If you’re interested in Apple’s flagship handset, then perhaps you’d be more interested in our best iPhone list.
Alternatively, if you prefer Google’s OS, then our best Android phone roundup should be right up your alley.
UPDATE: The Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL have been included on our Best Phone 2016 list – read on to find out where they placed!
2015 was a stellar year for smartphones, and 2016 is even better. The recent launches of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL mean that the humble smartphone is destined to become faster, more powerful and even more versatile than ever before.
Here at TechRadar, we check out every phone under the sun, putting the ones that matter through our vigorous testing process to create our in-depth mobile phone reviews.
However, with so many to choose from, we’ve spent hours whittling them down to a top ten, taking into account power, specs, design and value for money. And we’ll always point you in the direction of the latest handsets – after all, nobody wants to be carting around a phone that doesn’t get any updates in a year’s time, right?
So whether it’s one of the many slick Android handsets, the latest iPhone or one from a range of other cool manufacturers, we’ve extensively tested them all so you don’t have to!
Here are our rankings for the best smartphones around, currently available in Australia.
10. Motorola Moto Z
The world’s thinnest smartphone is also the best modular phone
Weight: 136g | Dimensions: 153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm | OS: Android Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/64GB | Battery: 2600mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
Moto Z takes the modular accessory idea we liked so much about the LG G5 and actually makes it work with better add-ons and an easier-to-use snap-on design.
It’s an Android phone that performs well right now and the potential behind its future accessories hold a lot of promise down the road. Usually when we talk about mid-cycle upgrades, we’re strictly talking about new software. Moto Z could take on new form at any time.
It may be the world’s thinnest phone, but that comes at a cost with a reduction in battery size and the loss of the headphone jack – potential issues for some users. If you can overlook these shortcomings though you’ll have a truly innovative device in your hands.
Read the full review: Motorola Moto Z
See the best Motorola Moto Z telco plans
9. Sony Xperia XZ
Sony finally has its flagship
Weight: 161g | Dimensions: 146 x 72 x 8.1 mm | OS: Android Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.2-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels | CPU: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32/64GB | microSD slot: Yes | Battery: 2900mAh | Rear camera: 23MP | Front camera: 13MP
The Sony Xperia XZ isn’t a revolutionary step, but it is the best flagship that’s ever come out of the Sony labs.
The brand has finally worked out how to make a decent camera on the rear, with the autofocus speed really, really impressive. The screen is only 1080p, but does seem to extend battery life as a result.
It’s got a nicely refined design, is waterproof and speedy under the finger too – if you’re into what the Sony brand is all about, you’ll love this phone.
Read the full review: Sony Xperia XZ
See the best Sony Xperia XZ telco plans
8. Apple iPhone SE
A simply brilliant palm-friendly phone
Weight: 113g | Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm | OS: iOS 9.3 | Screen size: 4-inch | Resolution: 640 x 1136 | CPU: Apple A9 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB | Battery: 1624mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
The iPhone SE sports a tired design, has a screen that’s several years old and a display size which isn’t really big enough for today’s apps and movies on the move.
That said, it’s one of very few high-end smartphones you can get which you can use one-handed without issue. It won’t be for everyone, but for those who dislike the supersized phones of today the iPhone SE is a top performer on a miniature scale.
Remember the SE has the same power, same camera and same operating system as the top of the range iPhone 6S, but in a size you can easily pocket and at a price which isn’t going to break the bank.
Sure Sony has the Z5 Compact, but that still has a large-ish 4.6-inch display – the SE is a rare breed of small form and big power.
Read the full review: Apple iPhone SE
See the best Apple iPhone SE telco plans
7. HTC 10
Not 10/10, but the best phone for music by far
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.2-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | Memory: 4GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery: 3,000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
After the success of the HTC One M8, the world wondered if time was up for HTC after it didn’t really ignite the smartphone game with the One M9.
Well, that’s not the case as the brand went away, made a beautiful phone that’s ‘sculpted by light’, added in a genuinely impressive camera and improved the battery life.
But that’s not the best bit – that comes when you plug headphones into this thing. It’s sensational – can this thing pump beautiful, Hi-Res Audio into your ears or what?
