Living in New Zealand means technology can sometimes come with a high price tag. With the cost of living rising in Aotearoa, many Kiwis are asking the same question: Do I really need to spend $2,000 on a flagship phone?

Finding the perfect smartphone in New Zealand can be tricky with so many options available in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a high-end flagship, a budget-friendly device, or something in between, this guide covers the best phones that deliver performance, durability, and value for Kiwi users. We’ve considered camera quality, battery life, price, and usability to help you make the right choice.

The OnePlus series continues to impress with its balance of performance, camera quality, and price, but which model should you pick if you’re in New Zealand—the OnePlus 15 or the older OnePlus 13? We’ve tested both to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction As 2025 draws to a close, the dust has finally settled on one of the most exciting years for mobile tech in New Zealand and Australia. This year, we saw the "AI hype" finally turn into useful features, refresh rates on standard iPhones finally catch up to 2020 standards, and battery life take a massive leap forward. Whether you’re looking to grab a deal in the Boxing Day sales or want to start 2026 with the absolute latest hardware, our end-of-year wrap-up covers the definitive winners of 2025.