What are Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customer Awards?

Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards recognise companies with the most satisfied customers overall based on consumer surveys.

How many people do we survey for our smartphone ratings?

Canstar surveyed 1,186 Australians for their feedback on smartphones they’ve purchased in the last two years. This refers to new smartphones (not refurbished or second-hand devices) that were bought outright or as a phone-on-a-plan.

How do we rate smartphone brands?

Survey respondents are asked to rate their satisfaction with their smartphone brand from zero to 10, with zero meaning extremely dissatisfied and 10 meaning extremely satisfied. Smartphone brand satisfaction is rated on the following criteria: Value for money: the quality of the smartphone is good enough, or exceeds expectations for the price paid. User friendliness: the smartphone is easy to set up and use. Durability: it feels sturdy and handles general usage and wear-and-tear with minimal damage. Battery and charging performance: i.e. the battery lasts well during usage and it is efficient to charge. Design: i.e. the smartphone looks and feels good to use. Camera quality: the built-in cameras produce good results under a range of conditions and a variety of subjects.

How do we work out the winner?

The winner is the brand Aussies rate highest for the things that matter most to customers, based on overall satisfaction. To see how we crunch the numbers, check out our Methodology page.

What other awards does Canstar give?

Canstar also gives Star Ratings to top performing financial, energy and household products, and Outstanding Value Awards to providers with a range of high-performing products. Canstar’s Innovation Excellence Awards also showcase products and services that break new ground when it comes to helping customers.

Does Canstar rate other products?

Canstar rates products and services over a range of consumer categories, in addition to financial services. Explore Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers awards here.

What smartphones can I get in Australia?

Beyond the smartphone brands featured in our ratings, there are many different smartphone manufacturers on the Australian market. Just because a brand didn’t qualify for our ratings, (based on the minimum sample survey size), doesn’t mean these other brands aren’t worth exploring — comparing phones from a range of manufacturers can help you find the best model for your needs. The Australian smartphone market is very competitive and you might find some new brands enter the market while others disappear. Smartphone brands available in Australia as of 2025 include: Apple iPhone ASUS ROG Google HMD Honor Motorola Nokia Nothing OPPO Optus Samsung TCL Telstra Vodafone Xiaomi

What do Aussies think of their smartphone brand?

Of the Australian phone buyers we surveyed, 69% purchased their phone outright, 18% purchased their new phone on a plan and 11% upgraded to a new phone with their current phone plan. Most Aussies also prefer to buy their smartphone in store, whether they researched in store and bought in store (12%), researched online and bought in store (36%) or did not research but purchased in store (14%). The average smartphone price paid by those who purchased outright is now $985.80 (an increase from the average outright price of $978.60 in 2025). Those who bought their phone on a plan are paying $132.70 per month on average in 2026 — a big jump from $74.50 per month on average in 2025. 40% of those surveyed purchased their device within a set budget. Price was the main purchasing factor for 24% of survey respondents, whereas a fifth (20%) stated that the phone brand was their main factor in their purchasing decision. Aussies are still showing a lot of brand loyalty, with 49% of survey respondents always purchasing the same brand of smartphone. Of those respondents, 64% said they bought the same brand because their brand was ‘the best’, 58% chose the same brand simply because they are used to the way it operates, while 26% stated they bought the same brand out of habit. 13% of respondents think they would have been happier with a basic phone that cost less than the one they purchased and 18% would have been happy with a more basic camera if it meant they could save on the cost of the phone. Although 28% think that more expensive smartphones are better than cheaper ones. 28% compared specs of models of the same phone lineup. When it comes to how cost of living pressures impacted their phone purchase, 24% purchased the ‘base’ model rather than a ‘pro’ model, 32% waited until there was a sale before purchase, 20% waited longer to purchase (in order to save, etc) and 12% bought a cheaper phone than they intended to.

Which smartphone should I buy?

