Buying a smartphone for friends and family can be tough. First, you need to find the right device to meet their needs, next, you need to consider your budget. Thankfully there are plenty of devices out there to meet all kinds of requirements.
From high-end devices packed full of features, to mid and entry-level devices designed to get you through everyday life.
Here are the best smartphone gift ideas for your friends and family available today.
1. Sony Xperia Pro-I
If you're looking for a gift for a friend or family member that loves photography, look no further. The Sony Xperia Pro-I is the perfect smartphone for photography lovers.
The Sony Xperia Pro-I supports 4K video at 120fps, with other incredible camera features such as Eye autofocus and object tracking. Essentially taking all the best bits from Sony's SLR camera range, and packing it into a modern smartphone.
Of course, nothing beats viewing such incredible photos than viewing them on an equally incredible screen. Thankfully the Sony Xperia Pro-I features a stunning 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, making this smartphone's screen just as impressive as its camera.
Key Features
4K 120fps recording
Eye AF and object tracking
Triple camera array
Anti-distortion shutter
Specifications
Brand: Sony
CPU: Snapdragon 888
Display: 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED (3840 x 1644)
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 512 GB
Battery: 4500mAh
Ports: USB-C
Operating System: Android 11.0
Front camera: 8MP (F2.0) 78°
Rear camera: 12MP (F2.0/F4.0) 85°, 12MP (F2.4) 48°, 12MP (F2.2) 124°
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n(2.4GHz)/n(5GHz)/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G
Dimensions: 6.61 x 2.84 x 0.35 inches
Colors: Black
Weight: 7.5oz
Micro SD card support: Yes
2. Google Pixel 6 Pro
While most manufacturers' flagship phones might cost you a small fortune, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is actually surprisingly affordable when compared to similar phones in the market at the moment.
Just because the Google Pixel 6 Pro isn't the most expensive smartphone out there, it doesn't mean it's not good. Not only does it have an incredible camera it comes with a large stunning screen and is rammed full of impressive features.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro features a large 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz display that rivals even the most top-end expensive smartphones on the market. And with Android 12 straight out the box, your device arrives with the latest operating system and features.
Key Features
Powerful Google Tensor processor
Magic Eraser
Fast charging
Titan M2 chip
Specifications
Brand: Google
CPU: Google Tensor
Display: 6.71-inch QHD+, 3120x1440p, 120Hz with HDR10+
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
Battery: 5003mAh
Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1
Operating System: Android 12
Camera (Rear, Front): 50MP/48MP/12MP, 11.1MP
Front camera: 11.1MP ultrawide
Rear camera: 50MP wide, 48MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
Others: N/A
Dimensions: 6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 inches
Colors: Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny
Display type: LTPO AMOLED
Weight: 16.64oz
Charging: Fast Charging: 30W wired and 23W wireless, Power Delivery 3.0
IP Rating: IP68
RAM and Storage: 12GB and 256GB
Micro SD card support: No
Stylus type: N/A
3. Moto G Stylus
If you're looking for an affordable smartphone, the Moto G Stylus sits right in the middle. But, that doesn't mean it lacks features. In fact, it comes with a built-in stylus, offers a large and fast display, and boasts excellent battery life, making it a great smartphone for friends and family.
Want to take intricate photos? Unfortunately, this is where the Moto G Stylus falls short. Photographers looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers exceptional camera quality would be better off with the Google Pixel 6. While the Moto G Stylus does include a 48MP camera, it just doesn't offer anything spectacular in terms of software that tip it over the edge.
But, if you value a large screen, FHD+ display, and a stand-out 120Hz refresh rate, the Moto G Stylus is definitely a cheap smartphone that can meet those requirements. Perfect for day-to-day tasks.
Key Features
5000mAh battery
6.8-inch FHD+ display
Available in multiple colors
90Hz refresh rate
Specifications
Brand: Motorola
CPU: Snapdragon 665
Display: 6.4 inches, 1080x2300
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Ports: USB-C
Operating System: Android 10
Camera (Rear, Front): 48MP/16MP/2MP, 16MP
4. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Stripping away everything about the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra aside from its cameras, you could easily have one of the best smartphones around. This large handset has taken inspiration from the Samsung Note series and compiled it into a powerhouse with a 6.8-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and an exceptional array of cameras.
