Holiday Handsets: Top mobiles for summer travellers
Many people would feel lost without their phones, especially when travelling. As well as helping them keep in touch with family and friends , they also serve as cameras, map readers, ticket holders, music players, gaming devices, wallets and more.
Mobiles aren’t always cheap. So whether you’re a sunset-snapper, pool diver or an adventure seeker, having the right device to suit your needs is a must.
With the holiday season in full swing, mobiles expert Catherine Hiley at Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, has pulled together her top picks for holiday handsets.
BEST FOR TAKING HOLIDAY PHOTOS 📸
Top pick: Apple iPhone 13 Pro
“It’s no surprise that Apple takes top spot for best camera phone, with the iPhone 13 Pro’s 3x optical zoom for video recording offering a wonderfully solid setup. The macrophotography feature in the Pro results in top quality camera performance, while also offering optimisation in low-light conditions - meaning you can take snapshots of the setting sun or night skies for holiday keepsakes.”
Runner up: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
“Samsung’s S22 Ultra has one of the most visually appealing camera setups we’ve seen. And with improved stabilisation giving every video frame more detail, it’s a great option for snap-happy holidaymakers.”
BEST FOR USING IN THE POOL/AT THE BEACH 💦
Top pick: Ulefone Armor X9 Rugged Smartphone (link)
“The thought of dropping a mobile anywhere near water can be a worry, let alone using it for underwater snaps. Luckily, Ulefone’s Armor X9 Rugged smartphone lets you do just that - without the panic. It’s built with a compact internal structure and waterproof membrane concealed within the device, meaning you can keep calm amid the splashing. The X9’s durability will also come in handy if it ends up being buried in the sand.”
Runner up: Blackview BV8800 rugged smartphone
“Using its 50MP AI quad camera, the Blackview BV8800 offers an impressive ‘underwater’ mode for capturing all those unforgettable moments. It also comes with a IP69K rating, the highest available protection against dust, high temperature and water pressure.”
BEST FOR ADVENTURE 🚵
Top pick: Nokia XR20 rugged smartphone
“Those split seconds watching your phone drop to the floor, even from a low height can be tense. This is where ‘rugged’ models thrive. Nokia’s XR20 is ‘designed for the long run’, with its ultra-solid case and tough display glass - not to mention it’s scratch, drop, temperature and water resistant. Perfect for adventure holidays.”
BEST FOR COPING IN THE HEAT 🥵
Top pick: Doogee S97 Pro
“Standard smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, generally work best in temperatures up to 35C. While the mercury doesn’t often top that in the UK, it’s worth considering when visiting hotter countries over the summer, especially if you’re in a hot car for hours. The Doogee S97 Pro is built for intensive outdoor use and claims to work just as well in temperatures up to 70C - so if a trip to Death Valley’s on your list, it should be up to the challenge.”
To find out more about which handset to buy, visit the Uswitch guide here.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.