It’s not a big deal to have a mobile in your pocket. But not all mobile phones are smart.
Also, most are not good at playing games because of their small screen size, not-so-good battery, and mobile UI.
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Many gamers say the Apple iPhone is the best, but there are reasons that not all players can afford it.
If you look at the mobile market segment in New Zealand, you will find that iPhones have a 41% market share, and that means 59% of the smartphones in Kiwi pockets are Android phones that run Google’s Android operating system.
Android mobiles in New Zealand
Fewer Android manufacturers are selling in New Zealand than in other countries. Therefore, choices for Android mobiles are tucked at looking for Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo with a bit of Nokia thrown in occasionally.
- Samsung is considered the best Android and is famous for its hardware, software, and excellent features.
- Oppo’s latest phones have brought it right up to speed, besting Samsung in some cases for sheer design and specs at lower or similar prices.
- Though a few mobile phones are popular now, Nokia’s brand name is licensed by another Finnish company, HMD. HMD manufactures phones and puts the Nokia name on them, but the quality is still poor, and if you want a simple Android phone, they are a solid choice.
- Huawei phones can’t run Google services, so you won’t be able to use Gmail, Google Maps, or the Play Store for your favourite apps.
According to research firm IDC, in early 2019, New Zealanders spent more on smartphones as time went on.
Spending on low-end phones declined 19% from 2018, but that was pre-Covid. Now you need to be a bit realistic and consider mobile in the range of $100- $2000 (if you can afford it)
Read also: Best Pokie Machines to Play on Android Mobile Phones
Best Android Phones you can buy now in New Zealand
| Phone Name | Price (NZ$) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | 1124 | Excellent camera, high-resolution |
| Oppo Find N3 | 2998 | Foldable design, large screen |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | Varies | Innovative foldable design |
| Google Pixel 8a | 809 | Advanced camera features |
| OnePlus 12 | 1457 | Powerful performance, large battery |
In New Zealand, it’s common for Android phones to be sold locked to one of the extensive networks, even if you’re buying the phone outright from a retailer or the manufacturer.
So, it would be best to double-check that you’re buying a phone that is completely unlocked or one that is locked to the network you want to use.
If you are buying on contract, consider if you can afford a 24-month rather than 36-month contract so you’re locked in for two years of payments instead of three.
Contracts with a phone are pricey in New Zealand for not much mobile data, so if you can afford to buy a phone outright, you might be able to afford a better monthly data plan.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched Date | February 17, 2023 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Network Compatibility | 5G |
| Color | Black |
| Device Screen Size (inches) | 6.8 |
| Resolution (Pixels) | 3088 x 1400 |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Internal Memory | 256GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 5000 |
| Good for Gaming | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 8 |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 200MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera (MP) | 12MP |
| Environmental Protection | Water resistant, Dustproof |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was launched on February 1st, 2023. Many users rave about the camera, particularly the powerful zoom and low-light capabilities.
The 200MP sensor and improved OIS are definite highlights. The phone’s speed and responsiveness are also appreciated, providing a powerful and smooth gaming experience.
Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, ensuring future-proof connectivity options.
Since the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was launched on Feb 23, it’s no longer the newest model; you can look for the Samsung Galaxy S24, which might be a better option for you.
Price of Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – NZ$1124
There are new lineups in the series of Samsung Galaxy S series. You can find it below.
Samsung Galaxy S24/24+/24 Ultra
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 31, 2024 | January 31, 2024 | January 31, 2024 |
| Operating System | Android OS | Android 14 | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 |
| Network Compatibility | 3G, 4G, and 5G | 5G | 5G |
| Device Screen Size (inches) | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.2 |
| Resolution (Pixels) | 3120 x 1440 | 3120 x 1440 | 2340×1080 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Memory | 128/256/512GB | 512GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB | 512GB | 2340×1080 |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 4900 | Li-ion 4000 mAh |
| Good for Gaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 12 | 12 | 8 |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 200 MP + 12 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP | 50 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP 3x telephoto camera | 50MP + 10MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera (MP) | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Price | $2699 | $2249 | $1387 |
2. Oppo Find N3
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 19 October 2023 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Network Compatibility | 5G |
| Screen Size (inches) | 7.8 |
| Resolution (pixels) | Multiple |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAH) | 4800 |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Good for Gaming | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 16 GB |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 64 + 48 + 48 + 16 |
| Front Camera (MP) | 32 |
| Price | $2998 |
Oppo Find N3 is in the same category as Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, a foldable Android smartphone.
It has a large foldable main display that unfolds to offer a mixture of regular-sized phones and a near tablet-like experience.
Ultra Thin Glass is there to protect the foldable display from damage. It has a decent battery life and supports fast charging for quick power top-ups.
