Top 10 Tech Brands 2023

Ho ho ho, it’s Christmas time again. ‘Tis the season for spending your hard-earned money. If this sounds like you, we recommend you consider brand as an essential part of your gift idea. Brand says a lot about you and the person you are gifting. It shows integrity in that you have chosen reputation over a cheap no-name option.

Buying by brand virtually guarantees your gift is one of quality.

With big brands you can’t go wrong. You are buying years of investment in research and development. It is also prudent to buy brand-name items through a reputable, authorized on-seller, as this ensures the product is genuine and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Here is our choice of PNG’s top 10 tech brands that will not let you down.

1. Sony

Country of origin: Japan

Founded: Sony 1946 / PlayStation 1994

Products: audio/visual (wireless speakers, headphones, earbuds, TV), cameras, video cameras, PlayStation consoles and games.

Smart Shopper says: Sony is the one and only! Easily the number 1 tech brand in PNG because of its long association and the range of high-quality tech products on offer – there’s something for everyone. For gaming, PlayStation 5 is the latest edition of the famous console. Released in 2021, PS5’s lifespan will be up until 2026, so it is still very current and gift-worthy.

Where to look: CHM has PNG’s biggest range of Sony products. For PlayStation check CHM, Theodist, Daltron, Prouds.

Online/explore more: https://store.sony.com.au/

2. Google Pixel

Country of origin: USA

Founded: Google 1998 / Pixel 2013 / Fitbit 2007 (acquired by Google 2021)

Products: Pixel, Fitbit, accessories

Smart Shopper says: there is a lot of love among tech-heads in PNG for the new Google Pixel 8 smartphone. Google also recently released new Pixel buds, Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel tablet. Google is also the owner of Android, the operating system for most smartphones outside the Apple universe. That gives Android almost 70% of the global market. Google Pixel is really the way of the future, supported by the parent company’s interests in AI, search engines and cloud computing. See our Google Pixel reviews (8 November and 17 November).

Where to look: don’t bother looking in PNG. Look off-shore (Australia) or online in the Google store.

Online/explore more: https://store.google.com/au/

3. Samsung

Country of origin: South Korea

Founded: Samsung 1938 / Samsung Galaxy since 2009. JBL has been a subsidiary of Samsung since 2017, its country of origin is the USA.

Products: Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, buds, accessories, JBL speakers.

Smart Shopper says: Samsung Galaxy is the number one choice when it comes to Android devices in PNG. S23 was released earlier this year, and along with it came the S23 Fan Edition (FE) in October. See our Galaxy S23 FE review (6 November).

JBL, on the other hand has always had a great reputation for audio and received a new lease of life when it’s parent Harman was acquired by Samsung in 2017.

Where to look: Galaxy - all reputable tech/phone retailers in PNG. JBL – Fone Haus, CHM

Online/explore more: https://www.samsung.com/au/    JBL: https://www.jbl.com.au/

4. Apple

Country of origin: USA

Founded: 1976

Products: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Airpods, accessories

Smart Shopper says: you are either in the Apple ecosystem or not. If you are, then you would be accustomed and committed to the high cost and idiosyncrasies and, in PNG, the limitations. iPhone 15 was released in September with a mixed reception. For some, iPhone is a status symbol. That’s not a good reason for buying a product – but to each his/her own. The Apple MacBook is in a league of its own when it comes to laptops. The choice of graphic designers, musos and content creators, but not for you if you are just after a word processor. Apple products carry a hefty price tag. See our iPhone 15 review (5 November 2023).

Where to look: all reputable tech/phone retailers in PNG. 

Online/explore more: https://www.apple.com/au/store

5. GoPro

Country of origin: USA

Founded: 2002

Products: Hero 10 Black (2021), Hero 11 Black (2022), Hero 12 Black (2023) + accessories

Smart Shopper says: GoPro is a brand that has defined action cameras for over two decades now. If you hike, trek, dive, snorkel, or you are into action sports, GoPro will capture your finest moments. Impress your friends, family, and most of all, yourself. Bore everyone further by posting or vlogging your conquests online. LOL. Life is for living. Enjoy!

Where to look: Theodist, CHM, Daltron, Coolstuf

Online/explore more: https://gopro.com/en/au/

6. Canon

Country of origin: Japan

Founded: 1937

Products: video cameras, digital cameras, binoculars, lenses, accessories

Smart Shopper says: if you or someone you know is serious about photography and/or videography then you can’t go wrong with Canon. Award-winning image technology from Japan you can trust.

Where to look: CHM, Theodist, Daltron, Cool Stuf

Online/explore more: https://www.canon.com.au/

7. Blackview

Country of origin: China

Founded: 2013

Products: rugged phones, tablets.

Smart Shopper says: kudos to CHM for bringing in a range of mobile devices suited to the tough conditions of PNG. Out of all brands in the Top 10, Blackview rugged phones are probably the most relevant. CHM even has Blackview tablets, durable and tough for kids – the perfect gift for young learners.

Where to look: CHM

Online/explore more: https://store.blackview.hk

8. Microsoft

Country of origin: USA

Founded: 1975

Products: Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Software (Office/365, Windows, Teams), Xbox

Smart Shopper says: MS makes it in the Top 10 in virtue of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. See our MS Surface Pro 7 vs Apple iPad Pro review (28 October 2023) – however, MS Surface Pro 9 and MS Surface Laptop 5 are now available in Australia and are more current, so in PNG you may be buying an older model. Microsoft also has the Xbox gaming platform.

Where to look: Theodist, Cool Stuf

Online/explore more: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/

9.  HP (aka Hewlett-Packard)

Country of origin: USA

Founded: 1939

Products: laptops, desktops

Smart Shopper says: best choice as a gift for a senior high school or university student.

Where to look: all reputable computer/office supply retail companies

Online/explore more: https://www.hp.com/au-en/shop/

10. BlueAnt

Country of origin: Australia

Founded: 2003

Products: Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, headphones, microphones, sound bars

Smart Shopper says: this is more of an honourable mention for an Aussie product 100% designed and owned in a very congested market full of big brands like Sony, JBL, Marshall and Ultimate Ears (Logitech). BlueAnt has had solid reviews and offers good value for money. Worth a look when comparing the other bigger brands.

Where to look: Theodist, Cool Stuf

Online/explore more: https://blueant.com.au/

That's the ten! 

Buying-by-brand and tech aside, it's the thought that counts. 

A real apple is healthier than an iPhone.🍎

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!



 

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