The Five Best Smartphones Under $300 [Updated]

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With some smartphones now topping the $2000 mark and a plethora of options in the $1000 to $1500 range, it’s worth noting you can still pick up a decent handset at a price that won’t leave your credit card aching for months.

In fact, for $300 or less you can buy a decent smartphone. Sure, it won’t boast all the latest features and the fastest hardware available – but it will run current software and keep you going for a couple of years.

#1 Oppo A3s

Where: eBay
Price: $297

With a 6.2-inch screen, dual rear cameras and a battery that’s rated at 17 hours, it’s hard to believe that this phone isn’t selling for a whole lot more. Oppo’s star is rising and it’s now entrenched amongst the five biggest smartphone makers on the market. This is a solid handset at a compelling price point.

Buy it here!

#2 Motorola MOTO G5S

Where: Amazon
Price: $264

Although it’s running an older version of Android – version 7.1 – the Moto G5S boasts a 5.2 inch display, 1.4GHz Octa Core Processor, 3GB RAM, and 32GB of inbuilt storage that can expanded with a MicroSD to another 128GB. It packs in a pair of cameras with 16MP at the back and 5MP up front. Not a bad option if you’re after a second handset when travelling or something for the younger members of your clan.

Buy it here!

#3 LG K9

Where: Telstra
Price: $179

There are some decent deals to be found if you’re prepared to delve into the world of pre-paid handsets. The LG K9 has a 5-inch display with an 8MP snapper on the back and 5MP camera on the front. It’s not going to win any benchmark competitions and while the 8GB of internal memory is barely adequate, there’s a microSD slot that can add another 128GB and still stay well under our $300 limit.

Buy it here!

#4 Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro

Where: Optus
Price: $149

Similar in spec to the LG K9, the Galaxy J2 Pro ups the ante with 16GB of internal storage and support for up to 256GB of expansion via microSD. At under $150, you’re not going to get a Galaxy S9 but you can get a serviceable handset that will cover off basic app use as well as the messaging and call service you need.

Buy it here!

#5 iPhone SE (Refurbished)

Where: eBay
Price: $235

If you’re desperate to get your hands on a cut price iPhone then you’ll most likely end up in the refurbished handset market. Dick Smith has a few iPhone SE units available. These have 16GB of storage – there’s no scope for expansion as the Lords of Cupertino have deemed that you’ll never need more than what you buy on Day One. The iPhone SE is still a decent handset although it is a few years old now.

Buy it here!

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