If you’ve heard the rumblings about 3G networks shutting down in New Zealand and thought, “wait, my phone still uses that?” - then this article is for you. With all three major NZ telcos (Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ) phasing out 3G by the end of 2025, it’s a good time to check if your current phone is going to keep up - or if it’s time for an upgrade.
We covered all the gritty details (dates, telco links, compatibility checks and all that jazz) in our other article: “3G Networks Are Shutting Down in NZ – Here’s What to Do” If you’re unsure whether your phone will make it into the future, check that piece out first - then come back here for some wallet-friendly phone options that’ll work with modern networks, no problem.
4G vs 5G - What’s the Difference?
The basics are simple:
4G is solid. Fast enough for Netflix, Spotify, video calls and most apps. Great coverage across NZ.
5G is the new hotness. It’s way faster, has lower latency (so great for gaming and real-time stuff), and will become more useful as networks expand and new apps take advantage of it.
So… do you need 5G? Maybe not today. But if you're getting a new phone now and want to future-proof it for a long time, 5G’s not a bad shout - especially if you’re in a coverage area. That said, 4G still has plenty of life left and will be supported for a long while yet. Don’t quote us on this, but so far we’re hearing that 4G is planning on sticking around for another several years at least. Talk about guests not knowing when to leave. Remind me not to invite him over to mine!
Samsung Galaxy A06 (4G)
Let’s start at the very affordable end of the spectrum. The Galaxy A06 is Samsung’s 'just the essentials' model - perfect if you just want a reliable phone for calls, texts, emails, social media, and the occasional YouTube binge. It’s got a simple design, a big screen (6.7"), and the battery life is honestly pretty great for a phone at this price.
You’re not getting fancy features here - no high refresh rate, no 5G, and the camera is just okay. But for the price, it’s a very decent step into the 4G world. With 4 years of security upgrades and 2 generations of OS upgrades, it can be relied on for the foreseeable future.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 (4G)
Now we’re talking. The Redmi Note 14 4G feels more mid-range than budget, and Xiaomi has a real knack for packing in a heap of features at sharp prices. This one’s great for someone who wants a bit more from their phone but doesn’t need 5G.
It’s got a crisp AMOLED screen (with 120Hz refresh, which is wild for this price), a 108MP main camera that punches way above its weight, and a big battery. Honestly, this is a great value pick if you don’t mind skipping 5G.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 (5G)
Want to stay in the Samsung ecosystem and get on the 5G train? The A16 5G is one of the best entry-level options out there. It keeps things pretty simple but nails the essentials, with decent cameras, a big screen, and 5G support built in.
Performance is perfectly fine for everyday tasks, and the screen, while not AMOLED, is still bright and sharp. If you’re a casual user who just wants a modern phone that won’t age out too fast, this one’s a safe pick. You'll get 6x OS updates and 6 years of security updates, so this is a phone that may even outlast 4G!
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (5G)
This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ brings flagship-style features into mid-range territory. Think: 200MP camera (yes, seriously), 120Hz AMOLED display, and 5G performance that keeps up with phones nearly twice the price.
If you like taking photos, streaming content, or just want a fast phone without dropping $1K, this is a seriously compelling option. Xiaomi does it again.
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Motorola Edge 50 Fusion (5G)
This one’s the wild card. Motorola has been quietly making some great mid-range phones, and the Edge 50 Fusion is an awesome all-rounder. It’s sleek, has a 144Hz OLED display (faster than most flagships!), and the clean Android experience is hard to beat.
If you want something stylish, modern, and smooth to use - and don’t need all the extra bells and whistles of a high-end phone - this could be your new daily driver.
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What’s the Move?
So there you have it - five phones that cover a range of budgets and needs, from basic 4G models to surprisingly powerful 5G mid-rangers. With 3G networks shutting down soon, upgrading is no longer a “maybe someday” thing - it’s a “do it before you lose coverage” kinda deal.
If you’re unsure whether your current phone is ready for the future, check out our guide: 3G Networks Shutting Down in NZ - Here’s What to Do. It’ll help you figure out if you’re affected, how to check your phone’s compatibility, and what your options are.
Ready to upgrade?
Check out the full range of 4G and 5G phones at PB Tech now - all the models above (and more) are available, with NZ warranties, network compatibility, and fast local shipping. Whether you’re future-proofing or just grabbing a reliable daily driver, now’s the time to make the switch.
