The Best Budget Phones for Under $300 in 2024

Cheap phones under 300 AUD lose their appeal after so many compromises on the features. They may be ugly due to cheap construction or need faster processors and better cameras.

However, don't let this discourage your search for the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia.

This guide doesn't focus on budget phones launched last year; instead, it includes good flagship phones from a few years ago that remain relevant, with their prices now slashed by half.

These good cheap phones fit the $300 budget nicely, and their pros-to-cons ratio is also higher.

So, if you are on the hunt for the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia, rest assured you’ll find your dream cheap smartphone in this guide.

The Best Budget Phones for Under $300 in 2024

Phones under $300 may not be the best phones feature-wise, yet they are the only option for people with a tight budget.

To make it worth your time and money, we have dug out the best phones under 300 AUD that excel at key features with minimum drawbacks.

iPhone 8 Series

Even though the iPhone 8 hails from 2017, it still takes the crown as the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia. But how? This is because the phone is as powerful as later generations, such as the iPhone X, but without breaking the bank.

One of those powerful features is the A11 Bionic chip that delivers a fast performance and a long battery life. It also has a super-responsive physical touch ID on the front lower bezel. Moreover, the phone also features a 12MP back camera with a wide aperture that allows for better low-light performance.

Notably, the iPhone 8 series was the first Apple phone that came with fast charging. So rest assured you are up to date with the latest charging technology, too. The phone is also rated IP67 for water resistance and comes with 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options.

With these specs, the iPhone 8 starts from just $229 for a 64GB model at Phonebot. Even the 256GB model goes for just $309. Meanwhile, the bigger sibling iPhone 8 Plus, which includes a dual camera and faster RAM, costs only $299.

Pros

• Powerful processor
• Fast charging & wireless charging
• Super affordable
• Updateable to iOS 17

Cons

• Old design with large bezels

Samsung S10 Series

While the Samsung S10 series wasn’t budget-friendly when it was first released in 2019, a few years in, it is one of the cheapest Samsung phones for sale.

The S10 series has three different modes, namely, the Galaxy S10e, Samsung Galaxy S10, and S10 Plus. All three models pretty much share the same specs, so no matter which model you choose, you’ll get much of what the series offers.

For instance, all three models feature Samsung’s Exynos 9820 as the mobile SoC. All of them have an IP68 water resistance rating, which is impressive considering many recent phones by other brands still don’t offer this rating.

Another good news for budget-conscious buyers is that the S10 series includes the good old headphone jack, so no worries if you cannot afford good wireless earbuds.

In addition, the phones offer a high screen-to-body ratio thanks to the punch-hole front cam design. At the back, the smallest S10e features dual cameras, while the other two models feature the same triple cameras.

With this combo of specs the S10 series ranks high in the list of good cheap phones, with the S10e starting at just $269 and the S10 priced at $329.

Pros

• Elegant and compact design
• High screen-to-body ratio
• Impressive photo and video quality
• Reverse wireless charging

Cons

• The fingerprint reader is too small and needs multiple attempts to unlock

Nokia 9 PureView

If you're a photography enthusiast seeking DSLR-level camera features on a phone, the Nokia 9 PureView stands out as the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia that delivers on that front.

The phone has a unique penta-camera setup on the back with a neat layout. However, none of those five lenses are wide angle or telephoto. Instead, all of them are 12MP with identical focal lengths and apertures. The five snappers all work simultaneously to capture stunning photos.

A noteworthy feature is the seamless integration with Adobe Lightroom, which helps users to edit RAW files on the go. On the front, the phone features a 5.99-inch display, and according to reviews, the screen’s color accuracy is one of the best.

The phone is also a limited edition, as admitted by the manufacturers, so likely vanished from most shelves. Fortunately, Phonebot has this gem available at just $299.

Pros

• Decent camera performance
• High image quality of RAW files
• Good display

Cons

• Poor in-screen fingerprint scanner
• Lacks a microSD slot, which is much needed with such a camera.
• Image processing consumes time and battery

iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020)

Any list of good cheap phones is incomplete without mentioning the iPhone SE 2020. Priced slightly higher at $319 from Phonebot, the cost is justified by its shared processor with the premium iPhone 11. What sweetens the deal is the inclusion of a 12-month free Phonebot warranty and complimentary charging accessories.

