Best Smartphones in Australia (2026)

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Rankings reviewed weekly · Last reviewed 25 March 2025
Prices updated daily· Top7 AU Editorial Team
Finding the right smartphone in Australia can be a proper headache with so many options on the market. We've tested and compared the best phones available on Amazon AU to help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget. Whether you're after the latest flagship with all the bells and whistles or a cracking budget phone that punches well above its weight, we've got you covered.

Quick Picks

#1 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

A$2,199 · premium

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#2 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

A$2,199 · premium

Check Price on Amazon →

#3 Google Pixel 10 Pro

A$1,699 · value

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How to Choose the Right Smartphone

Camera Quality

If you're big on photography, look for phones with larger sensors, optical zoom, and solid night mode. Flagship phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra offer the best camera systems, but mid-range options like the Pixel 10 punch well above their weight thanks to Google's computational photography.

Battery Life

Nothing worse than your phone dying halfway through the day. Bigger batteries help, but software optimisation matters just as much. Look for phones that comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy use, and check whether fast charging is included in the box.

Performance & Software Updates

A fast chip matters for smooth everyday use, gaming, and future-proofing. Equally important is how long the manufacturer commits to software updates. Apple, Samsung, and Google all now offer seven years of updates on their latest flagships.

Value for Money

The most expensive phone isn't always the best choice. Consider what features genuinely matter to you. If you don't need a telephoto lens or the absolute fastest processor, a mid-range phone at half the price might be the smarter buy.

Premium Picks

If budget isn't a concern, these are the ones to get.

🏆 Editor's Choice

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple

Premium

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

A$2,199

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.6(285 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

The iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the top spot with Apple's most ambitious camera upgrade in years. The Pro Fusion camera system features all 48MP rear cameras with 8x optical-quality zoom, giving you the equivalent of eight pro lenses in your pocket. The A19 Pro chip delivers up to 40 percent better sustained performance than its predecessor, and battery life is a genuine standout with up to 37 hours of video playback. The new Center Stage front camera makes group selfies and video calls smarter than ever. It's not cheap, but if you want the absolute best iPhone experience, this is it.

Camera
10
Performance
10
Battery
10
Value
7

Pros

  • + Best battery life in any iPhone ever — up to 37 hours video playback
  • + Pro Fusion camera with all 48MP sensors and 8x optical-quality zoom
  • + A19 Pro chip with 40% better sustained performance

Cons

  • − Eye-wateringly expensive at over $2,000
  • − Iterative design — looks similar to the iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • − Heavy for one-handed use
best-overallbest-camerabest-battery
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung

Premium

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

A$2,199

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.5(48 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's everything-and-the-kitchen-sink flagship and it delivers. The built-in Privacy Display is a standout new feature that prevents shoulder-surfing. The 200MP main camera continues to capture absurd levels of detail, and Samsung's upgraded AI features including Photo Assist and Creative Studio are genuinely useful day-to-day. The Armour Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass make it feel tank-like. Seven years of updates and a 5000mAh battery round out a package that goes toe-to-toe with the iPhone for the top spot.

Camera
10
Performance
10
Battery
9
Value
7

Pros

  • + Built-in Privacy Display prevents others from seeing your screen
  • + Phenomenal 200MP camera with excellent zoom range
  • + Upgraded Galaxy AI with Photo Assist and Creative Studio

Cons

  • − Price has crept up to $2,199 for the 256GB model
  • − Samsung's One UI can feel bloated with duplicate apps
  • − No S Pen included — a step back from the S25 Ultra
best-androidbest-zoomprivacy-display
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Best Value

The sweet spot — solid performance without breaking the bank.

