Best phones for Father's Day in 2021
CNET's top phone picks for dads this Father's Day.
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Our Picks
The coronavirus has given Father's Day a bit of a new look and feel this year, but you can still buy and ship gifts to your dad if you're celebrating remotely. If you're thinking about buying your father a phone, here are CNET's top picks for $250 and up -- all have great features such as fast processors, powerful cameras and vibrant screens.
There are so many iPhones to choose from this year for Father's Day. In addition to the new budget-friendly 2020 iPhone SE, there are the higher-end iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max. Whichever one you go with depends on your budget, but the iPhone 11 is a great option. Sitting right in the middle in terms of specs and price, the iPhone 11 offers a 6.1-inch display, the latest A13 processor and two rear cameras including an ultra-wide lens.
Top-of-the-line Android
Samsung Galaxy S20
As Samsung's flagship phone for 2020, the Galaxy S20 features a brilliant 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, reverse wireless charging, a water resistant design and three rear cameras. It's a fantastic daily driver for an Android user, and if you have more to spend, there's also the Galaxy S20 Plus and Ultra.
For the 'cool' dad
OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro
While OnePlus isn't as well-known as Apple or Samsung, the 8 Pro offers a premium experience at a relatively more affordable price than its rivals (something we're sure all dads would appreciate as a Father's Day gift). As the more advanced phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro has a 120Hz display and a telephoto camera. But the OnePlus 8 is more affordable and still has 5G, a fast 90Hz display and the same top-of-the-line processor.
The power user's phone
Samsung Galaxy Note 10
As the standard model of Samsung's line of ultraluxe phones, the Note 10 is great for productivity and work (even if it's WFH). It features a 6.3-inch display, three rear cameras, an in-screen fingerprint scanner and a signature S Pen stylus that can remotely control the phone's camera via Bluetooth. FYI though, it doesn't have a headphone jack or expandable memory.
An enduring battery for a bargain
Motorola Moto G Power
For the dad who never wants to be low on battery, the Moto G Power costs only $250 and has a robust 5,000-mAh battery. During our testing, it lasted an impressive four days without a charge. That means it'll stick with you while you're out and about or running meetings at your desk. The phone also has three rear cameras (one of which is a macro lens), a 6.4-inch display and expandable storage.
For the multitasker
LG V60 ThinQ
Having a family is tough work and sometimes one has to juggle a lot of things. In addition to its headphone jack -- a rarity among top-tier phones these days -- the LG V60 is unique because it works with a case accessory that effectively doubles the size of its screen. Known as Dual Screen, it allows the V60 to fold open like a book, so you can display two apps on both displays or view content as a single tablet, albeit with a big hinge in the middle.
A phone with a top-notch camera
Google Pixel 4
The Pixel 4 (and its larger counterpart, the Pixel 4 XL) has one of the best cameras, which is ideal for anyone who likes to capture the next family vacation, BBQ or holiday. It also has a 90Hz display, wireless charging and touchless gestures. When it launched in 2019, the Pixel 4 carried a high price tag, but deep discounts are known to happen, so look out for deals.
