While we await more mid-range smartphone releases in 2022, now’s a good time to celebrate the excellent mid-range phones available right now – phones like the TCL 30 5G and Nokia G60 5G, which have all proven capable of delivering functionality that exceeds expectations.
And, while it’s true that they may not have all the bells and whistles of feature-packed phones like Apple’s iPhone 14, some with their 48-megapixel cameras, 5000mAh batteries, and Full High-Definition AMOLED displays get pretty close. They also offer tremendous value for the budget-conscious shopper. Here is our list of the best smartphones money can buy for $600 or under.
Nokia G60 5G
HMD Global
Built from 60 percent recycled plastic, the Nokia G60 is a little more eco-friendly than most smartphones, but no less powerful, sporting a zippy Snapdragon 695 5G processor and 6GB of RAM. Although its 6.58-inch FHD+ display isn’t the largest, it features a step-up 120Hz refresh rate that should equate to exceptionally smooth gameplay and video.
For snapping pics, it has a 50MP rear-facing Triple camera that includes some decent AI technologies to enhance taking ultra-wide, low light and portrait shots. It also has a large 128 GB storage capacity for filing away stacks of photos and videos.
Pros
- Display has 120Hz refresh rate for smooth video
- 6GB of RAM speeds up processing
Cons
- Front-facing camera is only 8MP.
Where to buy?
In Australia you can buy the Nokia G60 5G from the following retailers:
Nokia Online – AU$549
JB Hi-Fi – AU$549
The Good Guys – AU$538
The Nokia G60 5G can be paired with a SIM-only 5G plan via the widget below:
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Samsung
Admittedly, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G costs a little over $600 right now, but we’ve included it since it has dropped below $600 in recent sales events. This newly released handset features the same design as the Samsung Galaxy A52 but adds 5G and a faster processor. It has a lightweight design and a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display that also has an Infinity-O notch for its front camera.
Camera-wise the A52s 5G is armed with a quad-array, featuring a 64-megapixel primary sensor. Reviewers are quite complimentary about the quality of daytime photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G which bides well for amateur snappers.
Pros:
- 5G support
- Lightweight
- 120Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- Newly released so a little pricier than competition
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G outright through the following retailers:
MobileCiti – AU$598
Harvey Norman – AU$649
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G can also be purchased on a plan via the widget below:
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G
Motorola
Motorola’s Edge 20 Fusion is 5G capable and has a 5000mAh battery capacity – the largest of all three of Motorola’s new Edge Series smartphones. Its rear-facing camera is primed for snapping detailed pictures with a whopping 108-megapixel camera. It also sports a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
Under the hood, the Edge 20 Fusion is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 5G-B+ processor with 6GB RAM. It has 128GB of storage which is expandable to 1TB via the phone’s microSD card. It also features a large 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth browsing.
Read our full review of the Motorola Edge 20 Fusion.
Pros
- 108-megapixel rear-facing camera
- 5G capable
- Large 5000mAh battery
Cons
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0 only
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can buy the Motorola Edge 20 Fusion outright at the following retailers:
JB Hi-Fi – AU$449
Harvey Norman – AU$499
Amazon – Currently unavailable
MobileCiti – AU$399
The Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G can be paired with a SIM-only 5G plan via the widget below:
Samsung Galaxy A52
Samsung
The A52 has some of the best specs we’ve seen in a phone under $600. It features a 64-megapixel rear-facing Quad camera, which is considerably higher resolution than some smartphones for the same price. The rear-facing camera also has a x10 digital zoom for taking shots at a distance. For taking selfies, the A52 features a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. This smartphone’s Full-High Definition Plus display (1080×2400-pixels) measures 6.5-inches and also has a 90Hz refresh rate. Samsung says the A52’s 4500 battery capacity allows it to go for up to two days between charges.
While PCWorld has yet to review the Samsung A52, online user comments have commended it for the quality of its cameras, display, and user interface. The largely positive feedback means it is a hard-to-overlook option in this category.
Pros
- 64-megapixel rear-facing camera
- Rear camera features x10 zoom
- AMOLED display
Cons
- The 5G version costs more
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can find the Samsung Galaxy A52 through the following:
Costco – AU$449
Amazon – AU$649
The Samsung Galaxy A52 can be paired with a SIM-only plan via the widget below:
Oppo Reno 8 Lite 5G
Oppo
The Oppo Reno 8 Lite 5G features a Full High Definition AMOLED display measuring 6.4-inches. It’s a camera-centric smartphone, boasting a triple rear-facing camera with 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 sensor as well as a wide-angle and macro lens. There’s also a 32MP selfie camera on the front.
