Father’s Day is this weekend, so it’s too late to order in a gift – but if dad is okay with waiting, here are a few ideas. Holiday aside, you can also equip yourself with a new phone, tablet or headphones.
The Google Pixel 9 is $200 off for the base model, $50 more if you get the extra storage. Stable Android 16 released earlier this week (though this applies to Google phones going back to the Pixel 6 series, not just this one).
You can save $150/$200 if you go for the Pixel 9a. This is almost the same size – it has the same 6.3” display (sans HDR10+), but thicker bezels make it a bit taller and wider. You do get the same Tensor G4 chipset, though. Reasons to go for the pricier Pixel 9: 1) better cameras (50MP 1/1.31” + 48MP ultra-wide vs. 48MP 1/2.0” and 13MP ultra-wide) 2) faster charging 3) satellite communication.
Or you can splurge and get the flagship Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This one has a large 6.8” display (an LTPO panel at that) and a 5,060mAh battery (that’s 40mAh less than the 9a). The cameras are the best part – the 50MP main has a large 1/1.31” sensor, there is also a 48MP 5x periscope and a 48MP ultra-wide on the back, plus a 42MP ultra-wide selfie camera.
Market analysts report that people have been upgrading their tablets recently. You can grab a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ with a 12.4” 120Hz OLED display and a bundled S Pen. This slate is powered by the Dimensity 9300+ and has expandable storage, plus a 10,090mAh battery with 45W charging. The tablet is dust and water resistant with an IP68 rating.
The FE series are a cheaper option for those that don’t need flagship performance – or those that prefer an LCD. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+ have 10.9” and 13.1” IPS LCDs, respectively, both with 90Hz refresh rate. These slates are powered by the Exynos 1580 plus an 8,000mAh or 10,090mAh batteries. These two also come bundled with an S Pen.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are comfy, have good audio quality and improved active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the originals.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the same price. These have better battery life, solid audio quality and ANC. The stemmed design offers easier controls.
The cheap option is the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. While they cost less than half of the Pro, these still offer ANC – not as good as the Pro, but it’s there. No stems here, but the wingtips offer a secure, comfortable fit.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are one of the best ANC-enabled over-ear headphones that money can buy. That last part is the problem – they are pricey. There is no discount just yet, but Amazon does offer a $30 gift card.
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