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google

Best Value

Google Pixel 10 Pro

A$1,699

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.4(39 reviews)
✓ Free delivery with Prime

The Pixel 10 Pro is Google's most impressive phone yet. The Tensor G5 chip brings a major performance leap, and the Super Actua display hits a staggering 3,300 nits peak brightness. The camera system now stretches to 100x zoom with Video Boost, and the 50MP sensor captures stunning photos in any light. 8K video recording is a genuine differentiator for content creators. You get the cleanest Android experience going with updates straight from Google for seven years. At around $500 less than the Ultra flagships, it remains outstanding value for a premium phone.

Camera
10
Performance
9
Battery
9
Value
8

Pros

  • + Tensor G5 chip is a massive performance upgrade
  • + Super Actua display with 3,300 nits peak brightness
  • + 100x zoom with Video Boost and 8K video recording

Cons

  • − Price has increased compared to the Pixel 9 Pro
  • − Only available as international version on Amazon AU — buy from Google Store for AU warranty
  • − Can run warm during extended camera use or gaming
best-camera-valuebest-aipure-android
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🔥 On Sale

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung

Best Value

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

A$1,460A$2,199Save 34%

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.5(8,920 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra taking the crown, the S25 Ultra drops into the value tier and becomes arguably the smartest Android buy in Australia. You're still getting the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a stunning 200MP main camera with 100x Space Zoom, the built-in S Pen, and Samsung's full Galaxy AI suite including Circle to Search and Live Translate. The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 2600-nit peak brightness remains gorgeous, and the titanium frame is built to last. At $1,460 — down from the original $2,199 RRP — you're saving over $700 compared to the S26 Ultra while getting 95% of the experience. The S25 Ultra also has the advantage of being a proven, mature product with all the early firmware bugs ironed out. Seven years of updates means it'll be supported until 2032. The only real compromises versus the S26 Ultra are the slightly smaller battery and the older generation's AI processing speed.

Camera
10
Performance
10
Battery
9
Value
9

Pros

  • + Massive discount from original RRP makes it exceptional value
  • + 200MP camera with 100x Space Zoom still leads the market
  • + Full Galaxy AI suite and S Pen included

Cons

  • − Being replaced by S26 Ultra — will eventually disappear from shelves
  • − AI processing is a step behind the newer S26 models
  • − Large 6.9-inch size isn't for everyone
flagship-values-pen200mpprevious-gen-deal
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Google Pixel 10

Google

Best Value

Google Pixel 10

A$1,349

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.4(52 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

The Pixel 10 is proof you don't need to spend top dollar for a top-notch phone. It gets the Tensor G5 chip and an upgraded triple rear camera system, which is a step up from the Pixel 9's dual setup. Photos are absolutely stellar, and Google's AI features powered by Gemini are deeply integrated throughout Android 16. Battery life comfortably lasts 24 hours, the 6.3-inch Actua display looks great, and you get the same clean Android experience with seven years of updates. At $1,349, it's the Pixel we'd recommend to most people who don't need the Pro's zoom capabilities.

Camera
9
Performance
9
Battery
9
Value
8

Pros

  • + Advanced triple rear camera — a big upgrade from Pixel 9
  • + Clean Android 16 with Gemini AI and seven years of updates
  • + Tensor G5 chip brings flagship-level performance

Cons

  • − Price has jumped from the Pixel 9's $1,099
  • − No telephoto camera beyond digital zoom
  • − 12GB RAM vs 16GB in the Pro model
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Budget Picks

Tight on cash? These still do the job and then some.

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

Samsung

Budget

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

A$699

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.2(18 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

The Galaxy A56 is the phone we recommend when someone asks for a good phone that won't break the bank. For around $699, you're getting a stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a 1,200-nit Vision Booster for clarity in any lighting. The 50MP camera now identifies sky, skin, face, hair and grass to enhance image quality automatically. Samsung has bumped OS update support to six years, a massive improvement over the A55's four years. The 45W fast charging is a welcome upgrade from the A55's sluggish 25W. IP67 water resistance at this price remains a real bonus.

