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The right smartphone is the one that fits your budget, daily habits, existing devices, and local mobile network—not necessarily the one with the longest spec sheet. Compare the full cost and real-world trade-offs below, then check current model details and carrier compatibility in the country where you’ll use it.
The guidance here draws on New Zealand consumer advice from Consumer NZ and Australian advice from CHOICE. Plans, network bands, prices, and accessories differ by market, so verify local terms before buying.
1. Set a budget for the phone and service together
Compare the total cost of buying a handset outright with the total cost of a carrier plan over the same period. A low monthly handset payment does not necessarily mean a cheaper deal: the service charge, contract length, data allowance, fees, and any conditions all affect what you pay.
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- Price the outright option: add the handset price to the service plan you would actually use for the comparison period.
- Price the plan option: total the handset and service payments across the contract, including applicable fees or charges.
- Compare like with like: use the same time period and account for data, calls, and contract terms rather than comparing monthly handset payments alone.
CHOICE notes that buying upfront may save money, but the result depends on the contract and usage. Check the actual offer in your country and with your provider.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
2. Choose an operating system that fits your devices and apps
Consider how well a phone will work with the devices, services, and apps you already use. Moving between Apple’s iOS and Android can require redownloading apps and may mean repurchasing some. Both platforms provide ways to transfer data such as photos, but a transfer does not necessarily carry over every app, setting, or habit.
- List the apps and services you rely on, and check whether they are available on the phone you’re considering.
- Consider how you use your current computer, tablet, watch, or other connected devices.
- Decide whether the benefits of changing platforms are worth the setup and adjustment involved.
3. Check carrier compatibility where you’ll use the phone
Do not assume a phone will work well on every carrier simply because it is unlocked or advertises 4G or 5G. The model must support the relevant network bands, and reception also depends on the carrier’s coverage where you live, work, and travel.
- Identify the exact phone model and regional variant, not just the product family name.
- Check the carrier’s supported bands and compatibility information for that model.
- Check coverage in the specific areas where you expect to use the phone.
- Ask the provider about any other requirements that apply to your service or location.
5G can be useful in areas and on plans where it is available, but Consumer NZ says it is not necessary for most users. Prioritize a reliable connection on your carrier over a 5G label alone.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
4. Pick a screen size you can comfortably handle
A larger display can make video and games more enjoyable, but it can be harder to use one-handed and may feel less comfortable to carry. Screen measurements alone do not tell you how a phone will feel in your hand; weight and shape matter too.
- If possible, handle the phone in person and try reaching across the screen with your usual grip.
- Consider whether you often watch media or play games, or instead prefer a phone that is easy to operate on the move.
- Check the phone’s weight and dimensions alongside its display size.
5. Compare battery performance, not just capacity
Battery capacity is one specification, not a reliable stand-alone prediction of how long a phone will last. Screen size and your mix of activities affect power use, so compare battery results from tests that use similar methods and, where possible, phones of similar size.
Think about your own routine: video, games, navigation, and long periods away from a charger can place different demands on a battery. If you regularly need power while away from a charger, a power bank may be a useful extra; it is not essential for every buyer.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
6. Judge camera results in the conditions you care about
Camera resolution alone does not determine how good photos and videos look. CHOICE explains that capture quality also depends on how well a phone produces an image in different lighting situations. A high megapixel count does not guarantee better results for your needs.
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7. Plan storage and ownership needs
Estimate how much storage you need
Apps, photos, downloaded files, and especially video can fill a phone’s storage over time. Consumer NZ says heavier app or video users may need 128GB or more. Treat that as guidance for those usage patterns, not a universal minimum; your own habits and the phone’s storage options matter.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Some models offer microSD expansion, while others do not. Check the exact model’s specifications before relying on expandable storage, and consider whether you want to manage files or use cloud storage instead.
Check repairability, water resistance, and case availability
Consider the availability and cost of repairs for the model in your market, especially if you intend to keep it for several years. Review the manufacturer’s water-resistance rating and conditions carefully; water resistance is not the same as being waterproof, and it may not cover every type of exposure or damage.
Check that a suitable case is available for the exact model before purchase. Accessory availability can differ by brand and model, and a case made for a similar-looking phone may not fit correctly.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Verify software support for the exact model
Software-support periods are model- and manufacturer-specific. Before treating a phone as a long-term purchase, check the manufacturer’s current support policy for the exact model and market. The available consumer guides do not establish one support commitment that applies to every phone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare your shortlist
Once you have a few models in mind, compare the same decision points for each one. Use current prices and terms in your market, and rely on comparable test results for performance claims.
| What to compare | What to check |
|---|---|
| Total cost | Outright handset plus service versus the complete handset-and-plan cost over the same period. |
| Operating system | App availability, compatibility with your current devices, and the effort of switching. |
| Network fit | Exact model variant, carrier bands, and coverage in your usual locations. |
| Screen and handling | Display size, weight, and comfort in your hand. |
| Battery | Comparable test results and likely fit with your routine, rather than capacity alone. |
| Camera | Photo and video examples in lighting and situations relevant to you. |
| Storage | Capacity for your apps and media, plus whether the exact model supports expansion. |
| Ownership | Repair options, water-resistance terms, case availability, and current software-support policy. |
Consumer NZ’s guide, updated June 2026, says it provides test results for 59 current and 148 discontinued models and that it independently tested more than 50 models from six brands. CHOICE says it independently tested more than 50 smartphones in the two years before its guide was last updated on 11 December 2025. These describe each organization’s guide and testing scope, not the whole smartphone market; check each guide for its current model coverage and local relevance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
