Is it a good deal? In this economy? Yeah, I get it. This week marks the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday, and there are some discounts for early birds. If you’re on the hunt for a tech gadget—be it for yourself or a loved one—check out our curated list of the top new phones and tablets for this year.
Best Phones to Buy on Black Friday
2025 has been quite the year for smartphones. We’ve seen everything from ultra-thin designs to high-resolution cameras and powerful zoom functions. There are new foldables out there, yet only a handful truly deserve a spot on your Black Friday wish list.
If you’re unsure where to start, well, you’re in the right place.
Top iPhone for Your Wishlist
The base model iPhone 17 is a solid pick. It brings many features that used to be exclusive to the pricier Pro series, like a ProMotion display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a 48MP camera for sharp, clear photos. Priced at $799, it’s already Apple’s most budget-friendly new phone, and Black Friday deals make it even more appealing.
For those wanting a bit more, the iPhone 17 Pro Max really stands out for me this year. Sure, it starts at $1,199, but it’s equipped with Apple’s fastest chip yet, a versatile triple-camera system, and a vapor chamber to keep it cool during heavy usage. You can pick it in fun colors like Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue. Apple doesn’t frequently discount their products, but keep an eye on Amazon, local shops, and carriers for potential holiday deals.
Just a note: You might be eyeing the iPhone Air, but proceed with caution. It’s pricier than the base iPhone 17, has mediocre battery life, and fewer camera options. Unless you’re really into slim devices, it’s probably better to skip.
Best Android Smartphones for Your Wishlist
On the Android side, Google and Samsung dropped several new devices toward the end of 2025. Each has its own appeal, making them great gifts.
The Google Pixel 10 series, for instance, is making waves. It just achieved a sales milestone as Google’s best-selling phone ever. All three Pixel 10 models feature the same Tensor G5 chip and boast a range of AI capabilities. I’d recommend the Pixel 10 Pro for its larger display and enhanced camera options, but the standard Pixel 10, starting at $799, offers great value.
Another Android Option to Consider
Don’t overlook the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. It’s my favorite phone this year. In its folded state, it behaves like a standard phone, but when you open it up, it transforms into a tablet. Sure, it comes with a hefty price tag of $1,999.99, but when you consider its versatility—functioning as a phone, tablet, e-reader, and even a desktop—you might find the investment worth it, especially if you can snag it on sale.
Just a heads up: If you’re thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S25 series phone as a Christmas present, it might be wise to wait. The next-generation Galaxy S26 is set to release in late February. While the S25 is currently discounted, holding off could be a smart move.
Best Tablets to Buy on Black Friday
Tablets can be excellent gifts—typically more affordable than smartphones, they don’t need a separate data plan and are handy for various tasks like browsing, watching videos, and reading. If you’re not sure which tablet to get, consider these two options.
The Ideal Tablet for Apple Fans
Apple has just rolled out the latest iPad Pro, powered by the ultra-fast M5 chip suited for gaming and intense tasks. These models are impressive, though maybe a bit much for the average user. If you want a solid gift for most people, check out the iPad Air, released earlier this year. With a capable M3 chip and the ability to use the Apple Pencil, it’s a better value at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch version.
The Perfect Tablet for Android Fans
Samsung has largely dominated the Android tablet scene. The new Tab S11 series, launched in September, offers the latest S Pen, improved dual-screen multitasking with Samsung DeX mode, and built-in Galaxy AI features. They start at $799.99 for the Tab S11 and go up to $1,199.99 for the Tab S11 Ultra, making them the standout choices for Android lovers.
Looking for More?
If hands-free options are more your speed, stay tuned for our upcoming list of top wearables.
