Top 50 Gadget gift guide 2021: All the phones, accessories, earbuds and game gear you need
This is the ultimate guide to what Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and other tech giants have on offer this Christmas to help you decide what gadgets you need. See how they compare.
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Australians are expected to spend more than $58 billion in the lead-up to Christmas 2021 and almost half of those purchases will be made online, according to Roy Morgan.
But getting those gifts delivered, wrapped and in the hands of loved ones by December 25 could be particularly tricky this year.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns “extreme” shipping congestion, surging demand, and Covid-19 outbreaks are causing “major disruptions and delays” in the lead-up to Christmas.
And purchases from overseas are the hardest hit, with the United States Postal Service even suspending Australian deliveries and warning its customers not to send items to the country.
To avoid a last-minute panic, and to help you in the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we’ve rounded up 50 of the best and freshest gadget gifts early, split into two parts.
Below you’ll find everything from the best gaming gear to tech that will help or literally brighten up your day as you work from home.
TOP SMARTPHONES
From $2319, microsoft.com
Microsoft’s quirky, double-screen phone is finally available in Australia and the second model is better than the first. The Duo 2 has two 5.8-inch screens that, when folded open, look like an 8.3-inch tablet. They will also fold over completely to let you take a phone call. This year’s model also offers three rear cameras, better battery life, a faster chip, 5G, and unique ways to use that screen, including one app stretched over both displays or two apps working side-by-side.
From $1499, samsung.com/au
The smallest folding phone arguably won the most attention at Samsung’s launch this year. The new Flip3 now features a 5G connection, water-resistance, a faster and brighter main screen, and a bigger screen on its face to show of alerts when folded up. This flexible phone is also the most modestly priced of its kind, and buyers can now customise its panels and its frame with the colours of their choosing to make it stand out even more.
From $1299, store.google.com
There are good reasons why Google’s flagship phone sold out within hours. One big reason is its powerful camera array: a 50-megapixel snapper, a 48-megapixel camera with 4X zoom and a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera on the back of this device. The Pixel 6 Pro also features unique photo additions, like Magic Eraser that can delete people in the background, as well as the first next-generation 5G connection in Australia, a big battery, in-screen fingerprint scanner and a 6.7-inch screen with small borders.
From $1699, apple.com/au
New cameras, new colours, and a new screen debuted in the iPhone 13 Pro which, in a break from tradition, gets all the photographic power of its bigger Max Pro sibling. There are three powerful cameras on the back of this smartphone, including an ultra wide camera capable of capturing macro images for the first time, and all three can use the built-in LIDAR scanner to focus quickly in lowlight. Video fans can also use Cinematic Mode, which can automatically recognise subjects.
$349, harveynorman.com.au
This budget-friendly smartphone offers a lot for its price. It arrives with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a generous 4500mAh battery, and an NFC chip to allow this phone to be used as a digital wallet. TCL has also packed three cameras on to the back of this device, including a 13-megapixel main camera and a two-megapixel camera for macro close-ups. The Android phone is secured with a rear fingerprint scanner and while it might not have the power of its rivals, it doesn’t have the price tag either.
GAMING GEAR
$160, playstation.com.au
This is a rare gift that works for two different kinds of people. On one level, the Pulse 3D wireless headphones deliver amazing sound from the PlayStation 5 and have been finetuned to highlight even the most subtle in-game sounds, like footsteps behind you. On another level, it will keep video game sound to the player’s ears, creating a quiet home for everyone nearby.
$539, nintendo.com.au
The newest game console out this Christmas is one that could suit the whole family. Nintendo’s well-loved Switch gets a makeover with a seven-inch OLED screen in this new model, as well as 64GB storage, better speakers, and a stand that plugs straight into your home internet. Like the last model, this console can be played when connected to a TV or wirelessly in your hands.
$40, otterbox.com.au
This strange-looking accessory could be a game-saver. The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip will hold a smartphone in its sturdy clamp and connect it to an Xbox controller to let you play titles on the new Xbox Games Pass cloud platform. The Clip can also be used by itself to prop your handset up on a table if you decide to detach the two.