With dimensions measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and a weight of 148g, this is one of the most pocket-friendly smartphones ever. The phone also supports wireless charging and 18W fast charging. The speakers also have a great sound output.

While the phone features just a single rear camera, it captures stunning daylight pictures. The low-light performance of the camera is also quite impressive, with very reduced noise despite the lack of a dedicated night mode.

Pros

• A13 Bionic chipset is super fast
• Wireless charging
• Compact and water resistant (IP67)
• Impressive touch ID makes a comeback
• Regular software updates

Cons

• Old design with thick bezels
• Lacks night mode
• Less battery capacity

Google Pixel 4 Series

Over the course of several generations, Google has honed the Pixel lineup to the point where it competes head-to-head with industry giants like Apple and Samsung. The Pixel 4, released in 2019, stands as a testament to this. Its price has significantly dropped over the years, and it won’t be wrong to call it the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia.

For instance, the Pixel 4 XL starts at just $269 for the 64GB model. While Pixel 4a, which came a year later, costs just $299.

Distinctive features like Google’s unique style of image processing, 90Hz refresh rate that not even a flagship iPhone offers, a telephoto lens, and a snappy performance make it the best phone under 300 for people looking for an all-in-one device.

Pros

• Incredible camera
• Superb performance
• 90Hz refresh rate
• Commendable Android look by Google
• Telephoto camera while the rest of the class lacks it

Cons

• Battery life is not so good
• Lacks miscroSD slot with 128GB maximum storage option
• No ultra-wide lens

Google Pixel 5

Despite not launching as a cheap Android phone in 2020, the Google Pixel 5 has become the cheapest smartphone in its class, priced at $319. Considering this price label, the Pixel 5 is a treasure trove of features.

First off, the phone fixes the battery drainage issue that previous Pixel phones were infamous for. The new battery has a bigger capacity and lasts way longer. The fast charging support of up to 18W also refeuls the phone at a decent speed.

On popular demand, Google finally added a 16MP wide-angle camera but at the cost of the telephoto lens. This trade-off could be a cost-saving measure, as a zoom lens is deemed less essential than a wide-angle lens.

Furthermore, noteworthy features like two-way wireless charging, an IP68 water resistance rating, a seamless Android experience, and an exceptional camera position make the refurbished Google Pixel 5 as the best Android phone under $300 in Australia, particularly for Pixel enthusiasts.

Pros

• High screen-to-body ratio and yet pocket-friendly
• Ultra-wide camera added
• IP68 Water and dust resistance
• Wireless and Reverse Wireless charging
• Excellent camera results, including low-light photography
• Google’s signature smooth Android experience
• Long battery life

Cons

• Noticeable delay in image processing
• Suboptimal chipset performance

Oneplus Nord N100

The best feature of this cheap Android phone is the 5000 mAh massive battery capacity that can deliver power for up to two days on modest usage. The 18W fast charging support further strengthens its position among good cheap phones in terms of battery and charging.

The phone features a big 6.4-inch screen and a 90Hz display, both of which give it a better-than-average display for a budget phone.

In terms of performance, the Nord N100 delivers well for its price, especially in managing tasks like web browsing and video streaming, with only a subtle lag during app launches and keyboard use that is hardly noticeable.

Although it offers only a 64GB storage option, the microSD slot allows for easy expansion to suit your storage needs.

With a price tag of $229, this might be the cheapest Android phone in this list, but not the best phone under 300. It’s typical for brands to cut corners to fit low-budget categories.

Pros

• 90Hz Display
• Long-lasting battery
• Fast Charging
• Expandable storage

Cons

• No IP rating
• Midrange cameras
• Slow performance

What is the best mobile phone under $300 in Australia?

The answer depends on your preferences, but the iPhone 8, Samsung S10 series, and Google Pixel 5 unquestionably top the list. These phones provide a comprehensive package with minimal compromises, especially in important areas like cameras, battery life, and processors.

You can consider the Nokia 9 PureView if you're a photography enthusiast seeking unique camera features. The iPhone SE is also an excellent choice with its powerful A13 Bionic processor, though it comes with thick bezels that might be off-putting.

Go for the Pixel 4 series if you want a rare combo of 90Hz display and telephoto lens under $300. Oneplus Nord N100 secures the last position in our list for shortcomings in crucial areas like the camera and processor. However, it stands out for its 90Hz display and extended battery life.