The best refurbished phone under $500 in Australia in 2026 is the Apple iPhone 12 64GB, from $399 at OZ Tech Deals. It pairs a sharp 6.1 inch OLED display with the fast A14 Bionic chip, full 5G support and ongoing iOS updates, which makes it the strongest all-rounder at this price. Prefer Android? The Samsung Galaxy S22 from $449 gets you a genuine 2022 flagship with a 120Hz AMOLED screen. On a tighter budget, the iPhone 11 from $329 remains the best value iPhone in the country. Every refurbished phone in this guide is tested to a minimum 80% battery health and backed by a 24 month warranty on the device plus a 12 month warranty on the battery, so going refurbished is not a gamble.
In this article
- Why buy refurbished instead of a cheap new phone?
- 1. Apple iPhone 12: best overall
- 2. Samsung Galaxy S22: best Android
- 3. Apple iPhone 11: best budget pick
- 4. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: best big screen
- 5. Apple iPhone 12 Pro: best camera
- How do they compare?
- What do refurbished grades mean?
- FAQ
Why buy a refurbished phone instead of a cheap new phone?
Because $500 buys a very different class of hardware. Spend $500 on a brand new phone and you get an entry level device with a slow chip, a basic camera and a 60Hz screen. Spend the same $500 on a refurbished phone and you get a former flagship: a faster processor, a far better camera system, an OLED or AMOLED display, and build quality designed to last for years. Consumer Reports notes that a properly tested and warranted refurbished phone functions like new, and owners typically report getting three or more years of use out of them.
The key is buying from a seller that actually tests, grades and warrants each device. Here are the five best refurbished phones under $500 you can order in Australia right now.
1. Apple iPhone 12 64GB: which refurbished phone under $500 is the best overall?
The iPhone 12 hits the sweet spot of price, performance and longevity. The A14 Bionic chip still feels quick in 2026, the 6.1 inch Super Retina OLED display is bright and sharp, and you get 5G, MagSafe compatibility and dual 12MP cameras with excellent 4K video. Most importantly, it is still receiving iOS updates, so it will keep getting new features and security patches.
OLED display, A14 Bionic, 5G and MagSafe. Tested, graded and backed by a 24 month warranty.
2. Samsung Galaxy S22: what is the best refurbished Android under $500?
The Galaxy S22 is the pick for Android fans. It is a true 2022 flagship in a compact 6.1 inch body, with a gorgeous 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display that makes scrolling feel twice as smooth as any budget phone. The triple camera setup (50MP main, ultrawide and 3x telephoto) comfortably beats anything you can buy new at this price, and the glass and metal build feels premium in hand.
Compact flagship with a 120Hz AMOLED display and triple camera. 128GB storage as standard.
3. Apple iPhone 11 64GB: what is the cheapest refurbished iPhone worth buying?
At $329 the iPhone 11 is the value king. The A13 Bionic chip has aged remarkably well, the 6.1 inch Liquid Retina display is comfortable for everyday use, and the dual camera still takes photos that embarrass new phones at this price. It skips 5G, but on Australian 4G networks most people will not notice the difference day to day. If you want a reliable iPhone for the lowest possible price, this is it.
The most affordable way into the Apple ecosystem, tested to a minimum 80% battery health.
4. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: which refurbished phone has the longest update life?
The Galaxy S23 FE is the newest phone in this guide, released in late 2023, which means it has the longest software runway of the five. You get a big 6.4 inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a capable 50MP camera, and Samsung security updates that stretch well into 2028. If you plan to keep your next phone for four or more years, this is the smart long-term choice under $500.
The newest phone in this guide, with a 6.4 inch 120Hz AMOLED display and years of updates ahead.
5. Apple iPhone 12 Pro: what is the best camera phone under $500?
Squeaking in at $499, the refurbished iPhone 12 Pro 128GB is the camera pick. It adds a 2x telephoto lens, a LiDAR scanner for sharper low light portraits, and Apple ProRAW support on top of everything the standard iPhone 12 offers. You also get 128GB of storage as standard and a stainless steel frame that feels a class above. If photography matters most and you can stretch to the top of the budget, choose this one.
How do the best refurbished phones under $500 compare?
| Phone | Price from | Screen | 5G | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 64GB | $399 | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | Yes | Best all-rounder |
| Galaxy S22 128GB | $449 | 6.1" AMOLED, 120Hz | Yes | Best Android |
| iPhone 11 64GB | $329 | 6.1" LCD, 60Hz | No | Lowest price |
| Galaxy S23 FE 128GB | $479 | 6.4" AMOLED, 120Hz | Yes | Longest updates |
| iPhone 12 Pro 128GB | $499 | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | Yes | Best camera |
All prices are in Australian dollars and reflect the entry grade for each model at the time of writing. Higher grades with less cosmetic wear cost a little more.
What do refurbished phone grades actually mean?
Every refurbished phone at OZ Tech Deals is tested, graded and priced accordingly:
- Grade A: near new condition with minimal to no visible marks.
- Grade B: light signs of use, such as fine scratches you notice up close.
- Grade C: visible cosmetic wear at the best price, with the same fully tested internals.
Whatever the grade, the hardware inside is held to the same standard: every device passes functional testing, batteries are verified at a minimum 80% health, and each phone is covered by a 24 month warranty plus a 12 month warranty on the battery. For a full checklist of what to look for before you buy, read our refurbished iPhone buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are refurbished phones worth buying in Australia?
Yes. A refurbished former flagship under $500 outperforms any new phone at the same price, with a better chip, camera and display. The key is buying from a seller that tests every device and backs it with a proper warranty, not a private marketplace listing.
How long do refurbished phones last?
Typically 2 to 4 years or more. Owner surveys consistently show refurbished phones lasting three or more years, and newer models like the Galaxy S23 FE will receive security updates well past 2027.
Do refurbished phones come with a warranty?
At OZ Tech Deals, every phone comes with a 24 month warranty on the device and a 12 month warranty on the battery. You are also protected by Australian Consumer Law guarantees.
What battery health should a refurbished phone have?
Look for a guaranteed minimum of 80% battery health, which is the threshold Apple itself uses to define a healthy battery. Every phone we sell is tested to at least 80%. To keep it healthy longer, see our guide on making your phone battery last longer.
Can I use a refurbished phone on any Australian network?
Yes. All refurbished phones sold by OZ Tech Deals are unlocked, so they work with Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and any Australian MVNO. Just insert your SIM or set up your eSIM and go.
Flagship performance, without the flagship price
Every phone is tested, graded and delivered Australia-wide, with a 24 month warranty for peace of mind.
Shop Refurbished Phones →24 month device warranty. 12 month battery warranty. Minimum 80% battery health.