$1399, jbhifi.com.au
This at-home arcade game is one for fans of ‘90s joystick-and-button adventures. Created to mimic the feel of a real games arcade, this 47kg stand-up machine features two titles straight out of 1991: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Turtles in Time. In a modern update, however, users can connect this machine to the internet to battle other players.
$100, turtlebeach.com
This second generation gaming headset is more comfortable and useful than the first. The cushions on these headphones are designed to be friendly to spectacle-wearers, its headband is more rigid, voice is prioritised so gamers don’t need to shout over the din, and these cans will work with a wide range of consoles, including PlayStation 5 and 4, the latest models from Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch. They can also be plugged into a PC.
ACCESSORIES
Maison de Sabre Disney Collection
$89, maisondesabre.com
Australian luxury accessories brand Maison de Sabre has launched a collaboration with Disney and the result is six customisable leather iPhone cases, each featuring one of the company’s most well-loved characters. From Mickey and Minnie to Goofy and Pluto, users can also choose their favourite colour and add initials or an emoji in gold or silver lettering.
$119, store.google.com
Along with a sold-out new phone, Google has launched a new version of its wireless charger. The second Pixel Stand features a fresh design with quiet, built-in fan to keep its charge cool, and a body partially made from recycled materials. The stand will also recharge other Qi-compatible smartphones and even earbuds with the right case when it launches shortly.
Belkin Soundform Freedom Bundle
$200, bigw.com.au
Accessories brand Belkin has branched out into audio and its flagship Freedom True Wireless Earbuds arrive with a wireless charging pad capable of powering them and a phone. The earbuds themselves promise to play music for eight hours on a single charge, feature noise cancellation, and can be located using Apple’s Find My app.
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub
$90, twelvesouth.com.au
You know those people who use an iPad like a laptop? A hub like this one could help them do that. The StayGo Mini will plug into Apple’s tablet and turn one connection into four, allowing users to connect wired headphones, a hard drive, a camera, or even a monitor to the tablet. The palm-sized device can also be used with Apple Macs.
$99, amazon.com.au
The latest TV accessory from Amazon is not only faster than its predecessor but will let users ask Alexa for suggestions of what to watch next. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max plugs into a TV’s HDMI port and comes with a remote control that delivers quick access to streaming TV services and playback buttons. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos audio and 4K streaming.
WORK FROM HOME
$350, nanoleaf.me
The latest home office lightning from Nanoleaf looks like it was ripped from a neon sign. The Nanoleaf Lines kit features nine smart, modular bars that can be installed on a wall to look like a cube, a science formula or a graph and lit in a rainbow of colours, programmed with your smartphone. These smart bars will also work with Apple, Google and Amazon voice assistants, and can light up in time to music you’re playing.
$100, twelvesouth.com.au
This newly released photo frame is also the most stylish wireless charger on the market. The PowerPic Mod consists of a stand, a large block of lucite that fits into it, and a wireless charging pad. Users can sit a compatible phone or earbuds against it to recharge them and can also remove a thin sheet of plastic held magnetically to the front to add their favourite photograph.
$439, amazon.com.au
If you have fast broadband connection, this new Amazon gadget could help spread the signal around your home. The Eero Pro 6 router supports download speeds of up to one gigabit per second (beyond the reach of most NBN plans) and will broadcast signals over 190 sqm. Its Wi-Fi 6 capability ensures this device can connect up to 75 devices at once and while it will connect to the latest, Zigbee-ready smart home devices, it’s also compatible with older Wi-Fi standards.
$130, ebgames.com.au
Brightly coloured accessories like these are just another good reason to work from home. The POP Keys are a wireless, mechanical keyboard that you can use with up to three devices at a time, switching between them to type text quickly. The keyboard works with Windows, Mac, Chrome, Android and iOS-based gadgets, and even features eight swappable emoji keys for quick access to your favourite expressions.
