We’re back with the WiFi HiFi holiday gift guides! Each week, we’ll release a new themed gift guides, chocked-full of great tech gift ideas for different people on your list. This week, we’re looking at great gifts you can use with your smartphone, or simply on-the-go.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Smartphone
If you’re constantly on the go, or looking for the ultimate iPhone upgrade, the new 12 Pro Max is the top-line device you might want to splurge on. With 5G connectivity, edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display, durable Ceramic Shield front cover, and Apple-designed A14 Bionic chip, it’s a perfect choice for the mobile road warrior. It boasts plenty of camera upgrades, too, a LiDAR scanner for immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences, and MagSafe for high-powered wireless charging as well as to be able to attach a new selection of accessories to the phone. It comes in graphite, silver, gold, or pacific blue stainless steel and with a 6.7″ OLED screen and IP68 waterproof rating starting at $1,399.
Google Pixel 5 Smartphone
If you prefer Android, consider the new Pixel 5 ($799), which also offers 5G connectivity, edge-to-edge display, a 6″ FHD+ Flexible OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, and upgraded photo features. It offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, is IP68 water-resistant, and comes in black or Sorta sage finishes. The 100% recycled aluminum in the back housing enclosure reduces its carbon footprint.
Google Pixel 4a 5G Smartphone
Save a few bucks by opting for the 4a ($679) instead, which has similar camera features, edge-to-edge display, 6.2″ FHD+ OLED, and 3.5 mm headphone jack. The all-day battery can last for up to two days before it needs recharging. Running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Mobile Platform, it comes in Just Black.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE) 5G
When it comes to Android phones, Samsung rules the roost with its Galaxy line of devices. And this new premium flagship model is interestingly designed based on feedback from fans. With many of the same features you’ll find in the Galaxy S20 Series 5G phone, including the Super Smooth scrolling display, AI-powered camera, IP68 rating, advanced chipset, hyper-fast connectivity, and all-day battery, it employs a streamlined design with a 6.5″ Infinity-On Super AMOLED screen, and connects seamlessly with Galaxy Buds earbuds and the Galaxy Watch smartwatch. Grab one in red, orange, lavender, mint, navy, or white with a premium textured haze effect that Samsung says helps reduce fingerprints and smudges for $949.
ZTE Grand View 4 Tablet
Looking for an affordable tablet to use on-the-go? This one is under $200 outright and has an 8″ HD display, long-lasting battery, Qualcomm QM215 processor, and a “nearly stock” Android operating system that ZTE says optimizes both the experience and power consumption. You’ll get nine hours of battery power on average, up to eight hours of video viewing using the dual speakers, and up to 12 hours using headphones. In addition to the dual speakers, the Grand X View 4 has a 3.5mm headphone jack and includes Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, 32GB of on-board storage, and 2GB of memory. Storage can be expanded to up to 2TB via optional microSD memory cards.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
Available with the Samsung S Pen and Samsung Notes feature, and able to work seamlessly with Windows PCsvia the Microsoft Your Phone app with Link to Windows integration, gamers can also play more than 100 different Xbox games on the device using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and the cloud (in beta). With advanced camera functions, Samsung DeX for connecting to a compatible smart TV, and the fastest processor found in any Galaxy phone to date, it comes in mystic bronze, grey, or green starting at $1,400.
Alcatel 1B Smartphone
For a mobile user who just needs the basics (think grandparents), this budget-conscious design comes with Android 10 (Go edition) and is equipped with a 5.5″ HD+ display, Google Assistant button, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front camera with screen flash, 3,000mAh battery with battery saver mode, and a digital wellbeing dashboard that helps users manage screen time. At the right time and through some carriers, you can snag this device for under $100.
Kew Labs UTS-1 Wireless Smartphone Charger
Using patented technology, this “invisible” wireless charger can charge devices through surfaces as thick as an inch and is said to help reduce heat damage to lithium-ion batteries by charging more efficiently. It automatically shuts off when the device is fully charged, can detect foreign objects, and has over-charge and overcurrent protection along with temperature-controlled shut-off. US$105.
Sennheiser MTW2 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Any mobile on-the-go user needs a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. In the earbuds category, these ones offer up to seven hours of playback, or up to 28 hours when using the charging case. They feature customizable touch controls as well for audio, calls, and voice assistants. $400
Fiora Ultraviolet C Sterilizer & Wireless Charging Station
Now more than ever, there’s a need to make sure your smartphone, which is with you 24/7, remains fully cleaned and sanitized. This charging station not only gives your phone a battery boost but also helps to kill 99.8% of harmful bacteria from its surface. It uses Ultraviolet C Light technology to disinfect the full 360 degrees of a device placed on top. It uses 15W fast charge technology and supports all wireless charging-enabled smartphones and other accessories. And it can sanitize other small devices, too, like wireless earbuds and even keys.
