Smartphones are an integral part of our day-to-day life. Not only do they help us stay connected to our loved ones, but they’re our gateway to the wider world. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, there are some exciting new smartphones that have recently hit the shelves. Discover the latest smartphone releases and their most impressive features, and find which one is right for you.

Key Features to Consider 

Screen size‍

The device’s dimensions and screen size, which is often measured diagonally, are both essential considerations. Reflect on what you need most from your smartphone, whether it’s portability, screen size or both, and keep it in mind when browsing through new devices.

Battery Life

‍While a phone battery’s capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), battery life run time gives an indication of how long a phone will last, in hours, before it needs to be recharged. The figures are based on average usage and are dependent on a number of factors, including what apps are used, the device model and even the battery manufacturer. When it comes to chargers, fast chargers have a higher wattage than others; this means its capacity to move energy to your phone battery is quicker than lower-wattage chargers, so your battery can be boosted in a shorter period of time.

Camera

‍Picture quality is measured in megapixels (MP). A megapixel is made up of one million pixels and is responsible for creating details in your images. If you’re after detailed snaps of your latest travels or want your video calls to feel like you’re face to face, generally look for a higher-megapixel camera. 

Best for AI Features: Google Pixel 9 Pro 5G Unlocked Smartphone 128GB Porcelain

A front and back view of a Google Pixel 9 Pro 5G Unlocked Smartphone 128GB Porcelain, shown on a yellow background. 

Screen size: 6.3 inches
Battery life: More than 24 hours*
Weight: 199g
Camera: 50MP rear wide camera, 48MP rear ultra-wide camera, 48MP rear telephoto camera, 42MP front-facing camera

Powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, this smartphone combines processing power with integrated AI to maximise your productivity. Google’s Gemini assistant can help you do anything, from brainstorming ideas to summarising documents when you give simple voice commands. Make your photos even better with features like Add Me, which allows you to merge two photos and create the perfect group snap, or Magic Editor, which helps remove unwanted objects from the background. The Google Pixel 9 Pro’s battery can last over 24 hours and can be extended on its Extreme Saver Mode, which stops any battery-draining background activity or refreshes. The fast-charging battery can also get back up to 55 per cent power in just 30 minutes.

SEE ALSO: Find The Right Tablet For You

‍Best for Portability: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Blue 

A front and back view of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Blue smartphone, shown on a light purple background.‍

Screen size: 6.7 inches
Battery life: Up to 23 hours* (Video Playback, Videos)
Weight: 187g
Camera: 50MP rear camera, 12MP rear ultra-wide camera; 10MP front-facing camera 

The flip phone is back. This compact design makes it easy to slip this phone into any pocket, purse or palm. The outer display lets you check notifications with a glance, or flip it open and enjoy its full-sized 6.7-inch display. FlexMode is a multitasker’s dream; open the phone to 90 degrees and enjoy hands-free streaming, video chat, photography and more. Its camera has built-in AI features, such as an auto zoom that can help reframe the perfect picture. It’s built to last with a lightweight yet tough Armor Aluminium casing to protect the device from any accidental spills, and its screens are made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a tough and scratch-resistant glass.

Best for Screen Size: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 5G Smartphone 256GB Obsidian

Screen size: 8-inch inner display, 6.3-inch outer display
Battery life: More than 24 hours*
Weight: 257g
‍Camera: 48MP rear wide camera, 10.5MP rear ultra-wide camera, 10.8MP rear telephoto camera, 10MP front-facing camera

This phone’s ultra-wide screen display will help open you up to new digital horizons. Check your notifications easily using the 6.3-inch outer display, then open it up and immerse yourself in its 8-inch inner display, perfect for gaming, streaming or scrolling. You can also use the inner display as a dual screen setup so you can multitask using its Split Screen Mode. 

Perfect your pose in every photo by using the outer display to see the shot that’s about to be taken, or talk the talk no matter where you are in the world with the live translation function. This enables you to have a conversation in real-time with captions in your respective languages displaying on the inner and outer screens, so you’ll be able to interact with the locals like a pro on your next overseas holiday. Google’s Gemini can also assist you with almost any task, from summarising conversations to helping you plan dinner with what you have in your fridge.

Best for Durability: Opel Mobile Rugged 60Q 4G Smartphone Black 

A front and back view of the Opel Mobile Rugged 60Q 4G Smartphone Black, shown on an orange background.

Screen size: 6 inches
Battery life: Up to 10.5 hours* (Run Time)
Weight: 308g
Camera: 13MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera

Seek every thrill while staying connected with this smartphone designed for adventure lovers. Its 6-inch screen uses Panda Glass, a strong scratch-resistant material built to withstand bumps or tumbles, so you can go off the beaten track without worrying about cracking your screen. It’s certified with an IP68 and IP69 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it ready for your next extreme activity, whether you’re kayaking or exploring new trails. And, with a 13MP camera, you can take breathtaking shots of all your travels. Plus, its battery can last up to three weeks on standby mode so you can go off grid but stay connected for emergencies. 

