The best phone to buy in Australia

These are the best smartphones we've reviewed that you can buy in 2025.

Best Apple phone
iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at$1399
Processor
A18 Bionic
RAM
8GB
Resolution
Super XDR Retina
Best Android phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at$1849
Processor
Google Tensor G4
RAM
16GB
Resolution
QHD
Best cheap phone
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at$599
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM
12GB
Resolution
FHD
Best mid-range phone
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at$849
Processor
Tensor G3
RAM
8GB
Resolution
FHD+
Best foldable phone
Galaxy Z Flip6
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
4 out of 5 stars
4
From$1799
Processor
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 3
RAM
12GB
Resolution
FHD+
Fergus Halliday
Jan 23, 2025
Icon Time To Read7 min read

Most years, the best smartphones are just about what you’d expect. Apple, Samsung almost always dominate the conversation.

Big name brands like the above are typically the ones making the big-name smartphones you'll find on a plan with Australia's major telcos and carriers. Huawei was a contender for a while there too, particularly in the smartphone camera space, before having its wings clipped in the West.

As of 2025, only four brands have any meaningful claim to the pricey-end of Australia's  smartphone market: Apple, Samsung, Google and OPPO. LG, Sony and HTC no longer sell phones in the region, and while brands like Nokia and Motorola might dabble with more expensive devices from time to time, the bulk of the market share belongs to the "Big Four" listed above.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best smartphones you can find in Australia these days.

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Category
Product
Price [RRP]
Availability
Screen size
Refresh rate
Main camera
Rating
Icon Star Full  LightBest Apple phone in 2025
From$1399
6.1-inches60Hz48MP wide lens + 12MP ultrawide
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Icon Star Full  LightBest Android phone in 2025
From$1849
6.8-inches120Hz50MP wide angle lens + 48MP telephoto lens + 48MP ultrawide lens
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Icon Star Full  LightBest cheap phone in 2025
From$599
6.7-inch120Hz50MP main camera + 13MP ultra wide camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
Icon Star Full  LightBest mid-range phone in 2025
From$849
6.1-inches120Hz64MP wide lens + 13MP ultra wide camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
Icon Star Full  LightBest foldable phone in 2025
From$1799
6.7-inches120Hz50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide
4 out of 5 stars
4
Best cheap Apple phone in 2025
From$719
4.7-inches60Hz12MP wide angle
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Best Samsung phone in 2025
From$2199
6.8-inches120Hz12MP ultra-wide lens + 200MP wide-angle lens + 10MP telephoto lens + 50MP telephoto lens
4 out of 5 stars
4

Apple iPhone 16

Best iPhone in 2025

iPhone 16
iPhone 16
Our Rating
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
Camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
From$1,399
pro New chip
pro Excellent battery life
con Display still just 60Hz
con Apple Intelligence not available at launch

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

If you had asked us which flagship iPhone to choose back in 2023, it would have been hard not to recommend the superior iPhone 15 Pro. When it comes to the latest lot of Apple-branded handsets, the story isn't as simple.

Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are outstanding smartphones, even if there's not much of a difference between them and the previous generation. For that reason, the iPhone 16 will be the more sensible pick for most. It’s not only one of the more reasonably priced flagship handsets on offer, and will go above and beyond the needs of most consumers.

As with the iPhone 16, Apple has elevated the baseline iPhone experience. You’re getting almost just as much iPhone as someone who buys an iPhone 16 Pro. just without a few extra bells and whistles that most casual smartphone users can do without.

Processor
Apple A18 Bionic
DisplaySuper Retina XDR display, OLED
RAM8GB
Storage128GB
Battery3,561mAh
Rear camera48MP (f/1.6) wide lens + 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide
Front-facing camera12MP (f/1.9)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
PortsUSB-C port
Best budget smartphones

The best cheap smartphones in Australia

Looking for a cheap phone? We've ranked the best budget smartphones available in Australia.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Best Android phone in 2025

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
Camera
5 out of 5 stars
5
From$1849
pro Tensor processor
pro Stunning camera system
con No power adapter
con AI features can be hit and miss

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The Google Pixel used to the be flagship phone with a great camera and even better price. Nine generations later and half of that description still applies. The triple-lens camera setup found on this year's Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the best blends of photography hardware and software you can find on a smartphone.

The downside? Well, where Google's best used to undercut the cheapest Apple could offer in terms of flagship devices it's now a much closer contest. To Google's credit though, the Pixel 9 Pro includes all the bells, whistles and high-end performance you'd expect given the asking price.