Choosing the best mobile phone for you can be complicated and confusing, especially considering the amount of phones released each year. Even if you have a clear picture of which brand or operating system you want, it can be hard to distinguish between models, and you might even fall into the trap of buying the more expensive phone just for the sake of it. Taking a more considered approach to buying a smartphone could help you find the best mobile phone suited to your needs and save you some money along the way. Budget Set yourself a realistic budget for how much you’re willing to spend on your phone. Considering some phones can cost upwards of $1,000, buying the most premium phone could be out of reach for some. Even if you opt to buy on a phone plan and split your device costs over 12, 24 or 36 months, that monthly cost can still be expensive. Consider it as part of your monthly budget and whether you can afford the device repayments and cost of the bundled plan, which can be more expensive than choosing a cheaper SIM-only phone plan. Brand and operating system When comparing smartphones, you might wish for a certain brand or operating system, especially if you’re familiar with and comfortable using one brand/OS over others. While there are two major operating systems (Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android which is used on most other devices), there are also differences between how some Android devices operate. Features and specs While it might be tempting to want the ‘best’ features, being more realistic about your needs and how you mostly use your phone could save you some money. For instance, if you’re comparing premium devices such as iPhones or Samsung Galaxy S devices, and you don’t take too many photos, you can save a bit of money by going for the standard flagship model (such as the iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25) rather than the ‘pro’ version (such as the iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra). Keep an eye on sales or opt for the previous year’s phone model If you’ve got a particular phone in mind, it might be worth waiting for big sales periods to pick up a discount on your device. Many brands, retailers and telcos offer discounts on devices throughout the year, especially during big sales events like Black Friday. Another way to save money is to go for the older version of a device. This could mean that instead of buying the phone released this year, pick up the model released the previous year (if there is still stock available). Considering many phone releases offer incremental updates to the predecessor, having a phone with technology that’s a year old might not even be noticeable. If you’re not in desperate need for your new phone, and you have your eye on a certain model, it might even be worth holding off until the brand releases its new device and drops the price of the older phone you’ve been looking at.

Can I buy Apple phones in Australia?

Apple's iconic iPhone series is widely available in Australia, being a multi-time Canstar award winner. The premium iPhone range includes the newest iPhone 17 models, as well as older releases such as the iPhone 16. Which iPhone is the best? The most feature-packed Apple device is the newest iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the best iPhone for you may be an older, smaller or cheaper model - it all depends on your budget and how you use your phone. All recent iPhones come with high-end processors, excellent cameras, and integrated AI and Siri assistance - so no matter what you pick, you're getting a great quality phone. Which is better, Apple or Samsung? If you love Apple products and the iOS software ecosystem, you'll probably find that Apple's iPhone is 'better' for you - it all depends on your preferred software. However, Samsung offers outstanding phones which run on the Android operating system, and notably at a wider range of price points than Apple. If you're looking for a cheaper or mid-range device, you may prefer to go with Samsung.

Can I buy Samsung phones in Australia?

Samsung is the biggest selling Android smartphone manufacturer in Australia, being a long-time direct challenger to Apple. The company offers a range of smartphones, from its affordable Galaxy A series to its best-of-the-best Galaxy Z Fold foldable handset. Which Samsung phone is the best? The best Samsung phone for you will depend on factors such as your budget, what you're looking for in a phone, and whether you prefer a folding or flipping device or something simpler. While the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series each offer the most advanced technology, the cheaper Galaxy A range is also packed full of great features for a lower price. Which is better, Apple or Samsung? While all phone users have different needs, Samsung may be a better choice for you if you prefer Android, want a much wider range of devices to choose from, or are interested in folding/flip phones or a device with a stylus. However, Apple's iPhones also offer premium features and durable designs.

Can I buy Google phones in Australia?

