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Reviews Buying Guides11 Jun 2026Posted byLiam Harris

9 Best Mobile Phones Under $500 AUD in 2026

9 Best Mobile Phones Under $500 AUD in 2026

Shopping for a budget phone can be tricky. There are so many cheap options out there, often from brands youā€™ve never heard of. It might even seem like you're taking a bigger risk buying a cheaper phone than spending a little more on a high-end model.


But honestly, thereā€™s never been a better time to snag yourself one of the best budget phones under A$500. Smartphones have come a long way, and the gap between budget and flagship models is getting smaller.

These days, you can get a large-screen, multi-camera phone with smooth performance; there's no need to skip meals to afford one. Even better, many of these models are available as second-hand phones at amazing prices. In this blog, weā€™ve rounded up some top budget picks to help you start your search for a new device.

Best Mobile Phones under AUD 500

    Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

    The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is about as close as you can get to flagship royalty without paying flagship money. With its built-in S Pen, gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ display, and a 108MP quad-camera setup that includes dual telephoto lenses for up to 10x optical zoom, it really does it all. The Exynos 2200 chip keeps everything fast and fluid, whether you're editing notes, gaming, or shooting in low light. If you want a do-everything refurbished flagship that still turns heads in 2026, the S22 Ultra is a brilliant buy.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1ā€“120Hz QHD+
    • Camera: 108MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x) + 10MP periscope (10x), 40MP front
    • Processor: Exynos 2200
    • Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging
    • Colours: Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Burgundy
    • Price: Starting from A$499

    Motorola Edge 50 Pro

    The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is proof that mid-rangers can feel genuinely premium. Its curved 6.7-inch pOLED display runs at a buttery 144Hz, and the Pantone-validated colours make everything pop. Photography is a highlight too, with a 50MP main sensor, a dedicated 3x telephoto, and a sharp 50MP selfie camera. But the real party trick is the 125W TurboPower charging, which fills the battery in minutes. Add IP68 water resistance and a clean, near-stock Android experience, and you've got one of the best-value flagships going refurbished.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.7-inch pOLED, 144Hz, 1.5K
    • Camera: 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x), 50MP front
    • Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    • Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 4,500mAh with 125W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Colours: Black Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl, Vanilla Cream
    • Price: Starting from A$499

    Apple iPhone 14

    The Apple iPhone 14 is the easy choice for anyone who wants a dependable, no-fuss iPhone that'll keep getting updates for years. It runs on the powerful A15 Bionic chip, the same silicon found in the iPhone 13 Pro, so performance stays silky smooth across the board. The upgraded dual-camera system captures bright, true-to-life shots, while the Photonic Engine seriously improves low-light photography. Throw in safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS, plus that classic premium build, and the iPhone 14 is a smart, sensible pick.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
    • Camera: 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
    • Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
    • Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 3,279mAh with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging
    • Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Product Red
    • Price: Starting from A$459

    Google Pixel 8

    The Google Pixel 8 is the smart pick for anyone who loves a clever camera and clean software. Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, it leans hard into Google's AI features like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser, turning everyday snaps into something special. The 50MP main sensor delivers Google's trademark crisp, natural photos, and the compact 6.2-inch Actua display is bright enough for harsh Aussie sun. Best of all, you get seven years of OS and security updates, making it one of the smartest Refurbished Google Pixel buys around, well into the future.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.2-inch OLED Actua, 60ā€“120Hz
    • Camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide, 10.5MP front
    • Processor: Google Tensor G3
    • Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
    • Battery: 4,575mAh with 27W wired and wireless charging
    • Colours: Obsidian, Hazel, Rose, Mint
    • Price: Starting from A$449

    Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

    The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE brings the best bits of Samsung's flagship line down to a friendlier price. You get a vibrant 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, plus a versatile triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor with 3x optical zoom. Performance is strong thanks to its flagship-grade chipset, and One UI keeps everything feeling polished. If you want that genuine Samsung Galaxy experience without stretching the budget, the S23 FE is one of the best refurbished Samsung Phones you can pick up today.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
    • Camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP telephoto (3x), 10MP front
    • Processor: Exynos 2200
    • Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
    • Battery: 4,500mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
    • Colours: Mint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
    • Price: Starting from A$449

    Vivo V40

    The Vivo V40 is a camera-lover's dream at this price. Co-engineered with Zeiss, it packs a triple 50MP setup, main, ultrawide, and selfie, so every shot comes out sharp, colourful, and full of detail. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is bright and immersive, and a huge 5,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging means you'll rarely reach for the charger. Add IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance plus a slim, elegant design, and the V40 is one of the most well-rounded refurbished phones you can grab under A$500.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
    • Camera: 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP front (Zeiss optics)
    • Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    • Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 5,500mAh with 80W fast charging
    • Colours: Titanium Grey, Stellar Silver, Lotus Purple
    • Price: Starting from A$449

    Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

    The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max still feels like a proper flagship, even years on. Its massive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is perfect for movies and gaming, while the Pro triple-camera system, complete with a LiDAR scanner, delivers excellent photos and standout Night mode shots. The A14 Bionic chip handles everything you throw at it with ease, and ongoing iOS support keeps it secure and smooth. If you want the biggest, most capable iPhone you can get for under A$500, the 12 Pro Max is hard to beat.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
    • Camera: 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto (2.5x), 12MP front, LiDAR
    • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
    • Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 3,687mAh with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging
    • Colours: Graphite, Silver, Gold, Pacific Blue
    • Price: Starting from A$449

    OnePlus 10 Pro


    The OnePlus 10 Pro remains one of the best value flagship phones you can buy refurbished. It carries the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, second-generation Hasselblad camera tuning, and one of the fastest charging systems ever put in a phone. 80W wired gets you from flat to full in under 35 minutes. Pair that with a stunning 6.7-inch LTPO display and a clean OxygenOS experience, and it's easy to see why this phone still holds up well in 2026. If you're after a capable performer for gaming, check out our roundup of the best budget gaming phones, too.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.7-inch LTPO2 AMOLED, 1ā€“120Hz
    • Camera: 48MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 8MP 3.3x telephoto, 32MP front
    • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
    • Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
    • Battery: 5,000mAh with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Colours: Volcanic Black, Emerald Forest
    • Price: Starting from A$439

    Apple iPhone 12 Pro

    The Apple iPhone 12 Pro proves that a few years old doesn't mean out of date. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is crisp and colour-accurate, and the Pro triple-camera system with LiDAR makes for fantastic portraits and low-light shots. The A14 Bionic chip is still plenty fast for everyday tasks, gaming, and photography, and iOS updates keep it running securely. Compact, premium, and packed with Pro features, the iPhone 12 Pro is the most affordable way into Apple's Pro lineup on this list. For even more affordable options, check out our picks for the best budget phones under A$300.

    Key Specs:

    • Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
    • Camera: 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP front, LiDAR
    • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
    • Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
    • Battery: 2,815mAh with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging
    • Colours: Graphite, Silver, Gold, Pacific Blue
    • Price: Starting from A$429

    Buying guide for phones under AUD 500 in Australia

    If you're after a good, cheap mobile in Australia, hereā€™s what to keep in mind:

    • Speed matters: Look for at least 6GB of RAM and a decent processor, such as a Snapdragon or MediaTek, to keep things running smoothly.
    • Camera count: For solid photos, check for features like night mode, wide angle, or OIS (optical image stabilisation).
    • All-day battery: Go for a battery with at least 4500mAh so it lasts all day.
    • Nice screen: AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates make games and scrolling feel smooth.
    • Software Updates: Make sure the phone still gets regular software and security updates.

    Verdict

    At Phonebot, our budget phone range covers a solid mix of models, from refurbished iPhones to Samsung and Google Pixels. Sure, these phones might not have every single feature of the top-end models, but they still pack a punch for a lot less. Plus, youā€™ll save some cash to spend on other things! So, if youā€™re looking to snag one of the best bargain phones, look no further than Phonebot.

    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

    What is the best phone under $500 in Australia?

    Our top pick is the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G from A$499, you get genuine flagship performance, a built-in S Pen, and a 108MP camera with 10x optical zoom, all backed by a 12-month warranty.

    What's the best iPhone under $500?

    The refurbished iPhone 14 from A$459, it's the newest iPhone you'll find at this price, runs the fast A15 Bionic chip, and is still getting iOS updates. You can see more in our best refurbished iPhones under $500.

    What's the best Samsung phone under $500?

    The Galaxy S22 Ultra (from A$499) for outright flagship features, or the Galaxy S23 FE (from A$449) for the best value. Browse the full range of refurbished Samsung phones to compare.

    What's the best camera phone under $500?

    The Google Pixel 8 (from A$449), Google's Tensor G3 chip, and computational photography deliver flagship-grade photos in a sub-$500 package.

    Are refurbished phones under $500 worth it?

    Yes. Every Phonebot handset passes a 72-point inspection with verified battery health, and comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns. That's how a A$500 budget can buy you an ex-flagship that originally launched at A$1,000 or more.

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