$199, jbhifi.com.au
This is a gadget for those whose laptops don’t have enough ports (which is almost all of them). This Bonelk hub adds 14 options for anyone who plugs it into their computer’s USB-C port. They include space for small and larger SD memory cards, two 4K monitors, and another seven USB devices of varying sizes and speeds. The Hub also comes with an optional stand.
WIRELESS AUDIO
$279, apple.com/au
The earbuds that changed the way we listen to music are back and a little smaller than before. Apple’s newest AirPods have shorter stems this year and a redesigned shape that promises to sit in your ear more securely. The third AirPods also deliver spatial audio to make music sound like it’s coming from all directions, will work for six hours on a charge, and are designed to survive water and sweat.
$499, nuheara.com
These Australian made earbuds are much more advanced than your average music-makers, and will particularly suit anyone with challenged hearing this Christmas. The Nuheara earbuds can be personalised with an app to create a unique hearing profile, while a mode called Speech in Noise Control can highlight nearby voices while muting background noise. These earbuds are also water-resistant and offer touch controls.
$159, store.google.com
Google’s budget-friendly wireless earbuds don’t have as many features as their expensive rivals but they keep the ones that matter. The new Pixel Buds offer a smart design with plastic wings to keep them in your ears, while software assesses background noise and adapts sound to suit your environment. They also offer five hours of listening time, will work with Android or Apple devices, and you can tap them to answer or hang up a call.
$299, blueant.com.au
Designed in Melbourne and released in time to entertain house parties again is this wireless speaker that also brings its own light show. The BlueAnt X4 is a portable, 50-watt speaker that streams songs over Bluetooth, features a full array of music controls, a ring of LED lights with five pre-programmed modes, a 12-hour battery life, and comes with a microphone for karaoke. Those with larger venues can pair two for a stereo effect.
$299, sonos.com
The first ultra portable speaker from Sonos is smaller but also smarter than most. While it may look like a water bottle, the Roam delivers spacious audio that belies its size, will stream tunes using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and will play them for 10 hours on a single charge. The speaker’s Trueplay feature also adapts sound to its environment, and it can be trained to respond to commands meant for Amazon’s Alexa or the Google Assistant.
TOP SMARTWATCHES
From $599, apple.com/au
There’s one big reason to upgrade an Apple Watch this Christmas and it’s right in front of you. The screen on this year’s model is effectively 50 per cent larger than the display on Watch Series 3 even though it only adds 1mm to its exterior. In addition to the new screen, this new timepiece powers up faster, offers new watch faces, is more dustproof than before and will recharge in less time (though battery life remains the same).
From $499, fossil.com/en-au
The latest Google smartwatch advances are inside this new watch range from Fossil, powered by fresh hardware. The watches come with a chip promising 30 per cent more speed, as well as a blood oxygen sensor for the first time, sleep-tracking, faster charging, better pulse-monitoring and a more reliable Bluetooth connection. The Fossil watches will also get a big software boost with an upgrade to Wear OS 3 in 2022, unlike older generation models.
$270, fitbit.com/au
Crossing the line between smartwatch and fitness tracker is this new Fitbit device that is packed with health features but will still let you read SMS, WhatsApp and Gmail missives on your wrist, and tap to pay for goods at the cash register. The Charge 5 features sensors to measure your heart health, blood oxygen, stress, exercise, sleep, and will even estimate your level of ‘readiness’ for the day.
From $549, samsung.com/au
Samsung’s old-school watch is back with more features. The company kept the rotating dial on the Classic version of its newest smartwatch, and it will still let users twist it around to make selections. Inside, the watch comes with more sensors to measure your body composition including muscle mass, your heart rhythm, breathing, and your sleep. This watch will even monitor for snoring and let you play back the evidence.
From $1000, suunto.com
Suunto’s new flagship smartwatch is slimmer and lighter than past models but packs in more features. The sporty watch tracks a long list of pursuits, from orienteering to martial arts, while also adding a sapphire glass face, stainless steel body, wireless updates, and a battery that will last most of the week away from its charger. Its blood oxygen sensor is buggy but its tough exterior, slimmer look and reliable phone alerts make it a smart gift for fitness fans.
