Apple iPhone 6

Both new iPhone models got a super-sized screen (by Apple standards) but the iPhone 6 is the one you want if a 5.5-inch screen is too much for you.

The more manageable 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is everything we've come to expect from Apple: well designed, beautifully constructed and with power to spare.

iPhone 6 Plus

On the other (oversized) hand, if you do prize your screen real estate then the 6 Plus is the iPhone for you.

You might need some deep pockets -- literally and figuratively given the price -- but you're unlikely to be disappointed, and one advantage of the larger size is a big boost to battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Not only mightier than the sword, but also a solid jump above the Note 3 as well.

Samsung has done wonders with the screen -- a staggering 2,650x1,440 quad HD AMOLED -- and packed in a supercharged processor to boot.

Plus, if you're a Telstra customer, the Note 4 is the first phone on the market that can take advantage of the 4GX network.

LG G3

LG's G3 flagship improved on the G2 in so many ways: a higher quality screen, a removable battery, expandable memory and more.

It's a truly iconic design with a clean interface as well.

Nokia Lumia 1520

It might not be the youngest phone, but if you're looking for a low-cost Windows Phone 'phablet' this is it.

The 6-inch Lumia 1320 will set you back as little as AU$349 if you hunt around. 'Microsoft Devices' might be the preferred brand name, but don't be fooled -- there's a lot of great kit out there that still has the Nokia name on it.

Sony Xperia Z3

As sequels go, the Z3 is more "Empire Strikes Back" than "Teen Wolf Too".

The larger screen may not have the resolution seen on some of the other phones in this gift guide, but it's still clear and bright.

The glass covered rear looks great, but the killer features might be the waterproofing and that impressive 20.7 megapixel camera!

Motorola Moto G

Shopping for a friend who hasn't made the plunge into the world of 4G? The current model of Motorola Moto G is just AU$269 and you're not wasting money on an LTE modem you won't be using.

Google Nexus 6

Aside from the Google Play Editions of some of the flagship smartphones from manufacturers, the Nexus range remains the best way to experience the Android operating system.

This year, Motorola has been tagged to produce the Nexus 6, a quad-core phone with a slighly-under-6-inch screen and an ultra sharp 1440p resolution.