If you're sick of what Samsung has to offer in the premium Android space, Google's greatest and latest is a natural alternative that you'll want to take a closer look at.

Processor
Google Tensor G4
Display6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
RAM16GB
Storage512GB
Battery5,000mAh
Rear camera50MP (f/1.7) wide angle lens + 48MP (f/2.8) telephoto lens and 48MP (f/1.7) ultrawide lens
Front-facing camera42MP (f/2.2) wide lens
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
PortsUSB Type C port

Motorola Moto Edge 50 Fusion

Best cheap phone in 2025

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
5 out of 5 stars
5
Camera
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
From$599
pro Gorgeous display
pro Zippy processor
con No wireless charging
con Mid-range camera

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

While last year's OPPO has held onto our recommendation for the best cheap phone under $600 for a surprisingly long time, Motorola has finally stolen the crown with the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

An asking price of $599 here gets you an Android smartphone with a curved AMOLED display, sharp looks, snappy processor and a standout multi-lens rear camera with a 50MP main sensor. Premium perks like wireless charging aren't included, but budget buyers will still find plenty to like about the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
Display6.7-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate
RAM8GB
Storage128GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera50MP wide lens, 13MP ultrawide lens
Front-facing camera32MP (f/2.5)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
PortsUSB Type-C
Still haven't found what you're looking for?
Money

Dig a little deeper with more of our phone buying guides.

Google Pixel 8a

Best mid-range phone in 2025

Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a
Processor
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
Camera
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
From$849
pro Clean Google software experience
pro Powerful camera
con Chunky design
con You might be able to find the Pixel 8 for less

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The original Google Pixel 3a changed the game for budget-friendly smartphone shoppers. While the new Google Pixel 8a isn't quite as revelatory or influential, it's still pound-for-pound one of the best budget phone you'll find for the price.

The Google Pixel 8a sports a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The front of the device is punctuated by a teardrop-shaped 13MP front-facing camera, while the back is armed with a dual-lens camera that combines a 64MP wide angle lens with a 13MP ultrawide one. Powering it all is the same Google Tensor G3 processor found in last year's flagship Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, complemented by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of on-board storage.

ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
Display6.1-inch, FHD+
RAM8GB
Storage128GB
Battery4492mAh
Rear camera64-megapixel wide + 13-megapixel ultrawide
Front-facing camera13-megapixel
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
PortsUSB Type-C port

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Best foldable Samsung phone

Galaxy Z Flip6
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
5 out of 5 stars
5
Camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
From$1799
pro Fantastic form factor and improved durability
pro Updated Cover Display
con The crease is better but still very distracting
con Galaxy AI is fun for a moment but not even remotely a reason to upgrade

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The Samsung Galaxy Z series is where you'll want to look if you’re after a Samsung smartphone with a folding display. There are two main options in the Galaxy Z range: the Z Flip6 and the Z Fold6. The Z Flip folds open vertically and is the cheapest entry point into the Z range while the Z Fold is a high-performance hybrid between a tablet and smartphones.

While the former has as many strengths as it does weaknesses, our take is that it wins over the Z Fold6 because its significantly more affordable. While folding displays still relatively new tech and you should expect to pay a premium for the privilege of using one, there's a big difference between paying a little more than you might for the latest iPhone compared to the sum that the Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold commands.

In his review of the device, Brodie Fogg said that the Galaxy Z Flip6 was a "riot" to use.

"From the first time I hung up a call by snapping the phone shut, I was sold. It’s just so much sassier than meekly tapping a touchscreen. Its little gimmicks, like FlexCam and Galaxy AI, are fun for a day or two, but too impractical to give it an edge over the increasingly formidable competition in the flippable arena."

If you're buying outright, the RRP for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at $1,799. However, if you'd prefer to buy on a plan, there are plenty of options. Check out the widget below for a snapshot of the cheapest Galaxy Z Flip 6 plans in Australia.

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Display6.7-inch, AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
RAM12GB
StorageStarts at 128GB
Battery4000mAh
Rear camera50MP (f/1.8) wide lens, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) lens
Front-facing camera10MP (f/2.2) lens
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
PortsUSB Type-C

Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022)

Best cheap Apple phone

Apple iPhone SE in Starlight
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
3 out of 5 stars
3
Camera
3 out of 5 stars
3
From$719
pro Great software
pro Powerful processor
con Outdated design
con Low-spec camera

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

If you've got your heart set on an iPhone but don't want to spend the $1,200+ price tag that often comes with flagship models, the iPhone SE 3 (2022) is an alternative that's hard to beat.