While it's not a complete overhaul of the Galaxy S21, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra does offer better optical and space zooms, making it easier to capture great pictures. Not only that, but the S22 Ultra also includes the S Pen, making it a stand-out choice for productivity users.
Leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 chipset, you're not going to struggle loading multiple apps on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. It handles everything so well. All of that, and a generous 5000mAh battery that will keep your smartphone going (pretty much) all day long.
Key Features
8K video
Night mode camera
S Pen included
108MP photo resolution
Specifications
Brand: Samsung
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Display: 6.8-inch WQHD+, 3088x1440p, 120Hz with HDR 10+
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 512GB UFS 3.1
Battery: 5000mAh
Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2
Operating System: Android 12
Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP/10MP/10MP/12MP, 40MP
Front camera: 40MP wide
Rear camera: 108MP wide, 10MP periscopic telephoto, 10MP telephoto and 10MP ultrawide
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, LTE, 5G
Dimensions: 7.09 x 3.74 x 1.22 inches
Colors: Burgundy, Green, Phantom Black, and Phantom White
Display type: Dynamic AMOLED
Weight: 13.1oz
Charging: Fast Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless
IP Rating: IP68
RAM and Storage: 12GB and 512GB
Micro SD card support: No
Stylus type: S Pen
5. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
To sum up the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max; it offers incredible battery life, exceptional cameras, boasts Apple's A15 bionic chipset and comes in a range of beautiful colors. It's hard not to love this smartphone, even if you're not usually a fan of Apple's lineup.
Of course, with a name like Pro Max, you can expect a large 6.7-inch screen. The cameras protrude even more, the screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, and Apple has introduced ProMotion for better screen brightness.
Granted, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is an expensive investment. But, if you're looking for something that will last a long time, impress a whole host of users, and ultimately give you smartphone access all day, it's a sensible choice.
Key Features
Super Retina XDR display
A15 bionic chip
ProMotion
4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
Specifications
Brand: Apple
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
Display: 6.7-inch, 120Hz, 1284x2778 OLED
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 4352mAh
Ports: Lightning
Operating System: iOS 15
Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
6. Nokia XR20 5G
This Qualcomm-powered smartphone comes 5G-enabled and is shockproof and water resistant. It's Nokia's most rugged smartphone—the Nokia XR20 5G. With a long-lasting battery, durable build, and IP68 rating, you'll want to take this beast of a phone with you on your adventures.
Granted, you're not getting outstanding specs or a mind-blowing camera like the Samsung S22 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro Max, but you are getting something that's built to last. It's just a shame the price tag is a little too high to warrant the rugged appeal.
Still, if you want to take mediocre photos when you're out hiking, camping, or splashing through rivers, the Nokia XR20 5G will be able to cope with what you throw at it. The investment here is really about a protective phone that could prove useful in certain situations, thus it's catered to a more niche market.
Key Features
Rear 48MP dual camera
IP68 rated
MicroSD card support
Fingerprint sensor and biometrics
Specifications
Brand: Nokia
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
Display: 6.67 inch, 1080x2400
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 4630mAh
Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x 3.5mm jack
Operating System: Android 11
Camera (Rear, Front): 2x 48MP + 13MP (Rear), 1x 8MP (Front)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, 5G Wi-Fi, NFC, USB C
Dimensions: 6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 inches
Colors: Ultra Blue, Granite Gray
Display type: IPS LCD
Weight: 8.75 oz
IP Rating: IP68
7. Samsung Galaxy A53
Want a more affordable Samsung Galaxy smartphone? Enter the Samsung Galaxy A53. It's pretty much a stripped-down version of the Galaxy S22 at a cheaper price point. It boasts a bright and attractive display, a 0.1-inch difference in screen size from the S22, and the same refresh rate.
On the back, the four cameras are probably the best you'll find at this price. You're not getting S22-level shots, but you will get bright, vibrant, and clear photos that you can share with your friends and family or on social media platforms.
