5 Best Phones To Consider for a Holiday Upgrade

If you’re looking for a smartphone upgrade this holiday season, you’ll find plenty of options vying for your attention. This major gift-giving time sparks companies to offer some stellar deals. Whether you’re ready to treat yourself to a special upgrade as a personal splurge or you’re looking for a standout gift for someone very special, these phones are sure to make an impression.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – For Apple Fans

The iPhone 6 is already making waves, but you can expect the buzz to last well through the holiday season. Currently available, the iPhone 6 boasts a 4.7-inch screen and your choice of 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB. At just 6.9mm thick, the design is much slimmer than previous iPhones. The Retina HD display keeps images looking sleek and bright while the A8 chip and M8 motion co-processor provide ample power.

Touch ID technology uses your fingerprint to authorize purchases so you can take security to the next level. Apple Pay even turns your smartphone into a credit card, facilitating one-touch purchases in-store. If you want to enjoy all these features but go a bit bigger, try the iPhone 6 Plus. Released just after the iPhone 6, it offers a 5.5-inch display and 7.1mm-thick shell.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 – For Sleek Stylus Functionality

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rivals both iPhone 6 devices for size, with a 5.7-inch display. Like the iPhone 6, this smart phone features a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. Like previous versions, the Note 4 features an S Pen for on-screen writing and fine-tuned movements. Fitness buffs will love the heart-rate monitor that makes your phone a handy health tracker. The Galaxy Note 4 runs Android 4.4 KitKat beneath the Samsung TouchWiz interface.

Nokia Lumia 1520 – For Windows Users

Users who are shopping for a Windows Phone will find what they’re looking for in the sleek design of the Nokia Lumia 1520. This giant phone features a 6-inch display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. Wireless charging with the accessory cover is a handy feature. The phone is available with 16 or 32 GB and accommodates an expandable memory card of up to 64 GB. Though Windows Phones lack many of the popular apps that users will get with the iPhone or Android products, this device is a smart pick if you’re set on the Windows operating system.

HTC One – For Durable Design

If you’re looking for a smart phone that’s elegant and modern but not so fragile you’re afraid of bending it on accident, the HTC One is a smart pick. This smart phone features a five-inch screen and slick aluminum unibody design. Handy water resistance keeps your phone safe in damp environments. The most distinctive feature of the HTC One is the front-facing speaker grill, which easily sets it apart from competitors.

While the super LED display provides beautiful images on the screen, the camera on this smartphone is lacking. Pick this phone for users who either don’t take a lot of pictures or take so many that they cart a designated camera along with them to special events.

Motorola Moto G – For Budget Shoppers

If you’re buying a smartphone for someone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of the mobile giants, but still wants a contemporary, functional device, the Motorola Moto G is a smart choice. This phone features 4.5-inch body that makes it down right compact compared to other oversized devices. The waterproof design is a great feature for all types of users. A quad-core processor provides ample power and decent speed for the average user while the 5-megapixel camera can capture some great shots. The Motorola Moto G uses the Android KitKat 4.4.3 operating system.

Shopping for a smartphone is a dizzying experience with dozens of options competing for your attention and dollars. Whether you’re looking for a high-end product that will deliver the latest of everything or you just want a smart phone that will still fit in your pocket, you can find a functional phone on this list to meet your needs this holiday.