- Xiaomi Mi 11 5G (128GB) — A$199
- Honor Magic6 Lite 5G (256GB) — A$229
- Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (128GB) — A$259
- Google Pixel 6 5G (128GB) — A$219
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro (64GB) — A$289
- Apple iPhone 12 Mini 5G (128GB) — A$269
- Apple iPhone SE 5G 3rd Gen (128GB) — A$219
Now let's break down each phone in detail.
| Phone | Best for | Price | Chip | Screen | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 7a 5G | Best overall, best camera | A$289 | Tensor G2 | 6.1" 90Hz OLED | 4385mAh |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 5G | Best performance, best value | A$199 | Snapdragon 888 | 6.81" WQHD+ 120Hz AMOLED | 4600mAh |
| Honor Magic6 Lite 5G | Best battery, most storage | A$229 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | 6.78" 120Hz AMOLED | 5300mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A25 5G | Best Samsung, longest Android support | A$259 | Exynos 1280 | 6.5" 120Hz Super AMOLED | 5000mAh |
| Google Pixel 6 5G | Best camera under A$250 | A$219 | Google Tensor | 6.4" 90Hz OLED | 4614mAh |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro | Best iPhone camera | A$289 | A13 Bionic | 5.8" Super Retina XDR OLED | 3046mAh |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini 5G | Best compact iPhone | A$269 | A14 Bionic | 5.4" Super Retina XDR OLED | 2227mAh |
| Apple iPhone SE 5G 3rd Gen | Fastest chip, longest iOS support | A$219 | A15 Bionic | 4.7" Retina HD | 2018mAh |
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Google Pixel 7a — Best Budget Phone Under $300 Overall
The Google Pixel 7a is the best all-around budget phone under A$300 in Australia, and the one we'd hand most people. Google's Tensor G2 chip keeps it quick, the 6.1-inch 90Hz OLED is sharp, and the 64MP camera outshoots everything else at this price thanks to Google's computational photography. You also get wireless charging and an IP67 rating, both rare on a phone under $300, alongside a clean Android build that still receives security updates into 2028.
At A$289 it now sits comfortably inside budget, which it didn't a year ago. If your priority is photos and you don't want to think about the phone beyond that, this is the pick.
Pros
- Best camera on this list, by a clear margin
- Clean Android with security updates through 2028
- Smooth 90Hz OLED display
- Wireless charging and IP67 water resistance
- 5G connectivity
Cons
- 128GB storage, not expandable
- Only 18W charging, slow next to the Xiaomi and Honor
Xiaomi Mi 11 5G — Best Performance
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is the most phone you can buy under A$300 in Australia, full stop. It runs the Snapdragon 888, a genuine 2021 flagship chip that still outpaces every new handset in this price bracket, and pairs it with the only WQHD+ display on this list — a 6.81-inch 120Hz AMOLED at 1440p. Add a 108MP main camera, 55W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and Gorilla Glass Victus, and the A$199 price starts to look like a mistake.
The catch is age. MIUI updates have finished, so you're buying it for the hardware rather than long-term software support. If raw speed, screen quality, and charging matter more to you than update longevity, nothing else here comes close.
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 performance
- Only WQHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display under A$300
- 108MP main camera
- 55W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Gorilla Glass Victus, 5G
Cons
- Software updates have ended
- No official IP rating
- Limited stock
Honor Magic6 Lite 5G — Best Battery and Storage
The Honor Magic6 Lite is the newest device on this list and the best budget phone here for battery and storage. The 5300mAh cell comfortably lasts into a second day, you get 256GB as standard, and the 108MP main camera is sharp in good light. The 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED is built to survive drops, and it runs full Google services, so every app behaves exactly as you'd expect.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a mid-range chip, so this suits everyday use and light gaming rather than demanding titles. For most people that trade-off is worth it for the endurance.
Pros
- Largest battery here at 5300mAh
- 256GB storage as standard
- 108MP main camera
- Durable, drop-resistant AMOLED display
- 35W fast charging, 120Hz, 5G
Cons
- Mid-tier chip, not for heavy gaming
- Limited stock
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G — Best Samsung Phone Under $300
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is the best Samsung phone under A$300, and it has the single strongest argument on this list if you plan to keep the phone a while: four Android OS upgrades through Android 18 and security patches into late 2028. That's longer support than anything else here, including the Pixel 7a.
