Are you in the market for a new smartphone in Australia? With constantly evolving technology and new models emerging each year, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect device. In this comprehensive guide, we will review the top smartphones available in Australia in 2025, covering a wide range of brands, features, and price points. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a gaming fanatic, or a multitasking professional, there is a smartphone tailored to meet your needs. Stay ahead of the curve and make an informed decision on your next tech investment with our curated list of the best smartphones to buy in Australia.
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16
- First iPhone model to feature a 1TB storage option, ideal for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and apps
- Innovative ceramic shield display material offers improved durability and can withstand more drops compared to previous models
- Improved Night Mode capabilities for low-light photography, producing sharper and more detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions
- Enhanced battery life compared to iPhone 15, providing longer usage without frequent recharging
- 5G connectivity ensures faster data speeds and smoother streaming experiences for users in supported regions
- Limited compatibility with third-party accessories due to unique design features that may require specific accessories for optimal use
- High price point compared to other flagship smartphones on the market, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers
- Initial software bugs reported by some early adopters, requiring frequent updates to address performance issues
The iPhone 16 boasts a robust hardware upgrade, featuring the powerful A17 Bionic chip built on a 3nm process for improved efficiency and performance. With an octa-core CPU and a next-generation GPU, it provides lightning-fast speeds, handling even the most demanding apps and games with ease. The device comes with a 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display that offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and peak brightness of up to 2000 nits, making it perfect for HDR content. The ProMotion technology delivers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a responsive, fluid user experience, while the Ceramic Shield front cover adds an extra layer of durability. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity, offering faster wireless speeds and improved performance in crowded networks.
In terms of photography, the iPhone 16 features a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens, all enhanced by improved sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The new ProRAW and ProRes video capabilities take professional-grade content creation to the next level. It also includes a LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus in low-light settings and enhanced augmented reality (AR) experiences. Internally, it offers up to 1TB of storage options, allowing users to store a vast amount of data, including 4K videos, apps, and high-resolution images. The battery life has been significantly optimized to last longer through smart power management, and the device is equipped with a USB-C port for faster charging and data transfer.
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25
- Incredible 2K AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures smooth multitasking and gaming performance
- Improved camera system with AI enhancements for sharper images and better low-light performance
- Generous 5000mAh battery capacity provides long-lasting usage without frequent charging
- Sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus protection on both front and back for added durability
- Higher price point compared to other flagship smartphones in the same category
- Lack of expandable storage option limits the internal storage capacity for heavy media users
- Bulky design may not appeal to users who prefer slim and lightweight smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy S25 introduces cutting-edge technology with a refined design and powerful hardware enhancements. Equipped with the latest Exynos 2400 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, depending on the region), the device delivers unparalleled performance for everything from gaming to multitasking. The phone is powered by a 3.4 GHz octa-core processor and features a next-gen GPU for smoother graphics rendering and faster load times. The stunning 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 1750 nits of peak brightness, and vivid color accuracy, making it ideal for both entertainment and everyday tasks. Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 3 ensures the display and the back panel are resistant to scratches and drops, while IP68 water and dust resistance further boosts the device’s durability. The phone also supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster connectivity for seamless streaming and gaming.
On the camera front, the Galaxy S25 boasts an impressive quad-camera setup with a 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, and a 12MP periscope lens for detailed zoom shots and enhanced low-light performance. The camera system supports 8K video recording, and enhanced AI features allow for automatic scene optimization and superior image processing. Internally, the Galaxy S25 offers up to 1TB of storage, ensuring ample space for high-resolution media, apps, and files. With a 5000mAh battery, the device supports fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The phone comes with a USB-C port for rapid data transfer and charging. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 runs on the latest One UI software, packed with new AI-driven features to enhance the overall user experience, making it one of the most powerful smartphones of 2025.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
- A15 Bionic chip provides industry-leading performance for seamless multitasking and gaming
- Improved battery life compared to previous models allows for longer usage without frequent charging
- ProMotion display technology offers a smoother scrolling experience and better graphics rendering
- Enhanced camera system with larger sensors and improved low-light capabilities for stunning photos and videos
- 5G connectivity for faster download speeds and better network performance
- High price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers
- Lack of expandable storage options limits the amount of content that can be stored on the device
- Notch at the top of the screen can be considered intrusive and takes up valuable display space
The iPhone 16 Pro is a powerhouse, packed with cutting-edge technology and advanced hardware. It is driven by Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, which is built on a 3nm architecture, offering significant improvements in both speed and energy efficiency. The 6-core CPU is complemented by a 6-core GPU that delivers stunning graphics performance, making everything from gaming to professional-level editing smoother than ever. With a 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, the Pro model supports a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for ultra-smooth interactions, and it can reach up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, perfect for HDR content. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield, which is tougher than any other glass on a smartphone, making the device more resilient to drops and scratches. Alongside improved 5G capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro offers the latest Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds and a seamless experience across the Apple ecosystem.
