Smartphones that hit the sweet spot

It’s hard to understate how powerful and advanced the most cutting-edge smartphones are today. What once were basic handsets with terrible cameras and a copy of Snake have been replaced by devices as fast and feature-packed as full-size PCs, with cameras so good the compact camera market is on its last legs.

Of course, you pay a price for all that innovation. Flagships from the likes of Apple and Samsung hover around $2000 (and even higher), raising the question: do you really need all those best-in-class bells and whistles? For most of us, no.

The best value in smartphones isn’t at the pointy end of the premium market, but in the mid-range, where slightly less powerful tech can be snapped up for a fraction of a flagship’s price. Android devices often cater to this segment; Apple rarely does, although its just-released new iPhone SE bucks the trend, making a compelling case for why mid-range phones are the value sweet spot. Google and Samsung have some affordable alternatives you might also do well to consider. PETER DOCKRILL

What is it?

Apple iPhone SE

How much? From $749 Pros: The second “Special Edition” iPhone (pictured) seems a contradiction: it’s the cheapest iPhone but has the same cutting-edge processor as the iPhone 11/11 Pro, which cost several hundred dollars more. That means great performance (and a future-proofed device) on a budget, if you’re happy with a slightly dated design and some modest sacrifices.

Cons: Smaller and less dazzling display; singlelens rear camera; no face ID. But an iPhone bargain. apple.com/au

What is it?

Google Pixel 4a

How much? TBC (expect about $649)

Pros: At time of writing, the Pixel 4a still hadn’t been officially confirmed, but a series of leaks reveal the phone should be available by early June. The Pixel “a” models are Google’s budgetfriendly versions of its premium Pixel line. This time pundits expect a Snapdragon 730, 6GB RAM, 5.8-inch display, 12.2MP rear camera and 64GB storage.

Cons: None, but looks like there might not be a Pixel 4a XL this year. store.google.com

What is it?

Samsung Galaxy A20

How much? From $279, but shop around

Pros: If you’re happier with an older, cheaper phone that now represents the low end of mid-range, you could do a lot worse than the Galaxy A20. For $1000 less than some of Samsung’s other Galaxies, you still get a huge 6.4-inch display, dual rear cameras, eight-core processor and hefty 4000 mAh battery. Not all that long ago, a top-end spec.

Cons: Only 32GB on-board storage, but expandable. samsung.com/au