9 Best Mobile Phones Under $500 AUD in 2025

Shopping for a budget phone can be tricky. There are so many cheap options out there, often from brands you’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, there’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—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, we’ve rounded up some top budget picks to help you start your search for a new device.

Best Mobile Phones under AUD 500

• Google Pixel 7 Pro starts from A$479
• Samsung Galaxy S23starts from A$479
• Apple iPhone 13 starts from A$469
• Motorola Edge 50s Pro starts from A$449 
• OnePlus 10T starts from A$449
• Samsung Galaxy S22 starts from A$389
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro starts from A$369
• Samsung Galaxy A34 starts from A$259 
• Apple iPhone SE 2022 starts from A$239

Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is all about small but meaningful upgrades. Google kept the best features of the Pixel 6 Pro and fine-tuned them. You’ll notice better cameras, a more polished design, and smoother performance thanks to the Tensor G2 chip. It’s the perfect choice if you’re after a Refurbished Google Pixel with decent AI features like Real Tone and Magic Eraser.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 50MP main + 48MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide, 10.8MP front
• Processor: Google Tensor G2
• Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM
• Battery: 5,000 mAh with fast and wireless charging
• Colours: Obsidian, Snow, Hazel
• Price: Starting from A$479

Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G continues to be one of the strongest compact phones you can buy under A$500. It runs on the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, giving you smooth performance whether you're multitasking, gaming, or scrolling through socials. The improved image processing also boosts night photography and overall sharpness.

If you're after a refurbished flagship that still feels modern and fast, the S23 5G is an easy pick. It’s reliable, powerful, and holds up well even in 2025.

Key Specs:

•  Display: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
• Camera: 50MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 10MP (telephoto), 12MP (selfie)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 3,900mAh
• Colours: Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, Lime, Graphite
• Price: Starting from A$479

Apple iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 remains one of Apple’s most dependable all-around performers. Powered by the A15 Bionic, it handles apps, games, and photography effortlessly. The dual-camera setup produces crisp daytime shots and solid low-light images, making it one of the best-value iPhones you can still get.

Since new units are hard to find, a refurbished iPhone 13 offers premium performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s fast, durable, and ideal for everyday use.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
• Camera: 12MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (selfie)
• Processor: A15 Bionic
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 3,240mAh
• Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Red, Green
• Price: Starting from A$469

Motorola Edge 50s Pro

The Motorola Edge 50s Pro brings a premium feel without the premium price, making it an easy contender among the best Android phones in this budget. You get a bright pOLED display, fast performance, and clean software with useful AI features. Its camera system delivers sharp photos with improved colour accuracy, and the fast charging is one of the best in this price range.

If you want a slim, stylish Android phone that handles everyday tasks with ease, the Edge 50s Pro offers fantastic value under A$500.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch pOLED, 144Hz
• Camera: 50MP (main), 13MP (ultrawide), 10MP (telephoto), 50MP (selfie)
• Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
• Memory: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
• Battery: 4,500mAh with 125W fast charging
• Colours: Black Beauty, Luxe Lavender, Moonlight Pearl
• Price: Starting from A$449

OnePlus 10T

The OnePluws 10T offers incredible value for anyone wanting flagship-level speed without the high price tag. With the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and a smooth 120Hz display, it easily stands out as one of the best gaming phones under A$500, delivering fast, stable performance even during heavy gameplay.

It also made a strong impression with its improved camera system, giving you sharp, clear photos and videos. Built to handle everyday use and multitasking with ease, the OnePlus 10T is a top pick for users wanting premium performance at a budget-friendly price.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7" Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 50MP (main), 8MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro), 16MP (selfie)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 4,800mAh
• Colours: Moonstone Black, Jade Green
• Price: Starting from A$449

Samsung Galaxy S22

The Samsung Galaxy S22 might be a couple of years old, but it still packs a punch. You get a solid triple camera setup—50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom. That’s better than what most mid-range phones offer.

It runs smoothly, thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, whether you’re gaming, snapping pics, or just scrolling through socials. You won’t find many brand-new S22s these days, but lucky for you, there are plenty of Refurbished Samsung Phones around.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.1-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 50MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 10MP (telephoto), 10MP (selfie)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Battery: 3,700mAh
• Colors: Phantom Black, White, Pink Gold, Green, Graphite, Sky Blue, Violet, Cream, Bora Purple
• Price: Starting from A$389

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro is one of the best mid-range phones for those who want strong performance at a low price. It offers a crisp AMOLED display, a capable camera setup, and smooth day-to-day usability. Xiaomi’s optimisation also helps extend battery life, even with heavy use.

For under A$400, it delivers more features than many competitors, especially if you're looking for great value without compromising essentials.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 200MP (main), 8MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro), 16MP (selfie)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra
• Memory: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
• Battery: 5,000mAh with fast charging
• Colours: Midnight Black, Lavender Purple, Forest Green
• Price: Starting from A$369

Samsung Galaxy A34

The Samsung Galaxy A34 is one of the best budget phones under A$300, offering a reliable experience for everyday users. You get a bright AMOLED display, long battery life, and smooth performance for general tasks. The camera holds up surprisingly well in good lighting, making it great for casual photography.

If you're after a simple, affordable device that still feels premium enough for daily use, the A34 delivers excellent value.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 48MP (main), 8MP (ultrawide), 5MP (macro), 13MP (selfie)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
• Memory: 6GB / 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Colours: Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lime, Awesome Violet, Awesome Silver
• Price: Starting from A$259

Apple iPhone SE 2022

Apple rarely drops phones in the budget category, but the iPhone SE 2023 is a sweet exception. If you've been hoping to get your hands on an Apple phone under A$500, this one's a top pick. You can usually grab it refurbished for around A$239, which is a steal for an iPhone.

It offers a compact design, feels easy to use, and slips right into your pocket. The design throws it back to the iPhone 8 days, so yes, the home button is still there. The A15 Bionic chip runs the show, just like it does on the iPhone 13, so the phone handles everyday tasks with ease.

Key Specs:

• Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD (1334 x 750)
• Camera: 12MP rear (wide-angle), 7MP front
• Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
• RAM: 4GB
• Battery: 2018 mAh
• Colours: Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED
• Price: Starting from A$239

Buying guide for phones under AUD 500 in Australia

If you're after a good, cheap mobile in Australia, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Speed matters: Look for at least 6GB of RAM and a decent processor like 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, you’ll save some cash to spend on other things! So, if you’re looking to snag one of the best bargain phones, look no further than Phonebot.