Safely’s 2011 Holiday Phone Buying Guide

by Max- November 21, 2011 • 1:11 am

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If you have teenaged kids, you know how “cool” smartphones have become. Are you buying a new smartphone this holiday season? At Safely, we’ve tested our products on almost every phone that’s been made. Here are our top picks for smartphones to buy your kids this holiday season.

1. The iPhone 4S: A Personal Assistant for Your Pocket

• Siri, Apple’s new digital personal assistant lets you send texts and look up directions with voice commands.
• Has an advanced 8 mega-pixel camera that shoots the best pictures and HD video of any phone on the market.
• Available on Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon for $199.

2. The Samsung Galaxy SII: The Best Android Phone

• Can use 4G LTE internet. The iPhone 4S is stuck on the slower 3G network.
• Just as fast as the iPhone 4S, and the camera is almost as good.
• Will probably be discounted this holiday season. (Amazon Wireless has previously offered it for 1 cent).
• Available on Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T. Prices vary from $99 to $230, depending on carrier and current offers.

3. The HTC Rezound: Verizon’s Smart Phone for Music Lovers

• Best Android phone currently available on Verizon. (Verizon doesn’t sell the Galaxy SII).
• Only phone available in the US with Dr. Dre’s Beats audio.
• Comes with a free set of iBeats earbuds worth $100.
• Available on Verizon for $299.

Powerful Phones for Under $100

1. The Motorola Atrix 2: All the Power, Half the Price

• Almost as powerful as the Galaxy SII for a much cheaper price. Much faster than the iPhone 4 (reviewed below).
• Available only on AT&T for the low price of $99.

2. The iPhone 4: Still Powerful. Now Cheap, too.

• Basically the same as the 4S except for an older camera and no Siri. Detailed comparison here.
• Still powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it, and will be for the next couple of years.
• Available on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon, starting at $99.

3. The Galaxy S: A Perfect First Smart Phone

• Last year’s top Samsung phone. Has specs on par with the iPhone 4.
• Solid camera and fast load times.
• The Sprint version has a physical keyboard. Perfect for text-happy teens.
• Available on Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T for 1 cent – $99, depending on the carrier and their current deals.

Quick Tips

Check newspaper circulars and deals sites like FatWallet and Slickdeals for deals on these phones as Christmas gets closer.

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