On the photography front, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces a revolutionary 48MP main sensor, providing unmatched clarity and detail in every shot. It features a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and an ultra-wide lens for expansive, detailed shots. The device also boasts improved sensor-shift optical image stabilization and new AI-driven enhancements for better low-light performance and computational photography. This allows users to capture professional-quality photos and videos with ease. The 16 Pro also introduces new video capabilities, including ProRes 4K video recording at 60fps, further elevating its appeal to content creators. Inside, the phone comes with up to 1TB of storage, allowing for an immense amount of high-resolution photos, videos, and apps. With a 5000mAh battery, the iPhone 16 Pro also supports fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging, and USB-C for quicker data transfers and recharging.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Impressive 200MP main camera sensor for ultra-high resolution photos
- Massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 3X display for stunning visuals
- Powerful Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for top-tier performance
- S Pen support for precise input and note-taking capabilities
- Generous 5,000 mAh battery for long-lasting usage
- High price point compared to other flagship smartphones
- Large and heavy design may not be comfortable for all users
- Limited availability of certain colors or storage configurations
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the epitome of cutting-edge smartphone technology, featuring an impressive hardware setup that pushes the boundaries of performance and design. Powered by the latest Exynos 2400 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in select regions), the device offers top-tier performance with its octa-core processor and advanced GPU. Whether you're gaming, multitasking, or running demanding apps, the Galaxy S25 Ultra handles it all effortlessly. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive experience. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the display excels even under direct sunlight, ensuring vibrant colors and crisp clarity. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 3, offering superior durability against scratches and drops. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wireless speeds for all your needs.
On the camera front, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features an extraordinary quad-camera system with a massive 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP periscope lens with 10x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup delivers unparalleled detail, depth, and clarity in every shot, even in low-light conditions. The camera system also supports 8K video recording, and AI-driven enhancements improve the quality of both photos and videos. Additionally, the S25 Ultra comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and offers up to 1TB of storage, giving users ample space for high-resolution media, apps, and games. The 6000mAh battery supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Combined with the phone's USB-C port for rapid data transfer, this powerhouse device is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Running on One UI 6, the Galaxy S25 Ultra brings the latest software features and optimizations, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a
- Stock Android: No bloatware, and the clean, simple experience with fast updates directly from Google.
- AI & Software: Excellent AI-driven features like Google Assistant, live translation, and smart camera capabilities.
- Camera Performance: Google Pixel phones typically shine in photography, especially in low light, with computational photography.
- Affordable: The “a” series is usually the budget-friendly version of the Pixel, offering great value for the price.
- Long-term Updates: Google’s Pixel phones typically receive 3 years of software updates.
- Display: The display might not be as advanced as other flagship devices.
- Battery Life: Pixel phones historically haven’t had the best battery performance compared to other flagships.
- Performance: The budget model might come with mid-tier processors, which are not as fast as those on flagship phones.
The Google Pixel 9a combines a sleek design with impressive hardware, offering a smooth and responsive user experience for those looking for high performance at a more accessible price point. Powered by the custom-built Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 9a delivers exceptional performance with AI-enhanced processing for faster app launches, improved multitasking, and more accurate voice recognition. The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, perfect for everyday use and media consumption. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 6, offering solid durability against scratches and drops. Equipped with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support, the Pixel 9a ensures fast, reliable wireless connections, making it future-proof for faster speeds and more stable performance.
On the camera side, the Pixel 9a stands out with its 50MP main sensor, backed by Google's renowned computational photography. It also includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, allowing users to capture stunning shots with excellent detail and clarity, especially in low-light environments. The Pixel 9a benefits from software features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone, which deliver consistently high-quality photos regardless of lighting conditions. It comes with 6GB of RAM and offers 128GB of internal storage, providing plenty of room for photos, videos, and apps. The 4500mAh battery offers all-day battery life and supports 18W fast charging, ensuring you’re powered up quickly when you need it. The phone runs on the latest version of Android, providing a clean, streamlined interface with the latest features and security updates directly from Google.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro features a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for incredibly fast performance
- Impressive 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers stunning visuals and smooth scrolling
- Outstanding camera system with upgraded sensor technology for exceptional low-light performance and color accuracy
- Long-lasting battery life with 5000mAh capacity ensures all-day usage without needing frequent charging
- Advanced AI features such as real-time language translation and voice recognition enhance user experience
- The high price point may put it out of reach for budget-conscious consumers
- Lack of expandable storage options could be limiting for users with large media libraries
- Some users may find the larger size of the phone uncomfortable for one-handed usage
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a flagship device that combines cutting-edge technology with Google's signature software optimizations. Powered by the advanced Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers superior performance, with AI-driven capabilities that enhance everything from camera processing to real-time speech recognition. The device features a large 6.7-inch OLED display with Quad HD+ resolution, offering rich colors, deep blacks, and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing durability against drops and scratches. The phone supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring lightning-fast download speeds and a stable connection for streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks.