However, no phone is perfect, and so is the Oppo Find N3. While the main camera is decent, many reviews suggest that the selfie camera was not up to the mark.
Some apps might not be fully optimized for the foldable form factor yet, potentially leading to awkward layouts.
3. Galaxy Z Flip 3
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 11, 2021 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Network Compatibility | Varies by carrier |
| Screen Size (inches) | Main: 6.7 & Cover: 1.9 |
| Resolution (pixels) | Main: 2636 x 1080 (FHD+) & Cover: 260 x 512 |
| Internal Storage | 128, 256 GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 3300 |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Good for Gaming | Decent, but foldable crease might be distracting |
| RAM (GB) | 8 |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 12 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera (MP) | 10 MP |
| Price | Varies by retailer and storage optionpen_spark |
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a stylish phone with an innovative foldable design. The foldable factor is a conversation starter, and the phone feels comfortable to hold when unfolded.
While not top-of-the-line, the dual rear cameras capture good-quality photos in most lighting conditions.
However, users’ battery life is a concern as the 3300 mAh battery might require a mid-day charge.
It has a Snapdragon 888 processor, which is smooth for everyday tasks, but the gaming experience might be a little disappointing.
Compared to earlier models, the Z Flip 3 boasts a more robust hinge and IPX8 water resistance (for splashes).
If you prioritize a compact design and a foldable experience, the Z Flip 3 is a good option.
But a traditional smartphone might be a better fit if you need a phone with excellent battery life, a perfectly flat screen, and affordability.
4. Google Pixel 8a
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 7, 2024 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Network Compatibility | 5G |
| Screen Size (inches) | 6.1 |
| Resolution (pixels) | 1080×2400 OLED at 430 PPI |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAH) | 4492 |
| Good for Gaming | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 8 GB |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 64 MP Quad PD Wide Camera |
| Front Camera (MP) | 13 MP |
| Price | $809 |
The Google Pixel 8a features a 50MP main camera, advanced software like Magic Eraser and Night Sight, and a 13MP front camera.
It has a 6.1-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2400 resolution. Powered by a Google Tensor G3 processor and 8GB RAM, it runs on clean Android 14.
Additional features include a fingerprint sensor, a 4492mAh battery with fast charging, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The design is compact with a plastic back.
The storage of the Google Pixel 8a is not expandable. It only comes with 128GB of storage, which can fill up quickly with photos, videos, and apps.
If you need a lot of storage space, you’ll either have to be very selective about what you keep on the phone or opt for the more expensive 256GB option.
5. OnePlus 12
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 23, 2024 |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14 |
| Network Compatibility | 5G |
| Screen Size (inches) | 6.82 |
| Resolution (pixels) | 3168 x 1440 (QHD+), 510 ppi |
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAH) | 5400 |
| Good for Gaming | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 64 + 48 |
| Front Camera (MP) | 32 |
| Price | $1457 |
The OnePlus 12 features a flat glass rear panel with a circular camera module and is available in Flowy Emerald and Silky Black finishes.
It has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB variants, a curved glass screen, and telephoto performance with Hasselblad cameras.
It has a 5,400mAh battery and runs on Oxygen OS.
It offers a value of $1457 in New Zealand but lacks generative AI features and full water resistance, differentiating it from competitors like Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy series.
Latest iOS Phones
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 12 September 2023 | 12 September 2023 |
| Operating System | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 17.5.1 | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 17.5.1 |
| Network Compatibility | 5G | 5G |
| Screen Size (inches) | 5.81 | 6.33 |
| Resolution (Pixels) | 2556‑by‑1179 | 2796‑by‑1290 |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 3349 | 4383 |
| Good for Gaming | Yes | Yes |
| RAM (GB) | 6GB | 6GB |
| Rear Cameras (MP) | 48MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide | 48MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera (MP) | 12MP | 12MP |
| Price (NZ$) | NZ$1,649 | NZ$1,849 |
Apple announced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in September 2023. Although the official market release date was September 2022, they were both available for pre-orders on September 15.
Editors Verdict
Choosing the best phone among these options depends on individual preferences and priorities. However, here’s what I feel:
Recommendation:
- Best for Overall Performance and Features: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- Best Foldable Option: Oppo Find N3.
- Best for Camera and Software Experience: Google Pixel 8a.
- Best Value for Performance: OnePlus 12.
- Best iOS Option: iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus.
If budget is a key consideration and you want a high-performance device with a clean Android experience, the Google Pixel 8a is a good choice.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Oppo Find N3 are excellent options for those seeking the latest features and top-tier performance. If you prefer iOS, the iPhone 15 series would be the best bet.