The five phones worth buying today if you're shopping for a new one

Choosing a new phone is either one of the easiest or hardest decisions to make. If you're stuck in the Apple ecosystem, it's always a simple upgrade to the next best bet, and likewise for Samsung.

But if you're bored with your current phone and don't know what to choose next, fear not, as we round up the next best phones to buy.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

iPhone 17

Perfect for: Apple users after a new, great-value phone.

Now $1388.61

The iPhone 17 is Apple's best base phone in years, and that's thanks to a few reasons. Firstly, the starting storage has been upgraded to 256GB without an increase in price, which is great for people who love taking photos! On the note of photos, the phone now comes with two 48MP cameras on the back and a new 18MP centre-stage front camera – letting you take horizontal photos without even needing to turn the phone! Finally, its display has been upgraded to the same 120hz ProMotion technology as the Pro series phones.

READ MORE: Should you buy an iPhone 17? Everything you need to know

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Perfect for: users who value privacy and photography.

Was $2499, now $2199

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's flagship phone of the year, and it comes with an exclusive Privacy Feature that protects you from unwanted viewers. It works thanks to new pixel technology that you can activate at will, even blocking out specific things like passwords, notifications, or the whole screen. The phone also features upgraded night photography, upgraded wired and wireless charging speeds and better overall performance.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the S26 Ultra

Nothing Phone (4a)

Perfect for: budget-conscious people after a unique phone.

Now $649

The Nothing Phone (4a) is my personal vote for the best value phone of the year so far. Running on Nothing OS 4.1 and Android 16, it's priced relatively budget-friendly and comes in four different colours suitable for your style. What I like most is its hardware, design and 'Glyph Bar' that lets you see notifications based on lights. Plus, it has generally good cameras, a long-lasting battery, and if you pre-order now, you can receive either a Nothing Ear (a) or CMF Watch 3.

READ MORE: Nothing Phone (4a) review: Is this 2026's best value device?

Honor Magic V5

Perfect for: people who want a foldable phone.

Now $2084 | KoganNow $2499 | Amazon

Honor officially launched in Australia last December, and their Magic V5 drives some serious foldable value. It has a great triple camera system, a massive 5820mAh battery for two-day performance, and a thin and lightweight design. If you're afraid of switching from an iPhone, fear not, as Honor's MagicOS will feel strikingly similar. And yes, we recommend the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as another option too if you would rather a Samsung phone instead.

READ MORE: Australia's thinnest foldable phone is (almost) perfect

Google Pixel 9a

Perfect for: budget phone users.

Now $560.97

If you're still looking for something a little cheaper, the Pixel 9a is boasting a great deal on Amazon. It's a 6.3-inch display that's powerful enough to run your daily basic needs, like texting and calling, all the while lasting for up to 30 hours. Plus, Google's cameras are pretty decent, and you get a range of fun colours to choose from. If you're looking for a slight upgrade, you could go for the 10a, but the differences are minimal aside from a brighter screen and faster charging. I'd also say, if you're interested in Google, their Google Pixel 10 Pro phones are actually great for something like taking photos, too, if you value your photography.

READ MORE: The best budget phones that won't break the bank