For that reason alone it’s worth a place in the top ten, and the myriad other improvements impress equally.
Read the full review:
HTC 10
6. Google Pixel XL
A perfectly palm-friendly phone
Weight: 168g | Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5mm | OS: Android 7.1 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels | CPU: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/128GB | Battery: 3450mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP
Google’s new phablet sports a new name (it’s ditched Nexus for Pixel), a top notch QHD display and a whole heap of power under the hood.
That makes it great for VR – keep an eye out for the Google Daydream View headset coming soon – while also making it a strong all round performer.
On screen and Google’s latest Android software is a joy to use, with smooth, slick performance and a clutter free design.
Fire up the camera app and the 12MP rear shooter is one of the best around, while a fingerprint scanner keep yours phone secure.
Minor weak points are battery life, design and the lack of waterproofing – but they don’t stop the Pixel XL from being an excellent flagship phablet.
Read the full review: Google Pixel XL
5. Apple iPhone 7
Better, sleeker and faster than the iPhone 6S
OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 4.7-inch | Resolution: 1334 x 750 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32GB/128GB/256GB |Battery: 1,960mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
On paper, the iPhone 7 doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade from last year’s terrific iPhone 6S, but seeing as that phone was fantastic, that’s not such a big deal.
Much has been said of Apple’s decision to drop the traditional headphone jack from the iPhone 7, and while we can’t really agree with this “courageous” decision, the flagship handset does pack its fair share of improvements, too.
It’s got slightly longer battery life, a better camera, fast innards and protection against water – if you’re going to buy a new iPhone, this is the one to get. However, many of the changes are slight, and the iPhone 6S, for the lower price, suddenly becomes a very attractive option.
Full review: Apple iPhone 7
See the best iPhone 7 telco plans
4. Google Pixel
The perfect phone for Android aficionados
Weight: 143g | Dimensions: 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5mm | OS: Android 7.1 | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/128GB | Battery: 2770mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP
The Google Pixel is an excellent flagship phone that’s only let down by mediocre battery life and the still-developing Assistant. If you can stomach the price point, the Pixel is a breath of fresh Google air in a world of Android over-complication.
The 12MP camera on the back is one of the best on the market, while the clean, fresh Android Nougat interface is a joy to use.
There’s heaps of power under the hood making it perfect for gaming and multi-tasking, while the bright, colourful screen provides an excellent viewing experience for your movies and TV shows.
It may not be the most attractive handset on the market, and it’s far from ugly. What you can be sure of is a lot of bang for your buck.
Read the full review: Google Pixel
3. Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Apple’s latest phablet is another stunner, though not much of an evolution
OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/128GB/256GB | Battery: around 2,900mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The iPhone 7 Plus is an excellent phablet, but it would have been nice to see some upgrades to screen resolution. That said, just like the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus comes with its share of improvements over last year’s model.
That’s mostly achieved through two things: the battery life and innovative camera. The former is always going to be better thanks to the larger size, but by bringing a dual camera to the mix Apple’s made a conscious effort to make the 7 Plus seem like a distinctly different choice.
On top of that, Apple has increased the colour gamut significantly and – as far as we could tell – the contrast ratio as well, meaning the richness of colours and depth on screen was improved. The screen is apparently also 25% brighter than it was on the iPhone 6S.
Overall, it’s safe to say that the iPhone 7 Plus is Apple’s best phone to date, but it’s hard not to wonder if a little more could have been done to make this super attractive to the 6 Plus upgraders.
Read the full review:
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
See the best iPhone 7 Plus telco plans
2. Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung doubles down with two 5-star handsets this year
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is a phone that initially looks just like the S6 from last year – but pick it up and you’ll see there’s a world of difference.
Firstly, the rear of the phone feels much nicer thanks to a curved back (through a process called 3D Thermo Forming), it’s now water resistant and a microSD slot is a welcome feature to return, after it was dropped last year.
The camera is just brilliant – it’s lower in megapixels but improved in quality. You’ll get brilliant pictures time and again, and you’ll want to keep trying it in different scenarios. It’s a great phone that you’ll be happy to pull out of your pocket.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S7
See the best Samsung Galaxy S7 teclo plans
1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
The best smartphone in the world – it’s a work of art
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB |Battery: 2550mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
Last year’s Galaxy S6 Edge was a good phone, but not brilliant. It was the same as the Samsung Galaxy S6, but had a curved screen – and that was it. It was the same size, power and camera, and that wasn’t enough.
