Holiday Travel Essentials: The Best Smartphones for Travelers

The holiday season is a great time to travel and discover new places. And for many of us, our cellphones have developed into essential travel buddies, assisting us in navigating foreign environments, capturing priceless experiences, and keeping in touch with loved ones back home.
It might be difficult to pick the best smartphone for your travel needs with so many on the market. We'll take a closer look at some of the best smartphones for travelers, based on factors such as camera quality, battery life, storage capacity, screen size, connectivity, and durability.

What should I look at when buying smartphone for travel?

1. Camera Quality: One of the most important features to consider when buying a smartphone for travel is the camera quality. A phone with a high-resolution camera and innovative features like optical zoom, night mode, and image stabilisation are what you need. Even in low light situations, these features will enable you to take beautiful pictures and videos of your adventures.

2. Battery Life: When you're on the go, you don't want to worry about your phone running out of battery. Look for a smartphone with a long-lasting battery that can keep up with your travels. A phone with a battery life of at least 3000mAh is a good place to start, and you may want to consider phones with even larger batteries for extended travel.

3. Durability: Travel can be rough on your smartphone, so it's important to choose a phone that's durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of your adventures. Look for phones with water-resistant or dust-resistant ratings, as well as phones with reinforced screens that are less likely to crack or shatter if dropped.

4. Storage Capacity: You'll probably take a lot of pictures and videos while you're travelling, which will quickly fill up the storage on your phone. Choose a smartphone that has sufficient room or one that allows you to increase your storage using a microSD card. You will have plenty of space to keep all your travel-related memories if you do this.

5. Screen Size: A large screen can be helpful when navigating unfamiliar destinations or watching movies on long flights. However, larger screens can also make your phone less portable, so it's a tradeoff to consider. Look for a phone with a screen size that's comfortable for you to hold and use, while still providing enough space to view maps, photos, and videos.

6. Connectivity: Finally, consider the connectivity options of your smartphone. Look for phones with reliable Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, as well as phones with dual-SIM capabilities, which can be helpful when traveling internationally. You may also want to look for phones that support 5G connectivity, which can provide faster data speeds and better coverage in certain areas.

Our top 5 smartphone picks for travel

Traveling can be an amazing experience, but it can also be a little bit stressful, especially when it comes to staying connected. Having a reliable smartphone that's durable, has a great battery life, ample storage capacity, and excellent connectivity can make all the difference when you're on the road. To help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a smartphone for your travels, we've compiled a list of the best top picks on the market. These smartphones offer a range of features that are perfect for travelers, from large screen sizes to water-resistant and dust-proof designs, and everything in between. Whether you're a professional photographer, social media influencer, or just someone who loves to stay connected, these smartphones will not disappoint.

1.The iPhone 13 Pro Max is an ideal choice for travelers who value durability, reliability, and exceptional photography. Its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen is perfect for streaming videos, browsing the web, and editing photos, while its ceramic shield front cover offers maximum protection against accidental drops. The 13 Pro Max's battery life is impressive, allowing you to stay connected even when you're away from a power source for an extended period. With its triple-camera system, including a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide, and 12MP telephoto camera, this smartphone can capture stunning photos and videos with advanced features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4. Lastly, it has excellent connectivity with support for 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, so you can stay connected with family and friends while traveling.

2.The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a powerful smartphone that is perfect for travelers who demand exceptional display quality and a robust camera system. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, making it durable and scratch-resistant. The Galaxy S21 Ultra's 5000mAh battery lasts all day and supports fast charging and wireless charging, making it easy to recharge while on the go. Its quad-camera setup, including a 108MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP periscope telephoto, and 10MP telephoto cameras, is capable of capturing stunning photos and videos even in low-light conditions. The smartphone also features 8K video recording, 100x Space Zoom, and Single Take mode, making it easy to capture memories while on the move. With storage options up to 1TB with a microSD card, ample storage is guaranteed. Additionally, it is dust and water-resistant with an IP68 rating, providing extra durability when traveling.

