Whenever I’m chatting with people about the latest phones and researching the latest devices, one comment always pops up – “how can an electronic brick be so expensive?” Popular flagship line-ups and trendy foldables are edging closer towards the $2000-$3000 mark, and it’s not hard to find reviews and social media comments talking about the increasingly similar desgns across the market.
Of course, there are cheap ‘dumb phones’ – but these typically offer basic functionalities and now tend to be used as part of a digital detox due to the limited capabilities.
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That’s why we’ve rounded a list of affordable mid-range alternatives sandwiched between the ultra cheap phones with questionable performance and the high end smartphones loaded with all the bells and whistles. Who says you need to miss out on the fun features in exchange for saving a few bucks? So, what’s the one budget phone to rule them all?
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is actually still one of my favourite tried and tested wallet-friendly alternatives, and among the more wallet friendly options on the market. It offers fantastic value with a great camera, a nice range of AI features, decent battery and lightweight and slim design that doesn’t scream ‘typical budget phone’.
Apple’s new iPhone 17e is also high on my list, especially as a more affordable alternative to the standard premium flagship line-up and the new iPhone Duo. Similar to many other tech in the past year, the starting price has bumped up from $999 to $1149 since launching in March, but it’s still much kinder on the hip pocket compared to most other Apple phones. Plus, storage kicks off at 256GB and there’s a 512GB which isn’t always the case with some mid-range devices.
Please note the prices reflect with a 128GB storage, unless stated otherwise.
Need to knowWant something that doesn’t scream cheap? Mid-range phones are a more practical alternative to the cheapst dumb phones and pricier flagship models, especially if you want to shop a bigger name brand like Apple or Samsung.If you plan on re-selling a phone or buying a refurbished device, make sure to check how many years of security and software updates are available. Keep in mind this is usually based on the product launch date, not the date you purchased the phone.Budget to mid-range phones are typically ideal for users who don’t run super demanding tasks, such as simultaneously hotspotting and heavy gaming for hours, and can get warm with heavier usage.Our top picksBest cheap Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung Galaxy A56, $681 at Amazon AU
Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Supplied / Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Supplied / Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Google
PROS:
+ Has a slim and lightweight design that fits nicely in the hand
+ Bright display
+ Super easy to use interface with lots of customisability
+ Made with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (front and back) for durability
+ Has a Read Aloud function which turns text into audio, and can be used in Multi Window mode
+ Supports 45W Super Fast Charging
+ Has a IP67 dust and water rating
CONS:
– Some tools can be fiddly
– No wireless charging
Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 29 hours | Processor: Octa-core | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP | Size: 162.2mm x 77.5mm x 7.4mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Six years
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer
Samsung’s Galaxy A56* gives serious bang for buck, setting a new standard for budget friendly smartphones with larger storage space, long lasting battery, a decent camera and a mid-range price tag that leans closer to the budget friendly side than the affordable premium end.
While this model doesn’t have Galaxy AI, you can get a suite of AI features with Awesome Intelligence which still includes popular functions from the Galaxy S series like Circle to Search, Object Eraser and Best Face.
Best cheap Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone 17e (512 GB), $1,547 at Amazon AU
Picture: Apple
Apple iPhone 17e. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Apple iPhone 17e. Picture: Apple
PROS:
+ Bright display and fits nicely in the hand
+ Runs fast and smoothly
+ Good camera quality
+ All-day battery life
+ Compatible with nano-SIM and eSIM, and has Dual eSIM support
CONS:
– Can get warm with heavier use
Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 26 hours | Processor: A19 chip | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 48MP Fusion camera, 12MP TrueDepth front camera | Size: 71.5mm x 7.80mm x 146.7mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Not stated
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer
I’ve been using the iPhone 17e* for more than six months and I still love it as a simple, fuss-free mid-range option. I recently started testing the latest iPhone 18 Pros and it’s a nice alternative that still gives you a beautiful display, great quality build and the usual fuss-free Apple ecosystem perks. Obviously, it’s not as powerful and long-lasting as the flagship models, but it’s worth checking out if you want to join or stay in the ecosystem and aren’t a particularly heavy user and don’t need the most advanced features on the market right now.
The iPhone 17e also takes the cake for Apple fans who need a decent chunk of storage space, with the 512GB model roughly $900 cheaper.
Check out first-impressions (and longer-term update) here.
Best cheap Google Pixel phone
Google Pixel 9a, $696 at The Good Guys
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer
Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Google
Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Google
PROS:
+ Fantastic camera quality and great battery life
+ Camera is flat, so it doesn’t rock when you’re using it on a desk
+ Uses same processor as the Pixel 9 flagship range
+ Long battery life (around 30 hours with regular use, or up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver)
+ Has Super Res Zoom up to 8x
+ Inclues VPN for data protection, Car Crash detection for personal safety and intelligent theft protection (which locks your phone if your smartphone detects it has been stolen)
+ Wireless charging compatible
+ Has IP68 water and dust resistant rating
CONS:
– Gemini can be slow and inaccurate at times
Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 30 hours (or 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver) | Processor: Google Tensor G4 | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide and 13MP front | Size: 154.7mm x 73.3mm x 8.9mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Seven years
Google’s Pixel range is known for its stellar camera quality, and the mid-range Pixel 9a* is the perfect gateway model for easing into the flagship line-up. It boasts a 6.3” Actua display and includes many of the same premium AI features in Android phones, such as Gemini, Add Me, Best Take, Circle to Search, and Pixel Studio.
