The “Safest” and Most Useful Gift
Honestly, finding a Christmas or New Year gift can be a headache. Buy clothes? Afraid of the wrong size. Buy perfume? Afraid the scent will be overwhelming. Buy food? It’ll be gone in an instant.
But gadgets? Gadgets are the universal language of love in the digital age.
Whether it’s for a sibling starting college, a partner who loves mobile photography, or parents who need a big screen for video calls with grandkids—giving a new smartphone is an instant way to become their favorite “Santa Claus” this year.
The problem is, with hundreds of models released in 2024, which ones are truly worth it? Don’t worry. As an editor who has tested dozens of phones this year, I’ve narrowed them down to 7 Best Picks based on the recipient’s persona.
Save your wallet, let’s find the right one.
- The “First Timer” (Budget < Rp 2 Million)Target: School sibling, Child’s first phone, or a second phone (admin).
In this price range, don’t look for anything fancy. Look for one with a long-lasting battery and a large screen.
Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy A05s
Holding the A05s doesn’t feel like holding a “cheap” phone. The design is clean, the screen is FHD+ (not a blurry HD+ that hurts the eyes), and most importantly: the OneUI is stable. Not many annoying ads like its competitors.
- Real Experience: For watching YouTube Kids or scrolling TikTok for hours, the battery is a beast. The camera is decent enough for school assignments.
- Why Buy This: Samsung’s build quality + Sharp screen + Software update guarantee.
- Alternative: Itel P55 5G (If you need a bit of gaming performance & the cheapest 5G signal).
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: Samsung A05s – Itel P55
- The “Gen Z Social Butterfly” (Budget Rp 3 – 4 Million)Target: University students, Aspiring Content Creators, Girlfriend who loves OOTDs.
They need a camera that’s ready to post on Instagram Stories without excessive filters, plus an aesthetic design.
Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
This is the king of mid-range in 2024. Why? Because its build quality uses a metal frame and glass (feels cool and premium in hand). The video output is very stable thanks to mature OIS. The Nightography feature keeps photos under the Christmas tree lights clear, with minimal noise.
- Real Experience: Used for recording concert fancams or holiday vlogs, the results are not embarrassing compared to older iPhone series.
- Why Buy This: Best video camera in its class & prestigious design similar to the S24.
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: Samsung A55
- The “Hardcore Gamer” (Budget Rp 5 – 6 Million)Target: Gamers, Weebs, “Rather Build a PC” crowd.
Don’t give them a phone with a good camera but a hot chipset. They need a consistent high frame rate.
Editor’s Pick: POCO F6
Monster. One word is enough. Powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, this phone devours Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings at high graphics settings without mercy. The screen is also a 1.5K AMOLED that’s very pleasing to the eyes.
- Real Experience: Playing games for 2 hours non-stop, the temperature is still reasonable. The 90W charging is insane; just take a quick shower, and the battery is full again, ready to push ranks until morning.
- Why Buy This: Flagship performance at half the price.
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: POCO F6
- The “Professional / Workaholic” (Budget Rp 7 – 9 Million)Target: Young executives, Hobbyist photographers, People who need a reliable phone.
Editor’s Pick: Xiaomi 14T Pro
The collaboration with Leica is not a gimmick. The photo color tones are very soulful and artistic. For capturing warm Christmas moments, Leica Authentic’s color science is world-class. The performance is also blazing fast, and the charging supports wireless (a must-have feature for busy people).
- Real Experience: Taking photos of city lights at night using the Leica BW (Black White) mode provides an emotional nuance that’s hard to get from other phones without editing.
- Why Buy This: Professional camera feel in your pocket.
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: Xiaomi 14T Pro
- The “Sultan / The Boss” (Budget > Rp 20 Million)Target: Beloved husband/wife, Yourself (Self-reward), Big boss.
No compromises. It has to be the best of the best.
Editor’s Pick A: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Titanium frame, S-Pen for signing contracts (or doodling), and the magical Galaxy AI. The 100x zoom is still unmatched for peeking at fireworks from afar. The anti-reflective screen is the best innovation this year—the blacks are incredibly deep.
Editor’s Pick B: iPhone 17 Pro Max
Status symbol. Lock-in ecosystem. ProRes video used by professional videographers. If the gift recipient already uses a MacBook or iPad, don’t get them anything else but this.
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: Samsung S24 Ultra – iPhone 17 Pro Max
- The “Compact Lover” (Flexible Budget)Target: Those who hate bulky and heavy phones.
Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
This isn’t just a phone, it’s a fashion accessory. It folds into a compact powder compact, fitting even into a micro party bag. The Flex Mode feature makes taking group photos during Christmas incredibly easy without needing a tripod. Place it on a table, pose, click!
- Why Buy This: The “Wow” factor when opening and closing it in front of the extended family.
💰 Check Nataru Promo Price: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
Summary Table: Which One to Wrap?
| Gift Recipient Type | Main Recommendation | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student/Beginner | Samsung A05s | ± 1.9 Million | Long-lasting Battery, Brand Assurance |
| Gen Z / Social Media | Samsung A55 5G | ± 5.9 Million | Stable Camera, Premium Design |
| Gamer | POCO F6 | ± 5.5 Million | Monster Chipset, Fast Charging |
| Photographer | Xiaomi 14T Pro | ± 8.9 Million | Leica Lens, Champion Photo Mood |
| Fashionista | Galaxy Z Flip7 | ± 16 Million | Foldable, Compact, Stylish |
| Sultan | S24 Ultra | ± 19 Million | Stylus, AI, 100x Zoom |
Verdict: Tips for Wrapping Gadget Gifts
A few tips from me before you check out:
- Check Warranty: Make sure to buy from an Official Store (the links above have been curated to official/trusted stores) so the warranty is secure. Don’t be tempted by suspiciously low prices from unclear distributors.
- Buy a Case Together: Add a clear case or tempered glass inside the gift. This is a small gesture that is highly appreciated (because a new phone is precious and shouldn’t get scratched immediately).
- Initial Setup: If the gift is for parents, be kind enough to open it slightly, install WhatsApp, and transfer their contacts beforehand. The best gift is a gift that’s “ready to use.”
Happy gift hunting, and may you become their favorite person in 2025!