The rest holds up too. The 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED is bright and smooth, the 50MP main camera has optical image stabilisation for steadier low-light shots, the 5000mAh battery clears a full day easily, and there's a microSD slot if 128GB isn't enough. It's the safe, sensible choice.
If you're set on Samsung, it's worth seeing the rest of the cheap Samsung phones range before deciding, as stock and pricing shift often.
Pros
- Android updates through Android 18, security to 2028
- 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- 50MP camera with optical image stabilisation
- 5000mAh all-day battery, expandable microSD storage
- 5G connectivity
Cons
- Exynos 1280 is mid-range, not for demanding games
- 25W charging is slower than the Honor or Xiaomi
Google Pixel 6 5G — Best Camera Under $250
The Google Pixel 6 is the best camera you can get under A$250. Its 50MP Samsung GN1 sensor is physically larger than the one in the Pixel 7a, gathering more light and producing noticeably better results after dark, and you get IP68 water resistance where the 7a stops at IP67. Google's first-generation Tensor chip handles everything day to day and brings the same photo processing that makes Pixels punch above their price.
This particular unit is Grade B, so it carries visible cosmetic wear, and Pixel 6 software support ends in October 2026. Take it as a superb camera at a low price rather than a phone for the long haul.
Pros
- Large 50MP GN1 sensor, excellent in low light
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 6.4-inch 90Hz OLED display
- 30W charging plus wireless charging
- Clean Android, 5G
Cons
- Software support ends October 2026
- Grade B, so visible cosmetic marks
- Limited stock
Apple iPhone 11 Pro — Best iPhone Camera Under $300
The iPhone 11 Pro is the best iPhone camera under A$300. It's the only phone on this list with a dedicated telephoto lens, giving you proper 2x optical zoom and much better portrait shots, alongside ultra-wide and wide cameras and Apple's Night mode. The 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is still one of the better displays here, and the stainless steel and glass build feels a tier above its price.
The A13 Bionic remains quick for everyday use, and it's IP68-rated. The trade-offs are 64GB of storage and no 5G, since this is a 2019 handset.
Pros
- Triple camera with true optical telephoto zoom
- Super Retina XDR OLED display
- IP68 rating and stainless steel build
- A13 Bionic still fast day to day
- Face ID and wireless charging
Cons
- No 5G
- 64GB storage only
Apple iPhone 12 Mini 5G — Best Compact iPhone
The iPhone 12 Mini is the pick for anyone who wants an iPhone that still feels current, or simply one that fits the hand. The A14 Bionic is plenty fast, it has 5G and MagSafe, the Super Retina XDR OLED looks excellent, and 128GB gives you real room. It's IP68 rated with a Ceramic Shield front.
The trade-off is the battery, the smallest here at 2227mAh, so heavy users will be reaching for a charger by evening. If you want small, nothing else comes close.
Pros
- Genuinely compact, easy to use one-handed
- A14 Bionic stays fast
- 5G and MagSafe support
- Super Retina XDR OLED, IP68, Ceramic Shield
- Strong long-term iOS support
Cons
- Smallest battery on the list
- Small screen won't suit everyone
Apple iPhone SE 5G 3rd Gen — Fastest Chip and Longest iOS Support
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the cheapest 5G iPhone under A$300, and it holds a distinction nothing else here can match: the A15 Bionic is the fastest processor on this entire list, ahead of both the Tensor G2 and the Snapdragon 888 in single-core performance. It's a 2022 chip, which also means it will keep receiving iOS updates longer than any other phone in this guide.
You're paying for that with the design. The 4.7-inch LCD with a Home button and thick bezels looks dated, the single 12MP camera can't match the Pixels, and the 2018mAh battery is modest. If longevity and speed matter more than looks, it's the smartest buy here.
Pros
- A15 Bionic, the fastest chip under A$300
- Longest iOS update support on this list
- 5G and wireless charging
- 128GB storage, IP67 rating
- Compact and light
Cons
- Dated design with large bezels and LCD screen
- Single camera and small battery
Shopping on a budget?
