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9 Best Mobile Phones Under $500 AUD in 2026
Quick answer: The best phone under A$500 in Australia is the refurbished Google Pixel 8 Pro (from A$499), which brings a smooth 120Hz Actua display, Google’s excellent computational photography, and seven years of promised software updates from launch. The best big-screen Android is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (from A$449), with its built-in S Pen and a true 10x periscope zoom. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 (from A$449) is the foldable pick, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 (from A$389) is a compact flagship with excellent performance. For Apple fans, the iPhone 13 mini (from A$399) offers the smallest premium package, and the Samsung Galaxy A54 (from A$299) is the most affordable pick here. Every phone is refurbished, professionally graded, and backed by a 12-month warranty from Phonebot, an Australian refurbished-phone retailer based in Melbourne. Starting prices vary by grade and storage; check the product cards for live prices.
Shopping for a budget phone can be tricky. There are so many cheap phones for sale, 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; 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, 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 8 Pro – from A$499
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – from A$449
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 – from A$449
- Samsung Galaxy S23 – from A$389
- Google Pixel 7 Pro – from A$419
- Apple iPhone 13 mini – from A$399
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max – from A$399
- Vivo Y200 – from A$349
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro – from A$319
- Samsung Galaxy A54 – from A$299
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a standout for anyone who wants a large flagship display, powerful computational photography and clean Android software without paying flagship prices. Google's Tensor G3 powers useful tools such as Magic Editor, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser, while the 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED delivers an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate and excellent outdoor visibility. The camera system is especially versatile: a 50MP stabilised main sensor is joined by a 48MP ultrawide with macro focus and a dedicated 48MP 5x optical telephoto, giving you far more framing options than a typical budget phone.
Long-term support is another major advantage. Google promised seven years of operating-system, security and Feature Drop updates from the Pixel 8 Pro's October 2023 launch. Combined with its 5,050mAh battery, IP68 resistance and premium build, that makes it a compelling refurbished flagship under A$500, particularly for photography enthusiasts who want room to grow.
Starting Price: A$499
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ Super Actua LTPO OLED, 1–120Hz, up to 2,400 nits peak
- Camera: 50MP main (OIS) + 48MP ultrawide with macro + 48MP telephoto (5x optical, OIS), 10.5MP front
- Processor: Google Tensor G3
- Memory: 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage (availability varies by market)
- Battery: 5,050mAh with fast wired and wireless charging
- Extras: IP68, Face Unlock, temperature sensor
- Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the zoom king of this list and the only phone under the cap with a stylus built in. The quad camera pairs a 108MP main sensor with two telephoto lenses, a 3x optical and a true 10x periscope, so distant subjects stay sharp where every other phone here has given up. The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X is still one of the best screens Samsung has ever shipped, the S Pen slots into the body Note-style for scribbling and signing, and the 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging gets through a full day. For sheer feature count per dollar, nothing under A$500 touches it.
Starting Price: A$449
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1–120Hz
- Camera: 108MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x) + 10MP periscope (10x), 40MP front
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, depending on variant
- Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Extras: Built-in S Pen, IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Colours: Phantom Black, Phantom White, Burgundy, Green
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 brings something no ordinary slab phone can: a full-size flagship screen that folds down into a compact square. Open it up and the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X runs at a fluid 120Hz, while the 1.9-inch cover display lets you check notifications, control music and frame selfies without unfolding. Flex mode is particularly useful for hands-free video calls and photos, with the phone acting as its own stand. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains quick for everyday apps and gaming, and the dual 12MP cameras benefit from improved low-light processing over the previous Flip. With IPX8 water resistance, a sturdier hinge and a 3,700mAh battery, this is a genuinely distinctive way to get flagship features under A$500.
Starting Price: A$449
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, adaptive 120Hz; 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display
- Camera: 12MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front
- Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 3,700mAh with 25W wired and 10W wireless charging
- Extras: Foldable design, Flex mode, IPX8 water resistance
- Colours: Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue
Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a genuine flagship in a compact body, and at this price it's one of the smartest buys on the list. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X is punchy and smooth at 120Hz, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is still quick enough to chew through anything you throw at it years after launch. The triple camera pairs a 50MP main sensor with a real 3x optical telephoto and a 12MP ultrawide, so you get proper zoom rather than a cropped digital fudge, and Nightography keeps evening shots clean. If you want a small, premium phone with long software support and that polished One UI experience, this is one of the best refurbished Samsung phones you can pick up today.
Starting Price: A$389
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 48–120Hz, FHD+
- Camera: 50MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x), 12MP front
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
- Battery: 3,900mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Colours: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Google Pixel 7 Pro packs a true 5x optical periscope, a rarity at this price, with Super Res Zoom shots that stay usable all the way to 30x. The 50MP main sensor produces Google's trademark crisp, natural photos, the ultrawide doubles as a macro camera, and Tensor G2 powers the clever software tricks Pixels are famous for, including Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO display scales from 10 to 120Hz and looks superb, while the 5,000mAh battery comfortably clears a full day. For big-phone flagship polish at a mid-range price, it's a cracking buy.
