How to be a smartphone Santa
software updates sooner than most other devices and has great security features, too. Its camera is good and it has a fingerprint scanner and aluminium case.
The Oppo R15 ($599) is one of the few mid-range phones that looks like a high-end model as it has a ‘‘notch’’ around the lens.
If you want a mid-range Apple device, then look at the iPhone 7 ($829). While it may look small and dated compared to the latest iPhones, it’s still a great device.
You could also consider the iPhone 6 ($479) which, while getting old, is still a reliable handset.
High end
Buying a high-end smartphone is in some ways easier because every model in this price range is excellent. But if you’re looking at this category for a gift, that often means the person is a power-user and will be more discerning about what they want.
The best buy for an Android phone is the Samsung S9 ($1399). It has all the latest tech, has a great design and can take excellent photos.
A more affordable option is the Huawei P20 ($899), which has many of the same features as the S9 and a similar look, including an edge-toedge screen and a taller design.
Unfortunately, the Google Pixel 3, one of this year’s best-reviewed phones, is not available here.
For Apple, the best buy is the iPhone XR (from $1399). It’s not the top-end iPhone but it features a similar design and performance to the iPhone XS, which costs $500 more.