When choosing your next mobile phone, a number of factors need to be considered, including the handset features, operating system, phone network support and, of course, the price or plan.
All 59 models tested work on a 3G network and many provide support for Telstra NextG. This offers a faster network performance than 3G, with potentially faster video and music downloads to your mobile phone. While we haven't tested one of the few 4G handsets now available in Australia, CHOICE will have details on their performance in the next update.
Read our free article on smartphone data usage to make sure you're not paying more than you need. And see our article on smartphone operating systems to help you decide on the software, a factor to consider for your overall experience.
Brands tested
- Apple
- BlackBerry
- Huawei
- HTC
- LG
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Samsung
- Sony Ericsson
Models tested
- Apple iPhone 3G S
- Apple iPhone 4 (8GB)
- Apple iPhone 4S
- BlackBerry Bold 9900
- BlackBerry Curve 9300
- BlackBerry Curve 9360
- BlackBerry Torch 9810
- HTC 7 Pro
- HTC 7 Trophy
- HTC ChaCha
- HTC Desire S
- HTC EVO 3D
- HTC Explorer
- HTC HD7
- HTC Incredible S
- HTC Legend
- HTC Radar
- HTC Rhyme
- HTC Salsa
- HTC Sensation XE
- HTC Sensation XL
- HTC Titan
- HTC Wildfire S
- Huawei Ideos X3 U8510
- LG Optimus 2x Speed
- LG Optimus 7
- LG Optimus One
- LG P350 Optimus Me
- Motorola Defy
- Motorola Defy+
- Motorola Flipout
- Motorola Pro
- Motorola Razr XT910
- Nokia 700
- Nokia 800 Lumia
- Nokia C5-03
- Nokia E6-00
- Nokia Lumia 710
- Nokia N8
- Nokia N9
- Nokia X7-00
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- Samsung Galaxy Note
- Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9003
- Samsung Galaxy S II
- Samsung Galaxy W
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover
- Samsung Google Nexus S
- Samsung Omnia 7
- Samsung S5570 Galaxy mini
- Samsung Wave II
- Sony Ericsson Xperia active
- Sony Ericsson Xperia mini
- Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Play R800i
- Sony Ericsson Xperia ray
- Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
- Sony Ericsson Xperia, Arc S
How we test
Testers rate the following aspects of each phone:
Web browser performance is scored on how easy it is to start the browser, navigate to sites, enter addresses and use favourites and bookmarks. A practical test on content downloads is also carried out and extra points are awarded for WiFi connectivity.
Sound quality For both incoming and outgoing calls, our testers carry out a number of acoustic measurements, such as frequency response. In addition, a user panel subjectively rates the sound quality of calls.
Email Our testers see how easy it is to set up an email account as well as send, retrieve and read emails.
Camera score Our testers assess the phone’s digital camera capabilities to produce an image in different lighting situations. The resulting photo images are then printed and rated for resolution, colour reproduction and noise. They also look at how easy the phone is to use in picture-taking mode.
Music quality Our testers measure the ability of the phone to perform as a music player. They test the phones with the headphones supplied as well as a set of reference headphones. They also assess how easy it is to navigate through playlists, music transfers, volume control and available memory.
Reception They measure the phones’ receiving sensitivity and sending power (particularly important in areas with poor network coverage) in both the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for GSM networks and on 2100MHz for the 3G network.
Handling Our testers assess the keypad, touchscreen and keyboard, as well as general handling and menu controls when using the phone.
Touchscreen quality is examined including the speed of refresh and accuracy of operation.
Battery life This is mainly based on the time-in-use result, but testers also consider the charging time and battery status warning.
GPS performance is measured for accuracy and speed.
Synchronisation This score is based on how easy the phone is to use when working with contacts and information stored on another computer or online to keep contacts and messages up to date.
SMS use is examined by writing and receiving an SMS and checking the suitability of the display for texting.
Display score Our testers look at the size of the display as well as quality of the image with regard to sharpness and colour clarity.
Durability Our testers simulate falls from a table or out of a shirt pocket up to 25 times, as well as storing the phones in hot, damp conditions and carrying out a rain test.