Starting Price: A$419
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED, 10–120Hz, 1,500 nits peak
- Camera: 50MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto (5x periscope), 10.8MP front
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Memory: 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 30W fast charging and wireless charging
- Colours: Obsidian, Snow, Hazel
Apple iPhone 13 mini
The Apple iPhone 13 mini is the rare small phone that does not ask you to settle for entry-level performance. Its 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and crisp, and the entire phone is easy to use with one hand or slip into a pocket. Inside, the A15 Bionic is the same generation of chip found in the larger iPhone 13, so daily apps, photography and games still feel responsive. The dual 12MP camera system includes sensor-shift stabilisation on the main lens, Night mode and Cinematic mode video, while MagSafe adds convenient wireless charging and accessories. Battery life is naturally more limited than on the larger phones in this list, but for anyone who values a genuinely compact iPhone with 5G and a premium build, the 13 mini is hard to replace.
Starting Price: A$399
Key Specs:
- Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz
- Camera: 12MP main (sensor-shift OIS) + 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU)
- Memory: 4GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 2,406mAh with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging
- Extras: 5G, Face ID, IP68, MagSafe
- Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Red, Green
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is the big-screen iPhone option in this list, and it still feels every bit the big-screen flagship it launched as. The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is sharp and colour-accurate, the triple 12MP camera covers ultrawide to 2x telephoto with excellent Night mode shots, and the A13 Bionic continues to handle daily apps without complaint. This was also the generation where iPhone battery life took its big leap, and the Pro Max's cell was the largest Apple had fitted at the time. If you want maximum screen and the premium stainless-and-glass build for minimum spend, it's the smart pick.
Starting Price: A$399
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Camera: 12MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto (2x, OIS), 12MP front
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 3,969mAh with 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging
- Colours: Midnight Green, Space Grey, Silver, Gold
Vivo Y200
The vivo Y200 is the standout for battery capacity in this list, and it isn't a close race. A 6,000mAh cell is bigger than anything else here by a full thousand milliamp-hours, and 80W wired charging gets it back to half in under half an hour, so two-day use is realistic rather than marketing talk. The 6.78-inch 120Hz display is big and smooth for the money, the 50MP main camera handles daylight shots well, and at 7.6mm and 190g it stays slim despite the huge battery. Our unit is the Y200 (model V2343A), sold unlocked and ready for Australian networks.
Starting Price: A$349
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.78-inch FHD+, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth, 16MP front
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 80W fast charging
- Build: 7.6mm thin, 190g
Apple iPhone 11 Pro
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro brings the same core camera experience as the larger Pro Max into a more manageable 5.8-inch body, making it a strong choice for shoppers who want a premium iPhone without spending much. The Super Retina XDR OLED remains sharp and colour-accurate, and its stainless-steel frame and matte glass back still feel reassuringly high-end. Three 12MP cameras cover ultrawide, standard and 2x telephoto perspectives, with Night mode on supported lenses and excellent 4K video recording. The A13 Bionic continues to handle everyday browsing, messaging and streaming comfortably. As with any older refurbished iPhone, battery health and the remaining software support are worth checking, but the 11 Pro offers a lot of camera flexibility and build quality for the money.
Starting Price: A$319
Key Specs:
- Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Camera: 12MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto (2x, OIS), 12MP front
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
- Battery: 3,046mAh with 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging
- Extras: Face ID, IP68, stainless-steel frame
- Colours: Midnight Green, Space Grey, Silver, Gold
Samsung Galaxy A54
The Samsung Galaxy A54 is the sensible everyday pick for anyone who values battery life, a good screen and dependable cameras over flagship extras. Its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel refreshes at 120Hz, making scrolling and video look smooth, and the 5,000mAh battery is built for long days away from the charger. The 50MP main camera includes optical image stabilisation for steadier photos, joined by a useful 12MP ultrawide and 5MP macro lens. Samsung also gives the A54 IP67 water resistance, stereo speakers and a microSD slot, features that are easy to appreciate in daily use. Its Exynos 1380 is not as powerful as the Galaxy S23’s flagship chip, but it is well suited to routine tasks. At the lowest starting price on this list, it is an especially practical choice.
Starting Price: A$299
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro, 32MP front
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Memory: 6GB / 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage plus microSD
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W charging
- Extras: IP67, stereo speakers, microSD expansion
- Colours: Awesome Graphite, Awesome White, Awesome Lime, Awesome Violet
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, 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 4,500mAh 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.
If gaming is your priority, check out our roundup of the best budget gaming phones, too.
Verdict
At Phonebot, our budget phone range covers a solid mix of models, from refurbished iPhones to Samsung and Google Pixels. Whether you're after an iOS device or a cheap Android phone, these models might not have every single feature of the top-end flagships, but they still pack a punch for a lot less.
Check out our picks for the best budget phones under A$300. So, if you're looking to snag one of the best bargain phones, look no further than Phonebot.
Posted by Liam Harris
Liam Harris
Liam Harris is a tech writer at Phonebot, covering refurbished phones, tablets and wearables since 2022. His buying guides and model comparisons draw on live Australian market pricing and Phonebot's experience rehoming over one million devices.
.jpg-688x400.jpeg "Best Value iPhones in Australia (2026)")
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