The smartphone landscape in 2016 is defined by innovation and variety. Whether you’re seeking premium features, a balanced mid-range device, or a budget-friendly handset, there’s a phone to meet your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the standout options released this year in Australia.
Premium Smartphones
For those wanting the very best, 2016’s premium models deliver cutting-edge performance, design, and features:
- Samsung Galaxy S7
Release Date: 11 March 2016
Price: $1,149 AUD
Key Features: Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820, 4GB RAM, 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera, water resistance, expandable storage, always-on display. - Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Release Date: 11 March 2016
Price: $1,249 AUD
Key Features: Larger 5.5-inch curved Super AMOLED display, matching the S7’s specs but with a stunning edge-to-edge design. - Apple iPhone 7
Release Date: 16 September 2016
Price: $1,079 AUD
Key Features: Apple A10 Fusion chip, 2GB RAM, 4.7-inch Retina HD display, 12MP rear camera, water resistance, and a bold move—no headphone jack. - Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Release Date: 16 September 2016
Price: $1,269 AUD
Key Features: Dual 12MP cameras (wide and telephoto), 3GB RAM, 5.5-inch Retina HD display, Portrait Mode, water resistance, no headphone jack. - LG G5
Release Date: April 2016
Price: $1,099 AUD
Key Features: Snapdragon 820, modular design with swappable accessories, dual rear cameras (standard and wide-angle), 5.3-inch Quad HD display. - HTC 10
Release Date: May 2016
Price: $999 AUD
Key Features: Snapdragon 820, 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Hi-Res audio, BoomSound speakers, 12MP rear camera with laser autofocus. - Sony Xperia XZ
Release Date: October 2016
Price: $999 AUD
Key Features: Snapdragon 820, 23MP Motion Eye rear camera, 13MP front camera, water resistance, and predictive autofocus technology.
Mid-Range Smartphones
Mid-range options in 2016 balance performance and affordability:
- Motorola Moto G4 Plus
Release Date: July 2016
Price: $399 AUD
Key Features: Snapdragon 617, 5.5-inch 1080p display, 16MP rear camera with laser autofocus, fingerprint sensor, fast charging. - Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)
Release Date: January 2016
Price: $599 AUD
Key Features: Exynos 7580, 5.2-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display, premium metal and glass design, fingerprint sensor, 13MP rear camera with OIS. - OPPO F1s
Release Date: August 2016
Price: $399 AUD
Key Features: “Selfie Expert” 16MP front camera, 3GB RAM, fast fingerprint sensor, MediaTek MT6750, 5.5-inch 720p display.
Budget Smartphones
Budget phones in 2016 prove you don’t have to spend big to get great features:
- Motorola Moto G4 Play
Release Date: September 2016
Price: $229 AUD
Key Features: Snapdragon 410, 5.0-inch 720p display, 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, affordable price, long battery life. - Huawei Y6 II Compact
Release Date: July 2016
Price: $199 AUD
Key Features: Kirin 620, 5.0-inch 720p display, 8MP rear camera, compact design, great value for money. - OPPO A39
Release Date: November 2016
Price: $299 AUD
Key Features: MediaTek MT6750, 3GB RAM, slim design, 5.2-inch 720p display, 13MP rear camera.
Key Takeaways
If you’re after a premium experience, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and iPhone 7 Plus stand out with their innovative features and stunning designs. Mid-range phones like the Moto G4 Plus and Galaxy A5 (2016) offer great performance for their price, while budget options such as the Moto G4 Play deliver exceptional value.
With so many options available, 2016 offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing the latest tech or a dependable daily driver.