Smartphones in 2015 are more diverse and powerful than ever. Whether you’re after cutting-edge technology, a reliable mid-range option, or a budget-friendly device, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top contenders across three categories—Premium, Mid-Range, and Budget—and see how they stack up.
Premium Smartphones
If you’re after the best of the best, these premium phones deliver cutting-edge features and sleek designs:
- Samsung Galaxy S6
Release Date: 10 April 2015
Price: $999 AUD
Key Features: Exynos 7420 Octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, 16MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, wireless charging, fast charging. - Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
Release Date: 10 April 2015
Price: $1,149 AUD
Key Features: Exynos 7420 Octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 5.1-inch curved Super AMOLED display, 16MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, wireless charging, fast charging. - Apple iPhone 6s
Release Date: 25 September 2015
Price: $1,079 AUD
Key Features: Apple A9 chip, 2GB RAM, 4.7-inch Retina HD display, 12MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, 3D Touch, Live Photos. - Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Release Date: 25 September 2015
Price: $1,229 AUD
Key Features: Apple A9 chip, 2GB RAM, 5.5-inch Retina HD display, 12MP rear camera with OIS, 5MP front camera, 3D Touch, Live Photos. - LG G4
Release Date: June 2015
Price: $899 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808, 3GB RAM, 5.5-inch IPS LCD with Quad HD resolution, 16MP rear camera with manual controls, 8MP front camera, optional leather back, removable battery. - Sony Xperia Z5
Release Date: October 2015
Price: $999 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 5.2-inch IPS LCD with Full HD resolution, 23MP rear camera, 5.1MP front camera, water resistance, dedicated camera button. - HTC One M9
Release Date: March 2015
Price: $899 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 5.0-inch Super LCD3 with Full HD resolution, 20.7MP rear camera, 4MP UltraPixel front camera, all-metal design, BoomSound speakers.
Mid-Range Smartphones
Mid-range devices offer solid performance without breaking the bank:
- Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen)
Release Date: July 2015
Price: $299 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, 1GB/2GB RAM, 5-inch IPS LCD with 720p resolution, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, water resistance, customisable back covers. - Samsung Galaxy A5 (2015)
Release Date: January 2015
Price: $599 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, 2GB RAM, 5.0-inch Super AMOLED with 720p resolution, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, metal unibody design, fingerprint sensor. - Huawei P8 Lite
Release Date: May 2015
Price: $299 AUD
Key Features: HiSilicon Kirin 620, 2GB RAM, 5.0-inch IPS LCD with 720p resolution, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, slim design, good battery life.
Budget Smartphones
Budget phones in 2015 still manage to pack in surprising features for their price:
- Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen)
Release Date: February 2015
Price: $149 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 200/410, 1GB RAM, 4.5-inch IPS LCD with 540 x 960 resolution, 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera, affordable price, long battery life. - Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
Release Date: May 2015
Price: $249 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, 1.5GB/2GB RAM, 4.7-inch/5.5-inch IPS LCD with 720p/1080p resolution, 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, dual front-facing speakers, reversible design. - Nokia Lumia 640
Release Date: April 2015
Price: $199 AUD
Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 1GB RAM, 5.0-inch IPS LCD with 720p resolution, 8MP rear camera, 1MP front camera, Windows Phone OS, affordable price.
Key Takeaways
For cutting-edge features and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and iPhone 6s Plus lead the pack. Mid-range options like the Moto G (3rd Gen) or Galaxy A5 provide great value. Budget-conscious buyers should check out the Moto E (2nd Gen) or Lumia 640, which prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for reliable features.
No matter your budget, 2015 offers plenty of options for an upgrade!