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For most people in Australia, the Apple iPhone 17 is the strongest all-round pick in the available 2026 recommendations. TechRadar selected it for its balance of performance, ease of use and value, while noting compromises in battery life and telephoto photography. That is an editorial recommendation, not a universal winner: the best phone for you depends on budget, operating system, camera needs and preferred size or design.
For Android, TechRadar’s September 2026 guide names the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Other guides make different picks—including the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17e and OPPO Find X9 Pro—because they weigh categories and value differently. The comparisons below identify who chose each model and when, rather than treating the picks as results from one head-to-head test.
Which phone is best for most people?
TechRadar’s Australian guide, updated 17 September 2026, names the Apple iPhone 17 the best phone for most people. Its reasoning is the combination of performance, straightforward use and value. Its trade-offs matter: TechRadar also flags battery life and the lack of a telephoto camera as compromises.
That pick is best understood as a general-purpose recommendation, not a claim that the iPhone 17 is best at every task. If you prioritise a premium camera system, Android flexibility, the lowest purchase price or a foldable screen, a category-specific choice may fit better.
#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.
Top phone picks in Australia in 2026
| What you want | Recommended model | Who picked it and what to know |
|---|---|---|
| Best all-round phone | Apple iPhone 17 | TechRadar, 17 September 2026; praised for performance, ease of use and value, with battery and telephoto-camera compromises. |
| Premium iPhone / flagship camera | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | TechRadar’s September 2026 guide names it in this category. This is a flagship pick, distinct from the iPhone 17 value-oriented recommendation. |
| Best iPhone alternative | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | GadgetGuy’s January 2026 guide selected it as its best iPhone; WhistleOut/Tech Advisor also recognised it in a camera category in its 31 July 2026 update. |
| Best Android flagship | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | TechRadar, 17 September 2026; strengths include its display, performance, cameras, S Pen and AI features. It is expensive, and TechRadar notes the upgrade over its predecessor is relatively small and that AI features may not suit everyone. |
| Alternative Android flagship | OPPO Find X9 Pro | GadgetGuy, 20 January 2026; its guide highlights the cameras and battery, but says software support trails Samsung’s and Google’s commitments. |
| Best Pixel | Google Pixel 11 Pro XL | TechRadar, 17 September 2026. |
| Budget Android pick | Nothing Phone (4a) | TechRadar, 17 September 2026. |
| Lower-cost iPhone pick | Apple iPhone 17e | WhistleOut/Tech Advisor, 31 July 2026. The guide listed an Australian RRP of $999 at that time; check current pricing before buying. |
| Foldable phone | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 family | TechRadar, 17 September 2026. GadgetGuy’s January guide instead selected the Galaxy Z Fold 7, an earlier model. |
These are recommendations from guides published at different times, not a controlled comparison of every model under the same conditions. In particular, GadgetGuy’s January picks predate the later models in TechRadar’s September update. Treat the older choices as useful alternatives, not as direct test results against newer phones.
Choose by what matters most to you
For a simple, balanced everyday phone
Start with the iPhone 17 if you want an iPhone and value a balance of performance, ease of use and cost over having every premium camera feature. If a higher-end iPhone camera experience is the priority, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is TechRadar’s later flagship recommendation; the iPhone 17 Pro is another expert pick from earlier guides.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
For Android and a premium feature set
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is TechRadar’s September 2026 Android choice. Its cited strengths span display, performance, cameras, S Pen functionality and AI features. Consider whether those extras justify the higher cost for you, particularly given the guide’s caveat that the generational upgrade is small.
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The OPPO Find X9 Pro is a separate Android option highlighted by GadgetGuy in January 2026 for its cameras and battery. Its guide raises software-support commitments as a reason to weigh it carefully against Samsung and Google. Because the guides cover different dates and generations, they do not establish which model performs better in a matched test.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
For photography
There is no single camera winner established across these sources. TechRadar points to the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pixel 11 Pro XL in its later recommendations; GadgetGuy selected the Pixel 10 Pro for camera in January 2026, while WhistleOut/Tech Advisor recognised the iPhone 17 Pro in a camera category. Compare the specific camera capabilities you use—such as zoom, low-light photos or video—and look for current Australian reviews of the exact model before deciding.
For a lower purchase price
TechRadar’s budget pick is the Nothing Phone (4a), an Android handset. WhistleOut/Tech Advisor’s iPhone 17e recommendation gives iPhone buyers a different, lower-cost route within Apple’s range. They are not equivalent price-tier or operating-system alternatives: compare current local prices and the features you would give up, rather than assuming one is the cheaper version of the other.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
For a foldable screen
TechRadar names the Galaxy Z Fold 8 family, while GadgetGuy’s January 2026 guide chose the Galaxy Z Fold 7. A foldable offers a larger screen for multitasking, but brings a higher-cost and durability trade-off compared with a conventional phone. Check which generation is actually sold in Australia and the warranty terms before purchase.
How to compare phones before buying
Shortlist models against the things that affect your own use, rather than relying on a single overall ranking:
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
- Total cost: Compare outright handset prices with the full cost of a plan bundle over its term. Promotions and carrier offers can expire.
- Operating system and ecosystem: Consider whether you rely on iOS or Android, and whether your other devices and services work smoothly with the phone.
- Camera: Look beyond headline megapixel counts. Decide whether zoom, portrait photos, video or low-light performance matters most.
- Battery and charging: Check independent reviews for real-use results and charging characteristics relevant to your routine; do not assume a large battery specification guarantees longer use.
- Screen and size: Balance display quality and viewing area against one-handed comfort and pocketability. A foldable changes that trade-off substantially.
- Support and durability: Check the manufacturer’s software-support commitment, repair options and warranty for the Australian model.
- Storage: Choose enough capacity for your photos, apps and offline media, especially if you intend to keep the phone for several years.
Canstar’s 2026 smartphone award offers a different kind of evidence from phone reviews: its results reflect a survey of 1,186 customers, with satisfaction criteria including value, ease of use, durability, battery and charging, design, and camera quality. Canstar finalised the research in January 2026 and published it in February. This is customer-reported satisfaction research, not laboratory testing or a model-by-model technical ranking.
Check Australian availability and price
Prices, retailer stock, carrier bundles and model availability can change after a guide is published. The $999 RRP for the iPhone 17e is the figure WhistleOut/Tech Advisor listed on 31 July 2026, not a guaranteed current selling price. Before ordering, confirm that the listing is for the Australian variant, check who is selling it, and compare the final cost—including any plan payments—with buying outright.
Regional variants can differ, as GadgetGuy cautions in its Australian-market guide. Make sure the exact model number and local warranty match your needs; do not assume an overseas handset has identical network compatibility or support.
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Sources and dates
- TechRadar Australia, “Best phones in Australia,” updated 17 September 2026.
- Tech Advisor/WhistleOut Australia, “The best phones you can buy in Australia (2026),” updated 31 July 2026.
- GadgetGuy, “Best phones in Australia 2026: Biggest brands tested and rated,” 20 January 2026.
- Canstar, “Best Smartphones In Australia,” published February 2026; research finalised January 2026.
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.
