A new mobile phone doesn't have to break the bank. For under just $500, you can find many mobile phones across various brands with great camera quality, a durable design and plenty of storage. Upgrade for less with our top choices across Apple, Google, Samsung, Nokia and more.
Best cheap phone: Moto G54
RRP $299
Motorola delivers an affordable and surprisingly sleek 5G phone.
- Display: 6.5-inch, IPS LCD
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7020
- Front camera: 16MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 8MP ultrawide camera
- Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Features: 5G connectivity, dual SIM, water-repellent design, fingerprint scanner (side-mounted)
View on Amazon
The Android-powered Moto G54 is our overall best budget pick. This stylish device is good value for money with its dual-rear-facing cameras. The Moto G54 feels impressively premium for the price with its polished feel.
Check out the cheapest mobile phone plans in our database to pair with the Moto G54 below:
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#1
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Moose Mobile
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
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#2
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iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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#3
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TPG
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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#4
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SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
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#5
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iiNet
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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However, if you're looking for a state-of-the-art camera, our next pick will be more up your alley.
Best upgrade pick: Google Pixel 7a
RRP $749
Incredible battery life, excellent camera specs and comprehensive Google software - all for under $800.
- Display: 6.1-inch, 1080p+
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Front camera: 13MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 64MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide camera
- Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
- Battery: 4,300mAh
- Features: VPN by Google for added security, wireless charging, IP67 dust and water-resistance
View on Google Store
If you're able to stretch your budget a little further, the Google Pixel 7a is certainly worth it. With the same Tensor G2 processor as the Pixel 7 Pro, a durable design and 5G connectivity - what more could you want?
Both Telstra and Optus offer the Pixel 7a on 24 and 36-month plans, check out the plans below:
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#1
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Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$86.20/mth
Min. cost $803.80
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#2
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Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$96.20/mth
Min. cost $813.80
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#3
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Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$100.20/mth
Min. cost $817.80
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#4
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Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$116.20/mth
Min. cost $833.80
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#1
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Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.80/mth
Min. cost $803.80
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#2
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Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$85.80/mth
Min. cost $813.80
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#3
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Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$89.80/mth
Min. cost $817.80
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#4
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Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$105.80/mth
Min. cost $833.80
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Best cheap Samsung: Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
RRP $379
One of the most affordable A-series models in the Samsung Galaxy line-up and yet its specs are just as impressive.
- Display: 6.6-inch, 1080p+
- Processor: Exynos 850
- Front camera: 13MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 2MP depth, 2MP macro camera
- Storage: 128GB (4GB RAM)
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Features: 5G connectivity, triple-rear cameras
View on Amazon
For those hoping to stay on the Samsung bandwagon, we've got you covered with the Galaxy A14 5G. Priced under $400, this smartphone includes not one but three cameras, 128GB of expandable storage and a generous 6.6-inch full HD display.
Best cheap OPPO: OPPO A78 5G
RRP $359
Durable and stylish - OPPO has produced a rigorous budget phone.
- Display: 6.56-inch, HD+
- Processor: Octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Front camera: 8MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 2MP black and white camera
- Storage: 128GB (4GB RAM)
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Features: Fingerprint and facial recognition, RAM expansion, IPX4 splash-resistance
View on Amazon
Another affordable yet durable device is the OPPO A78 5G. Tested rigorously, the A78 has survived 1m drop tests (in lab conditions), 14 days in high temperatures and humidity plus thousands of button hardware stress tests. The A78 also boasts dual-stereo speakers and 30-minute fast charging to go from 0 to 52%.
This device is only available on plans from Optus. Here are the cheapest plans in our database for 24 months interest-free:
Best cheap Nokia: Nokia G22
RRP $349
Do your part for the environment with this trendy, feature-packed Nokia phone.
- Display: 6.52-inch, HD+
- Processor: Octa-core Unisoc T606
- Front camera: 8MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 2MP macro camera
- Storage: 128GB (4GB RAM)
- Battery: 5,050mAh
- Features: QuickFix Repairability, made from recycled materials, fingerprint sensor
View on Amazon
Get a stylish new phone on a budget AND put the environment first with the Nokia G22. Constructed from 100% recycled materials, this smartphone doesn't compromise on looks. It has slimline buttons and is available in Lagoon Blue or Meteor Grey.
For added peace of mind, enjoy a three-year warranty, three years of monthly security updates and two years of Android upgrades. And for those who don't want to wait around for repairs, Nokia's QuickFix Repairability offering means G22 owners can self-repair damaged batteries and displays themselves with official replacement parts.
Best cheap iPhone: Refurbished iPhone 11
RRP $492
Apple handsets might be expensive, but there are still ways to get an iPhone for a fraction of the price. A refurbished iPhone 11 is currently the best bang for buck option you can get.
- Display: 6.1-inch, Liquid Retina IPS LCD
- Processor: A13 Bionic
- Front camera: 12MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 12MP primary wide, 12MP ultrawide
- Storage: 64GB (4GB RAM), 128GB (4GB RAM), 256GB (4GB RAM)
- Battery: 3,110mAh
- Features: Wireless charging, facial recognition, IP68 water-resistance
View on Amazon
The iPhone 11 features some of Apple's earliest and most impressive camera advances. It comes in a range of fun colours, and is packed with many features considering its reasonable price point. While Apple no longer sells the iPhone 11, there are plenty of options for buying a refurbished model. Better yet, it should still see at least one more major operating system update.
Here's a selection of the cheapest SIM-only iPhone plans in our database compatible with this device:
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#1
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Moose Mobile
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
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#2
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iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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#3
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TPG
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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#4
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SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
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#5
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iiNet
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
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Best cheap feature phone: Nokia 2660 Flip
RRP $127
Step back in time with a simple and affordable Nokia design.
- Display: 2.8-inch, QQVGA
- Processor: Cortex-A7
- Front camera: N/A
- Rear cameras: 0.3MP primary
- Storage: 128GB (48MB RAM)
- Battery: 1,450mAh
- Features: Compact, minimal design, includes classic games like Tetris and Snake
View on Amazon
The Nokia 2660 Flip is making a splash with users seeking to minimise screen time with a "dumb phone". Step back in time with its lightweight design, 3.55mm audio jack, bright colour options and removable battery. Whether you're feeling nostalgic or you're choosing a phone for kids or an elderly relative, this is an incredibly affordable pick.
Make your dollar go further by pairing this device with a long-expiry plan:
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#1
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Catch Connect
365 Day Plan - 200GB
$149
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#2
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Coles Mobile
Prepaid $195 for 365 Days
$149
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#3
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Kogan Mobile
Small - 365 Day Flex Plan
$150
Per 365 Day Renewal
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#4
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Lebara Mobile
Extra Small Plan - 360 Days
$160
Per 360 Day Renewal
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#5
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Kogan Mobile
Large - 365 Day Flex Plan
$169
Per 365 Day Renewal
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