The best unlocked phone for Spark NZ shoppers overall is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G, thanks to its large 120Hz AMOLED display, 6,500mAh battery and IP69K durability at a mid-range price. Spark shut down its 3G network on 31 March 2026, so any phone bought new needs 4G Band 28 (700MHz) and Band 3 (1800MHz) support, plus VoLTE, to make calls and send texts on Spark’s network, and a 5G-ready handset should also support n78 and n40 for full speed. Every phone below is sold unlocked, meaning it isn’t tied to any one carrier, so it can be set up with a Spark SIM or eSIM straight out of the box. This guide covers nine unlocked phones across every budget, from ultra-cheap 4G basics to near-flagship 5G, with the trade-offs tested to help NZ shoppers pick the right one for Spark.
This guide sits alongside our wider smartphones buying guide for anyone weighing up options beyond Spark compatibility.
Quick Comparison
| Phone | Best for | Display | Battery | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G | Best overall | 6.83″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6,500mAh | 256GB |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G | Best mid-range all-rounder | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,520mAh | 256GB |
| Xiaomi 17T 5G | Best camera | 6.59″, 120Hz | 6,500mAh | 512GB |
| moto g86 Power 5G | Best battery life & durability | 6.7″ pOLED | 6,720mAh | 128GB |
| Motorola moto g06 | Best budget pick | 6.88″ | 5,200mAh | 64GB |
| OPPO Reno13 5G | Best design | IP66/68/69 rated | 5,600mAh | 256GB |
| Xiaomi Redmi 15C | Best ultra-budget pick | 6.9″, 120Hz | 6,000mAh | 128GB |
| Samsung Galaxy A17 4G | Best entry-level Samsung | 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 128GB |
| Xiaomi Redmi 15 5G | Best battery capacity | 6.9″ FHD+, 144Hz | 7,000mAh | 128GB (expandable) |
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G – Best Overall
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G is the best overall pick for Spark shoppers who want a big, bright screen, a long-lasting battery and tough build quality without paying flagship prices.
The 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display runs at up to 120Hz with a quoted 3,200-nit peak brightness, so it stays readable outdoors and feels smooth when scrolling. It is the AU version of the phone, built for Australian networks, which rely on the same 700MHz Band 28 and 1800MHz Band 3 that Spark uses for 4G.
Durability is a real strength. Xiaomi rates it IP69K, the highest dust and water rating in this guide, so rain, spills and a dunk in the sink are not a worry. Inside, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage handle everyday apps, streaming and photo editing comfortably.
The 200MP main camera is the headline spec, and the 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery should comfortably get most people through a full day. When it does need a top-up, 100W HyperCharge is among the fastest charging on this list.
The catch is that no charger comes in the box, so you will need a compatible fast charger to get the full charging speed.
Pros
- IP69K dust and water resistance
- Large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz
- 6,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging
- 256GB storage as standard
Cons
- Charger not included
- Large phone for one-handed use
Key specs: 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 6,500mAh battery, 100W wired charging, IP69K rating, AU version.
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G – Best Mid-Range All-Rounder
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G is the best mid-range all-rounder here for shoppers who want most of the Pro+ experience at a lower price.
It keeps a slim, lightweight body with a curved front and back, and the 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen runs at 120Hz with a quoted 3,200-nit peak brightness for good visibility in sunlight.
A Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage cover everyday browsing, social apps and streaming without fuss, and IP65 protection guards against dust and splashes. The 108MP main camera has optical image stabilisation, which helps keep low-light and handheld shots steady.
The 5,520mAh battery is a solid size for a phone this slim, and as the AU version it is built for Australian networks that share Spark’s key 4G bands.
IP65 is a step below the IP69K of the Pro+, so it is better kept away from pools and the beach, and there is no charger in the box.
Pros
- Slim, light design
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- 108MP camera with OIS
- 256GB storage
Cons
- IP65 rating is splash protection only
- Charger not included
Key specs: 108MP OIS main camera, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5,520mAh battery, 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED, IP65 rating, AU version.
