Best Refurbished Phones Under $500: Power Without the Price Tag
In the modern Aussie economy, the "Cost of Living" isn't just a headline—it’s a daily calculation. From the price of a flat white to the monthly rent, everything seems to be heading north. However, there is one area where you can still get a massive win for your wallet without compromising on your standards: your smartphone.
We’ve always been pretty upfront about the fact that the concept of a "new" phone is a bit of a marketing myth. A brand-new flagship might cost you $1,800 today, but in twelve months, it’s just last year’s model. By choosing to shop refurbished, you’re essentially skipping the "new car smell" tax and jumping straight to the value.
If you’re looking to spend less than $500, you might think you’re stuck with a "budget" phone—one of those plastic-feeling handsets with a laggy screen and a camera that struggles the moment the sun goes down. But that’s not how we roll. When you shop the refurbished market, $500 actually buys you a former flagship. You’re getting premium glass-and-metal builds, high-end processors, and professional-grade cameras for a fraction of their original retail price.
Here is the frank truth about the best refurbished phones under $500 that still pack a punch in 2025.
The All-Rounder: Apple iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 remains one of the most popular refurbished choices in Australia for a reason. It was the last of the "rounded edge" iPhones, making it incredibly comfortable to hold, and its internal hardware has aged better than most of the competition.
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 still handles the latest iOS updates with ease. Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, managing your banking, or navigating with Google Maps, the performance is snappy. The dual 12MP system (Wide and Ultra-Wide) introduced Night Mode to the masses, and it’s still perfect for those Friday night photos at the pub or capturing the coast on a weekend getaway. It’s the ultimate "first phone" for teenagers or a reliable daily driver for anyone who wants the Apple ecosystem without the four-figure price tag.
The Compact King: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
If you’re someone who misses the days when phones actually fit in your pocket, the iPhone SE (2022) is your best bet. Underneath its classic exterior—complete with the beloved Home Button and Touch ID—lies a beast of a processor.
The SE 3rd Gen uses the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same brain found in the iPhone 13. This means it is incredibly fast and will likely receive software updates from Apple for many years to come. It also features 5G connectivity, ensuring you get the fastest speeds available on the Telstra or Optus networks across Australia. The screen is smaller, sure, but if you prefer one-handed use and top-tier speed, this is the one.
The Android Powerhouse: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
For the Android loyalists, the Galaxy S21 is the gold standard for value under $500. When this phone launched, it was the pinnacle of Samsung’s engineering, and that quality is still evident today.
The standout feature here is the 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display. Most budget phones have a 60Hz refresh rate; the S21 is twice as smooth. Once you’ve experienced the fluid motion of scrolling on an S21, it’s very hard to go back to anything else. With a triple-lens setup—including a 64MP telephoto lens—you get 30x Space Zoom. It’s the perfect companion for snagging a clear shot of the footy from the back rows of the MCG or the SCG.
The Smartest Choice: Google Pixel 6
Google’s Pixel 6 was a turning point for the brand, introducing its custom-built "Tensor" silicon. This phone isn't just a piece of hardware; it’s a smart assistant that lives in your pocket.
The Pixel 6 offers the cleanest Android experience possible. There is no "bloatware"—just pure, fast, and intuitive software. It also boasts some of the best AI features in the business, such as "Magic Eraser," which allows you to photo-bomb-proof your holiday snaps by removing unwanted objects with a single tap. Choosing a Pixel 6 refurbished is a double-win: you're saving a high-tech device from becoming e-waste and supporting a more circular economy, which is a core part of the Frank DNA.
Why the $500 Mark is the Sweet Spot
When you spend less than $500 on your handset, the savings don't stop at the checkout. Because you own the phone outright, you are no longer "locked in" to an expensive $100-a-month contract with a major carrier just to pay off the hardware. You can shop around for the best SIM-only deals in Australia, often finding plans with massive data for as little as $30 a month. Over a two-year period, the combination of a refurbished phone and a SIM-only plan can save the average Aussie over $1,500.
It’s about being smart with your money without feeling like you’re missing out. You still get the sleek design, the fast apps, and the great photos—you just don't get the debt.
Let’s Be Frank About Quality
We know that buying refurbished can feel a bit like a gamble if you're doing it on a marketplace from a stranger in a car park. That’s why we do things differently. When we say a phone is "Frank Verified," it means it’s been through the wringer. We use industry-leading software to test every single component, from the haptics to the pixels.
We’re also big on battery health. There’s nothing worse than a phone that dies by lunchtime, so we ensure every device has at least 80% battery capacity, with our Prime models guaranteed at 90% or higher. We back all of this up with a 12-month warranty because we actually believe in the gear we sell.
If you’re ready to ditch the premium price tag but keep the premium features, it might be time to join the Frank community. You can check out our full range of refurbished iPhones, explore the latest Samsung Galaxy deals, or see what we have in stock for Google Pixel fans by heading over to our collections pages. Every order comes with free express shipping and a 30-day change-of-mind policy, so you can shop with total peace of mind. Make the smarter choice for your wallet and the planet—come and see the Frank difference for yourself.
