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 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

• Oppo find X5 Pro starts from A$499
• OnePlus 10 Pro starts from A$449
• Samsung Galaxy S23 starts from A$429
• Google Pixel 7 Pro starts from A$409
• Google Pixel 8a 5G starts from A$409
• Apple iPhone 13 starts from A$449
• Honor Magic 6 Lite starts from A$369
• Samsung Galaxy S22 starts from A$329
• Samsung Galaxy A55 starts from A$259

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Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (128GB) [Grade B]

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (128GB) [Grade B]We know you want the best and that is why we are breaking all..

A$339A$439Ex Tax: A$308

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Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Dual Sim (128GB) [Grade A]

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Dual Sim (128GB) [Grade A] Versatile Photography Three cameras give you the ..

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Honor Magic6 Lite 5G (256GB) [Grade A]

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Oppo Find X5 Pro

The Oppo Find X5 Pro is one of the most underrated refurbished flagships you can pick up right now. Co-engineered with Hasselblad and powered by a custom MariSilicon X imaging chip, it punches well above its price in the camera department. The ceramic build feels genuinely premium, and the 80W wired charging topped off with 50W wireless makes battery anxiety a thing of the past. If you want a phone that looks, feels, and shoots like a flagship without paying flagship prices, this is a seriously smart buy.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch LTPO2 AMOLED, 1–120Hz
• Camera: 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 13MP telephoto, 32MP front
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 256GB / 512GB storage
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
• Colours: Glaze Black, Ceramic White
• Price: Starting from A$499

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, 1–120Hz
• 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$449

Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G remains one of the strongest compact phones you can buy for 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 2026.

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$429

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$409

Google Pixel 8a 5G

The Google Pixel 8a 5G is the sweet spot in Google's lineup, all the AI smarts of a Pixel flagship at a price that makes sense. Powered by the Tensor G3 chip and armed with Google's best-in-class computational photography, it takes stunning photos without needing a massive sensor. You also get seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates, which is unmatched at this price point. Whether it's your first Pixel or an upgrade from an older model, the 8a makes a compelling case for itself every single time.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED Actua, 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Camera: 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP front
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 4,492mAh with 18W wired and wireless charging
• Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
• Price: Starting from A$409

Apple iPhone 13

The Apple iPhone 13 remains one of the most reliable refurbished smartphones you can buy in 2026. It brought meaningful upgrades over the 12, a brighter display, a bigger battery, and the A15 Bionic chip that still holds its own against many newer Android phones today. The dual camera system with sensor-shift OIS delivers consistently sharp, true-to-life photos, and iOS 18 support means it stays smooth and secure for years to come. If you want a no-fuss, premium experience that just works, the iPhone 13 is a safe and 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: 4GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage
• Battery: 3,227mAh with 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging
• Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Green, Product Red
• Price: Starting from A$449

Honor Magic 6 Lite

The Honor Magic 6 Lite is one of the best-looking budget phones you can buy right now, full stop. With its signature circular camera ring, golden accent trim, and a choice of vegan leather finish in Sunrise Orange, it looks and feels like it costs far more than it does. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is genuinely impressive for the price — bright, vivid, and comfortable to use all day. Add in a massive battery that comfortably stretches to two days and a 108MP main camera, and this is a compelling option for anyone who wants style and substance without the flagship price tag.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120Hz

• Camera: 108MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro, 16MP front
• Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
• Memory: 8GB RAM, 256GB / 512GB storage
• Battery: 5,300mAh with 35W fast charging
• Colours: Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Sunrise Orange
• Price: Starting from A$369

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$329

Samsung Galaxy A55

The Samsung Galaxy A55 is the best-looking mid-range phone Samsung has made in years. With an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, and a premium flat-edge design that mirrors the Galaxy S series, it simply doesn't look or feel like a budget phone. The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display is bright and smooth, and four years of OS updates mean it'll stay relevant well beyond 2026. If you're after something reliable and stylish without stretching to flagship territory, the A55 delivers. For even more affordable options, check out our picks for the best budget phones under A$300.

Key Specs:

• Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
• Camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro, 32MP front
• Processor: Exynos 1480
• Memory: 8GB / 12GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB storage
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging
• Colours: Awesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon, Awesome Navy
• Price: Starting from A$259

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.