The thing that really draws the Samsung Galaxy A53 back is the slow charging. The 25W charger takes around two hours to fully charge, which isn't convenient if you're in a rush. If the charging upped its game, then the Samsung Galaxy A53 could be one of the best value-for-money smartphones around.
Key Features
AMOLED display
Knox Security
microSD support
Specifications
Brand: Samsung
CPU: Samsung Exynos 1280
Display: 6.46-inch FHD, 2400x1080p, 120Hz with HDR10+
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128 GB UFS 2.2
Battery: 5000mAh
Ports: 1x USB-C 2.0
Operating System: Android 12, One UI 4.1
Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP/12MP/5MP/5MP, 32MP
Front camera: 32MP wide
Rear camera: 64MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, LTE
Others: N/A
Dimensions: 6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 inches
Colors: Blue, Black, Peach
Display type: Super AMOLED
Weight: 10.5oz
Charging: 25W Wired Fast Charging
IP Rating: IP67
RAM and Storage: 6GB and 128GB
Micro SD card support: Yes
Stylus type: N/A
8. Moto G50
One of the cheapest ways to jump into 5G connectivity is with the Moto G50. Alongside this, it boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 480 chipset, and decent battery life. It's not going to win any innovation awards, but what it does do is make a great case for a reliable and dependable smartphone.
There's not really much to say that stands out on this phone. It's got a decent 6.5-inch display which is let down by the poor 720x1600 resolution. Similarly, the camera setup appears pretty decent, but when you consider it's only got a 48MP main sensor with a 5MP macro and 2MP depth sensor, it's easy to feel disappointed by the lack of an ultra-wide lens and other features.
Everything about the Moto G50 is just okay, but it doesn't stretch much further than that. It's got an affordable price tag, and it's going to last a long time, but performance is certainly nothing to shout about.
Key Features
90Hz HD+ display
48MP camera
Octa-core processor
Specifications
Brand: Motorola
CPU: Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G
Display: 6.5-inches, 720 x 1600
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 5000 mAh
Operating System: Android 11
Front camera: 13 MP
Rear camera: 48 MP, 5MP, 2MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2-inches
Colors: Steel Grey
Weight: 14.1oz
9. OnePlus Nord N20 5G
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a mid-range phone that's similarly sized to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus. It's got a decent OLED display, generous storage which is expandable, and a decent 4500mAh battery. And, if you're running out of juice, you can charge this smartphone up to around 20 percent in 15 minutes, which is handy in emergency situations.
The Snapdragon 695 CPU combined with 6GB of RAM delivers a smooth experience overall. You can run multiple apps without any hiccups, making it useful for those who regularly indulge in productivity tasks on the go.
On paper, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G sounds pretty good, but when it comes to the camera system, things aren't so exciting. Performance is just average, which is disappointing, but if you're not fussed about the cameras, this phone could certainly prove useful when you consider the cost.
Key Features
5G enabled
6GB RAM
AMOLED display
33W Fast Charging
NFC
Specifications
Brand: OnePlus
CPU: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G
Display: AMOLED, 6.43-inches, 1080 x 2400
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Ports: USB Type-C 2.0
Operating System: Android 11
Front camera: 16 MP
Rear camera: 64 MP, 2MP, 2MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions: 7.17 x 3.74 x 2.2-inches
Colors: Blue Smoke
Weight: 1.05lbs
Q: Which Is Better Android or iOS?
While Apple's iOS is undoubtedly more popular, Android does make it easier to organize your apps, even hiding ones that you use less frequently.
Both Android and iOS have their stronger and weaker aspects, making this more a matter of personal preference, as opposed to which one is actually better than the other.
Q: What Are the Best Android Phones?
Some of the most popular Android smartphones include the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, and OnePlus 10 Pro.
Q: Is iPhone Better Than Samsung?
The iPhone vs Samsung debate is often more about personal preference rather than the devices themselves. They each excel in different areas. For example, Samsung tends to take the lead when it comes to its cameras, but iPhones are often designed to last a little longer than Samsungs that receive four years of major Android updates.
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