Valentine's Day 2025: Top smartphone options to gift your loved ones

A smartphone is a practical and thoughtful gift as it is used everyday and with good camera, it can capture wonderful memories together and over time, the user can cherish those precious moments.

With just a week left before Valentine’s Day approaches, the quest for the perfect gift intensifies.

A smartphone is a practical and thoughtful gift as it is used every day and with good camera, it can create wonderful memories and over time, owners can cherish the moments.

To help you find the perfect gift, DH lists some of the top smartphones across wide range of prices, worth buying to present it to the special person.

Apple iPhone 16 series

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro come with upgraded camera hardware and also most importantly, support Apple Intelligence features. The company has released two batches of generative Artificial Intelligence features including smart writing tools, ChatGPT integration with Siri and more.

The most significant feature coming in the new update is the Image Playground. With this, the iPhone will be able to conjure up synthetic images with text prompts.

Apple iPhone 16.

It will be available as a standalone app and will also baked into the iMessage app. Initially, it will offer three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

[Left to Right] Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25.

The Galaxy S25 series comes with top-of-the-line generative AI features. Also, they are powered by a first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset. It promises to deliver greater on-device processing power for Galaxy AI and superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual Engine.

Galaxy S25 series is the first Samsung smartphone series that comes with Android 15-based One UI 7, Samsung’s AI-first platform that is designed to provide the most intuitive controls, enabling AI-powered personalized mobile experiences.

The AI agents with multimodal capabilities enable the Galaxy S25 series to interpret text, speech, images and videos for interactions that feel natural.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, the top-end model among the lot, sports a 6.9-inch Quad HD+ (3120x1440p) Infinity-O-Edge Dynamic AMOLED Display with a variable refresh rate (1-120Hz). IP68 water-and-dust resistant rating.

It comes with 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage and a 5,000mAh battery.

It houses a quad-camera module-- 200MP(with OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation)+ 50MP 120-degree Ultra Wide sensor + 10MP Telephoto lens (with 3x zoom, OIS) + 50MP Periscope lens (for 5x zoom, 100x Space Zoom, Laser autofocus) with LED Flash. It will support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps) and 8K at 30fps.

And, on the front, it comes with a 12MP camera for selfies and video recording.

Google Pixel 9 series

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google's latest Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are two of the best photography-centric premium Android phones out there in the market. Some of the latest and Pixel-exclusive features Add me. It uses Augmented Reality (AR) and super-advanced computational photography technology.

This comes in handy for the designated photographer who’s left out of group pictures. With 'Add Me' the user can get a photo with everyone who was there — photographer included — without having to pack a tripod or ask a stranger for help.

Pixel 9 series.

Besides state-of-the-art photography, the Pixel 9 series supports top-class Gemini AI assistant in addition to generative AI-based features including Pixel Studio, which can churn out images with just a few words.

In India, the company is offering devices with 256GB storage with prices starting--Rs 79,999 (Pixel 9), Rs 1,09,999 (Pixel 9 Pro), Rs 1,24,999 (Pixel 9 Pro XL) and Rs 1,72,999 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold), respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6.

The Galaxy Flip6 series is a refined version of the previous iterations. With the Galaxy AI-powered value-added features such as note assist, interpreter, and live translation) features, they deliver the best user experience on foldable phones.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 comes in two variants— 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB + 512GB storage— Rs 1,09,999 and Rs 1,21,999, respectively.

OnePlus 13 and 13R

OnePlus 13 5G.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered OnePlus 13 is a super smooth performer. Whatever the tasks, the device waltzs through the day without any slightest hint of lag-ness.

Design-wise, there are minor meaningful changes. However, the build quality and AMOLED ProXDR display are absolutely incredible.

The back panel particularly the arctic dawn model does an amazing job of repelling dust and fingerprint smudges.

Also, the camera hardware has significantly improved. It takes brilliant photos in all light conditions, and Gen AI-powered tools further enhance the photography experience on the OnePlus 13.