3. Xiaomi 17T 5G – Best Camera
The Xiaomi 17T 5G is the best camera pick on this list for shoppers who want a proper zoom lens and the most capable hardware here.
Its Leica-branded camera system includes a 5x optical telephoto lens, with Xiaomi quoting 10x lossless-quality zoom and up to 120x AI zoom, so it can reach subjects that the main cameras on other phones here simply cannot.
The 6.59-inch display is the most compact in this guide, with a micro-curved frame and a 200g weight that make it easier to use one-handed. It runs at up to 120Hz with a quoted 3,500-nit peak brightness, and 12GB of RAM with 512GB of storage means it will not run short of space for photos and video.
A 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery is large for a phone this size, and 67W HyperCharge fills it in about an hour by Xiaomi’s figures. It ships on Android 16.
It is the priciest phone here and had only a handful of owner ratings when we checked, so it is a newer and less proven choice than the rest of the list.
Pros
- Leica 5x optical telephoto
- 512GB storage and 12GB RAM
- Compact 6.59-inch body
- 6,500mAh battery with 67W charging
Cons
- Most expensive phone in this guide
- Few owner reviews so far
Key specs: Leica camera system with 5x telephoto, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 6,500mAh battery, 67W wired charging, 6.59-inch 120Hz display, Android 16.
4. moto g86 Power 5G – Best Battery Life & Durability
The moto g86 Power 5G is the best battery life and durability pick here for shoppers who hate charging their phone daily.
Its 6.7-inch pOLED display sits in a build motorola rates for 360-degree protection, a step up from the light splash-resistance most budget phones offer, and the Pantone-certified colourway gives it a distinctive matte finish that resists fingerprints better than the glossy backs on some rivals.
motorola’s 360-degree protection claim covers drop resistance and extreme temperature tolerance alongside water resistance, giving it sturdier real-world durability than its price suggests. The 1.5K pOLED display looks sharp for video and browsing, and testers found the Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers noticeably fuller than typical budget-phone audio.
The 50MP Sony OIS camera handles low light better than most phones in this price bracket, and the Dimensity 7400 chipset with 8GB of RAM keeps everyday apps responsive.
33W charging is on the slower side given the size of the battery, so a full charge takes longer than rivals with faster top-up speeds.
Anyone who still runs low by evening might pair a big-battery phone like this with one of our recommended power banks for backup.
Pros
- Huge 6,720mAh battery rated for up to 53 hours
- 360-degree durability protection
- Sharp 1.5K pOLED display
- Dolby Atmos speakers
Cons
- 33W charging is slow for the battery size
- Colourway options limited by retailer
Key specs: 128GB storage, Dimensity 7400 chipset, 8GB RAM, 6,720mAh battery, up to 53 hours rated battery life, 33W TurboPower charging.
5. Motorola moto g06 – Best Budget Pick
The Motorola moto g06 is the best budget pick on this list for shoppers who want a big screen and decent battery for the least outlay.
Its 6.88-inch display is the largest of moto g’s line-up, and stereo speakers make it better than most cheap phones for videos and calls on speaker. The green finish and IP64 rating give it a little more character and protection than you might expect at this price.
A MediaTek Helio processor with 4GB of RAM handles calls, messaging and light apps, and Motorola’s RAM Boost borrows storage to stretch that further. The 50MP main camera is fine for everyday snaps in good light, and the 5,200mAh battery should last a full day of typical use.
There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is now rare on phones, and a fingerprint reader for quick unlocking.
This is a 4G phone with 64GB of storage, so it suits light users rather than anyone who wants 5G speeds or keeps lots of photos and apps.
Pros
- Large 6.88-inch display with stereo speakers
- 5,200mAh battery
- Headphone jack
- IP64 splash protection
Cons
- 4G only, no 5G
- Only 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM
Key specs: 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, MediaTek Helio processor, 50MP main camera, 5,200mAh battery, 6.88-inch display, IP64 rating. 4G and VoLTE for calls on Spark.
6. OPPO Reno13 5G – Best Design
The OPPO Reno13 5G is the best design pick here for shoppers who want a phone that looks and feels premium.