TECH TOYS
$349, spacetalkwatch.com
Australian brand Spacetalk has released another watch for kids, with features that will be useful for wearers and their parents. The Spacetalk Adventurer comes with a camera that kids can use to send approved contacts photos, GPS tracking, dust and water-resistance and a School Mode so no calls and messages can act as a classroom distraction.
Osmo Math Wizard and the Fantastic Food Truck
$100, officeworks.com.au
Osmo games are designed to teach kids in a way “they won’t even realise they’re learning” and there are new Apple iPad-ready titles out for Christmas. New Osmo Math Wizard kits include this geometry-themed addition, which challenges kids aged between six and eight to solve problems with shapes that are picked up by the iPad’s camera. An Osmo Base kit is required to make it work.
$40, smiggle.com.au
This adorable iPad case from Smiggle serves two purposes. Firstly, it’s easy to grip and cute for kids. Secondly, it improves the chance that the iPad inside will survive knocks and bumps. The butterfly wings on the back of the case also serve as a stand for upright table viewing, and an alternative robot cover can also stand up on its two (rubber) legs.
MobyFox Gryffindor Apple Watch Band
$70, tryandbyte.com.au
For kids who are determined, courageous, interested in Harry Potter, and lucky enough to use an Apple Watch, this Gryffindor-themed band could suit. The maroon and gold band is compatible with all Apple Watches, as well as other smartwatches that use a 22mm pin, will fit wrists as small as 13cm around, and is sweat-resistant. Users can also download an accompanying app to unlock 20 new Apple Watch faces.
$70, apple.com/au
It looks like one very large button but this gadget can help kids make music. The Skoogmusic Skwitch can be plugged directly into an Apple iPhone and used with the Skwitch Music app to create songs, with the device becoming like an instrument or MIDI device. Users can program a riff and then press the button to hit the notes, holding it down to keep them going. Pre-programmed classic songs are also available.
CAMERAS
$1449, nikon.com.au
Nikon is bringing back heritage camera designs but making them snappy enough to suit modern buyers. The Nikon Z fc takes its cues from the original FM2 released in 1982 but it adds new colour options (including bold coral pink and mint green), a 20.9-megapixel sensor, a flip-out screen, and handy features like eye-detection autofocus and vibration reduction. A 16-50mm lens can be included in a bundle for $1649.
$8899, sony.com.au
Photographers will still need an eye for an image but Sony’s most powerful camera could make it harder to miss a shot. This powerful camera is capable of capturing 30 photos per second at a huge resolution of 50 megapixels. Plus, it comes with eye-detection autofocus that works on humans and animals, even if they’re upside down, as well as a silent shutter, in-body stabilisation, 8K video recording, and 759 points of phase detection autofocus.
$600, gopro.com
With fewer travel restrictions on all Aussies this Christmas, it could be time to upgrade your outdoorsy camera. The latest GoPro is rugged enough to withstand dunks up to 10m beneath the waves and will also capture 23-megapixel photos and video at a resolution of 5.3K. The Hero10 also comes with a better version of HyperSmooth video stabilisation and new system of saving footage to the cloud as soon as it finds a Wi-Fi connection.
$1000 with lens, canon.com.au
Designed for influencers, Canon’s 2021 take on its M50 camera is compact but not quite pocket-sized, powerful but not bank-breaking. This camera features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, comes with a touchscreen you can move for shots at a tough angle or spin around for selfies, and it will capture full 4K video for YouTube. It also comes with a 15-45mm kit lens for less than $1000.
$10,590 with lens, leica-store.com.au
German photography specialist Leica has combined photo and video capture inside this camera; its first to truly cross the streams. The result is a full-frame, 24-megapixel interchangeable lens camera that can capture up to 25 photos each second or 4K video at 60 frames per second. It also comes with built-in image stabilisation, a Wi-Fi connection, space for two memory cards, and the kit comes with a 24-70mm f2.8 lens.