Besides the 100W SuperVOOC charging speed, the long battery life is another plus point of the OnePlus 13.

The lifetime guarantee on display, which faces greenline issues is an amazing initiative by OnePlus to build strong loyalty among customers.

OnePlus 13 comes in three variants-- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, 16GB RAM + 512GB storage and 24GB RAM + 1TB storage-- for Rs 69,999, Rs 76, 999, and Rs 89,999, respectively.

OnePlus 13R.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 13R is a solid cost-effective phone which boasts of flagship features and yet costs less than half of the most premium phones in the market.

It has a solid build quality, a really good display, amazing camera backed by generative AI features, which by the way work like a charm. It delivers a very long battery life and charges super quickly. And, most importantly it costs less than half of the price of ultra-premium phones in the market.

It is a very compelling phone for price-conscious consumers.

OnePlus 13R comes in two variants-- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16 GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 42,999, and Rs 49,999, respectively.

iQOO 13

iQOO 13 5G.

iQOO 13 is one of the best feature-rich reliable premium phones in India. Thanks to super powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the device delivered good smooth performance.

The build quality and the display panel are absolutely top-class. The device's camera is amazingly good and takes great photos in low-light conditions. And, iQOO 13 consistently offered more than day of battery life under normal usage.

Besides the powerful Qualcomm processor, impressive display and build quality, the cost-effective price tag makes it a compelling reason to buy the iQOO 13.

Xiaomi 14

Xiaomi 14 series.

Xiaomi 14 is a solid premium phone. It is made of high-quality materials; it has unique design elements. Inside, it has a powerful processor and performance amazingly good.

It delivers a full day of battery life with normal usage.

The most impressive aspect of the Xiaomi 14 is the Leica tech-backed camera system.

It takes spectacular photos with clear details and vibrant colours in all light conditions.

The company is offeringa standard variant of Xiaomi 14 for Rs 69,999 and a top-end Xiaomi 14 Ultra for Rs 99,999 in India.

Vivo X200

Vivo X200 5G.

The user has to just point the camera to the subject and be assured of a good photo in almost all lighting conditions.

Besides photography, the device excels in all other key departments such as build quality, display, performance and battery life. It is one of the best premium phones to launch in India this year, totally worth its asking price.

Oppo Find X8

Oppo Find X8 series.

Oppo Find X8 is an impressive premium Android phone. It excels in premium build quality, vibrant display, amazing photography tools and long battery life. Also, the gen AI features make the device versatile and make up for a compelling reason to buy it.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro

Motorola Edge 50 Pro series.

Motorola's Edge 50 Pro is a complete package. It ticks all the right boxes: it takes stunning pictures, its premium metallic frame feels great in the hand, has a beautiful display, keeps up with all your tasks, and lasts all day on a full charge.

Oppo Reno13

Oppo Reno13 series.

Considering the overall aspects and price range, the latest Oppo Reno13 is a solid mid-range Android phone. It has been upgraded with several meaningful design changes over the predecessor.

Also, the build quality is impressive and ensures the device serves the owner for several years. The display is really good and performance-wise, the device worked smoothly without any pressing issues to complain about.

Another big plus of Oppo Reno13 is the camera. It takes amazing pictures in all light conditions. And, the generative AI features further enhance the photography experience of the phone.

The device also managed to deliver a full day battery life. The 80W SuperVOOC fast charger, which comes free of cost with the retail box is another compelling reason to buy the new Oppo mid-range phone.

Oppo Reno13 will be available in two colours-- ivory white and luminous blue. It comes in two storage options-- 128GB and 256GB-- for Rs 37,999 and Rs 39,999, respectively.

Vivo V40

Vivo V40 series phone.

Vivo V40 is a moderate upgrade over its predecessor, but design-wise, it is more visually pleasing and also more durable.

It delivers an incredibly long battery life under normal usage. And, the camera with the ZEISS system shows a noticeable improvement in terms of photography over the V30 series.

It is available in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 34,999 and Rs 36,999 and Rs 41,999, respectively.