The Plume White finish gives it a clean, upmarket look, and OPPO has paid as much attention to toughness as style. It passes IP66, IP68 and IP69 tests for water and dust, and OPPO uses cushioning in the frame plus strengthened glass and metal to protect the internals from drops.
It comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, so it keeps plenty of apps open and has room for a big photo library. The triple rear camera is led by a 50MP main sensor, and OPPO’s AI editing tools can pull a sharp still from a video clip or clean up photos after the fact.
A 5,600mAh battery with fast charging means quick top-ups, and OPPO says the battery is designed to hold up over five years of use.
It is one of the pricier phones here, and its strengths lean towards design and durability rather than raw camera zoom.
Pros
- IP66, IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance
- Premium Plume White design
- 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
- 5,600mAh battery with fast charging
Cons
- Higher price than most picks here
- No telephoto zoom
Key specs: 50MP triple rear camera, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5,600mAh battery, fast charging, IP66/IP68/IP69 ratings.
7. Xiaomi Redmi 15C – Best Ultra-Budget Pick
The Xiaomi Redmi 15C is the best ultra-budget pick on this list for shoppers who only need calls, texts and basic apps.
It packs a 6.9-inch display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz into a 7.99mm-thick body, so it feels smoother and slimmer than most phones at this price.
A MediaTek Helio G81-Ultra octa-core chip and 4GB of RAM handle messaging, browsing and video, and 128GB of storage leaves room for photos. The 50MP dual camera is fine for everyday shots in good light, and IP64 protection covers dust and splashes.
The 6,000mAh (typical) battery is generous for an entry phone and should see most light users through more than a day.
It is a 4G phone, so there is no 5G, the processor is built for basics rather than gaming, and there is no charger in the box.
Pros
- Large 6.9-inch, 120Hz display
- 6,000mAh battery
- 128GB storage
- IP64 splash protection
Cons
- 4G only, no 5G
- Charger not included
Key specs: 128GB storage, 4GB RAM, MediaTek Helio G81-Ultra, 50MP dual camera, 6,000mAh battery, 6.9-inch 120Hz display, IP64 rating. 4G and VoLTE for calls on Spark.
8. Samsung Galaxy A17 4G – Best Entry-Level Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy A17 is the best entry-level Samsung pick here for shoppers who want Samsung’s software and a Super AMOLED screen without paying mid-range prices.
Its 6.7-inch display puts it in the same screen-size bracket as pricier phones on this list, in a body backed by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for scratch resistance. The Black finish keeps things understated, and the Super AMOLED panel gives it richer contrast than the LCD screens typically found at this price.
An IP54 rating covers dust and light splashes only, so it’s not the pick for anyone near pools or beaches. The 90Hz refresh rate is a notch below the 120Hz screens elsewhere in this guide, but it is still smooth enough for browsing and messaging.
This is the AU version of the 4G model, which handles calls, texts and social apps comfortably, and the triple rear camera (50MP OIS main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro) is a genuine step up from typical entry-level single-camera setups.
There is no 5G on this version, so shoppers who want 5G speeds on Spark should look further up this list.
Pros
- Super AMOLED display
- Triple rear camera with OIS
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- Samsung software at an entry-level price
Cons
- 4G only, no 5G
- IP54 rating offers only light splash protection
Key specs: 128GB storage, 50MP OIS main camera, 5,000mAh battery, 6.7-inch 90Hz Super AMOLED. 4G and VoLTE for calls on Spark, AU version.
9. Xiaomi Redmi 15 5G – Best Battery Capacity
The Xiaomi Redmi 15 5G is the best battery capacity pick here for shoppers who want the biggest battery on this list.
At 217g and 8.4mm thick, it’s noticeably chunkier than the slimmer phones on this list, a direct trade-off for the size of battery packed inside. The Midnight Black finish is understated, and the 6.9-inch display is the largest screen in this guide, suited to shoppers who stream or read on their phone often.
An IP64 rating protects against dust and light splashes, and expandable storage via microSD up to 2TB is a rare inclusion among the phones tested here. The FHD+ DotDisplay runs at up to 144Hz, and testers found scrolling felt notably smooth for a phone at this price point, even if the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset is built for efficiency over raw speed.