Camera
7
Performance
7
Battery
9
Value
9

Pros

  • + Stunning Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
  • + Six years of OS upgrades — best in class for mid-range
  • + 45W fast charging is a big step up from the A55

Cons

  • − Price has crept up to $699 from the A55's $599
  • − Camera still struggles noticeably in low light
  • − No wireless charging at this price point
best-budget-samsungbest-display-budget
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💰 Best Value

Google Pixel 9a

Google

Budget

Google Pixel 9a

A$649

Price as of 25 Mar 2025

★ 4.4(156 reviews)
✓ Ships from Australia✓ Free delivery with Prime

The Pixel 9a is, quite simply, the best phone you can buy under $700 in Australia. Google has packed an absurd amount of value into this thing. The 48MP main camera with 13MP ultrawide, combined with Google's legendary image processing, produces photos that genuinely embarrass phones costing twice as much. You get the Tensor G4 chip with all of Google's AI features, a smooth 120Hz OLED display, and seven years of software and security updates. The 5,100mAh battery is a beast that easily lasts well beyond a full day. IP68 water resistance and wireless charging round out a package that is in a league of its own at this price.

Camera
9
Performance
8
Battery
9
Value
10

Pros

  • + Best camera in a budget phone — 48MP main with ultrawide
  • + Massive 5,100mAh battery lasts well beyond a day
  • + Seven years of updates and IP68 water resistance

Cons

  • − Price has increased to $649 from the Pixel 8a's $549
  • − Tensor G4 chip shows its limits in heavy gaming
  • − 8GB RAM feels tight compared to flagship 12-16GB
best-budgetbest-valueeditors-choice
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Compare Top Picks

Can't decide between our top two? See how they stack up head‑to‑head.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra→

How We Choose

We evaluate each smartphone across real-world usage scenarios including camera quality in Australian conditions, day-to-day performance, battery life through a full day's use, and overall value for money at Australian pricing. We also factor in software support longevity, build quality, and how well each device works with Australian networks and services.

Smartphones — Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright or on a plan in Australia?+

Buying outright is almost always cheaper over 24 months when you pair it with a SIM-only plan from providers like Boost, Woolworths Mobile, or Aldi Mobile. Carrier plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone bundle the phone cost with inflated service charges. The upfront cost is higher when buying outright from Amazon Australia, but you save hundreds over the contract period and have the freedom to switch providers whenever you want.

How long do smartphones last before needing replacement?+

A flagship smartphone should comfortably last 4-5 years with software updates. Apple offers the longest update support at 5-6 years for iPhones. Samsung guarantees 7 years of updates for its Galaxy S series. Google Pixels also receive 7 years of updates. Battery degradation is usually the first issue — after 2-3 years, you may notice reduced battery life, but battery replacements are much cheaper than buying a new phone.

Should I buy an iPhone or Android phone in Australia?+

If your family and friends use iMessage and you own other Apple devices, an iPhone integrates seamlessly with that ecosystem. Android phones from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus offer more choice in price points, greater customisation, and features like USB-C universal charging. Both platforms are excellent in 2026. The best approach is to pick whichever ecosystem you're already invested in — switching between them means losing app purchases and ecosystem features.

Are refurbished phones worth buying in Australia?+

Refurbished phones can offer excellent value, especially from reputable sellers. However, buying new from Amazon Australia often puts you in a similar price range to refurbished for mid-range phones, with the added benefit of a full manufacturer warranty and Australian consumer guarantee. If you're considering refurbished, make sure it comes with at least a 12-month warranty and check that the battery health is above 85%.

Do I need 5G on my next phone?+

5G coverage in Australia has expanded significantly, with Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all offering broad coverage in capital cities and regional centres. Most phones above $500 AUD now include 5G anyway, so it's not usually a deciding factor. If you're on a tight budget and considering a 4G-only phone to save money, that's still a reasonable choice — 4G speeds are more than adequate for everyday use and will remain supported for years.

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#1 Pick: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — A$2,199

Check Price on Amazon