It comes with a gorgeous 4.7-inch Retina HD full-screen display, a decent 64GB of internal storage, and a speedy processor. The camera offers decent results, even if it struggles with lowlight photography, and there’s baked-in software-support longevity thanks to its beefy innards.

Here's how much the new iPhone SE 3 (2022) will set you back on a plan.

Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Display4.7-inch, Retina HD
RAM4GB
Storage64GB
Battery2,018mAh
Rear camera12MP, f/1.8 (wide)
Front-facing camera7-MP (f/2.2)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
PortsLightning port

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Samsung phone

Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Orange
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
5 out of 5 stars
5
Camera
4 out of 5 stars
4
From$2,199
pro S-Pen stylus
pro Samsung-made display
con Expensive
con Camera quality can't compete with Apple or Google

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

The reason you hear about Galaxy S smartphones so often is because it’s Samsung’s flagship range with yearly iterating core entries like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus. This is where you look when you don’t mind starting your budget at around $1,000 and are seeking a speedy phone with a great display and camera versatility. However, if you want to go all the way to the best handset that Samsung will sell you then look no further than this year's Galaxy S24 Ultra.

While it's got the price to match it, the lavish looks and high-end hardware here make it an obvious winner when it comes to performance. In his review of the device, Alex Choros had a few reservations about the device's new AI features and price but still found plenty to like about it.

"The Galaxy S24 Ultra is clearly the Android flagship to beat. It almost matches the iPhone in battery this year, and outclasses it in display, The Pixel 8 Pro takes better low-light photos, but as an overall package, the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the cake."

If you're buying outright, the RRP for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $2,199. However, if you'd prefer to buy on a plan, there are plenty of options. Check out the widget below for a snapshot of the cheapest Galaxy S24 Ultra plans in Australia.

Processor
Snapdragon 8 Gen 13
Display6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display HDR10
RAMStarts at 12GB
StorageStarts at 256GB
Battery5000mAh
Rear camera12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2) 200MP wide-angle (f/1.7) lens, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto lens, 50MP (f/3.4) telephoto lens
Front-facing camera12MP
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G
PortsUSB Type-C port

Best phone buying guide

What to look for when comparing phones
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Like most gadgets, it's rare for any phone to have it all. Thankfully, Australian consumers have a decent amount of choice when it comes to finding a smartphone that has the features and specs that matter to them.

The best place to start when trying to work out which phone to buy is size. Modern smartphone screens range from around 5.9-inches to 6.8-inches in size, and the form-factor involved typically affects other aspects of the product. For example, a larger phone can fit in a larger battery or more camera hardware.

If you care about things like long-battery life or better smartphone photography, then you'll want to start your search towards the big-screen end of the market. If having something a little more pocket-friendly is preferred, then your choices become a little more limited. Still, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to finding your next phone, so deciding on a size is a great way to narrow them down.

The other big question that consumers looking to decide on their next smartphone will want to consider is whether or not they want a device that runs on iOS or Android.

iOS is Apple's mobile operating system and is found in all iPhones. Android is Google's equivalent, and is responsible for powering basically everything else in the market.

While device manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola each offer their own spin on Android, Apple has complete control over the iOS ecosystem. For some users, this can be a blessing while others may chafe against the limitations and additional costs involved with it.

It's usually easiest to stick with whatever operating system you're most familiar with, but those tired of Apple's walled garden approach to mobile computing may benefit from switching to Android. These days, crossing over from one ecosystem to the other isn't nearly as mentally taxing or time consuming. Both Apple and Google have gone out of their way to make it easy as possible, for obvious reasons.

icon-expertise

How we review smartphones

Here at Reviews.org, we don’t do long, exhausting technical spec lists and benchmarks. Our rankings are pulled from a five-star rating decided by the writer of each review.

Our editors might share different, unique opinions on the best smartphones available. But we all believe that, for the everyday consumer, the most important factors are value for money and user experience.

Fergus Halliday
Written by
Fergus Halliday is a journalist and editor for Reviews.org. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school and began his full-time career as the Editor of PC World Australia. Fergus has made the MCV 30 Under 30 list, been a finalist for seven categories at the IT Journalism Awards and won Most Controversial Writer at the 2022 Consensus Awards. He has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, Screen Rant, Superjump, Nestegg and more.

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