2026 is already shaping up to be a good year for tech lovers. This year, CES, the largest technology event in the world, introduced a host of new gadgets, including AI-powered smart appliances and robots that clean your home and fold your laundry. Similarly, the upcoming smartphones of 2026 may look familiar on the surface, but they embrace new developments in technology that make them more powerful as personal assistants than ever before. These smartphones will feature new platforms and processes to support built-in AI, super-apps that take action on your behalf and new frontiers in camera technology.
It’s not just next-generation smartphones embracing these shifts. Smartwatches will leverage new technologies to deliver even more precise and personalised fitness metrics, while smart rings remain the fastest-growing devices in the wearables market for good reason.
If it’s time to upgrade your smartphone or smart device, here is the OzMobiles guide to the best smartphones of 2026, and the other gadgets coming this year that you may love.
Upcoming Smartphones in 2026
The upcoming smartphones of 2026 are a mixed bag, with so many great handsets that it’s hard to choose a single best all-rounder. The most hotly anticipated smartphones of the year come from the usual heavyweights: Apple, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. While you’ll find some similarities with their predecessors as well as some clear improvements, there are also surprises in store among the best smartphones of 2026. Handsets to watch out for include:
Samsung Galaxy S26
Although we won’t be seeing the rumoured S26 Edge and S26 Pro on our shores this year, Samsung Galaxy’s S26 line-up is already causing a buzz. The word on the street includes rumours of a Zoom upgrade, a slimmer design and wireless charging.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
While Apple is rumoured to be delaying the base-model iPhone 18 until 2027, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max should offer plenty for devoted Apple users. Keeping the existing 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays that have served their predecessors well, these next-generation smartphones are set to include upgrades to cameras and performance.
iPhone Fold
Apple’s first foldable phone is due to arrive in September 2026. While it faces tough competition from the foldables already on the market, it promises to be a powerful device. It features the same chip as Apple’s iPhone 18 series and the new and improved Apple C2 modem.
Google Pixel 11
The Google Pixel 11 range looks set to include four devices, with the Pixel Pro Fold due to be released at a later date. While the Google Pixel 11’s design is likely to be familiar, recent reports indicate that better facial recognition, a new Tensor G6 chipset, and AI-enhanced cameras are on the way.
Next Generation of Smartwatches 2026
In 2026, smartwatches will focus on longer battery life, deeper AI integration, and more advanced health monitoring metrics. With new arrivals expected from Apple, Google, Huawei, Garmin and more, 2026 looks set to be a massive year for wearables. The first step to smartwatch shopping is figuring out which wearable works with your phone and operating system. Once you know how to integrate your smartwatch with your existing tech, you can take your pick from options like:
Google Pixel Watch 5
While little is known about the Google Pixel Watch 5 so far, anticipation is high, with leaked reports suggesting Google intends to make a new Tensor chip for it.
Apple Watch Series 12
With every new Apple Watch, there’s a debate about whether the brand will shake things up or stick with (a refined version of) what already works. While the same scenario is currently playing out with the Apple Watch Series 12, it’s likely that factors such as battery life, charging speed, performance, and health metrics will improve.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Due for release in the summer of 2026, Samsung’s latest smartwatch is expected to feature a more efficient chipset for improved performance and battery life.
Other New Gadgets to Expect in 2026
Aside from the upcoming smartphones of 2026, there are countless other gadgets worth getting excited for in 2026, from smartglasses to gaming controllers. Keeping it simple and sticking to communication and fitness devices, here are some gadgets to look out for:
Smart rings
Smart rings are growing more popular, and it’s not hard to see why. Their small size makes them more comfortable, convenient and discreet, and they’re perfect for tracking the state of your health while you sleep. Oura is the current leader in the smart ring space, and while the brand’s comfortable rings offer long battery life and personalised health guidance, the Apple Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 will give it a run for its money this year.
Fitbit Charge 7
While Google has acknowledged the days of Fitbit-branded smartwatches are over, a new form of Fitbit is likely to arrive in 2026 in the form of a traditional fitness tracker. A longer battery life and better location tracking are potentially in the works for the 2026 version of this fitness favourite.
The Best Value Smartphones of 2026
As tech continues to improve in 2026, even budget smartphones are closer to the flagship standard than ever before. There are several new smartphone options that offer affordability without compromising quality, which is perfect if you need a new phone but money is tight. These affordable upcoming smartphones of 2026 include:
Google Pixel 10a
Slated for release in March, the Google Pixel 10a is expected to be a good all-rounder phone for a price of less than $500. Similar in style and design to the Pixel 9a, it will feature a Google Tensor G4 chip and 48MP main and 13MP ultra-wide cameras.
Motorola Moto G Power
Australia’s most popular budget smartphone, the Moto G Power, features a 5200 mAh battery, a 32MP selfie camera, and solid software and performance, all for the low price of $300.
There are several more affordable smartphones you can buy new. However, refurbished phones also offer an easy way to get your hands on a bargain while having an almost unlimited selection of smartphones to choose from. Unlike regular second-hand phones, refurbished phones have been thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored to a like-new condition. Now they’re back on sale, often for a fraction of the price.
Buy the Latest Refurbished Smartphone at OzMobiles
OzMobiles is the ultimate destination for quality refurbished smartphones that are locally sourced in Australia. If balancing affordability with quality features is important to you, look no further. Shopping with OzMobiles can save you several hundred dollars off the regular retail price.
Variety is at the heart of the OzMobiles approach. Our refurbished iPhone range includes hot deals on highly sought-after iPhone standard, Plus, Pro and Pro Max models.
For Android users, our Samsung Galaxy selection includes the Galaxy S25 Edge, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and foldables such as the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold.
We also have a range of refurbished smartwatches with huge savings on Apple Watch (iWatch), Samsung (GEAR Fit) and more.
Every device OzMobiles sells is tested using our 72-point checking process (which includes battery life) and is available with a 12-month warranty. If you have any questions about our refurbished smartphones, contact the OzMobiles team.
