When the ‘best’ phone isn’t needed

In every category, there are the best products, the worst products and then everything in between. While you should probably always try to steer clear of buying the worst, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should always opt for the best.

That might sound like strange advice, but the truth is that the best of anything doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best value for most people. Take smartphones. Most of the time, the devices almost universally considered to be the “best” models on the market are the newest high-end flagship devices from companies like Apple, Samsung and Google, among others.

If you want the absolute best mobile technology – the most cutting-edge processors, cameras and fancy new features – the models that feature them are fairly obvious. But they’re also the most expensive and, to be honest, they’re often overkill.

The things most of us need smartphones for can easily be done (and done well) with much more affordable products. Mid-range devices aren’t the flashiest, but they get the job done ably, while keeping considerably more money in your pocket.

What is it? Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

How much? $699 Pros: It might not include all the bells and whistles of Samsung’s more famous models, but the Galaxy A series offers plenty of punch where it counts, and the just-released A53 5G is no exception. For under $700, you get a zippy 5nm octa-core chip, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, a giant 6.5inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, five (5!) different cameras in total, and a massive 5000mAh battery.

Cons: No 3.5mm headphone port. Yes,

I’m quibbling. samsung.com/au

What is it? Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

How much? From $719 Pros:: If you were mugged by an iPhone SE, it would be hard to pick the perpetrator out of a police line-up, because this phone looks identical to several models Apple has released over the years. But while the chassis is disappointing and uninspiring, the internals are anything but, featuring the same cutting-edge A15 Bionic chip as the company’s most expensive iPhone (for more than $1000 less).

Cons: A bit dull, with a small screen. apple.com/au

What is it? Google

Pixel 6a

How much? TBC Pros: It would be remiss of us to not mention that the unconfirmed Google Pixel 6a is expected to be released sometime soon(ish), although the time frame remains unknown. We never saw the 5a get an official release in Australia, which was a shame, since the “a” models offer affordable access to the often excellent features of Pixel phones. Here’s hoping the 6a maintains the tradition.

Cons: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. store.google.com/au