If there’s anything that goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season and gift-giving, it’s smartphones. Consumer electronics constantly make up a significant chunk of presents that a lot of people receive annually during Christmas, and we’re willing to bet that 2025 won’t be any different.
With that in mind, you might be curious about what kind of phone to get someone as a present, in which case we’ve prepared this handy guide of things that sum up the basics when it comes to smartphones, especially for folks out there who might not be as tech-savvy as the rest of us. We’ve included devices across different pricing tiers and sizes, and hopefully this list will give you a better idea on which model t…
If there’s anything that goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season and gift-giving, it’s smartphones. Consumer electronics constantly make up a significant chunk of presents that a lot of people receive annually during Christmas, and we’re willing to bet that 2025 won’t be any different.
With that in mind, you might be curious about what kind of phone to get someone as a present, in which case we’ve prepared this handy guide of things that sum up the basics when it comes to smartphones, especially for folks out there who might not be as tech-savvy as the rest of us. We’ve included devices across different pricing tiers and sizes, and hopefully this list will give you a better idea on which model to get. Check them out below!
Flagship Models
First up, let’s start with some of the best phones that money can buy. They’re pretty expensive, but high-end smartphones often come with little to no compromises, meaning that you get better cameras, better screen quality, and a smoother user experience in general. Higher-end smartphones also come with longer software support, so they to tend to last longer down the line.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best that Samsung has to offer, and comes with a large display, terrific cameras, and even a built-in stylus which makes it ideal for productivity. It also runs on a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which means that it can also handle intensive apps and games.
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Sure, it’s a year older compared to the new OnePlus 15, but the OnePlus 13 still manages to impress thanks to its massive battery with fast charging, capable Hasselblad camera setup, and it also runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip along with a dedicated cooling system, making it ideal for gaming.
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While its processor isn’t as fast or powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Pixel 10 Pro XL shines when it comes to more practical smartphone tasks like point-and-shoot photography, spam call and text prevention, regular security and software updates, and access to Google’s wide array of AI and software services.
If you’re after something a bit more compact, then the base model Samsung Galaxy S25 comes with a more pocket-friendly form factor, as well as the same powerful processor as its Ultra sibling.
Another terrific compact option, the iPhone 17 Pro features Apple’s latest A19 Pro chip, a new built-in cooling system, a gorgeous-looking 120Hz display and a new design with an aluminium chassis.
Midrange Options
If you don’t want to spend too much on a smartphone, then a midrange device might be more suitable for you (or your giftee). While there are some trade-offs such as more modest camera performance and slight differences in processing power, this does mean that you save a lot more cash in the long run without losing too much features.
While it lacks the glass chassis of the Pixel 10 flagship phones, the Pixel 9a still comes with a terrific camera, regular software updates for the next seven years, support for Google’s AI features, as well as spam call and text protection.
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While its processor is a bit older compared to the standard OnePlus 13 the 13R still manages to shine thanks to a very capable battery setup, a vibrant display, and even comes with a design that’s similar to that of its more expensive sibling.
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Samsung’s FE-series phones were always marketed as more affordable alternatives to its mainline flagships, and the S25 FE continues that tradition. The phone comes with a triple-camera setup, a large display and battery, and is generally fast for everyday use.
Nothing’s midrange devices are among the more impressive smartphones in its lineup, and the 3a Pro certainly delivers on that front. The phone features a very capable Snapdragon chipset, and even includes a persicope telephoto camera for more versatile photography.
If you don’t mind going the Apple route, the iPhone 16e comes with Apple’s very capable A18 chipset, more memory compared to previous models like the 14 and 15, and is a lot more affordable versus the iPhone 17 series.
Budget-Friendly Phones
While more affordable smartphones might not wow you in terms of overall features and capabilities, they do get the essentials right such as calls and texts, web browsing, and access to essential apps. They also make pretty great gifts for elderly loved ones who are in need of an upgrade, or very young users who purely need a device for keeping in touch with parents and guardians, and maybe a bit of schoolwork.
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Priced well below 500 bucks, the Moto G Stylus is worth checking out thanks to its built-in stylus, a large display and battery, and it even comes with a 3.5mm headphone port for wired audio.
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A more affordable model from Samsung, the Galaxy A56 comes with a sleek-looking design with reinforced glass, a terrific-looking display, and software update support for several years down the line.
A rarity in its price class, the POCO F7 comes with a powerful Snapdragon processor that makes it ideal for gaming, a large display, and a massive 6500mAh battery with support for 90W charging.
Another wallet-friendly option from Samsung, the Galaxy A16 comes with all the essentials including a large and vibrant screen, software and security updates for the next six years, and a battery which will be able to last most moderate users a day and then some.
Launched back in 2023, the Pixel 8a is a lot more affordable now even when compared to the Pixel 9a. It’s still getting software updates as well, and comes with impressive camera quality thanks to Google’s image processing software.
Foldable Devices
of course, no smartphone list in 2025 would be complete without the inclusion of foldable devices. While they were initially introduced as more niche options within the smartphone landscape, they’ve since come to claim a considerable chunk of the mobile device market, and have gotten considerably better throughout the years.
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Arguably one of the best foldable smartphones this year, the Galaxy Z Fold7 comes with a more slimmed-down design, powerful processing thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and good-looking displays.
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It’s one of the more expensive phones on this list, but the Galaxy Z Flip7 comes with a larger cover display, a slimmer design, and a bit more battery this time around.
One of the biggest strengths of the Moto Razr 2025 is its price, which is considerably more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. It’s also powered by MediaTek’s very-capable Dimensity 8200 processor.
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Part of Google’s 2025-series flagship phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers users an alternative foldable device in case they’re not too keen on Samsung’s own approach to Android.
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Last but not eh least on this list is the Honor Magic V5, which packs a sleek and lightweight design, the incredibly-powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a reinforced design which promises better durability.
So there you have it—there’s certainly a device for each and every budget out there, and hopefully this list was helpful for those of you who are looking to get their friends and loved ones a brand new smartphone this holiday season. For more gift ideas, be sure to take a look at our other 2025 guides as well!
- The Best Tablets You Can Get for the 2025 Holiday Season!
- Over the Hills We Go, Playing All the Way: The Ultimate 2025 Gaming Gift Guide!
- The Ultimate Smart TV Gifts Guide for the 2025 Holiday Season
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A writer and content creator with a love for tech and music, Mike is also an avid gamer as well. He and his wife are big fans of Mario Kart.