Fast forward to today and the S7 Edge takes all the great looks of the S6 Edge, makes the phone even curvier and combines it with the superb power and feature set of the S7.
The camera is just brilliant, the mix of metal and glass is really nice to hold, and even the Touchwiz overlay is turning into something more usable than before. Battery life improvements are hugely welcomed, and while the price is higher, it’s now affixed to a phone that offers simply the best in nearly every department, so many will be happy with the outlay.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
See the best Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge telco plans
We’re all about reviewing and rating all the phones here at techradar. There’s nothing we like more than brewing a pot of tea and deciding where each new phone should sit in the list.
However, sometimes they don’t make it into the top 10 – sad, we know, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a quick look to see if they fit your needs. After all, there are very few bad phones these days…
Samsung Galaxy S6
A true return to form from the Korean manufacturer
OS: Android 5 | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | Memory: 3GB |Storage:32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 2550mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 5MP
When it comes down to it, the Galaxy S5 was a disappointment. Fortunately, Samsung learnt from its mistakes and come out with the incredible Galaxy S6.
While it’s been replaced by the Galaxy S7, with a wonderful camera and brilliant video recording capabilities, the S6 also manages to compliment the recording by including a stunning 5.1-inch QHD screen in the phone.
Possibly the biggest improvement in this model is the build quality, which shuns the plastic of the S5 for a refined glass and metal enclosure that feels as premium as the specs.
It did have a pretty big price tag, but now that the S7 variants are out in the wild, you could pick up this impressive device at a bargain.
Samsung Galaxy S6 review
See the best Samsung Galaxy S6 deals
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440p | Memory: 4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 3,000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 5MP
Though we’d love to include the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on this list, a series of unfortunate burning issues has caused Samsung to officially recall the device for the time being. On that note (hehe), we’re going to hold off on including it here until it’s back on store shelves and the recall has finished.
With that said, people after a phablet may want to consider last year’s model, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, as it has one of the best-looking screens next to the S7 Edge.
It ditches the plastic casing and back everyone disliked about Samsung phones, but it did make a few key sacrifices along the way. The battery is no longer swappable, and the microSD card slot is missing.
While some long-time fans are vocal about these two missing features, the Galaxy Note 5 still has one of the best splitscreen modes and best cameras. It matches the quality of the Samsung Galaxy S6.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a large phone that’s either a game changer or deal breaker for longtime fans of the Android phablet, now that it has a premium look and feel.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
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HTC One M9
A stunning phone, even if it does feel like a slight step backwards
OS: Android 5 | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Memory: 3GB |Storage: 32GB | Battery:2840mAh | Rear camera: 20.7MP | Front camera: 4MP
For two long years, the HTC One and its follow up, the One (M8) topped the techradar charts for the best phone money could buy. But while the most recent version has been overtaken by its competitors, it’s still one of the best devices on the market.
With the same exceptional build quality that made previous One handsets stand apart from the crowd, and the incredible Boomsound front-facing speakers, there’s plenty to love about this phone.
The 20.7MP camera may be better specced than previous iterations, but it still falls short against some of the higher-placed competitors here.
The price at launch was a bit too high for what you actually got, but given we’re soon to meet the HTC One M10, you can grab the M9 at a pretty good price. For the quality of the hardware and software, it’s definitely worth checking out.
HTC One M9 review
See the best HTC One M9 deals
Huawei Mate 8
Great battery life but a middling interface
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 6-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | RAM: 3-4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 4000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP dual | Front camera: 8MP
This is obviously more phablet than phone, but it’s an intriguing one given it’s lower on the price scale. There’s a great, speedy fingerprint sensor on the rear, the display is still stunning despite not being the sharpest around and the battery life is much stronger than most on show here.
However, Huawei’s Emotion UI is still a bit hard to master, trying to ape the best bits of both Android and iOS but not really managing either. The speaker grille doesn’t look amazing, and we wish the fast charging cable came along at purchase.