Every phone on this list is in stock now, unlocked for all Australian carriers.
Browse cheap phones under $300 →From A$149 · 72-point tested · 12-month warranty · 30-day returns
Best Oppo Phone Under $300
Oppo is a common request at this price, and we'd rather be straight with you than pad the list. Our current Oppo stock under A$300 is limited to older 4G models, so neither makes our main eight.
The Oppo Reno Z (128GB) at A$189 gives you a 6.4-inch AMOLED, 128GB, 48MP camera, and 20W VOOC charging. The Oppo A52 (64GB) at A$169 pairs a 6.5-inch display with a 5000mAh battery and a quad camera. Both are dependable everyday phones, but neither has 5G and both stopped receiving software updates some time ago.
If you specifically want Oppo, browse the full refurbished Oppo phones range, where newer Reno and Find models sit just above this budget. Otherwise, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G or Honor Magic6 Lite will serve you better for similar money.
Other Budget Phones Worth Considering Under $300
A few devices didn't make the main list but are worth knowing about:
- Apple iPhone 11 (256GB) at A$289 — the most storage on any iPhone under budget, with the same A13 chip and excellent battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (128GB) at A$149 — the cheapest 5G phone we stock, with a 5000mAh battery and microSD support.
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro 5G at A$199 — a rugged, MIL-STD-rated 5G phone with a removable battery, built for trades and site work.
- Huawei Nova 11 (256GB) at A$249 — strong hardware with a Snapdragon 778G and 66W charging, but it ships without Google Play services, so check your apps will work before buying.
Is a Refurbished Phone Worth It Under $300?
Yes, as long as it's properly refurbished. The real risk with cheap phones is hidden faults and a worn-out battery, and that's exactly what a graded device removes. At Phonebot every handset passes a 72-point inspection, has its battery health verified to at least 80%, and ships unlocked with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns, so you carry far less risk than buying second-hand from a marketplace. You can see exactly what each condition means on our phone grading guide.
How We Picked These Phones
Budget phones under A$300 won't match a current flagship, but the right one still feels good to use every day. Our team grades and tests every device in-house before it's listed, and we reviewed this list in August 2026 against live stock and pricing across our full refurbished phones range. Every phone named here was in stock at the price shown on the day of publication. We weighed processor performance, screen quality, camera output, battery life, how long each phone will keep receiving software updates, and overall value for the price.
What to Look for in a Budget Phone
Software longevity matters most if you plan to keep the phone a few years. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G leads here with updates into 2028, followed by the iPhone SE 3rd Gen and iPhone 12 Mini. The Xiaomi Mi 11 and Pixel 6 are at or near the end of their update windows, so buy those for hardware rather than longevity.
Camera comes down to sensor size and processing rather than megapixel counts. The Pixel 7a and Pixel 6 win on both, and the iPhone 11 Pro is the only phone here with a real optical zoom lens.
Battery of around 5000mAh covers all-day use comfortably. The Honor Magic6 Lite leads at 5300mAh, with the Galaxy A25 5G close behind. Charging speed matters just as much day to day, and the Mi 11's 55W is in a different league to the Pixel 7a's 18W.
Processor is where refurbished buying pays off most. A flagship chip from a couple of years ago, like the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 or the A15 in the iPhone SE, will comfortably outpace a brand-new entry-level processor. It's worth comparing these against the latest cheap Android phones before you decide.
5G is standard on six of our eight picks. Only the two older iPhones are 4G, and if you plan to keep the phone past 2027, 5G is worth prioritising.
Which Budget Phone Should You Buy?
If you're not sure where to start, the Pixel 7a at A$289 is our top pick for most people. Want the most raw power for the least money? Take the Xiaomi Mi 11 5G at A$199. Planning to keep the phone for years? The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G or iPhone SE 3rd Gen will outlast everything else here. Otherwise, match the "best for" column in the table above to whatever matters most to you.
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Prices up to 50% below retail, with battery health verified to 80% or better on every handset.
Shop all cheap phones →Shop budget Android →Posted by Liam Harris
Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.
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