How to choose the perfect mobile phone for you?
Posted by Trent H on 15th Jul 2022
Choosing a new phone can be overwhelming, especially with hundreds of models available. Here's a simple breakdown of the core features and technical specifications to help Kiwis find the right mobile phone for their needs.
Key Specs to Consider Before You Buy
1. Display (Screen)
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | Measured in inches diagonally | 6.5”–6.8” is now standard for most users |
| Resolution | Pixel count (FHD+, QHD+) | FHD+ (1080p) is good, QHD+ (1440p) is better for multimedia |
| Panel Type | LCD vs AMOLED vs LTPO OLED | AMOLED = better colours & battery life |
| Refresh Rate | How smooth the screen feels | 90Hz/120Hz = smoother scrolling/gaming |
Popular picks with great screens:
2. ⚡ RAM & Multitasking
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | Memory used to run apps | 8GB is good, 12GB+ is ideal for power users |
| Multitasking | Ability to run multiple apps | More RAM = smoother performance across apps |
Top phones with high RAM:
3. Battery & Charging
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | Measured in mAh | 4500mAh–5000mAh is ideal for all-day use |
| Charging Speed | How fast your phone charges | 30W+ wired or 15W+ wireless is excellent |
| Wireless Charging | Charge without plugging in | Common in flagship phones only |
Great battery performers:
4. Camera Features
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels (MP) | Sensor resolution | 50MP+ is typical for modern smartphones |
| Lens Types | Wide, Ultrawide, Telephoto | Triple cameras offer flexibility |
| OIS | Optical Image Stabilisation | Reduces blur in photos and videos |
| AI Camera | Scene recognition, enhancements | Improves shots automatically |
Best camera phones on Parallel Imported:
5. Storage
| Term | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | Where your apps/files are stored | 128GB minimum, 256GB–512GB ideal |
| Expandable Storage | microSD card slot | Rare in 2025 – check spec sheet carefully |
| UFS Type | Storage speed | UFS 3.1 or 4.0 = faster app loading and file transfers |
Top storage options:
6. Network & Connectivity
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 5G Support | Faster downloads, lower latency. Standard in 2025. Confirm NZ band compatibility. |
| Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 | Future-proof wireless speeds at home and work |
| Bluetooth 5.3+ | Better audio and energy efficiency for earbuds, wearables |
| NFC | Enables contactless payments (Google Pay, Apple Pay) |
| eSIM | Digital SIM – great for international travel in 2025 |
❓ Smartphone FAQ for New Zealand Buyers
Q: Do I need a 5G phone in NZ?
A: Yes, 5G coverage is widely available from Spark, 2degrees and One NZ. All new phones listed on Parallel Imported support 5G.
Q: How much storage do I need?
A: 128GB is enough for casual users. If you’re capturing 4K video or downloading lots of apps/media, go for 256GB or higher.
Q: What is the best phone for photography?
A: For pro-level photos, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL are standout options. Sony Xperia 1 VII is great for manual control.
Q: Can I use a parallel imported phone on NZ networks?
A: Yes! All phones sold on Parallel Imported are unlocked and compatible with NZ carriers — just make sure to verify 4G/5G band support for your region.
Q: What phone should I get for gaming?
A: ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and RedMagic 10 Pro are built for gamers. They feature 165Hz displays, cooling systems, and high RAM.
Q: What’s the best phone under $1000?
A: Try the Pixel 9a, POCO X7 Pro, or Galaxy A36 5G.
Final Buying Checklist
Before you buy a smartphone in NZ, ask yourself:
✔️ What’s my budget?
✔️ What’s most important — camera, battery, performance, or display?
✔️ Do I need expandable storage or dual SIM?
✔️ Should I future-proof with 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and eSIM?
Ready to shop?
Browse All Mobile Phones in NZ
Or visit us in-store at Parallel Imported, Auckland.