WeBoost Drive X RV
Planning to take a trip across Canada in your RV this winter or spring? This cellular signal booster might come in handy. Use it in the mobile RC to reach cell towers that are far away and boost the signal for multiple devices so everyone in the family can play their games along the route, stream video, and keep in touch with family and friends. It helps boost a signal both while you’re parked as well as in motion using the omni-directional RV antenna, both improving voice quality and data speeds as well as eliminating dropped calls. It works on virtually every network and carrier in Canada. $700
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds
Upgrade someone to these new AirPods, which add Active Noise Cancellation, “superior, immersive sound,” and a new lightweight, in-ear design. It comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips, are sweat- and water-resistant, and include a Transparency Mode so you can hear the environment around you when desired. Use the Audio Sharing feature to listen to the same source with a friend by just bringing another pair close to your device. Get up to four and-a-half hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) on or up to 24 hours with the charging case. $329
Tile Sticker
They might already have and love Tile trackers, which you can pop into a wallet or bag, or latch onto a set of keys, backpack, or camera strap, to keep track of the location of a lost or misplaced items. These Stickers are ideal for affixing to a pair of headphones, the back of a tablet, skateboard, bicycle seat, or virtually any flat metal or plastic surface, to keep tabs on the location of an item. Each one offers a three-year battery life and 150-foot range. Get two for $50 or four for $75, making them great stocking stuffer, Secret Santa, or group gifts.
Handl iPhone Case
Currently available for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (though you can find it for other devices on Amazon and through other retail and e-tail outlets), these cases are super form-fitting and have a neat elastic brace system that can be used for better grip while doing things like taking selfies, or a kickstand. About $60.
Shure MV88+ Vide Kit
A perfect gift for the budding podcaster or vidcaster, this kit includes a portable microphone and accessory kit that helps content creators capture high-quality audio for video recordings using mobile devices while on-the-go. As an expansion of Shure’s Motiv line-up, the MV88+ kit also includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount, along with iOS and USB-C cables; and has a headphone jack. Built on the success and classic design of the MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone, it’s good for any type of content creators, field recordists, and even musicians looking to record immersive, high-quality audio. Use it for standalone audio capture, replacing the need to carry a portable audio recorder. MAP $329
SureCall Fusion2Go Max Multi-User Vehicle Booster
This booster is a good option for road warriors who often travel to rural areas by car, or drive through dead zones where cellular connectivity is spotty. It incorporates patented Extended Range Technology (ERT), which improves data speeds while boasting increased operational reach between vehicles and cellular towers. ERT taps into the signal closer to its source, which improves the signal quality and allows for faster downlink/download speeds. With double the uplink power over other models, you can travel farther away from cell towers without losing signal. Compatible with all devices and data carriers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it supports up to five devices on the same network, increasing speed and reliability for voice, text, and 4G LTE data. It is easy to install using a magnetic mount that eliminates the need for tools, software, or service fees. US$499
Belkin BOOST Charge Duratek Cable
While wireless chargers are all the rage, you can never have too many charging cables, which can come in handy at home, at the office, in an airport, on an airplane, in the car, and while on the go. I have multiple cables in outlets throughout the house, as well as one I keep in my workback, one in the car, and another on my home office desk! This one is reinforced with aramid, a super-strong material used in protective clothing, tennis racquets, and surfboards. The material can flex without stretching, providing a protective structure for the wires inside. The outer jacket is a hard-wearing double braided nylon that resists damage as well. The point where the cable joins with the connector head is made flexible with TPE and longer than on other cables, which absorbs stress and reinforces the juncture between the cable and connector head, preventing separation. Each one comes with a leather strap to keep cables organized Lightning to USB-A cable and strap, USB-C to USB-C cable and strap, USB-C to USB-A cable and strap, and a USB-C cable with a Lightning connector and strap; four, six, and 10-foot lengths; black, white, or pink; US$25 to US$35 ea. It’s perfect for the car, especially as we gear up to brave frigid cold temperatures outside.
Pioneer ND-DVR100 Dash Cam
A dash cam is a great device so you can keep an eye on what’s around you while you drive and capture footage of any incidents that occur, which can be useful for insurance purposes. This model has a G-shock sensor, loop recording, snap-shot photo, and 114-degree lens, and uses 27.5 fps recording to prevent flicker. It records footage in 1,080p quality at different compression levels, and records to a microSD card. To install it, just mount it on the windshield, positioned behind or next to the rear-view mirror using the adhesive back, route the power cable to the cigarette lighter adapter, and you’re done! If you want, you can also opt for a professional installation to get a cleaner look. $200
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check back as this gift guide will be updated through to the end of 2020, and check out more gift suggestions in our other Holiday Gift Guides.