Tried and tested: we rate the top smartphones

We put smartphones to the test - here’s our technology editor’s view on which one will make your life easiest.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke

The smallest and cheapest folding phone just got more colourful

$1679, samsung.com/au

PROS

– Most pocket-friendly phone

– Customisable, coloured exterior

– Larger front screen for alerts

CONS

– Limited battery life

– No camera zoom

– Custom colours take time

The smallest folding phone on the market stole the limelight at Samsung’s big phone launch this year, and now it’s winning more attention with customisable coloured panels. The Bespoke Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip3 will let users choose one of five colours for the front and back panels of the phone to match a black or silver frame. The next-gen flip phone also gets a better flexible, 6.7-inch screen, a bigger front display, a 5G connection, and water-resistance in this iteration, though the phone still only has two 12-megapixel cameras with no telephoto lens.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Finally, a Google phone to make Samsung and Apple nervous

From $1299, store.google.com

The Google Pixel 6 Pro smartphone features a 50-megapixel rear camera.

PROS

● Outstanding cameras

● First phone with mmWave 5G

● Much cheaper than its rivals

CONS

● Can’t add a memory card

● Very large camera hump

● Slippery form needs a case

Internet giant Google has finally worked out how to spook its rivals. Its new Pixel is the first phone in Australia to use even faster next-gen 5G networks, it comes with a reliable in-screen fingerprint scanner, and its three main cameras – a 50-megapixel camera, 48-megapixel shooter with 4x optical zoom, and a wide-angle option – are capable of capturing print-worthy images. Google’s own Tensor chip also delivers surprise software smarts, like the Magic Eraser tool to delete photo-bombers, and it costs less than its peers, making a compelling case to switch.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The new iPhone has a big focus on camera upgrades

From $1849, apple.com.au

PROS

● Lots of camera upgrades

● Faster screen and chip

● Impressive battery life

CONS

● No huge leap from iPhone 12

● No Touch ID to suit mask life

● More storage costs a lot

The biggest upgrades to Apple’s top iPhone all focused on its cameras this year, with all three gaining new features. Its ultra-wide lens can now shoot macro close-ups, its telephoto lens extended its range to offer 6x optical zoom, and its main lens has an even wider aperture. This iPhone also adds Cinematic Mode for arty home movies in sharp focus, a speedier chip, and a screen that’s faster to refresh for long scrolling sessions. Its battery will also outlast even the busiest days.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Moto G50 5G

A 5G starter phone for young folks and newbies

$319, officeworks.com.au

PROS

● Cheap for a 5G phone

●Advanced, 6.5-inch screen

●48-megapixel main camera

CONS

●A little slow

●Average camera performance

●Plain appearance

Motorola’s latest smartphone is potentially a good starter phone for young users: it’s plain but not pricey, and has enough features to keep newcomers busy. Those features include three main cameras, including a 48-megapixel model and another to snap close-ups, a 6.5-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate to make games look good, a 5000mAh battery that will last more than a day, and a fingerprint lock on the side of the device. Its speed and image quality won’t match top models but neither does its price.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

One of the most innovative, book-like phones but it won’t turn everyone’s page
$2319, microsoft.com

Microsoft's unique double-screened smartphone, the Duo 2.

PROS

● Double the screens

● Flip-over hinge provides interesting uses

● Software lets you “span” apps

CONS

● Looks big beside your head

● Slightly buggy software

One of the innovative gadgets Microsoft has bet on in years is also the first double-screened phone in Australia. Its two 5.6-inch displays look like an 8.3-inch screen together, and its Android software will let users “span” apps over both screens for easy reading or use apps side by side for convenience. Its 360-degree hinge will also flip one screen around for calls or stand it on a desk. The software can be buggy, however, the screens have large borders and it’s a big phone to hold to an ear.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars