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Holiday Tech Gift Guide – Smartphone Edition

Vinny Parisi

The Holiday season is fast approaching (if it isn’t already here. It gets harder to tell every year) and Best of NJ is putting together a 6-week long Holiday Tech Gift Guide to help shoppers find the perfect gadgets and entertainment gizmos for themselves and their loved ones. This week’s article focuses on Smartphone gifts.

If you’re just about due for an upgrade, or earned a spot on Santa’s “nice” list this year, here’s a look at the Top 3 choices for this Holiday season. In the spirit of “something for everyone,” the guide picks out one phone per primary operating system. So whether you prefer iOS or Android, or perhaps the rare breed who prefers Windows Phones, we’ve got a smartphone for you.

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Android – Nexus 6P

Android users know that it’s hard to find a more “pure” experience than Google’s own flagship Nexus series. Things got a little confusing when they first introduced the Galaxy Nexus, and then went and divided both the Galaxy and Nexus series into two distinct brands. With the Nexus having emerged as the “home team,” if you want the latest high-end Android device with guaranteed priority access to software updates, the Nexus 6P is the way to go. The 6P is debuting alongside the 5X as one of the first two phones to sport Android 6.0, otherwise known as Marshmallow. It edges out over the 5X due to a faster processor, more battery life, a better screen, and some other features. It will be available late-October, but with initial pre-orders sold out you’ll have to join a waiting list.

Nexus 6P Smartphone Specs –

Apple – iPhone 6S

Most folks are iPhone users, and like to stay that way by checking out the latest model. With Apple’s newest phones, the 6S and 6S Plus, it’s less of a question of “do I upgrade?” and more of a “which new upgrade should I choose?” conundrum. Unless you’re a serious iPhone user who needs stabilization for clearer photos and smoother video, or want to jump on the phablet bandwagon with a phone that won’t fit in most pockets, the 6S is the more practical purchase. It’s not feature-rich enough to absolutely necessitate an upgrade over the iPhone 6, but if you have an earlier model, it’s the ideal choice. It has about the same battery life as the iPhone 6, with a handful of new features and system optimizations to run a bit smoother and improve the overall experience.

iPhone 6S Smartphone Specs –

Windows Phone – Nokia Lumia 950

Windows Phones might not be the most popular in terms of units sold, but Microsoft is working hard to integrate all of their devices into one seamless experience. The way they’re going about that, is Windows 10. As one of the flagship Windows Phones, the latest installment in the Lumia series will be the first to deliver Windows 10. It boasts one of the largest cameras around, with a 20 MP sensor, and comes equipped with the latest version of Cortana, Microsoft’s Halo-inspired answer to Siri and Google Now. (Personally, I think Cortana is the best and most helpful of the three.) The 950 also features a quick charge function, to get up to 50% battery on a 30 minute charge. The Lumia 950 will be available starting in November, though an exact date has not yet been announced.

Lumia 950 Smartphone Specs –

Stay tuned next week for another installment of Best of NJ‘s Holiday Tech Gift Guide!

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