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.

Premium pick

1. Sony Xperia Pro-I

7.80 / 10
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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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Incredible camera
  • Powerful camera software
  • Impressive build quality
Cons
  • Very expensive
Buy This Product
Sony Xperia Pro-I
Editors choice

2. Google Pixel 6 Pro

8.00 / 10
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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
  • SoC: 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
  • Charge speed: 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: N/A
Pros
  • Extremely good value for money
  • Impressive camera
  • Nice design
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
Buy This Product
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Best value

3. Moto G Stylus

8.60 / 10
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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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Big screen
  • stylus included
Cons
  • Slower than previous model
  • No NFC
Buy This Product
Moto G Stylus

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
  • SoC: 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
  • Charge speed: Fast Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 12GB and 512GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: S Pen
Pros
  • Impressively colorful screen
  • Super fast charging
  • Great S Pen features
Cons
  • Mid-range battery life
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Impressive performance
  • Bright display
  • Long lasting battery life
Cons
  • Slower charging
Buy This Product
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Extremely durable
  • Long lasting battery
  • Wireless charging
Cons
  • Mediocre specs
Buy This Product
Nokia XR20 5G

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
  • SoC: Samsung Exynos 1280
  • Display: 6.5-inch, 2400x1080
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 2.0
  • Operating System: Android 12, One UI 4.1
  • Front camera: 1x 32MP wide
  • Rear camera: 1x 64MP wide, 1x 12MP ultra-wide, 1x 5MP macro, and 1x 5MP depth
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, LTE
  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches
  • Colors: Black
  • Display type: Super AMOLED
  • Weight: 6.7 ounces
  • Charge speed: 25W Wired Fast Charging
  • IP Rating: IP67
  • Micro SD card support: Up to 1TB
Pros
  • Long lasting battery
  • Stylish design
  • Good cameras
Cons
  • Slow charging
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy A53

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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Good battery life
  • Affordable price
  • 5G ready
Cons
  • Mediocre performance
Buy This Product

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
  • SoC: 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
Pros
  • Impressive performance
  • Stunning AMOLED display
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Average cameras
Buy This Product
OnePlus Nord N20 5G

FAQ

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.