On the camera front, the Pixel 9 Pro sets a new benchmark in mobile photography with a versatile triple-camera setup. The primary 50MP sensor captures incredibly detailed and vibrant images, while the 12MP ultra-wide lens lets users capture expansive landscapes and group shots. The 48MP telephoto lens provides up to 5x optical zoom, allowing users to get closer to their subjects without compromising image quality. Powered by Google's advanced computational photography, the camera system excels in low-light conditions with features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom. The device also supports 8K video recording and includes AI-powered enhancements like Magic Eraser and Portrait Mode. With 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage, the Pixel 9 Pro offers ample space for all your media, apps, and files. The 5000mAh battery provides all-day power, and the device supports 30W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Running the latest version of Android, it delivers a seamless and secure user experience with regular software updates and new features directly from Google.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
- Impressive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
- Advanced camera system featuring a 108MP main sensor, providing high-quality photos and videos
- Large 5000mAh battery capacity for all-day usage without needing frequent recharges
- 5G connectivity for ultra-fast data speeds and low latency, future-proofing your device
- S-Pen support for enhanced productivity and creative tasks, making it a versatile device
- Higher price point compared to other flagship smartphones in the market
- Bulky and heavy design may not be comfortable for users with small hands or pockets
- Limited software updates guarantee, with support for major Android versions for only 3 years
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to feature cutting-edge hardware, building on the legacy of its predecessors. It will likely be powered by the next-generation Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset (depending on the region), offering significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency. The device is rumored to include a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display (possibly 6.7 inches with a 120Hz or higher adaptive refresh rate), ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors. Memory configurations could start at 12GB RAM with up to 512GB or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing ample space and speed for multitasking and large files. Additionally, the phone may support advanced cooling systems to maintain performance during intensive tasks like gaming or 4K video editing.
For imaging, the Galaxy S25 Plus might feature an upgraded triple or quad-camera setup, including a high-resolution primary sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a periscope telephoto lens with enhanced zoom capabilities. Battery life is expected to see improvements, possibly with a 5,000mAh cell supporting 45W fast charging and wireless charging. The device could also include an under-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a titanium or reinforced aluminum frame for durability. Connectivity options may include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 5G/6G support, ensuring future-proofed network performance. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Plus is poised to be a flagship powerhouse with top-tier hardware.
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 offers a top-of-the-line camera system with improved AI capabilities for stunning photography and videography
- Impressive 120Hz refresh rate on the OLED display provides smooth scrolling and gaming experiences
- Enhanced security features such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanner for quick and secure device access
- Generous storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB ensure ample space for apps, photos, and videos
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging support that keeps you powered throughout the day
- Some users may find the design to be too similar to previous Pixel models, lacking a fresh and innovative look
- Lack of expandable storage option may be limiting for users who require additional space for large files or media
- Pixel 9 is priced at a premium compared to its competitors, potentially deterring budget-conscious consumers
The Google Pixel 9 is expected to showcase Google’s latest hardware innovations, combining premium performance with AI-driven features. It will likely be powered by the next-generation Tensor G4 chip, optimized for machine learning tasks like real-time translation, advanced photo processing, and generative AI enhancements. The phone is rumored to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and HDR support. Memory configurations may start at 8GB or 12GB RAM with 128GB/256GB storage options, though Google may stick with UFS 3.1 storage instead of the faster UFS 4.0. The Pixel 9 could also introduce improved thermal management to prevent overheating, a common issue in previous Tensor-based models.
For photography, the Pixel 9 is expected to retain its dual-camera setup (main + ultrawide) but with upgraded sensors and enhanced computational photography powered by AI. A new variable aperture on the main sensor could improve low-light performance and depth control. The battery may remain around 4,500mAh with 30W wired and 23W wireless charging, slightly behind competitors but optimized for efficiency. The design might feature a flat-edged frame (similar to the iPhone 15 Pro), an under-display fingerprint scanner, and IP68 water resistance. Connectivity options should include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G support, along with exclusive AI features like Call Screen and Magic Eraser. Overall, the Pixel 9 will focus on AI integration and camera excellence rather than raw hardware specs.
Conclusion
For Australian buyers, selecting the perfect smartphone comes down to balancing features, performance, and value. Apple’s iPhone 16 and 16 Pro offer a seamless ecosystem, unmatched software support, and powerful performance—ideal for users who prioritise security, camera quality, and integration with other Apple devices. However, they come at a premium price, especially the Pro model, which may stretch some budgets.
On the Android side, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series delivers stunning AMOLED displays, versatile cameras, and flagship performance. The S25 Ultra is a powerhouse for tech enthusiasts, though its large size and high cost may deter some, while the standard S25 strikes a great balance between features and affordability. The S25 Plus is a strong middle-ground option, offering premium specs without the bulk or Ultra-level pricing.
For those who prefer pure Android with cutting-edge AI features, the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro stand out with industry-leading computational photography, fast updates, and a clean software experience. The Pixel 9 Pro adds extra performance and premium touches, while the Pixel 9a (if available in Australia) provides an affordable alternative with excellent camera capabilities.
Ultimately, Australian shoppers should consider their budget and needs—whether it’s Apple’s ecosystem, Samsung’s all-around excellence, or Google’s AI-driven innovation—to find the best fit.