Nothing Phone 2a Plus

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.

It sports a 6.7-inch full HD+ (2412×1084p) OLED flexible AMOLED display, supports variable refresh rate (30-120Hz) and 1300 nits peak brightness. It is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 shield.

The new mid-range phone also features dual SIM slots (type: nano + nano), an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, and a type-C port.

Inside, the Phone (2a) Plus houses a 4nm class 3GHz MediaTek Dimensity 7350 octa-core processor, 1.3 GHz Mali-G610 MC4 GPU, Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.6, 8GB / 12GB LPDD4X RAM, 256GB UFS 2.2 storage and a 5,000mAh battery with 50W charger support.

On the front, it features a 50MP camera (with a 1/2.76-inch Samsung JN1 front camera with f/2.4).

Both the front and back cameras can record high-resolution videos up to 4K at 30 fps (frames per second). Its price starts at Rs 26,999.

iQOO Z9s

iQOO Z9s 5G series.

iQOO Z9s is a pretty phone with a slim and stylish design language. As far as performance is concerned, it works perfectly without any glaring issues to complain about. Also, it delivers great in terms of battery life. The camera does its job good, and I am more impressed with the low-light photography capability of the device.

Considering the overall aspects, it is a great value-for-money mid-range phone with beautiful design language.

Poco X7 Pro

Poco X7 Pro.

Design-wise, though there is no 'wow' factor, the Poco X7 Pro is a really good performer in terms of functioning smoothly and delivering long battery life. It also does a fine job with photography.

It is available in two configurations -- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage- for Rs 27,999 and Rs 29,999, respectively.

Samsung Galaxy F55

Samsung Galaxy F55 series.

Samsung has done a fabulous job with the Galaxy F55's design. The use of a textured leather-like back cover with vibrant colour options makes the device visually appealing and stands out among rival brands.

Also, the Galaxy F55 is a reliable performer and can deliver can full day of battery life under normal usage. The camera on the device is decent, on par with most of the rival brands.

Samsung Galaxy F55 comes in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 26,999, Rs 29,999 and Rs 32,999, respectively.

Tecno Pova 6 Pro

Tecno Pova 6 Pro comes with free cover case.

Considering Tecno Pova 6 Pro's price range, the performance in terms of day-to-day tasks, battery life and photography aspects are reasonably good.

The transparent back panel and LED-based Dynamic-Eye light effect for call/message notifications, make the device unique in its class.

It comes in two configurations— 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage — for Rs 19,999 and Rs 21,999, respectively.

OnePlus Nord CE 4

OnePlus Nord CE 4 series. 

Considering the overall aspects, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a really good mid-range phone worth investing your money in. It comes jam-packed with key features that matter the most to the customer.

One of the best perks of owning a OnePlus phone is its superfast 100W charging capability. It is such a valuable addition to the user experience.

Redmi Note 14

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G.

Though the prices of the Redmi Note series have risen steadily over the decade, it continues to set new benchmarks for value-for-money phones in the mid-range phone segment.

Xiaomi's latest Redmi Note 14 phone ticks all the boxes, particularly, in terms of the build quality, the display and the performance and it has exceeded my expectations.

CMF Phone 1

CMF Phone 1 series.

The modular design language of the device makes it stand out among the rival brands. Performance in terms of regular day-to-day activities including consuming multimedia content, messaging and calls, it does without any issues.

As far as photography is concerned, it does a decent job; on par with rival brands in its class. and, battery life is excellent. It can last more than a day with normal usage.

Redmi 14C 5G

Redmi 14C 5G.

The Redmi 14C 5G features pretty much the same features as the Redmi A4 5G but differs in a few aspects such as supporting NSA 5G bands and an improved selfie camera.

As noted earlier the Redmi 14C supports both NSA and SA 5G bands. Also, it takes better selfies.

Besides the two aspects, the Redmi 14C houses a massive display and a big battery, a great combination for people who love spending time on social media platforms, YouTube, and watching multimedia content on OTT apps for several hours on a stretch.

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