Top Budget Phones Under $300 in Australia – Best Deals for 2025

Finding a cheap phone under A$300 often means sacrificing performance, camera quality, or battery life. Many budget smartphones compromise on key features, leaving users with slow processors, outdated software, and poor build quality.
But what if you could get flagship-level performance for less? Instead of settling for low-end budget phones released last year, you can grab refurbished flagship models from a few years ago. These offer premium displays, powerful processors, and solid cameras at half the price.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best budget phones under $300 in Australia, including refurbished iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel phones. Whether you need a phone for gaming, photography, long battery life, or 5G connectivity, there’s a budget-friendly smartphone on this list that delivers great value.
Best Budget iPhones Under A$300
- Apple iPhone X – Best Overall iPhone
- Apple iPhone XS – Best Premium Build & Display
Best Budget Samsung Phones Under A$300
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Series – Best Flagship-Like Experience
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G – Best 5G Budget Phone
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G – Best Mid-Range Samsung Phone
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G – Most Affordable 5G Option
Best Budget Google Pixel Phones Under A$300
- Google Pixel 6 – Best for AI & Software Experience
- Google Pixel 5 – Best Camera in a Budget Phone
Best for Gaming & Performance
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro 5G – Best Budget Gaming Phone
- Oppo Find X5 Lite – Powerhouse for Multitasking & Media
Best Camera Phones Under A$300
- Nokia 9 PureView – DSLR-Like Camera Performance
- Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G – Best for Content Creators & Social Media
Now, let's break down each phone in detail.
Apple iPhone XS
An upgrade over the iPhone X, the iPhone XS offers a faster A12 Bionic processor, improved camera processing with Smart HDR, and IP68 water resistance for better durability. This is a great pick for smooth performance and a premium design.
Pros
- Face ID authentication is secure and seamless
- Lasts up to 12 hours with moderate use
- Super Retina OLED display for deep blacks and vibrant colors
- Wireless charging support
Cons
- No 5G support
- Battery life could be better
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
Apple iPhone X
The iPhone X introduced Face ID and Apple’s first Super Retina OLED display, making it a revolutionary upgrade in its time. It features a dual 12MP camera system with optical image stabilization, wireless charging, and IP67 water resistance. While it lacks 5G support, it remains a premium budget choice.
Pros
- Stunning 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display
- Face ID for secure authentication
- Wireless charging support
- IP67 water and dust resistance
Cons
- No 5G support
- Face ID only, no fingerprint sensor
- Battery life is average
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 48MP main camera with OIS, this budget 5G phone offers smooth performance,and IP67 rating makes the A34 5G one of the best budget Samsung phones.
Pros
- 48MP OIS main camera for crisp photography
- 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons
- No wireless charging
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G packs a Snapdragon 695 processor, a 6.6-inch 120Hz display, and a 50MP main camera with OIS. It also boasts a 5,000mAh battery for all-day use.
Pros
- 5G connectivity for fast data speeds
- Large 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Expandable storage via microSD (up to 1TB)
- Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging
Cons
- Plastic frame and back instead of glass
- No wireless charging support
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
This budget 5G phone features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ display, a 50MP triple-camera system, and a 5000mAh battery. If you need an affordable 5G phone with a large display, long battery life, and solid camera performance, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a great choice.
Pros
- 5G connectivity for fast browsing
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Samsung Knox security for protection
- No wireless charging support
Cons
- Plastic built instead of glass
- No wireless charging support
Samsung S10 Series
While originally a premium lineup, the S10, Galaxy S10e, and Samsung Galaxy S10 are now among the best budget Samsung options, featuring Exynos 9820, IP68 water resistance, and impressive camera quality.
With this combo of specs, the S10 series ranks high in the list of affordable phones, with the S10 starting at just A$269
Pros
- Elegant and compact design
- High screen-to-body ratio
- Impressive photo and video quality
- Reverse wireless charging
Cons
- The fingerprint reader is too small and needs multiple attempts to unlock
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is one of the best refurbished Android phones under $300, offering Google’s signature AI-powered photography, a 90Hz OLED display, and IP68 water resistance. It supports and reverse wireless charging, a rare find in budget smartphones.
