10 best first big-screen devices in South Africa for 2026
By the AllThingsMobile team Published 8 min read
Quick answer
If you want a first big-screen device in South Africa, start with a large phone, not a foldable. For most first-time buyers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 and Samsung Galaxy A37 5G are the safest buys, while premium phones and foldables only make sense if your budget is much higher.
If you are buying your first big-screen device in South Africa, a large phone is usually the best choice. For most people, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 is the best value pick, the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G is the safest all-rounder, and foldables only make sense if you know you will use the extra screen every day.
This ranking leans toward large phones and foldables because the brief did not include live South African tablet pricing or supported tablet models. If you specifically want a tablet, check current local stock, warranty support and accessory availability before you buy.
Ranked list: the best first big-screen devices
| Rank | Device | Best for | Tracked price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 | Best value first big-screen phone | From R4,999 |
| 2 | Samsung Galaxy A37 5G | Best all-round first buy | From R6,998 |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Best premium large-screen phone | From R17,971 |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Best premium pick if you do not want a huge phone | From R15,989 |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | Best foldable if you will use the inner screen often | From R36,999 |
| 6 | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Best big-screen iPhone if money is not the main issue | From R30,699 |
| 7 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Best iPhone for buyers who want premium quality in a smaller body | From R22,499 |
| 8 | Starter contract on Vodacom | Best place to start if upfront cash is the problem | From R179/month |
| 9 | Starter contract on MTN or Telkom | Best for comparing low-entry monthly budgets | From R189/month or R249/month |
| 10 | Starter contract on Cell C or Rain | Only worth it if coverage and package fit you | From R219/month or R595/month |
Why the Redmi Note 15 and Galaxy A37 5G rank highest
Xiaomi Redmi Note 15: best value for most first-time buyers
The Redmi Note 15 takes the top spot because it keeps your risk low. At from R4,999 at Incredible Connection, it is the easiest way to get a big-screen phone without spending flagship money.
If you want to compare cash and contract, there are tracked Vodacom deals at R349/month over 36 months with 1GB data and R399/month over 24 months with 1GB data. You can check our Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 specs and prices page for current listings.
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G: best all-rounder if you want a safer buy
The Galaxy A37 5G is the better fit if you want a familiar brand and a little more peace of mind. At from R6,998 at Takealot, it costs more than the Redmi Note 15, but it is still in a realistic range for many first-time buyers.
Tracked deals include R349/month over 36 months with 1.5GB data on Cell C, R429/month over 36 months with 1GB data on Vodacom, and R549/month over 24 months with 1GB data on Vodacom. For many buyers, this is the sweet spot between budget and dependability. You can also compare it on our Samsung Galaxy A37 5G specs and prices page.
Best premium phones if your budget is much higher
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: best premium large-screen phone
If you want a true big-screen flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the strongest pick here. It has a 6.9-inch display, a 5000mAh battery, and starts at R17,971 at Takealot.
It ranks above the foldable because it gives you a large screen without the extra complexity of a hinge. If you want a premium phone that is easier to protect and live with, this is the better first buy.
Samsung Galaxy S26: best premium phone if you want quality over size
The Galaxy S26 is not one of the biggest phones on this list, but it is still a strong premium option. It starts at R15,989 at Takealot and gives you a 6.2-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage, and a 4000mAh battery.
There is also a tracked Vodacom deal at R649/month over 48 months with 3GB data. If you want a premium phone that is easier to hold and pocket than a giant device, this is a smart option. See our Samsung Galaxy S26 specs and prices page for the latest tracked offers.
When foldables and iPhones do make sense
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: only buy it if you will use the extra screen often
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the clearest foldable option in this brief, with a tracked price of from R36,999 at Takealot. It is the best foldable here, but not the best first buy for most people.
My view is simple: if your budget is tight or this is your first smartphone, skip it. A foldable has more moving parts and costs far more than a normal large phone. If you know you will read, multitask or work on that inner screen every day, then it becomes easier to justify. Our guide to cheap foldables and big-screen phones can help you compare lower-risk options.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: best big-screen iPhone, but hard to justify for beginners
The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at R30,699 at Cellucity. If your main goal is the biggest current iPhone on sale in South Africa from this brief, this is the one to look at.
But it is a luxury buy, not a value buy. For a first-time smartphone buyer, that makes it hard to recommend unless you are already committed to iPhone and comfortable with the total cost of ownership.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro: premium iPhone, but not really a big-screen value pick
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at R22,499 at Amazon.co.za. It has a 6.3-inch display, A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage, a 3274mAh battery, and a 48MP + 12MP + 12MP main camera setup.
It is an excellent premium phone, but it ranks lower because this list is about big-screen value. If you are thinking long term in Apple's ecosystem, our article on keeping an iPhone for five years is worth reading too.
How to choose between cash and contract
For many first-time buyers, the real decision is not just which phone to buy. It is whether to pay cash now or spread the cost over time.
- Vodacom: cheapest tracked phone deal from R179/month
- MTN: cheapest tracked phone deal from R189/month
- Cell C: cheapest tracked phone deal from R219/month
- Telkom: cheapest tracked phone deal from R249/month
- Rain: cheapest tracked phone deal from R595/month
Worked example: Redmi Note 15 on Vodacom
Example: the Redmi Note 15 is available at R349/month over 36 months with 1GB data or R399/month over 24 months with 1GB data on Vodacom. The lower monthly payment looks easier, but the 36-month term keeps you tied to the phone much longer.
If you can afford the higher monthly amount, the 24-month option gives you more freedom sooner. That matters if this is your first smartphone and you are not yet sure what size or brand you will want in two or three years.
When a contract is a bad idea
Do not rush into a long contract just because the monthly amount looks small. If your income is unstable, or you are still figuring out which phone size works for you, buying cash at the lower end is usually safer.
You should also compare network coverage where you live, study and work. A cheaper package is poor value if the signal is weak in the places you actually use your phone. Our latest phone contract deals page is the best place to compare current offers.
Should you buy a large phone, a foldable or a tablet first?
For most first-time buyers, buy a large phone first. It is easier to carry, easier to protect, and simpler to use for calls, WhatsApp, banking, maps, photos and school or work apps.
- Choose a large phone if you want one device that does everything reasonably well.
- Choose a foldable only if you will regularly use the bigger inner screen for reading, multitasking or work.
- Choose a tablet only if you already have a phone, or mainly want a device for home use, streaming or schoolwork.
If you are still deciding, our first-time buyer's guide to cheap phones is a useful next read. It explains why the cheapest option is not always the smartest one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first big-screen phone in South Africa right now?
For most first-time buyers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 is the best value option. If you want a safer all-rounder from a more familiar brand, the Samsung Galaxy A37 5G is the better pick.
Should a first-time buyer get a foldable phone?
Usually no. A foldable only makes sense if you know you will use the bigger inner screen often and you can comfortably afford the higher price.
Is it better to buy a phone cash or on contract?
If you can afford it, cash is usually simpler and gives you more freedom. A contract helps with upfront cost, but you need to compare the term, bundled data and network coverage carefully.
What is the best premium big-screen phone here if I do not want a foldable?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the strongest premium large-screen pick in this list. It gives you a 6.9-inch display and a 5000mAh battery without the extra risk of a hinge.
What about tablets for first-time buyers?
This brief did not include live South African tablet prices or supported tablet models, so I would not rank one here. Check current local stock, warranty support and case availability before you buy a tablet.