SMART HOME
$550, owletcare.com.au
Perfect for new parents, this well-connected sock does more than you might expect. The freshly redesigned wearable device will now fit kids from infants to five-year-olds and a sensor in the sock can measure their heart rate, oxygen level and sleep, letting you know exactly when they’re stirring even better than a camera could. Readings are sent to an connected app, and the sock’s battery lasts for 16 hours per charge.
$329, store.google.com
This Christmas investment could ensure the other Christmas presents you buy arrive safely. Google’s take on an internet-connected doorbell is battery-powered, features a 145-degree wide-angle lens, uses software to identify whether a vehicle, a person or a person with a parcel is in front of it, and shows a long view of your front door so you don’t miss important details. The doorbell also has a speaker and microphone for talking to visitors and can be used to play prerecorded messages.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
$299, amazon.com.au
Standing in front of this device doesn’t just trigger two very bright lights but also turns on the camera and sends footage to your phone. The new Ring Floodlight Cam features a high-definition camera, ear-piercing siren, a microphone and speaker so you can tell intruders to shoo, and it can communicate with Amazon Alexa speakers in your home.
Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit
$315, philips-hue.com
This smart lighting kit is more advanced than you might expect. Not only will it let you choose between warm and cool lighting, but the three bulbs inside can be programmed to glow in 16 different shades and can be controlled using Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or the Google Assistant. The lights can even be synchronised with music or movies using the Philips Hue app. This kit will also work with an extra Dimming Switch on the wall for quick offline controls.
$149, apple.com/au
Apple’s well-connected, ball-shaped speakers are relaunching this Christmas with a new look: namely, they’re now available in blue, orange and yellow to suit your home’s decor. The miniature devices are just as smart as they were before, with a touch-sensitive panel to control streaming music, voice controls to summon Siri and ask about the weather, your appointments, and the current age of Chuck Norris. The tiny speakers also feature a full-range driver and dual radiators for creating deep bass and crisp sound.
TABLETS
From $749, apple.com/au
It might be the smallest tablet in the line-up but the iPad mini is among Apple’s most powerful after its 2021 revamp. The new model features a bigger screen, at 8.3 inches, a fingerprint scanner, a speedy 5G connection, and an aluminium body that now comes in four colours, including on-trend lilac. And, in case you need to make a FaceTime call, its new front-facing camera is trained to keep you in the centre of the frame.
From $799, samsung.com/au
Samsung’s new tablet borrows plenty of features from the company’s top model but costs hundreds of dollars less. The 12.4-inch FE (Fan Edition) tablet arrives in a choice of four colours and with an S Pen in the box and can be used to show movies using its dual Dolby Atmos speakers, play games with its octa-core chip, or host video calls with its eight-megapixel front camera. A 5G version is also available.
From $629, microsoft.com
This Microsoft tablet is aptly named for its light weight and small frame. The newly released Go 3 weighs just 544g but it packs in a 10.5-inch touchscreen, offers up to 11 hours of use on a single charge, and features a high-definition camera and dual microphones for placing video calls, making it ideal for remote schoolwork. The tablet is also one of the first to arrive with Windows 11 installed and a keyboard can be added for an extra $200.
$440, aukobobooks.com
This advanced e-book reader borrows some of its new features from tablets and smartphones to create a hybrid of all three. The Sage features a high-definition eight-inch E Ink touchscreen to show off books, and its pages turn faster thanks to a quad-core chip. But this reading machine can also read to you, if you connect it to Bluetooth headphones and play a Kobo audiobook, and it can also be used with a separate stylus to let readers scribble impermanent notes on their books.
From $1199, apple.com/au
While Apple’s Mini has been winning plenty of hearts recently, the company’s 2021 powerhouse tablet should not be overlooked. This year’s iPad Pro is the first to use the company’s M1 chip, giving it 40 per cent graphical grunt and a 50 per cent speed boost. This model also comes with up to two terabyte storage, a better front-facing camera, and the option to connect it to a 5G network.
Originally published as Top 50 Gadget gift guide 2021: All the phones, accessories, earbuds and game gear you need
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