I’ve usually stuck with Apple and Samsung products, but the Pixel user interface was super easy to navigate. The camera is incredible, battery life is great and there isn’t much performance wise that makes you feel like you’re sacrificing many of the bells and whistles for a smaller dent in your wallet.
Read our full hands-on review here.
Best cheap smartphone for battery life
OPPO Reno16 F (256GB), $999 at The Good Guys
Oppo Reno16 F. Picture: Oppo
Oppo Reno16 F. Picture: Oppo
Testing the Oppo Reno 16 F (left) and the Oppo Reno 16 Pro. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.
PROS:
+ Fantastic battery life and fast charging
+ Good camera for most people
+ Bright display
+ Lightweight and compact
CONS:
– Can get warm with heavy use
– No wireless charging
Storage: 256GB | Battery life: Not stated, but can last all day | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super Platform | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 50MP front, 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide | Size: 158.16mm x 74.93mm x 8.58mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Not stated
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer
If long battery life is your top priority, Oppo’s Reno16 F* is worth checking out. It runs smoothly and can comfortably last two days, as long as I’m not doing anything too demanding (e.g. taking videos for an extended period or hotspotting and heavy gamng at the same time).
The display is stunning, especially for a non-flagship phone, and the overall build looks and feels pretty premium. The colourway White Pop is also ridiculously pretty, which is always a bonus.
Camera quality is actually pretty good in most lighting conditions, although night shots can get a bit blurry and may not be as crisp compared to the morning. If you want better snaps, the fellow mid-range Oppo Reno16 Pro* has a more impressive 200MP wide lens and 50MP ultra-wide lens. For comparison, the Oppo Reno16 F has a 50MP wide lens and 8MP ultra-wide camera.
But the Reno16 F’s $999 starting price is much more mid-range friendly than the Reno16 Pro, which inches into flagship territory from $1599.
See what happened when we tested the Oppo Reno16 F against theOppo Reno16 Pro here.
Best cheap all-rounder phone under $1000
Nothing Phone 4(a), $649 at JB Hi-Fi
Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing
Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing
Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing
Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing
PROS:
+ Happy reviewers praises the battery life
+ Impressed customers like the camera quality
+ Ideal if you prefer a larger display
+ Fun design
+ Three storage options: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB and 12GB/256GB
CONS:
– No wireless charging
Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 5080 mAh | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 4 | RAM: 8GB (or 12GB for 256GB) | Cameras: 50PM main, 50MP periscope, 32MP front | Size: 162.20mm x 75.05mm x 7.76-7.82mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Three years of Android updates, six years of security patches)
What You Need To Know
Can’t help but accidentally start scrolling TikTok once you touch your phone? The new Glyph Bar on the Nothing Phone 4(a) helps make things less tempting with customisable light patterns and sounds which you can assign to specific contacts or keywords, so there’s no need to open the main display to see if something important has popped up. There’s also progress-based notifications for things like deliveries and timers.
Nothing’s eye-catching Phone 4(a) also features a three-camera system that offers up to 70x zoom, which is zoom power than some other popular options on the market.
What to look for when buying cheap smartphones
Want to ring in some help buying a new budget friendly mobile phone? Here are a few factors we considered when choosing what to include in our roundup.
Android or iOS
If you’re unfamiliar with the Android vs iOS war, it’s essentially choosing between an iPhone (iOS) and a smartphone that’s running on an Android System (this includes Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and pretty much anything which isn’t an iPhone).
A lot of it comes down to preference but if you’re not stuck on a particular brand, there are more Android options on the market to choose from. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem or prefer frequent software updates, iPhones may be more convenient.
Cameras
The camera is probably one of the main important aspects you’ll likely have to slightly drop your expectations. But while there’s a good chance it won’t have the same optical zoom options (i.e. no ultra clear zoomed-in concert photos from nose bleed seats), you can still find budget phones with decent camera quality.
Battery life
Long battery life could be another trade-off, although many newer smartphones can last a full day’s worth of regular usage (i.e. not using the device as a hotspot for several hours with non-stop heavy gaming). Sometimes brands’ budget models will have a lower brightness, which can help sustain its stamina throughout the day. But if you’re worried about staying charged, we recommend carrying a portable power bank.
Software security updates
Do you why you’ll get a notification on your phone to ‘update software’? To keep your smartphone working at its best and ensure all the data is secure, manufacturers will run several updates throughout the year and will continue to do so for a certain number of years (depending on the brand and model). Once your phone model stops receiving updates, you won’t be able to get the latest security patches needed to keep your data secure.
Unlike with warranties, it doesn’t matter when you buy your phone – the update period starts from the date the model is launched and will expire on the same date for everyone. This is worth taking into account if you’re considering purchasing an older or refurbished model.
How we choose products
With hundreds of models available, it’s impossible to test every model out there. To help you find the best cheap smartphone we tested several well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best cheap smartphone to help you find the right one for you.
Frequently asked questionsAre security updates necessary?
Tapping the ‘software update’ on your smartphone, laptop and tablet can include adding everything from adding new features to fixing bugs and any security holes that hackers may potentially try to take advantage of.
Can you trade in your phone?
Many mobile manufacturers and telco companies run trade-in schemes which let you exchange your current device for credit, allowing you to save a bit of cash on your new smartphone. The newer the model, the more credits you’ll likely be able to claim and use towards your new gadget. But keep in mind certain factors can impact how much you can receive, including the condition of the item, device type and manufacturer.
*Products loaned by Samsung, Apple, Google and Oppo for a 100 honest, independent review.
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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoSenior Shopping Writer