If you plan on doing lots of shooting at night the Oppo Reno 8 5G is a great option, sporting a dedicated night photography mode that takes life-like shots.
Pros
- 5G connectivity
- Dedicated night photography mode
Cons
- Not as powerful as more premium smartphones
- It’s surface attracts fingerprints
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can find the Oppo Reno 8 Lite 5G through the following:
JB Hi-Fi – AU$499
Big W – AU$499
Catch – AU$597
The Oppo Reno 8 Lite 5G can be paired with a 5G SIM-only plan via the widget below:
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is all about clear, crisp visuals at an affordable price. It features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display that can produce up to 800 nits brightness, which means you should be able to see your phone’s screen even in the glariest daylight conditions.
It also comes armed with a 64MP Quad camera, 5MP Macro camera, 8MP Ultra Wide camera and 5MP depth camera. With a 5000mAh battery capacity, the A32 5G should power on for several days.
Pros
- Has large 5000mAh battery
- 64MP main camera
Cons
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can find the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G through the following:
Catch – AU$499
JB Hi-Fi – AU$449
Amazon – Currently unavailable
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is also available on a post-paid plan via the major carriers Telstra, Optus and Vodafone (see the widget below):
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple
The iPhone SE (2020) is the second iPhone special edition released by Apple. Although it was the most affordable iPhone at its launch back in April 2020, it wasn’t short on features.
iPhone fans were quick to point out their the phone’s vibrant 4.7-inch HD Retina display and the convenience of Touch ID security. They also liked the phone’s fast A13 Bionic chip and what some users described as the single-camera system ever put into an iPhone.
Pros
- Fast A13 Bionic processor
- Excellent camera
- Premium feel
- Cons
- Lacks 5G
Cons
In Australia, you can find the Apple iPhone SE (2020) through the following:
Kogan – AU$514
Reebelo – AU$411
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) can be paired with a SIM-only plan via the widget below:
RealMe X3 SuperZoom
RealMe
The RealMe X3 SuperZoom’s big selling point is a 64-megapixel rear Quad camera featuring a 0.5X to 60X wide zoom range which allows you to capture a little more of what you’re shooting, whether it’s up close or far away.
A range of other decent specs round out the smartphone’s hardware offering making it as suitable for games as it is for photography. They include a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor and large 6.6-inch FHD display with a quick 120Hz refresh rate.
Pros
- Large 6.6-inch FHD display
- 64MP Quad lens with 60x zoom
Cons
- Older style design
- Camera image quality varies
Where to buy?
In Australia, you can buy the RealMe X3 SuperZoom through:
RealMe – AU$529
The Realme X3 SuperZoom can be paired with a 5G SIM-only plan via the widget below:
TCL 30 5G
TCL
The TCL 30 5G is lightweight and sleek, weighing just 184 grams and measuring just 7.74 mm thin. Its generous hardware set makes it one of the most capable 5G phones for under $600 we’ve seen this year, with a large 6.7-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) AMOLED display, 50MP AI Triple camera and 5010mAh battery.
Like other TCL products, the TCL 30 5G sports the company’s NXTVISION technology that works to boost the screen performance while simultaneously reducing blue light to help keep your eyes safe from eyestrain. As an ongoing inclusion in Australian retailers, the TCL 30 5G will be bundled with a free set of TCL MOVEAUDIO S600 True Wireless headphones valued at $249.
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Longer than all day battery life
Cons
- Display has only a 60Hz refresh rate
- No 4K video capture
Where to buy?
JB Hi-Fi – AU$599
Mobileciti – AU$597
The TCL 30 5G can be paired with a 5G SIM-only plan via the widget below:
Oppo Find X3 Lite 5G
Oppo
The Oppo Find X3 Lite 5G is an affordable downgrade on Oppo’s flagship handset, the Oppo Find X3 Pro and for its feature set, it represents great value for money. It’s equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The phone’s 6.4-inch AMOLED display is slightly smaller than some handsets but it produces a FHD+ (2400×1080-pixel) resolution.
The Oppo Find X3 Lite 5G’s display comes in two refresh rate options (90Hz or 60Hz). It also has a touch sampling rate of 180Hz for smooth scrolling. For pictures and videos it sports a 64-megapixel Quad rear camera and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
Pros
- AMOLED display
- 64-megapixel rear-facing camera
- Snappy Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Not waterproof
Where to buy it?
Mobileciti – AU$588
Catch – AU$575
Amazon – AU$549
The Oppo X3 Find Lite 5G can be paired with a pre or post-paid plan via the widget below:
