Budget Smartphones With Under-Display Cameras Worth Considering
Under-display cameras remain an unusual feature in the phone market. Instead of placing a selfie lens in a notch or punch-hole, the camera sits beneath the OLED panel, leaving the display largely uninterrupted. The technology looks futuristic, although image quality can vary. Learn more about Inside The Netflix Strategy Why They Cancel Shows Early.
For Australian shoppers, this category requires careful research. Many models are older, imported, refurbished or sold through overseas retailers rather than familiar chains such as JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks. A lower purchase price can also be affected by GST, delivery costs, warranty limitations and compatibility with local 5G networks.
The following five phones offer some of the most accessible routes into under-screen camera technology. They are best viewed as value alternatives and used-market options rather than direct rivals to the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy models.
ZTE Axon 30 5G
The ZTE Axon 30 5G is one of the strongest value choices for buyers who want a genuinely hidden selfie camera. Its 6.92-inch AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Snapdragon 870 chipset still handles everyday apps, streaming and gaming comfortably. The large screen suits Netflix viewing and split-screen work, although it can feel cumbersome in smaller hands.
Its front camera is less impressive than a conventional punch-hole camera in low light, but the uninterrupted panel is the main attraction. The rear camera system is serviceable rather than class-leading, with daylight images generally more convincing than night shots.
In Australia, the Axon 30 is most likely to appear through grey-market sellers or the refurbished market. Check that the model supports the bands used by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, and confirm whether the seller provides an Australian return address before paying.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a more polished experience, with a curved AMOLED screen, a 120Hz refresh rate and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. Its under-display selfie camera is less visible than on the Axon 30, making the phone particularly appealing for gaming, films and full-screen browsing.
The triple rear camera setup is a major advantage. Its wide, ultrawide and portrait-focused cameras produce more versatile results than many affordable imports. Buyers comparing premium Android camera hardware can also read this Galaxy S24 Ultra review to see how a newer flagship handles imaging.
Used pricing makes the Axon 40 Ultra more interesting than its original launch cost. An Australian buyer should still check battery health, software update support and charging accessories, as imported phones may arrive with a foreign plug or limited local servicing.
ZTE Axon 20 5G
The Axon 20 5G helped bring under-display selfie cameras to a wider audience. It uses an older Snapdragon 765G platform, but that remains adequate for messaging, navigation, social media and casual gaming. The 6.92-inch OLED display is bright and spacious, with a design that still looks distinctive several years after release.
The camera hidden beneath the screen is clearly a first-generation solution. Faces can appear soft, colours may look washed out and backlit scenes are difficult. It is therefore better suited to users who value a clean display more than frequent video calls or high-quality selfies.
This model can be attractive around EOFY sales or through second-hand marketplaces, where older Android phones often receive sharp discounts. Avoid units with uncertain repair histories, and make sure Google services, NFC payments and Australian carrier support work before completing a purchase.
Xiaomi Mi Mix 4
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 combines a discreet front camera with a premium-feeling ceramic body and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Its Snapdragon 888 processor provides plenty of speed for demanding games, photo editing and high-resolution video. The phone also supports fast charging, which is useful for commuters moving between Sydney, Melbourne and other major cities.
Its under-panel selfie camera is adequate for occasional calls but falls behind conventional cameras for detail and exposure. Xiaomi’s software can also include regional differences, so buyers should confirm the exact model, language support and update policy rather than relying on a generic marketplace listing.
The Mi Mix 4 was not widely sold through official Australian channels, making import pricing unpredictable. Add GST and delivery insurance to the advertised cost, and check whether the seller accepts Australian dollars or adds currency conversion fees at checkout.
RedMagic 7 Pro
The RedMagic 7 Pro is designed primarily as a gaming phone, but its under-display camera gives it a place on this list. Its 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, active cooling system and gaming controls make it suitable for long sessions with titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact.
Performance is excellent for the price when the phone is discounted or purchased refurbished. However, the gaming-first design brings compromises: the handset is heavy, the software can feel busy and the front camera is mediocre for portraits and video meetings. Its rear cameras are also less refined than those on mainstream photographic flagships.
Australian buyers should verify charger certification, warranty coverage and local network compatibility. Imported gaming phones can be excellent value, but repairs may require sending the device overseas, turning a small saving into a sizeable inconvenience.
What Under-Display Cameras Do Well
The biggest advantage is visual continuity. A hidden camera removes the black circle that interrupts maps, games, films and websites. This can make a phone feel more immersive, particularly when watching widescreen content in bed or during a long train trip.
The trade-off is image quality. Light must pass through part of the display before reaching the sensor, which can reduce sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy. Manufacturers use software processing to compensate, but the results still vary considerably between models and lighting conditions.
For technology news and security considerations, readers can follow Cybernetoday’s coverage alongside manufacturer specifications. A phone with impressive hardware still needs dependable updates, secure payment support and a trustworthy software ecosystem.
Buying Advice For Australian Shoppers
The cheapest listing is rarely the full cost. Australian GST, international shipping, customs handling and optional insurance can quickly narrow the gap between an imported phone and a locally supported alternative. Refurbished stock may offer better value, provided the seller clearly states battery condition and return rights.
Network compatibility is equally important. Australia’s carrier networks use specific 4G and 5G bands, and imported models may have weaker coverage outside metropolitan areas. Check the IMEI, VoLTE support and 5G band list before relying on a phone for regional travel or emergency calls.
Software longevity should also influence the decision. A discounted older device can be fast and stylish, yet lack current security patches. If a hidden camera is the priority, these phones offer distinctive designs; if dependable updates, local warranty service and reliable selfies matter more, a newer punch-hole model may be the safer purchase.