The best cheap smartphones in Australia

All the quality and class at a fraction of the cost

Best overall budget phone
Pixel 6a - Sage Green
Google Pixel 6a
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$389
Processor
Tensor
RAM
6GB
Resolution
FHD+
Best cheap Apple phone
Apple iPhone SE in Starlight
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$695
Processor
A15 Bionic
RAM
4GB
Resolution
Retina HD
Best cheap phone under $600
OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G
OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$595
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
RAM
8GB
Resolution
FHD+
Best budget phone under $500
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion
Motorola Moto Edge 20 Fusion
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at
$369
Processor
Mediatek Dimensity 800
RAM
6GB
Resolution
FHD
Best cheap phone under $400
Motorola Moto G62 5G
Moto G62 5G
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$449
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G
RAM
4GB
Resolution
FHD+
Fergus Halliday
Jan 30, 2023
Icon Time To Read5 min read

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Have you got a spare $2K in your smartphone-upgrade piggy bank? That’s how much it could cost you to own an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. A ‘budget' or 'cheap' phone in comparison to that top-dollar smartphone tier can go quite high. Still, for us, we reach as far as $700 for the 2023 definition of a budget smartphone.

But $700 still ain’t cheap, which is why we also have options for less than our greenest cash note. That’s the bottom end of the budget scale, with $100 increments to better features. Regardless of how far your wallet can reach, you're certain to find something here to pair with one of Australia's best cheap mobile plans.

So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best cheap smartphones in 2023.

Category
Product
Price [RRP]
Availability
Display size
Refresh rate
5G?
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap Apple phone
From
$695
4.7-inch60HzYes
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap phone under $600
From
$595
6.4-inches60HzYes
Icon Star Full  LightBest budget phone under $500
From
$369
6.7-inch90HzYes
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap phone under $400
From
$449
6.56-inch120HzYes
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap phone under $300
From
$301.56
6.52-inch60HzNo
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap phone under $200
From
$229
6.5-inch60HzNo
Play Video

Google Pixel 6a

Best budget phone overall

Pixel 6a - Charcoal Black
Google Pixel 6a
Processor
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
Camera
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
From
$389
pro Clean Google software experience
pro Powerful camera
con Chunky design
con No wireless charging

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The original Google Pixel 3a changed the game for budget-friendly smartphone shoppers. While the new Google Pixel 6a isn't quite as revelatory or influential, it's still pound-for-pound the best budget phone you'll find for the price.

The Google Pixel 6a sports a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The front of the device is punctuated by a teardrop-shaped 8MP front-facing camera, while the back is armed with a dual-lens camera that combines a 12.2MP wide angle lens with a 12MP ultrawide one. Powering it all is the same Google Tensor processor found in last year's flagship Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, complemented by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of on-board storage.

ProcessorGoogle Tensor
Display6.1-inch, FHD+
RAM6GB
Storage128GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera12.2-megapixel wide + 12-megapixel ultrawide
Front-facing camera8-megapixel
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
PortsUSB Type-C port
Best phones under $500 header

Best phones under $500

You'd be surprised what $500 can afford.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Best cheap Apple phone

Apple iPhone SE in Starlight
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
3 out of 5 stars
3
Camera
3 out of 5 stars
3
From
$695
pro Great software
pro Powerful processor
con Outdated design
con Low-spec camera

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

If you've got your heart set on an iPhone but don't want to spend the $1,200+ price tag that often comes with flagship models, the iPhone SE (2022) is a solid option. Don't let its iPhone 8-esque appearance fool you - on the inside, the SE has more in common with the much more recent iPhone 13.

It comes with a gorgeous 4.7-inch Retina HD full-screen display, a decent 64GB of internal storage, and a speedy processor. The camera offers decent results, even if it struggles with lowlight photography, and there’s baked-in software-support longevity thanks to its beefy innards.

Here's how much it'll set you back on a plan.

Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Display4.7-inch, Retina HD
RAM4GB
Storage64GB
Battery2,018mAh
Rear camera12MP, f/1.8 (wide)
Front-facing camera7-MP (f/2.2)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
PortsLightning port

OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G

Best cheap phone under $600

OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G
OPPO Reno8 Lite
Our Rating
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
5 out of 5 stars
5
Camera
3 out of 5 stars
3
From
$595
pro Gorgeous display
pro Zippy processor
con No wireless charging
con Mediocre macro lens

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

While last year's OPPO Find X3 Lite held onto our recommendation for the best cheap phone under $600 for a surprisingly long time, we've since retired it in favor of the newer OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G.

An asking price of $599 here gets you an Android smartphone with a slick AMOLED display, sharp looks, snappy processor and a standout multi-lens rear camera with a 64MP main sensor. Premium perks like wireless charging aren't included, but budget buyers will still find plenty to like about the OPPO Reno8 Lite 5G.

ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 695
Display6.4-inch AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate
RAM8GB
Storage128GB
Battery4300mAh
Rear camera64MP wide lens, 2MP macro lens, 2MP depth sensor
Front-facing camera16MP (f/2.4)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
PortsUSB Type-C

Motorola Moto Edge 20 Fusion

Best budget phone under $500

Motorola Edge 20 Fusion
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G
Our Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Performance
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Camera
3 out of 5 stars
3
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$369
pro Affordable 5G
pro Solid battery life with fast charging
con Chunky design
con Camera is slow to focus

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

Even if it's far from compact and loses some marks for iffy camera hardware, Motorola's Edge 20 Fusion packs in an enormous amount of bang for buck. The device makes the most of its larger form-factor, combining 5G connectivity, crisp 90Hz OLED display and all-day battery life to great effect.

Processor
Mediatek Dimensity 800
Display6.7-inch FHD, OLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
RAM6GB
Storage128GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera108-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultra wide camera and 2-megapixel depth sensor
Front-facing camera32-megapixel
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5
PortsHeadphone jack, USB Type-C port

Moto G62 5G

Best cheap phone under $400

Motorola Moto G62 5G
Moto G62 5G
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$449
pro Stylish design
pro 120Hz screen
con Unexceptional camera
con Larger form-factor won't be for everyone

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

If none of the above picks take your fancy, then this device might be worth a look. The Moto G62 5G comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p+ display and a surprisingly powerful rear camera, helping you to make the most of the faster 5G speeds supported by the device. It’s a entry-level devices go, it's a contender for the best 5G Android device around if you simply must have the fastest data speeds available, though it does come at a cost to battery life.

If you're in the market for a decent smartphone under $400, the Moto G62 5G should be a shoe-in for your shortlist.

ProcessorSnapdragon 480+ 5G
Display6.5-inch, FHD+, 120Hz
RAM4GB
Storage128GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera50-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel wide angle camera, 2-megapixel depth sensor and 2-megapixel macro camera
Front-facing camera16-megapixel
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5
PortsHeadphone jack, USB Type-C port

OPPO A54s

Best cheap phone under $300

OPPO A54S
OPPO A54s
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
Camera
3 out of 5 stars
3
From
$301.56
pro Affordable price
pro Triple lens camera
con No 5G
con Low resolution display

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The OPPO A54s plays to the brand's usual strengths, combining snappy hardware, smart software and a solid price-point. It's not going to reinvent the wheel, but it will certainly fit the bill for budget buyers.

Those who can afford to spend more will find that doing so is worth it, but those who cannot should be able to do more than just live with what the OPPO A54s delivers.

Processor
MediaTek MT6765
Display6.52-inch, HD+
RAM4GB
Storage128GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera50MP wide lens, 2MP depth sensor, 2MP macro lens
Front-facing camera8-megapixel
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, 4G
PortsHeadphone jack, USB Type-C port

Motorola Moto E7 Power

Best cheap phone under $200

Motorola Moto E7 Power
Motorola Moto E7 Power
Our Rating
3 out of 5 stars
3
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
3
Design
3 out of 5 stars
3
Camera
2 out of 5 stars
2
From
$229
pro Big screen
pro Long battery life
con Tiny speaker
con Budget processor

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

If you're unwilling to stretch past the $200 mark when it comes to buying your next smartphones, then this device is definitely one to consider. The Motorola Moto E7 Power packs in a surprising amount of features for a budget handset.

Although the Moto E7's 720p IPS display isn't much to look at, the 5000mAh battery powering the device ensures that it'll be visible for long time before you need to recharge. At $199, there are always going to be compromises. Thankfully, the Motorola Moto E7 does a decent job of making the right ones.

ProcessorMediaTek MT6762G
Display6.5-inch IPS LCD
RAM4GB
Storage64GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera13MP wide lens, 2MP macro lens
Front-facing camera5MP
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, 4G
PortsHeadphone jack, USB Type-C port

Nokia 225

Best cheap phone under $100

Nokia 225
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
2
Design
3 out of 5 stars
3
Camera
1 out of 5 stars
1
From
$86
pro Solid battery life
pro Iconic design
con Limited functionality
con Small screen

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

Smartphones under the $100 mark tend to be pretty dicey, so we'd recommend one of HMD Global's Nokia feature phones as a natural alternative.

The new Nokia 225 is a more than worthy headliner here. The device's physical buttons are great for first-time phone users, while the 2.4-inch polarised screen is both the right size and designed to be easy to read in sunlight.

Unlike the smartphones on this page, the Nokia 225 is close to a dumbphone. It can still use apps like Twitter and Facebook, but that's about it.

Other than that, there’s some light entertainment in the form of reimagined Snake, an FM radio, an MP3 player, and a 0.3MP camera for taking basic snaps. While this limited featureset can't compete with the latest iPhone, the battery life blows it out of the water at up to 19 hours of talk time.

Processor
Unisoc T117
Display2.4-inch QVGA
RAM64MB
Storage128MB
Battery1150mAh
Rear camera0.3MP
Front-facing cameraN/A
ConnectivityBluetooth 5, 4G
PortsHeadphone jack, Micro USB port

Best cheap phones buyer's guide

What to look for when comparing the best cheap phones

Where the best phones in 2023 tend to operate around an expectation of minimal compromises, the same can't be said for sub-$700 devices.

At this and other budget-friendly pricepoints, consumers will rarely get everything they want. However, doing your research can be key to making sure that you choose a device with the right compromises.

Manufacturers of sub-$500 Android devices are typically less likely to invest in the research and development than they would be with more expensive smartphones due to the smaller margins involved. For that reason, budget smartphones often boil down to the specs and little else. 

The devil is in the details here. So when it came time to decide our picks for the best mobile phones under $700, we kept a few factors in mind. These included:

  • Display quality and size: Resolution isn't the only thing that matters.
  • 5G connectivity: Faster speeds are good, but long battery life is better.
  • Build quality and design: Just because a phone is cheap doesn't mean it has to feel cheap.
  • Software pedigree: Invariably, the more budget-friendly a smartphone is, the more bloatware is typically involved. We try to recommend devices that veer in the opposite direction.

Best cheap phones FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about cheap phones

It depends on both what you plan to do with that phone. 4GB is probably a safe amount of memory for basic tasks like web browsing and social media. However, if you're more inclined towards multitasking or a gamer, the benefits that come with additional memory can make it worth the upgrade.

While Australia's 5G networks have grown significantly in both coverage over the past few years, access to this high-speed connectivity is still far from necessary for most users.

While there are clear benefits, less-demanding consumers might not even notice them. If you're looking to buy a cheap smartphone, 5G probably isn't worth it unless you see it as a form of a future-proofing over the long-run.

Apple sets a high benchmark for post-launch when it comes to the iPhone. Typically, users should expect between five and seven years of regular use from a brand new iPhone.

If you're looking to buy good cheap phones in 2023, you don't have to go far. Most Australian retailers range smartphones that vary in price and go from as little as $99 to as much as $2500.

These days, our go-to is Amazon. The online shopping website is always refreshing its roster of deals on devices and you might end with free shipping for whatever you end up buying if you're an Amazon Prime member.

Still, it always pays to look around and do your research. Even if you can't find the exact cheap phone you're after, you might be able to find something pretty similar at a bargain price.

Fergus Halliday
Written by
Fergus Halliday
Fergus Halliday is a journalist and editor for Reviews.org. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school and began his full-time career as the Editor of PC World Australia. Fergus has made the MCV 30 Under 30 list, been a finalist for seven categories at the IT Journalism Awards and won Most Controversial Writer at the 2022 Consensus Awards. He has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, Screen Rant, Superjump, Nestegg and more.

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