Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launches this week in Australia but there are cheaper options

Samsung’s $2000 flagship smartphone launches this week but there is a new trend for budget-friendly, full-featured phones that could save you dollars. SEE THE FULL LIST

The latest big-name smartphone will arrive in Australian stores within days, but it will come with a price tag of almost $2000.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is just one of a new generation of full-featured, cutting-edge devices commanding high prices once associated with European appliances or second-hand cars.

But there are still ways to secure a new and capable mobile phone at a serious discount, with several big-name manufacturers issuing cut-price versions of their best devices to ensure they don’t miss out on a sale.

Analysts say the trend is taking off in Australia, where consumers are now buying more mid-range models than expensive phones, and with one earning the title of the most popular smartphone in Australia.

Examples of the emerging trend include budget versions of the Apple iPhone, Samsung’s Galaxy S10, Oppo’s Reno flagship, and even Google’s Pixel smartphone.

MORE: Everything you need to know about the Samsung Note 10

Oppo Reno Z ($499): This discount smartphone steals features from more expensive models and delivers a 6.4-inch screen, 48-megapixel main camera, night mode for photography, and a 32-megapixel camera up front for memorable selfies.

Samsung Electronics Australia mobile vice-president Garry McGregor told News Corp that releasing a budget-friendly take on the company’s top phones was important to attract more customers but also to ensure they had a good experience with the brand.

“Years ago when you bought a prepaid product the experience was nowhere near like you’d have on a flagship product and people would say ‘I’ve tried Samsung and it wasn’t very good’,” Mr McGregor said.

“Now you can get a 6.4-inch screen device at a very affordable price point. There are a lot of Samsung products out there and that’s not us trying to flood the market, it’s trying to provide choice for Australian consumers.”

But the company is far from alone in ramping up the quality of its budget-friendly phone range.

Apple’s cheapest iPhone, the XR, is currently Australia’s top-selling smartphone, according to Kantar figures, making up 7.3 per cent of all purchases between April and June.

Telsyte figures also reveal that Australians consumers bought almost six million smartphones priced under $1000 last year, compared to 3.1 million handsets over $1000.

Apple iPhone XR ($1229): The most popular smartphone in Australia is the cheapest iPhone, which comes in six colours, features facial recognition security, a 6.1-inch screen, and a 12-megapixel camera. Unlike many mid-range phones, it’s also water resistant to 1m for 30 minutes.

Managing director Foad Fadaghi said Australians were clearly still keen on buying premium, full-featured smartphones, but soaring costs had forced many to hold on to their old phones for longer or to look at cheaper options.

“There is a recognition that premium models are expensive,” he said.

“What you have now is premium handsets that are priced more affordably. It’s a trend. You have generational developments that facilitate that, particularly for Apple and Samsung.”

Mr Fadaghi said savvy buyers were also looking to buy older smartphones in larger numbers too, “because the software is supported for five years now”.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, launched in New York, will come with a redesigned, more powerful S Pen stylus. Picture: Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson

Apple iPhone XR ($1229): The most popular smartphone in Australia is the cheapest iPhone, which comes in six colours, features facial recognition security, a 6.1-inch screen, and a 12-megapixel camera. Unlike many mid-range phones, it’s also water resistant to 1m for 30 minutes.

Google Pixel 3a ($649): Google’s latest smartphone seriously undercuts its competition on price but still extracts a lot of detail from its artificially intelligent camera, delivers up to 30 hours of battery life, and promises three years of software updates.

Samsung Galaxy A70 ($649): Samsung’s A Series is much more affordable than other smartphones in its Galaxy, but while it arrives in a plastic body it also brings a 6.7-inch screen, three rear cameras with lens choices, and a healthy 4500mAh battery.

Oppo Reno Z ($499): This discount smartphone steals features from more expensive models and delivers a 6.4-inch screen, 48-megapixel main camera, night mode for photography, and a 32-megapixel camera up front for memorable selfies.

Motorola One Vision ($499): Despite its budget price, Motorola’s new smartphone comes with a 48-megpixel rear camera with Night Vision mode, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, an octa-core chip for speed, 128GB storage, and a 25-megapixel camera up front for detailed selfies.

Originally published as Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launches this week in Australia but there are cheaper options