The top smartphones for every traveling jetsetter

We’re attached to our phones at the best of times, but it’s turned up to 100 when we travel. A phone can be a camera, map, guidebook, translator, wallet and everything in between, all in one device. It’s hard to beat this level of convenience no matter how you’re spending your time away from home, so you probably end up leaving most of your other gear behind when you set off.

The pandemic may have thrown all our travel plans into complete chaos for now, but the world’s steady recovery means jetsetters are already eyeing off cheap airfares to snatch up once life returns to normal. To help you prepare for a return to the jet setting lifestyle, we’ve put together some of our top phone picks for travelers of every kind.

OPPO RENO 4

If you’re looking for an all-rounder that doesn’t cut too deep into your travel budget, the Oppo Reno 4 should be near the top of your list. This sleek, stylish phone follows the Oppo Reno style by boasting features you’d expect in a flagship without the eye-watering price tag, letting you put more money towards tickets, eating out and whatever else you want to splurge on. Just 7.8mm thick with a 6.4-inch display, the Reno 4 is big enough to enjoy all your favorite apps without being bulky and inconvenient. It also has stacks of camera features like anti-shake for videos, Ultra Night mode, hyperlapse photography and AI portrait – perfect for capturing every moment of your trip for socials.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 20

Sometimes, bigger really is better. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is an absolute beast of a smartphone with a 6.7-inch display, a premium metal body and the kind of power you’d expect from a computer. The massive, vibrant display is perfect for keeping you occupied on long journeys with movies and games, not to mention using maps to navigate busy, unfamiliar streets on the other side of the world. It’s a dream come true for workaholics who can take advantage of the S Pen to create, share and export documents with Microsoft Apps. Throw in 8K video, stacks of storage, fast charging and a big battery, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 has everything you could ever need.

IPHONE 12 PRO MAX

While we’re talking about brawny phones, it would be criminal to leave out the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Whether you prefer Apple phones, aren’t fussed about a stylus or just want an alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, this iPhone is hard to beat. It’s one of the best phones of 2021 with the ultra powerful A14 Bionic chip, a huge 6.7-inch display and super tough Ceramic Shield for extra protection. The iPhone 12 Pro Max camera performs better than ever in low light, while dual SIM with eSIM gives you more flexibility for calls, texts and data. The perfect travel companion!

SAMSUNG GALAXY S10

You don’t need to look at the latest Samsung phones to find great Android devices for travelers, and the Samsung Galaxy S10 is the perfect example. Released in 2019, the Galaxy S10 is still an amazing smartphone that will hold its own for years to come thanks to a stack of cool features. An intelligent camera helps you find the best frame with every shot, complete with Scene Optimizer and Shot Suggestion. You can easily use Bixby to set routines and automate tasks while you’re on the road, and there is plenty of battery life, RAM and expandable storage to get you through each day.

IPHONE 11

We love phones that stand the test of time, so it’s no surprise the iPhone 11 has made this list. It’s not even two years since the iPhone 11 was launched, so it’s by no stretch an old phone, but it’s a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to fork out for the latest model. With a reduced price, a 6.1-inch display, the A13 Bionic chip and an impressive dual-lens camera on the back, there are still so many reasons to pick up this phone in 2021. What makes it a great phone for travel is that it’s a true all-rounder that ticks the boxes no matter what features you want the most.