Apple and Samsung might be the two most dominant smartphone brands in Australia, but over recent years, Google has stepped up its game and offers a range of highly-anticipated smartphones each year. If you’re looking for a Google phone, its latest range is the Google Pixel 10 series. It includes the following devices (prices are listed as AUD RRP): Google Pixel 10: 128GB ($1,349) and 256GB ($1,499) storage sizes Google Pixel 10 Pro: 128GB ($1,699), 256GB ($1,849), 512GB ($2,049) and 1TB ($2,399) storage sizes Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: 256GB ($1,999), 512GB ($2,199) and 1TB ($2,549) storage sizes Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: 256GB ($2,699), 512GB ($2,899) and 1TB ($3,289) storage sizes The above devices are available to buy outright from retailers or as a phone-on-a-plan from the big three telcos — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Google Pixel mobile plans are typically available on 12, 24 or 36-month payment periods, and then you’ll need to bundle your phone with one of the telco’s postpaid plans. Are Google phones any good? Google has put significant effort into its range of Pixel phones and in the last several years, has produced devices of great quality and at more competitive prices than its rival, Samsung — although pricing for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series saw bigger price jumps than its predecessors. You can expect good quality cameras, a range of great features, a vibrant display, user-friendly interface and good battery life. What is the cheapest Google Pixel? Currently the cheapest Google phone is the Pixel 9a at $849 AUD RRP for the 128GB version and $999 AUD RRP for the 256GB version. What is the best Google phone? The best Google phone will be the device that best suits your needs. There are a wide range of Pixels with different features and at different price points. Consider what features are important to you — whether that’s a foldable phone, excellent cameras, a bigger screen, longer battery life — and what your budget is. If you have a tighter budget, you might need to make some compromises on certain features, but ultimately, you can expect a good quality smartphone if you go with a Google Pixel. Which is better, Samsung or Google Pixel? Neither one brand is ‘better’ than the other — both Samsung and Google offer excellent quality smartphones. One advantage that Samsung has is that it has a wider range of devices, especially in the more budget-friendly price range, thanks to its Galaxy A series. Samsung has also been making foldable devices for longer, so they’ve had more time to develop and improve their folding technology. However, since Google owns Android (the operating system that Samsung also uses), you might find the Google interface a smoother and more intuitive experience packed with great features.

Can I buy OPPO phones in Australia?

Typically considered a more value-focused brand, OPPO has built a strong reputation in Australia for its range of quality phones at cheaper prices. This is especially true of its budget-friendly A series phones, which offer quality features at competitive prices. OPPO is also not one to shy away from using texture and colour to create beautiful-looking phones, proving you don’t have to follow the trends of the big players when it comes to phone design. Which OPPO phone is best in Australia? This depends on what you want in a phone. OPPO offers a range of different devices to suit different needs, including value-packed budget phones, premium devices, foldable phones and everything in between. Consider what features are the most important to you and what your budget is. For example, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G might offer a good selection of features and specs for its $399 price point if you’re looking at a cheaper phone. However for a more premium performance (including a huge 7,500mAh battery), the OPPO Find X9 Pro might suit your needs better. Is OPPO a good brand of phone? OPPO produces great quality smartphones at competitive prices. Its best value is perhaps its more budget-friendly phones, which also includes its mid-range Reno series. You’ll typically find better features, such as bigger batteries, at the cheaper price points when looking at comparable Samsung phones. However, you might find OPPO is a bit behind in some aspects such as camera quality and foldable technology. While you won’t get a bad experience with an OPPO phone, if you are particular about some features, you might prefer to go with a Samsung or Google phone. Is an OPPO phone better than a Samsung phone? When it comes to value for money, especially in the budget phone price range, OPPO is typically better than Samsung. OPPO also offers more cheap phones than Samsung typically does, and its cheapest phones can be around $100 or more cheaper than the cheapest Samsung phone. However if you’re in the market for a premium or foldable phone, Samsung might have the edge. But ultimately, it comes down to your budget and your must-have features and specs.

Can I buy Motorola phones in Australia?

Motorola has significantly improved its market share in Australia over the past few years to now position itself as the third largest smartphone brand in the country. Its quality range of budget-friendly G series phones and its iconic Motorola Razr position it as a strong competitor to other Android brands like Samsung and OPPO. You’ll find excellent quality devices with great features, all packed into more competitively priced smartphones. And much like its iconic pink Razr phone of the early 2000s, bold colour choices are at Motorola’s forefront, especially thanks to its partnership with Pantone. Which Motorola phone is the best? This depends on what phone you’re after. If you want a budget-friendly device, choosing a phone in the Motorola G series will best suit your budget. For a more premium experience, the Edge series offers sleek devices packed with features and great tech at that more mid to higher price range, but still cheaper than most premium phones from Samsung and Google. Its Razr foldable phones are perhaps where Motorola shines, offering great quality features that keep it competitive to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip range — but typically around $600 cheaper between comparable devices. Which is better, Motorola or Samsung? This ultimately depends on what you want from a phone. Motorola does its best at packing great quality features and technology into more affordable phones — but these smartphones look and feel far from cheap. One key difference is how many years your phone will last. Samsung offers up to seven years of security updates, while Motorola only offers around two or three years of security updates, so you’ll get more longevity from a Samsung.