The headline feature is the 7,000mAh battery with silicon-carbon anode technology, comfortably the largest capacity in this guide and good for well over a day of typical use between charges.
4GB of RAM is at the low end for this list, so heavy multitaskers may notice more app reloading than on the Samsung or OPPO picks.
Shoppers who want an even bigger screen for media might also consider stepping up to a tablet instead of a phone.
Pros
- Biggest battery in this guide at 7,000mAh
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Large 6.9-inch, 144Hz display
- Silicon-carbon battery technology
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM
- Heavier and thicker than most phones here
Key specs: 128GB storage (expandable), Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, 50MP AI dual camera, 7,000mAh battery, IP64 rating.
How to Choose
Start with network compatibility: any phone on this list must be unlocked and support Band 28 (700MHz) and Band 3 (1800MHz) for Spark’s 4G, plus VoLTE for calls and texts. Since Spark’s 3G network closed on 31 March 2026, a phone that only supports older 3G calling standards won’t work at all. If speed matters, look for 5G support on bands n78 and n40; if it doesn’t, a 4G-only phone like the Redmi 15C still handles calls, texts and everyday browsing fine. From there, match the phone to how it’ll actually get used. Shoppers who stream or read on their phone often will appreciate the larger 6.7-6.9-inch screens here over the more compact Xiaomi 17T.
Battery capacity varies widely, from 5,000mAh up to the Redmi 15’s 7,000mAh, so heavy users should lean toward the bigger-battery picks. Storage of 128GB comfortably covers apps and photos for most people, while 256GB or more (on the Redmi Note 15 models, Reno13 and Xiaomi 17T) suits anyone who shoots a lot of video. Durability ratings matter too: an IP68 or IP69 rating tolerates real water exposure, while IP54 and IP64 ratings only cover dust and light splashes. Anyone carrying a phone daily might also want a spare power bank on hand for longer days away from a charger.
Shoppers still undecided between models can also compare against our mid-range smartphones picks for more context.
Verdict
For most Spark shoppers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G is the easiest overall recommendation: it pairs near-flagship touches (120Hz AMOLED, IP69K, 100W charging) with a mid-range price and support for Spark’s main 4G bands. Budget-conscious shoppers are better served by the Motorola moto g06, which brings a big screen and long battery life to a genuinely low price point, while anyone who only needs calls, texts and basic apps can also look at the 4G-only Redmi 15C. Whichever pick fits the budget, checking VoLTE and band support before buying is the one step that actually determines whether a phone works on Spark’s network at all.
FAQs
Can I use any unlocked phone with Spark?
Most unlocked phones work with Spark as long as they support Spark’s frequency bands, mainly Band 28 (700MHz) and Band 3 (1800MHz) for 4G, plus VoLTE for calling. All nine phones in this guide meet those requirements and are sold unlocked, so they can be set up with a Spark SIM or eSIM straight away.
Do I need to unlock my phone before using it with Spark?
Only if the phone is locked to a different carrier. Phones bought outright and unlocked, like the picks in this guide, don’t need unlocking. A phone locked to another network needs unlocking by its original provider before it will accept a Spark SIM.
What happened to Spark’s 3G network?
Spark shut down its 3G network on 31 March 2026. Phones that only support 3G for calls and data no longer work on Spark at all, so any replacement phone needs 4G with VoLTE as a minimum, and ideally 5G support for faster speeds.
What network bands does Spark use for 4G and 5G?
Spark’s 4G coverage relies mainly on Band 28 (700MHz) and Band 3 (1800MHz), with Band 28 doing most of the heavy lifting for rural and in-building coverage. Spark’s 5G network runs on bands n78 and n40, so a 5G phone needs to support those to get full 5G speeds.
Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright instead of through Spark?
Buying a phone outright and unlocked, rather than bundled into a Spark plan, avoids paying it off through higher monthly plan costs over 24-36 months. It also means the phone isn’t tied to Spark if a shopper later switches providers.
