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Phone Comparisons 09 Jun 2026Posted byLiam Harris

Top 8 Budget Phones Under $300 in Australia ā€“ Best Deals for 2026

Top 8 Budget Phones Under $300 in Australia ā€“ Best Deals for 2026

Quick answer: The best budget phone under A$300 in Australia is the refurbished Google Pixel 7a, from A$299, for its flagship-grade camera and clean, still-updated Android. Apple buyers should pick the iPhone 12 Mini from A$249, and for the longest battery, the Honor Magic6 Lite from A$279. Every phone here is refurbished, professionally graded, and backed by a warranty from Phonebot, an Australian refurbished-phone retailer based in Melbourne.

A 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 from a year or two ago instead, which gets you a better screen, a faster chip, and a stronger camera for the same money. Phonebot has refurbished and rehomed more than a million devices in Australia since 2012.

Best Budget Phones Under A$300 in Australia

Now let's break down each phone in detail.


PhoneBest forFromScreenBattery
Google Pixel 7aBest overall, cameraA$2996.1" 90Hz OLED4385mAh
Apple iPhone 12 Mini 5GCompact iPhoneA$2495.4" OLED2227mAh
OnePlus 9 5GPerformanceA$2996.55" 120Hz AMOLED4500mAh
Honor Magic6 Lite 5GBattery and storageA$2796.78" 120Hz AMOLED5300mAh
Apple iPhone XRBig-storage iPhoneA$2296.1" LCD2942mAh
Apple iPhone XSOLED iPhone valueA$2595.8" OLED2658mAh
Samsung Galaxy A24Budget SamsungA$2096.5" Super AMOLED5000mAh
Samsung Galaxy A15Cheapest, near-newA$2196.5" Super AMOLED5000mAh


Google Pixel 7a


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 camera outshoots everything else at this price thanks to Google's image processing. You also get wireless charging and an IP67 rating, both rare under A$300, alongside a clean Android that's still receiving updates.

Pros

  • Best camera on this list
  • Clean Android with update support remaining
  • Smooth 90Hz OLED display
  • Wireless charging and IP67 water resistance
  • 5G connectivity

Cons

  • 128GB storage, not expandable
  • Battery life is average rather than great

Apple iPhone 12 Mini 5G


The iPhone 12 Mini is the best sub-A$300 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, and the OLED screen looks excellent. The trade-off is the battery, the smallest here, so heavy users will be reaching for a charger by evening.

Pros

  • Compact, easy-to-use one-handed
  • A14 Bionic stays fast
  • 5G and MagSafe support
  • Vibrant OLED display
  • Strong long-term iOS support

Cons

  • Smallest battery on the list
  • Small screen won't suit everyone

OnePlus 9 5G


The OnePlus 9 is the best budget phone under A$300 for raw performance. It runs the flagship Snapdragon 888, the 120Hz AMOLED is fast and fluid, and 65W charging takes it from flat to full in roughly half an hour. Stock tends to be thin, so it's worth checking availability before you settle on it.

Pros

  • Flagship Snapdragon 888 performance
  • 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Very fast 65W charging
  • Hasselblad-tuned cameras
  • 5G connectivity

Cons

  • Limited stock
  • Software updates winding down

Honor Magic6 Lite 5G


The Honor Magic6 Lite is the best budget phone here for battery and storage, with a 5300mAh cell that lasts well into a second day, 256GB of storage, and a 108MP camera. The display is built to survive drops, and it runs full Google services, so apps behave exactly as you'd expect. The chipset is mid-range, so it suits everyday use better than serious gaming.

Pros

  • Large 5300mAh battery
  • 256GB storage as standard
  • 108MP main camera
  • Durable, drop-resistant display
  • 120Hz AMOLED and 5G

Cons

  • Mid-tier chip, not for heavy gaming
  • Limited stock

Apple iPhone XR


The iPhone XR is the best pick for a roomy 256GB iPhone well under budget. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, battery life was always one of its strengths, and the A12 chip still handles daily tasks. It's a 2018 model, so think of it as an affordable, dependable iPhone rather than one you'll keep for years.

Pros

  • Large 256GB storage
  • Bright 6.1-inch display
  • Good real-world battery life
  • Face ID and premium build
  • A12 still capable day to day

Cons

  • No 5G, and LCD rather than OLED
  • 2018 model, update support near its end

Apple iPhone XS


The iPhone XS is the best value if you want an OLED iPhone under A$300. It adds a Super Retina OLED screen and a second camera over the XR for not much more, with portrait and zoom shots and a stainless steel build that still feels premium.

Pros

  • Super Retina OLED display
  • Dual cameras with portrait and zoom
  • Premium stainless steel build
  • Face ID and 256GB storage
  • A12 handles daily tasks well

Cons

  • No 5G support
  • Smaller battery, 2018 model

Samsung Galaxy A24


The Samsung Galaxy A24 is the best budget Samsung under A$300. Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen looks better than the price suggests, the 5000mAh battery sees out a full day, and there's a 50MP triple camera plus a microSD slot. It sticks to 4G and a mid-range chip, but for everyday use there's little to complain about at this money.

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

  • 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display
  • 5000mAh all-day battery
  • 50MP triple camera
  • Expandable microSD storage
  • Trusted Samsung support

Cons

  • No 5G on this model
  • Mid-range chip, not for demanding games

Samsung Galaxy A15


The Samsung Galaxy A15 is the cheapest phone here, and this one is Open Box, so it's effectively new. You still get a Super AMOLED display, a 5000mAh battery, and expandable storage. It's an easy, low-risk choice for a first phone or a straightforward daily driver.

Pros

  • Open Box, effectively new
  • Super AMOLED display
  • 5000mAh battery
  • Expandable storage
  • Lowest price on the list

Cons

  • Entry-level chip for basic use
  • A modest camera in low light

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 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 June 2026 against current stock and pricing. We weighed performance, camera quality, battery life, how long each phone will keep getting 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 while. iPhones tend to receive long support, and Pixel and Samsung handsets get solid security updates too, so a newer model stays current longer. On camera, newer sensors and computational photography make the difference, which is where the Pixel 7a pulls ahead. For battery, around 5000mAh covers all-day use, and the Magic6 Lite and Galaxy A24 lead there. And a flagship chip from a year or two ago, like the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9, will comfortably outpace a brand-new entry-level processor, so it's worth comparing these against the latest cheap Android phones before you decide.

Which Budget Phone Should You Buy?

If you're not sure where to start, the Pixel 7a is our top pick for most people. Otherwise, match the "best for" column in the table above to whatever matters most to you, whether that's battery, performance, or staying with Apple.

If you want to keep looking, browse the full refurbished phones lineup, with prices up to 50% below retail. You can see what's discounted right now in the current hot deals.

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

Iā€™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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do budget phones under $300 support software updates?

Yes! Refurbished iPhones receive iOS updates for years, while Samsung and Google Pixel phones continue to receive Android security patches for long-term usability.

Can I get a budget phone with 5G for under $300?

Absolutely! Several budget-friendly Samsung and Google Pixel models support 5G connectivity, making them future-proof without extra cost.

Do budget phones have secure payment options like Apple Pay & Google Pay?

Yes, many budget phones have NFC support, allowing you to use contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay securely.

How can I make a budget phone last longer?

To extend its lifespan:

  • Use a protective case & screen protector

  • Update software regularly

  • Close unused apps to save battery

  • Avoid overcharging

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