Best Smartphones In Australia

Written by

Emma BradstockSenior Telco writer

Edited by

Grace KinrossResearcher

12 Feb, 2026

Fact Checked

Consumer Ratings

Most Satisfied Customers

Samsung has won Canstar’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customer Award for smartphones, having last won in 2024. It scored highest with Australians for durability, while also performing well in other categories that matter most to customer satisfaction, such as user friendliness and battery and charging performance.

About Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Smartphones Awards

Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards rank smartphone brands with the happiest customers across Australia. We ask customers to rate their satisfaction with their current smartphone brand based on factors that matter most to them. For smartphones, this includes value for money, user friendliness, durability, battery and charging performance, design and camera quality.

Numbers crunched by Canstar’s researchers

1,186 customers surveyed
11 providers assessed
Five providers shortlisted
One award winner

Read our methodology

The best smartphone brands

The brands rated are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction according to customers like you.

1. Samsung

Samsung was our winning brand, having previously won in 2024 and 2023. It scored highest for durability, while it also performed well for user friendliness and battery and charging performance.

Samsung is arguably the king of the Android phones, with a loyal customer base — and it’s not without reason. Each year the tech giant releases its latest smartphones, with the company’s flagship Galaxy S series (including the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup) being one of the most popular premium phone ranges. It also regularly releases a supporting range of smartphones including its high-end foldable devices, the Galaxy Z series, along with its more budget-friendly Galaxy A series.

2. Motorola

In second place for Overall Satisfaction in 2026 was Motorola, although it outperformed for both value for money and battery and charging performance.

Motorola has been well-known for decades, especially thanks to the iconic original Motorola Razr flip phone. However, it’s now positioned in the market as a more budget-friendly manufacturer, offering competitive devices at a wide range of price points. Its smartphone range includes something for everyone — from its budget-friendly G series, to the more premium Edge phones and its range of updated Razr flip phones. Motorola has also partnered with other well-known brands, including Dolby Atmos for its audio technology and Pantone for its device colours.

3. Apple

Last year’s winner Apple sits in the middle for Overall Satisfaction, but was still the strongest performing brand in the user friendliness and design categories.

Apple is one of the few phone brands to release only one simple range of phones each year. Its standard iPhone range — with the iPhone 17 series its most recent incarnation — is one of the most hotly anticipated annual phone launches. While the price tag might be too high for some, iPhones are packed with the best-of-the-best features Apple has to offer, and often boast some of the newest and most industry-leading camera systems on the market.

4. OPPO

OPPO was ranked fourth for Overall Satisfaction, however the brand performed well across several factors including user friendliness and value for money.

OPPO has made its name on innovative design, great features and reasonably affordable price points. It’s perhaps best known for its range of budget-friendly devices — the A series — packed with higher specifications at cheaper prices. OPPO also produces the more design-forward Reno series and the premium Find X models, along with its Find N flip and fold phones.

5. Google

Google recorded the lowest Overall Satisfaction, though it outperforms all other brands in camera quality.

Much like Apple, Google keeps its phone lineups simple with a small range of devices released each year under the Pixel name. Its Pixel phone combines both Google software and hardware to offer a powerful performance and intuitive user experience. The Pixel devices are mostly priced on the premium end of the spectrum (but typically a bit cheaper than Samsung and Apple’s high-end phones). However, Google also releases a more budget-friendly ‘Pixel a’ model, packed with premium features at a lower price.

Previous best smartphone winners

Here are past winners of Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Smartphones ratings:

2025: Apple
2024: Samsung
2023: Samsung
2022: Apple
2021: Apple
2020: OPPO
2019: OPPO
2018: OPPO
2016: Apple

FAQs about Smartphone Awards

Meet our mobile phone experts

Emma BradstockSenior Telco writer

Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for more than six years, having written more than 300 articles for Canstar. Emma covers a range of topics — from NBN speeds and technology to the latest release phones — and strives to help readers find the right phone and internet plans for their needs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University, has more than a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media, and contributed to Canstar’s Highly Commended award for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.

Grace KinrossResearcher

Grace is in the final semester of her Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) degree at The University of Queensland, majoring in Business Analytics and Marketing. Her studies have equipped her with strong capabilities in data analysis and consumer research. Grace began her journey with Canstar in early 2025 as a casual research assistant and has since progressed into her current role, where she oversees the consumer research ratings across a wide range of product and service categories. She is responsible for survey design and consumer data analysis, and enjoys her focus on uncovering insights that inform Canstar’s ratings and awards and help support consumers to make more informed decisions.