The best cheap phones you can buy in Australia

Fergus Halliday - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 28 April 2026

Buying a new mobile phone in 2026 doesn't have to break the bank. For under $600, 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, OPPO, Samsung, and more.

Best cheap phone

CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing$449

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Best upgrade pick

Nothing Phone 4a$649

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Best cheap Samsung

Galaxy A37 5G$599

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Best cheap OPPO

OPPO A6 5G$399

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Best cheap iPhone

Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro$608

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Best cheap feature phone

Nokia 2660 Flip$129

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SIM-Only plans for cheap smartphones

Most of the smartphones we're spotlighting on this page are not available on a postpaid plan through a mobile provider. You'll have to buy them outright, and you'll have to pair them up with a SIM-only mobile plan.

For a snapshot of the best value options, check out the cheapest mobile phone plans in our database below:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 40Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: $20/mth for first 6 mths. Reverts to $40/month. Use promo code UNL40. Ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply $20.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Pivotel	Pivotel 25GB Mobile 4G Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45 Go to Site	$11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45	Go to Site
#4	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 6 mths, then $30/mth. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 08.12 $15.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$15.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $12 – save $27. Hurry! Offer ends 30.11.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 30GB SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#7	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 15GB 5G Mobile SIM 15GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#8	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry 240GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $320.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$320.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site

Best cheap phone: CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing

CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing
RRP $449

Nothing’s budget buy isn’t as new as it once was, but it’s worth considering, thanks to snappy performance and striking design that easily eclipses the competition.

Display: 6.77-inches, OLED
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
Front camera: 16MP selfie camera
Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, 8MP macro camera
Storage: 128GB/256GB (8GB RAM)
Battery: 5,000mAh
Features: 5G connectivity, dual SIM, IP54, fingerprint scanner (in-display)

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The CMF Phone 2 Pro over-delivers on your expectations with performance, design and camera quality that far exceeds what you can usually find at this price-point.

Although the device does cut a few corners when it comes to water resistance or support for wireless charging, it nails the basics in a way that’s very easy to like. Where other budget phones are defined by their compromises, the CMF Phone 2 Pro thrives on its strengths. However, if you're looking for a state-of-the-art camera, our next pick will be more up your alley.

Best upgrade pick: Nothing Phone 4a

Nothing Phone 4a
RRP $649

The Nothing Phone 4a bundles together a fun design and solid performance. Even if there are a few areas where it stumbles, there’s a lot to like about this distinctive device beyond the thrifty price.

Display: 6.78-inch, 1080p+ AMOLED
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
Front camera: 32MP selfie camera
Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP periscope camera, 8MP ultrawide
Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
Battery: 5,080mAh
Features: 5G connectivity, fingerprint and facial recognition, dual SIM, IP64 dust and water resistance

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The Nothing Phone 4a is built to delight budget buyers with decent battery life, camera quality, and performance. It’s a great upgrade on the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the cheapest way to get your hands on Nothing’s quirky Glyph lighting system and includes more of the premium perks seen in the Nothing Phone 4a Pro at a price-point that’s $300 cheaper.

Best cheap Samsung: Samsung Galaxy A37

Samsung Galaxy A37
RRP $599

The more affordable of Samsung’s new Galaxy A-Series smartphones comes with upgraded specs, and a more capable camera.

Display: 6.7-inch, 1080p+ AMOLED
Processor: Exynos 1480
Front camera: 12MP selfie camera
Rear cameras: 50MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro camera
Storage: 128GB (6GB RAM)
Battery: 5,000mAh
Features: 5G connectivity, fingerprint and facial recognition, dual SIM, IP68 dust and water resistance.

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For those hoping to stay on the Samsung bandwagon, we've got you covered with the Galaxy A37. Priced at $599, this smartphone includes not one but three cameras, 128GB of expandable storage and a generous 6.7-inch full HD display. Compared to the previous A36, the Galaxy A37 offers better performance, longer battery life, superior shot-to-shot speed and an upgraded IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Best cheap OPPO: OPPO A6 5G

OPPO A6 5G
RRP $399

The OPPO A6 5G isn’t going to blow your expectations for a cheap smartphone out of the water, but it makes the right trade-offs and offers solid value for budget-conscious buyers.

Display: 6.7-inch, HD+ LCD
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
Front camera: 8MP selfie camera
Rear cameras: 50MP primary,
Storage: 256GB (6GB RAM)
Battery: 6,550mAh
Features: 5G connectivity, fingerprint and facial recognition, dual SIM, IP69 dust and water resistance

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While the OPPO A6 does have some issues around screen brightness, the device gets enough right that those shortcomings aren’t likely to be major sticking points. Despite the cheap price, this device is built to go the distance with long battery life, IP69 dust and water resistance, plus six years of security updates.

Best cheap iPhone: Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro

Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro
RRP $608

Apple handsets might be expensive, but there are still ways to get an iPhone for a fraction of the price. A refurbished iPhone 13 Pro is currently the best bang-for-buck option you can get.

Display: 6.1-inch, Super Liquid Retina Display
Processor: A15 Bionic
Front camera:12MP selfie camera
Rear cameras:12MP primary wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
Storage: 128GB (6GB RAM), 256GB (6GB RAM), 512GB(6GB RAM), 1TB (6GB RAM)
Battery: 3,095mAh
Features: 5G connectivity, wireless charging, facial recognition, IP68 dust and water-resistance

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The iPhone 13 Pro features some of the most impressive camera advances relative to previous models. It comes in a range of fun colours, and is packed with many features – some of which have aged almost as well as the price-point. While Apple no longer sells the iPhone 13 Pro, there are plenty of options for buying a refurbished model. Better yet, it should still see at least one or two more major operating system updates.

Best cheap feature phone: Nokia 2660 Flip

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

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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:

#1	Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Medium - Long Expiry Plan 360GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $240 plan discounted to $150 for first renewal when you activate this plan. Ends 31.12.26. New customer only. $150.00 Per 360 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$150.00 Per 360 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 300GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 300GB data for only $159 (incl. $41 off + 100GB bonus data) on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 12.11.26 $159.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$159.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	OnePass mobile	OnePass mobile 365 Day Plan - 280GB 400GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $81! 400GB for $169 for the first 365 days! Recharges $250/280GB. New customers only. Offer ends 10.11.26 $169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $250 SIM Plan - 365 Days 260GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get the $250 SIM for $169 online when you sign up by 03.12.26 $169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 225GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $250 SIM for $169 + Includes 75GB bonus data on activation + Extra 50GB on every Automatic Recharge $169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Fergus Halliday

Digital Content Editor

Fergus Halliday is a journalist and digital content editor at WhistleOut Australia. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school before interning at magazines like CRN Australia and freelancing for publications like the AU Review, Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, ScreenRant, Superjump, Nestegg, and more.

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