Pros
- AI-powered photography
- Wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
- Compact & lightweight design
Cons
- Noticeable delay in image processing
- Suboptimal chipset performance
Google Pixel 6 5G
The Google Pixel 6 5G runs on Google’s custom Tensor chip, offering AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, real-time speech translation, and advanced image processing, as well as a 50MP main camera with Magic Eraser for next-level photography. All-day battery life with Extreme Battery Saver mode
Pros
- 50MP main camera with Magic Eraser
- Google Tensor chip for faster processing
- IP68 water resistance
- 5G connectivity
Cons:
- No expandable storage option
- 30W fast charger sold separately
Nokia 9 PureView
If you're a photography enthusiast seeking DSLR-level camera features, the Nokia 9 PureView is the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia that delivers on that front. The phone is also a limited edition, as admitted by the manufacturers, so it likely vanished from most shelves. Fortunately, Phonebot has this gem available at just A$299.
Pros
- Decent camera performance
- High image quality of RAW files
- Good display
Cons
- Poor in-screen fingerprint scanner
- Lacks a microSD slot, which is much needed with such a camera.
- Image processing consumes time and battery
Oppo Find X5 Lite
The Oppo Find X5 Lite 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking fast performance, pro-level photography, and an immersive display experience under A$300. A 4,500mAh battery ensures long-lasting use, while 65W SUPERVOOC fast charging powers the phone up to 100% in just 31 minutes. With Oppo’s AI System Booster, performance remains smooth even after extended use.
Pros
- MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset with 5G support
- 6.43-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
- 64MP main camera with AI-powered features
- Advanced cooling system for gaming and heavy usage
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Plastic frame instead of metal
Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G
The Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G is a feature-packed smartphone for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on camera quality or display experience. Photography enthusiasts will love the triple-camera system with AI-powered features and Ultra-Clear 108MP Image Processing, ensuring DSLR-like results.
Pros
- 64MP triple-camera system with AI enhancements
- Portrait and video effects for social media creators
- Fast 33W charging with battery-saving AI technology
- 5G connectivity for high-speed browsing
Cons
- Plastic frame instead of metal
- No wireless charging support
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Any list of good-budget phones is incomplete without mentioning the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 5G. Priced at A$299, making it a premium choice at a budget price. If you want a high-performance phone with a flagship-level processor, smooth display, and excellent camera, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 5G is a top pick.
Pros
- 50MP camera with OIS for sharp, detailed shots
- Premium curved-edge glass design
- 68W fast charging ensures all-day battery life in minutes
Cons
- Charger sold separately
- No wireless charging
- Lacks a headphone jack
Motorola Edge 20 Pro 5G Dual Sim
Any list of budget-friendly yet premium smartphones is incomplete without mentioning the Motorola Edge 20 Pro 5G. Priced at A$299, If you want a powerful gaming phone, with a high-refresh-rate display, and a versatile camera with periscope zoom, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro 5G is an unbeatable choice under A$300.
Pros
- Snapdragon 870 5G chipset for smooth performance
- 108MP camera with 50x Super Zoom for long-range shots
- 30W fast charging for quick power-ups
- Wi-Fi 6 & 5G support for seamless connectivity
Cons
- No wireless charging
- No headphone jack
- Lacks stereo speakers
How We Picked These Phones
Budget phones under A$300 may not have the latest flagship features, but they can still deliver a fantastic user experience. We selected these phones based on:
- Performance: Smooth performance with minimal lag.
- Camera Quality: At least one solid camera for everyday photography.
- Battery Life: A full day's charge with moderate to heavy use.
- Software Support: Android/iOS updates for security and usability.
- Value for Money: The best balance of features without overpaying.
Buying Considerations: What to Look for in a Budget Phone
Before purchasing a budget phone, consider these key factors:
Software Longevity
- iPhones tend to receive longer software updates than Android devices.
- Google Pixel and Samsung phones also provide solid long-term support for security updates.
Camera Needs
- If photography is your priority, look for devices with OIS (optical image stabilization) and large sensors for better image processing.
Battery Life
- Phones with at least a 4,500mAh battery generally last all day.
- Look for fast charging support (20W or more) to avoid long charge times.
Performance
- Choose a phone with at least 4GB of RAM and a mid-range processor like Snapdragon 695 or Google Tensor for smoother multitasking.
5G Connectivity
- If you plan to use your phone long-term, consider a 5G-enabled device for faster internet speeds and future-proofing.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of feature-packed options if you’re looking for the best budget phone under $300 in Australia. The iPhone X is a solid compact option for iPhone lovers, while the iPhone XS provides a premium OLED experience. Samsung fans can go for the Galaxy S10 series for a flagship-like feel or the Galaxy A23 5G for affordable 5G connectivity.
The Google Pixel 5 and Nokia 9 PureView stand out for photography, while the Motorola Edge 20 Pro remains an excellent gaming choice.
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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.