Huawei Mate 8 review
Microsoft Lumia 950
The beginning of a smartphone revolution?
OS: Windows Phone 10 | Screen size: 5.2-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 20MP | Front camera: 5MP
Maybe you’re bored of the iPhone. Perhaps Android just doesn’t do it for you. Maybe you’re just wondering if there’s something different out there? Well, Windows Phone 10 on the Lumia 950 will intrigue you. It can offer a PC-like experience by extending out to a larger monitor, and the camera is pretty strong.
However, there’s one issue: apps. Or the lack thereof – and when combined with the slightly plastic design, it fails to trouble the top 10. However, it’s a legitimate choice and easily one of the most impressive Windows Phones ever.
Full Review: Microsoft Lumia 950
BlackBerry Priv
BlackBerry + Android = more impressive than expected
OS: Android | Screen size: 5.4-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 3410mAh | Rear camera: 18MP | Front camera: 2MP
BlackBerry is back – and it’s taking a new direction by finally jumping into bed with Android. It’s got a slide-out keyboard, a superbly sharp screen, splendidly powerful innards and some decent privacy settings too.
However, it’s not cheap. At all, and the keyboard – something we all used to love – now feels a little outdated. Combined with the chunkier design (to facilitate that keyboard) and some lag in performance, this isn’t top table worthy. But there’s a lot of promise here, and we’re glad to see BlackBerry is still swinging.
Full review: Blackberry Priv
OnePlus 3
OnePlus finally has a genuine flagship killer
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3,000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP
Addressing a number of issues fans had with the OnePlus 2, it seems the third time’s the charm for the Chinese startup, as the OnePlus 3 manages to provide a premium smartphone experience without breaking the budget.
Its impressive Snapdragon 820 processor and huge 6GB of RAM ensure that the OnePlus 3 is future-proofed for the next few years, at least.
There are a few shortcomings, but some compromises are essential in a $550 smartphone with this level of spec, and on the whole the ones made here don’t really limit the OnePlus 3 in any meaningful way.
Full review: OnePlus 3
HTC One M8
A stunning phone with very few flaws
OS: Android | Screen size: 5-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB | Battery: 2,600mAh | Rear camera: 4MP dual | Front camera: 5MP
The HTC One M8 has tumbled dramatically out of the top 10 after holding onto top spot for the best part of a year, so why the demise? Well it’s now pretty old compared to the handsets making up the top ten, and there’s a new kid on the block in the shape of the One M9.
It’s still the same perfectly design handset though, with impressive BoomSound speakers and the short-live, yet innovative Duo Camera on the year – but the One M9 is almost identical, and just a bit better all round.
There’s been a price drop too since the arrival of the One M9, and you certainly won’t be getting a poor phone if you choose to pick it up – but for just a bit more you can have its up to date successor. Your call.
HTC One M8 review
Samsung Galaxy S5
Two years old, but still very capable
OS: Android | Screen size: 5.1-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB | Battery: 2,800mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 2MP
If Samsung’s latest duo of flagship devices (the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge) are too rich for your wallet then you can always consider last year’s Galaxy S5.
Sure it doesn’t have the same premium design as the current generation, but the plastic body means it’s dust and water resistant as well as giving you a removable battery and microSD slot – all things not available on the S6 range.
The drop in price also makes the Galaxy S5 more attractive and it’s stuffed full of tech and sports a fantastic screen to ensure you still have an enjoyable mobile experience.
Samsung Galaxy S5 review
Apple iPhone 6
Perfect for fans of the smaller screen size
OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 4.7-inch | Resolution: 750 x 1334 | RAM: 1GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 1810 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
After the iPhone 6S launched, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that the iPhone 6 even exists. But it’s right there – looking identical to the 6S and still packing loads of tech that makes iPhones, well, iPhones.
It’s still a bit expensive, but that said it’s sucked down the iOS 9.1 software pretty well, and is still pushing on as a decent option for a cheaper iPhone, especially if you’re not bothered about tricks like the 3D Touch screen.
Plus, you can use it with the Apple Watch and pay for things on the go using the cunningly named Apple Pay – and with improved camera optics and a better battery compared to the predecessor, this is still one hell of a nifty phone.
iPhone 6 review
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