Australians keen on a brand-new, high-quality smartphone could get one from just $349, as increased market competition, combined with a narrowing divide between high and mid-range devices, gives consumers more options at a lower cost.
Research from Canstar Blue shows that a high-quality smartphone with 5G and AI capabilities could cost just a few hundred dollars, while devices that offer higher storage, camera resolution, or display capabilities are still available for less than $1,000.
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| High-quality smartphones on a budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Brand | RRP |
| Under $400 | Galaxy A17 5G (128GB) | $349 |
| OPPO A5 Pro 5G (256GB) | $399 | |
| Motorola G56 (256GB) | $399 | |
| $400 – $700 | Samsung Galaxy A56 5G (128GB) | $699 |
| Motorola Edge 60 Fusion (256GB) | $699 | |
| $700 – $1000 | OPPO Reno 13 (256GB) | $899 |
| Google Pixel 9a (256GB) | $999 | |
| iPhone 16e (128GB) | $999 | |
Note: excludes discounts or short-term sale pricing.
Divide between flagship and mid-range devices narrows
While the latest flagship devices from major brands such as the iPhone 17 and Samsung S25 launched to great fanfare (and retail prices upward of $1,399), the divide between these phones and lower, or ‘mid-range’ phones is only narrowing.
New, lower-cost devices now include much of the same hardware: powerful processing chips capable of executing many tasks, including gaming and multitasking, and impressive battery life, with some devices offering up to 12 hours of straight gaming on one charge.
More choice for phone shoppers
In the last 12 months, several major brands have expanded their mid-range offerings with feature-rich devices at lower retail prices:
- Motorola’s Edge 60 Fusion
- OPPO’s Reno series
- Samsung’s Galaxy A56
All offer premium experiences – such as high-resolution cameras and fast charging – at a fraction of the flagship prices.
What should someone look for when they want a high-quality, low-cost new smartphone?
Before buying a brand-new smartphone, consider what you’ll mostly be using it for. This can help you to compare your options more easily and highlight where lower-cost options could be the perfect fit. For example, if you primarily use your phone for:
- Messages, calls, and social media: a well-performing all-rounder like the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G or the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion is a great option, with both offering AI capabilities and a bright display.
- Gaming: a device with higher storage and strong battery performance may be best, like the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, which offers a fast refresh rate and a large display, or the OPPO Reno 13 5G, which includes AI-optimisation for lag-free gaming.
- Photography or filming: devices like the Google Pixel 9A or iPhone 16e are higher-end solutions, or for something a little less expensive, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G could be a great fit too. All of which include a great camera, AI features, fast processing, and big batteries.
Canstar Blue utilities editor, Tara Donnelly, says, “A brand new device that ticks all the boxes of durability, long-lasting battery, impressive features, and quality performance, shouldn’t need to cost more than $400.”
“The last couple of years in particular have seen brands such as Samsung and OPPO bring affordable, high-performing devices to the market, helping to shape the new world of smartphones and demonstrating that high quality doesn’t have to come at a high price.
“Before buying any new phone, or even before going shopping for one, consider what you actually need in a device first.
“While the latest model of the most popular phone brand might seem like an exciting option, work out if you’re paying extra for something that you ultimately don’t actually need.”
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