Best Smartphones – 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Every year new smartphones are released. While some phones do more attention than others, like flagship handsets, there are still plenty of other options out there that are great for those who want a cheaper/more affordable handset.

Now, with there being so many phones to choose from, it might be hard to find the phone for yourself or for a loved one that could make the perfect gift. This is why we’ve compiled this 2023 holiday gift guide that will help narrow down your search to find some of the best smartphones – for a variety of prices and functionality – of 2023, so read on!

Best Flagship Smartphones

Flagship phones represent the best of the best that a company has to offer. They are typically quite expensive, but they generally pack the latest, cutting-edge smartphone technology out there. If your budget allows, these phones are an excellent choice in terms of display, chipset, and cameras.

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SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Ultra Series AI Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone,...

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is probably one of the best Android phones of the year. It has the best that Samsung has to offer including a big, beautiful display, an amazing set of cameras, and an extremely fast chipset powering the phone, along with support for the S Pen stylus.

$974.11

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Google Pixel 8 Pro - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Telephoto Lens and...

If you’re looking for a smartphone with the best possible Android experience, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is probably the best option. It features the use of Google’s custom Tensor G3 chipset and a bunch of insanely effective AI tools that make everything feel like magic!

$1,059.00

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Best Foldable Smartphones

Foldable smartphones have been gaining in popularity over the years, and many are appealing for a variety of reasons. If you’ve been thinking of jumping on the bandwagon, or if someone you know has been eyeing a foldable smartphone for themselves, then here are some of the best options worthy of your consideration!

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SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Flip5 AI Phone, 256GB Unlocked Android Smartphone,...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is Samsung’s best-selling foldable phone and for good reason. It’s small and compact and has a very nostalgic form factor, making it perfect for users who want a smartphone with a small footprint.

−$200.04 $799.95

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Motorola razr+ | 2023 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256 | 32 MPCamera...

The Moto Razr series was inspired by Motorola’s iconic Razr feature phone from back in the day, but the modern day version sports a massive cover display and a beautiful design.

−$420.86 $579.13

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Google Pixel Fold - Unlocked Android 5G Smartphone - Obsidian - 512 GB with...

If you want the Pixel experience inside of a foldable phone, then Google’s Pixel Fold is the answer. It is Google’s first ever foldable handset and what helps it stand out is the display aspect ratio that makes it look and feel more like a regular smartphone.

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Best Mid-Range Smartphones

While mid-range phones don’t have the best features compared to flagships, they’re usually a smartphone that has great value for money. They can do almost everything you might want from a phone and then some, plus they’re also generally more affordable so if you’re on a smaller budget or don’t see the need to spend $1,000 on a phone, then these phones are for you.

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Google Pixel 7a - Unlocked Android Cell Phone - Smartphone with Wide Angle...

If you can’t afford the Pixel 8 or Pixel Fold, then the Pixel 7a is a great and more affordable alternative. It has everything you might expect from a Pixel phone, including AI features and timely updates, but in a more affordable package.

−$169.52 $329.48

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SAMSUNG Galaxy A54 5G A Series Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone,...

Samsung might be known for their Galaxy S-series of flagships, but don’t underestimate the company’s Galaxy A-series of mid-rangers like the Galaxy A54. It features a triple camera setup, long-lasting battery life, and has a very attractive price tag to match. Perfect for those who don’t require too much from their phones but still want a decent experience.

−$102.23 $347.76

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Motorola Moto G Power 5G | 2023 | Unlocked | Made for US 6/256GB | 50...

Motorola has made a name for themselves for their entry-level and mid-range handsets, and the Moto G Power 5G is no exception. It has everything you might need from a mid-range phone, including a decent set of cameras, long-lasting battery life, and 5G connectivity, and it can be had for a very low price too!

−$30.00 $269.99

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Best Budget Smartphones

Not everyone can afford to spend $500 or more on a smartphone. Or maybe you’re buying a secondary phone, or a phone for your child. Either way, if you’re shopping for a cheap Android smartphone, then these phones will get the job done.

Moto G Play 2023 3-Day Battery Unlocked Made for US 3/32GB 16MP Camera Navy...

If you’re on a very tight budget, then it’s honestly hard to beat the Moto G Play 2023. Priced a hair under $100, this is the perfect smartphone for those who want a super cheap device, but is still capable of being able to do day-to-day related tasks on it.

$99.99

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Xiaomi Redmi 12C 4G LTE (64GB + 3GB) Factory Global Unlocked GSM 6.71" 50MP...

Xiaomi built a name for themselves for creating affordable phones and the Redmi 12C is the perfect example where it is priced under $100. It features dual SIM connectivity, comes with a dual camera setup, GLONASS capabilities, and also a microSD card slot which is becoming a rarity these days.

$116.00

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Samsung Galaxy A04s (SM-A047) Unlocked 64GB/4GB International Version No...

If you’re a fan of the Samsung brand, then the Galaxy A04s is a budget phone that you probably shouldn’t ignore. Featuring an octa-core processor, microSD support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery, it is really quite good value for money.

$49.50

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Best Rugged Smartphones

Flagship phones aren’t usually built with durability in mind. Sure, they might feature more durable glass, but generally speaking flagship phones are phones that are nice to look at. This might not be ideal for some of you who might work in harsh environments, so if you’re looking for some of the best rugged smartphones of 2023, these are some pretty good choices that you can check out!

DOOGEE V MAX (2023) 5G Rugged Smartphone, 22000mAh 20GB+256GB Android 12...

DOOGEE might not necessarily be a mainstream consumer brand, but when it comes to rugged phones, the company does have some of the best options around. The V MAX has a 22,000mAh battery which is honestly insane and perfect for those who work outdoors for extended periods of time, a huge and buttery smooth display, and a chassis that protects the phone from water, dust, and drops.

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SAMSUNG Galaxy XCover6 Pro 5G | Rugged (IP68 Rated) Unlocked (Verizon,...

Samsung’s Galaxy XCover series is the company’s lineup of rugged phones and while we didn’t get a new model in 2023, the XCover6 is still a great option for users who want a rugged smartphone that has MIL-STD-810H and IP68 rating, long-lasting battery, and a display that can work even when wet or with gloves on.

$601.85

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Cat S75 Smartphone Model EU/UK Model BM1S1B w/Satellite Connection Dual SIM...

CAT is a brand that most people would associate with construction equipment, so it stands to reason that they know what they’re doing when building a rugged phone. It has two-way satellite message communication, drop proof from heights up to 1.8m, waterproof up to 5m for 35 minutes, and battery life that’s good for up to two days.

$681.00

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