3. The Google Pixel 6 Pro is a smartphone that delivers excellent performance, a long-lasting battery, and an impressive camera system, making it ideal for travelers who demand high-quality photos and videos. Its 6.7-inch P-OLED display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring maximum durability and resistance to scratches. The Pixel 6 Pro's long-lasting 5000mAh battery supports fast charging and wireless charging, so you can recharge while on the move. With its triple-camera system, including a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto camera, this smartphone can capture stunning photos and videos even in low-light conditions with features like Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and HDR+ with bracketing. It also has excellent storage options with up to 256GB of storage. Lastly, it features an in-display fingerprint sensor and is water and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating, providing extra durability when traveling.

4. The OnePlus 9 Pro is a top-of-the-line smartphone that is perfect for travelers who need a device that is both powerful and versatile. Its large 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display offers a cinematic viewing experience for watching movies, editing photos, or browsing the web while on the go. With its durable Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover, it is protected against scratches and bumps, making it a reliable travel companion. The OnePlus 9 Pro also features a powerful 4500mAh battery that can last all day, even when you're not near a power outlet. It also supports fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, making it simple to recharge while you're on the go. Its outstanding camera system, which sports a quad-camera combination with a 48MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, an 8MP telephoto camera, and a 2MP monochrome camera, is one of its prominent features. With functions like Nightscape, Pro Mode, and Super Slow Motion, this robust camera system can take beautiful photographs and videos even in darkness, making it simple to snap excellent pictures when travelling. Overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a powerful and versatile smartphone that offers excellent features for travelers who want a reliable and high-performing device.

5. The Motorola Moto G Stylus is a great choice for travelers because of its large 6.4-inch screen size and long-lasting battery life. The phone's 4,000mAh battery can easily last a full day of heavy use, and its fast charging feature means you can quickly top it up before heading out for the day. The phone also has a built-in stylus, making it easy to take notes, jot down ideas, or sketch on the go. The stylus is especially useful for travelers who may want to quickly jot down directions, maps, or other important information while on the move. Additionally, the phone has a triple-camera setup that includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 16-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. This allows you to capture high-quality photos and videos of your travels, whether you're exploring a new city, taking scenic landscape shots, or capturing memories with friends and family.
Finally, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is an affordable option that offers excellent value for money. This makes it a great choice for travelers who want a reliable and versatile smartphone without breaking the bank.

Possible travel phones drawbacks to consider

Every phone has its pros and cons, and the models mentioned are no exception. Here are some potential flaws to consider:

iPhone 13 Pro Max: One potential flaw could be the high price point, which may not be accessible to all travelers. Additionally, some users may find the lack of expandable storage and the reliance on proprietary lightning cables to be inconvenient.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Some users may find the large size of the device to be cumbersome for travel. Additionally, the abundance of pre-installed apps and Samsung's custom UI may be overwhelming for some users who prefer a more minimalist approach.

Google Pixel 6 Pro: While the camera is a standout feature, some users may find the lack of a telephoto lens to be a drawback for travel photography. Additionally, the phone is not water-resistant, which could be a concern for those traveling to wet or humid environments.

OnePlus 9 Pro: Some users may find the design to be somewhat plain or uninspired compared to other flagship devices. Additionally, while the camera is excellent, it may not be quite on par with some of the other models mentioned.

Motorola Moto G Stylus: While this device is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, some users may find the mid-range processor to be a bit sluggish for more demanding tasks. Additionally, the phone's design and build quality may not be quite as premium as some of the other models mentioned.

Find Your Perfect Travel Phone with Student Computers Refurbished Collection

Choosing the right smartphone for your travels can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or durability, there's a smartphone out there that's perfect for your travel needs. As with any product, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Some of these phones may be more expensive than others, and some may have limitations with their battery life or camera quality. Ultimately, it's up to the individual traveler to weigh the pros and cons and decide which phone will best suit their needs and budget. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect smartphone for your next adventure. 

Looking for a smartphone to take on your travels? Look no further than Student Computers Store! Our inventory includes a great selection of refurbished smartphones, all at competitive prices. Due to their popularity, some models may sell out quickly, but we're always restocking, so keep an eye on our collection. We're confident that you'll find the perfect travel phone for your needs.

Happy travels!