Best for On the Go: OPPO A60 5G 128GB Ocean Blue

A front and back view of the OPPO A60 5G 128GB Ocean Blue smartphone, shown on a teal background.

Screen size: 6.67 inches
Battery life: Up to 38 hours* (Talk Time) 
Weight: 187g
Camera: 50MP rear camera, 8MP front-facing camera 

Answering emails poolside? This phone’s Splash Touch feature works even when your hands are wet. Scrolling in the sun? The Ultra Bright Display will hit 950 nits (the measurement that quantifies brightness) even outdoors so you can still see your screen clearly. Butter fingers? It has military-grade shock resistance. This phone is designed to work well in whatever environment you’re in and, when you’re on the move between point A and B, a 30-minute Flash Charge will power your phone to 50 per cent so you can rest easy knowing important calls won’t be missed. And at less than 8mm wide, it fits easily in any pocket.

SEE ALSO: Geeks2U: Expert Tips on Smart Homes, Online Safety and More

Best for Comfortable Viewing: TCL 40 NXTPAPER 256GB Unlocked Mobile Handset Midnight Blue 

A front and back view of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 256GB Unlocked Mobile Handset Midnight Blue, shown on a teal background.

Screen size: 6.78 inches
Battery life: Up to 18 hours* (Run Time)
Weight: 195g
Camera: 50MP rear wide camera, 5MP rear ultra-wide camera, 2MP rear macro camera, 32MP front-facing camera.

Boasting a generous display screen, this smartphone offers full-high-definition resolution and a speedy refresh rate (how many times the display can refresh images within a second), so you can enjoy detailed and smooth graphics. Unlike the glossy display of other phones, this screen has a matte finish, which creates a paper-like look and feel. That means it’s anti-glare and smudge-proof so you won’t get any uncomfortable reflections or fingerprints obstructing your graphics. It also helps protect your eyes with a built-in low-blue-light filter so you can stream, scroll or read with less eye strain. 

Best for Entertainment: Motorola g85 5G 128GB Cobalt Blue

A front and back view of the Motorola g85 5G 128GB Cobalt Blue smartphone, shown on a pastel pink background.

Screen size: 6.7 inches
Battery life: Up to 34 hours*
Weight: 173g
Camera: 50MP rear camera, 8MP front-facing camera

With curved sides and edge-to-edge screen display, the Motorola g85 offers a seamless experience, whether you’re watching YouTube videos or scrolling social media. Its 6.7-inch display uses pOLED technology, which provides bright and precise picture quality, and it has a speedy 120Hz refresh rate for stutter-free viewing. Pair its precise graphics with its Dolby Atmos sound and you’ve got a mini cinema in your pocket. Plus, settings like Optical Image Stabilisation keep everything smooth and steady, so blurry photos and videos will be a thing of the past. Its battery can last for up to 34 hours so you don’t need to worry about making a pit stop. If you need a top-up, its TurboPower 30 charging gives you up to 9 hours of power with a 10-minute charge.

Best for Creativity: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB

A front and back view of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB smartphone, shown on a pastel pink background. 

Screen size: 6.7 inches
Battery life: Up to 28 hours* (Video Playback, Wireless)
Weight: 210g
Camera: 50MP rear wide camera, 8MP rear telephoto camera, 12MP rear ultra-wide camera, 10MP front-facing camera

Embrace your artistic side with a device that banishes creative block. Its trio of camera lenses takes crisp shots and its powerful zoom allows you to capture close-up detail. Plus, its Nightography feature lets you capture vivid snaps in low-light settings, meaning you can take grid-worthy shots day or night. Its AI-powered Sketch to Image feature also helps your visions come to life: simply sketch your ideas or draw over photos and watch it create your images or edit your photos. If you’re feeling uninspired, scroll and search for inspiration using its Circle to Search feature. Just circle something on your screen to find out everything you want to know in an instant. And no matter what you do, its full-high-definition resolution display will let you create, stream and game in vibrant detail.

SEE ALSO: The Benefits of an AI Laptop for Work, Study and Play

Phone Accessories

Headphones‍

Enjoy your tunes, movies or hands-free calls while you’re out and about with a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds.

What to Try

‍Charging Cable

‍Be sure to check the connectivity requirements of your device before selecting your cable so you can plug in wherever you are.

What to Try

‍Case

Add an extra layer of protection and select a case to keep your phone safe from any bumps or accidental drops.

What to Try

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*Battery life/run time is an indicator and estimated based on supplied brand’s testing environments. Actual battery life may vary, and is dependent on various factors including loaded applications, configuration, features, usage, network, and settings. Battery run times quoted are typically results of benchmark testing by brands. Refer to the specific brand’s website for specific testing conditions.