Great phones for grads
If you're looking for a phone to give your recent grad, there are a lot of devices to choose from. Fortunately for you, we've rounded up some of our favorites that work reliably, look great and have what it takes to satisfy every student.
For more gift ideas for your grad, check out our guide here.
HTC 10
Not only does the HTC 10 have a beautiful design that your grad will appreciate, it also has HTC's signature BoomSound. BoomSound delivers a better audio experience for movies and music -- which is perfect for that Study playlist.
Samsung Galaxy S7
It's hard to go wrong with the Galaxy S7. It features a long-lasting battery, a nimble 12-megapixel camera and a water-resistant design that can survive the next spring-break pool party. (But with all that running around, just be sure to get a case too.)
Apple iPhone 6S
Equipped with one of the best camera phones, a simple OS that works seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem and a unique 3D Touch feature, the iPhone 6S is a guaranteed win with your grad.
LG G5
If your grad is constantly on the go (soccer practice one hour, a study session the next), you're looking for a handset that won't run out of juice. While the G5 clocked in a decent time for our battery tests, its selling point is that it has a removable battery. That means if you're out of power by the evening, you can swap the battery out for a fresh one to get you through the day.
Google Nexus 6P
When it comes to grads, every dollar counts. Fortunately, you don't have to spend tons of money for a great phone. The Nexus 6P (and its even less expensive counterpart, the 5X) is one of our favorites not just because of its low price, but also it has great hardware (like a 5.7-inch, 1,440p display and Snapdragon 810 processor) and it receives software updates as soon as they're available from Google.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
With its smart S Pen stylus and a number of productivity apps, the Galaxy Note 5 lets you draw, write and work right on its generous 5.7-inch display -- ideal for the ambitious student who's working 24-7.
OnePlus 2
If your grad likes to go against the crowd, the OnePlus 2 is worth considering. Created by a scrappy Chinese company, OnePlus developed a loyal fan-base with its competitively priced devices that are equipped with high-end hardware. Its latest flagship, for instance, has a 5.5-inch display, a 13-megapixel camera and several design options like wood and bamboo.