Diwali's almost here, and it's the perfect time to treat your loved ones to something special. What better way than a brand-new smartphone? With so many choices out there, it can be tough to pick the right one. That's why we've rounded up the top 10 smartphones that are perfect for gifting this Diwali, no matter your budget or preferences.

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Google Pixel 9
• OnePlus 12
• Xiaomi 14
• iPhone 15
• Nothing Phone 2
• Vivo V40
• Oppo Reno 10
• Nothing Phone 2a

1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

This Diwali, why not surprise your loved ones with the latest and greatest—the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max? It's the newest flagship from the Cupertino giant and comes packed with features that everyone will love. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the A18 Pro chip for lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking.

The Super Retina XDR OLED display offers stunning visuals, complete with a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and an impressive 2000 nits of peak brightness. Furthermore, the new and updated triple camera system has a 48 MP wide camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) and dual-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF), along with a 48 MP ultrawide camera featuring a 120-degree field of view and a 5× optical zoom telephoto camera. You can also record stunning 4K videos at 120 fps, making it the only iPhone that captures 4K in slow motion. Other features include a new Camera Control button, Wi-Fi 7, a larger battery, and the latest iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

If you're not an iOS fan but still want a top-notch smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is just what you need. It offers a fantastic array of features, such as a lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that can easily tackle demanding tasks, a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with vibrant colours and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a quad-camera setup with an impressive 200MP main sensor that captures amazing photos and videos. Furthermore, the 5000mAh battery keeps you going all day, and its rugged design with IP68 water resistance means it can handle whatever your lifestyle throws at it. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also comes with a handy S Pen for easy note-taking and creative tasks.

3. Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 is another fantastic Diwali gift that packs powerful performance into a sleek design. Thanks to its new Tensor G3 chipset, you'll enjoy smooth multitasking and lightning-fast app launches, and it can easily handle demanding apps and games.

The camera system is pretty impressive too, with a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultrawide lens that captures stunning photos and videos in any lighting. The pure Android experience is clean and super easy to use, with regular updates and all the latest Google features. Additionally, you'll also love the 6.3-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, IP68 water and dust resistance, and wireless charging.

4. OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a flagship smartphone without the hefty flagship price tag. It comes fitted with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, making multitasking and running demanding apps and games effortless. The expansive 6.82-inch AMOLED display features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, along with an advanced camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 64MP periscope telephoto camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front camera. And with a 5400mAh battery supporting 100W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC charging, you'll stay powered up throughout the day.

5. Xiaomi 14

Whether you're into gaming, photography, or just need a solid daily driver, the Xiaomi 14 is a great pick. It offers great value for your money and comes packed with features that will definitely impress. The sleek design and premium build feel great in your hand, and the stunning AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything look vibrant and scroll smoothly. With the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, you'll enjoy lightning-fast performance, whether you're multitasking or running demanding apps. Additionally, the triple rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, captures stunning photos and videos in all kinds of lighting. And with a long-lasting battery and fast charging, you can stay connected all day without missing a beat.

6. iPhone 15

While the iPhone 16 is stealing the spotlight, the iPhone 15 is now available at some fantastic discounts. Even though it's a slightly older model, the iPhone 15 still offers impressive features with its sleek and durable design, long-lasting battery, and capabilities like wireless charging and water resistance. Its Dynamic Island, a revolutionary feature that turns the notch into an interactive hub, provides a personalised and intuitive user experience. Thanks to the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 delivers super-fast performance and energy efficiency and comes with a powerful 48MP main camera and a 2x telephoto lens.

7. Nothing Phone 2

If you want to gift a smartphone that really stands out, check out the Nothing Phone 2. Its innovative Glyph interface features LED lights that light up around the edges, giving it a unique look and letting you know when you have notifications. With the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor under the hood, this phone can easily handle gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colours and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth. When it comes to photography, the dual rear camera setup complete with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide lens lets you capture stunning photos and videos effortlessly. With an IP54 rating, the Nothing Phone 2 is durable enough for everyday use, and features like wireless charging, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and 5G connectivity make it a great choice for anyone on the go.

8. Vivo V40

The Vivo V40 is a solid choice if you want a mid-range smartphone that feels premium without the premium price tag. Its stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colours and smooth visuals, while the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth multitasking. The dual-camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP wide-angle lens, lets you capture stunning photos and videos. You also get ample 256GB storage, 80W fast charging, and a robust 5500mAh battery for long-lasting performance.

9. Oppo Reno 10 Pro

The Oppo Reno 10 Pro is another feature-packed smartphone that brings together style, solid performance, and impressive camera features. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colours and smooth visuals, while the Snapdragon 778G processor and 12GB of RAM promise ample performance. The Oppo Reno 10 Pro comes with a triple rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 32MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens for capturing stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, the 4600mAh battery, combined with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, provides reliable power throughout the day and quick recharging when you need it.

10. Nothing Phone 2a

If you're not after the flagship features of the Nothing Phone 2, the Nothing Phone 2a is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative. Powered by a Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, the Phone 2a handles everyday tasks and demanding games with ease. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display boasts vibrant colours and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for an enjoyable viewing experience. True to the Nothing brand, it features a transparent design and a customisable Glyph interface with LED lights that notify you of calls, messages, and alarms. The dual 50MP rear camera captures stunning photos and videos, while the 32MP front camera is ideal for selfies and video calls. Additionally, with a 5000mAh battery, you can count on all-day use, and it supports fast charging for those times when you need a quick power boost.

Should the above mobile phones not take your fancy though, or you’re simply looking for a more pocket-friendly budget option, consider purchasing a Realme smartphone. Realme offers several powerful smartphones across price points, including the Realme 13 5G in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment, and the Realme GT 6 if you’re looking for something flagship-grade.

Either way, with these 10 (or 12) options, you just can’t go wrong! Happy shopping!