7 Devices Worth Upgrading This Holiday

For many of us, the holidays are when we upgrade devices for ourselves and our loved ones, because almost everything is in special offer. It's right after Apple, Google and Samsung renewed their offerings. As an expert smartphone of Gizmodo, I think this is the best time to throw out the old and trade in the new — but only if it's really time for an upgrade.

Every piece of hardware that landed on my desk in 2023 felt like a launch that was finally important enough to justify switching from a three-, four-, or five-year-old device. I still have family members in the iPhone 8. I want to convince them to upgrade to the regular iPhone 15 this holiday season, Apple's first smartphone to use the universal USB-C standard and a colorful iteration of last year's highly rated iPhone 14 Pro. The Pixel 8 is also a great choice if you're looking to buy a small Android phone, and it pairs nicely with the Pixel Watch 2, which is essentially what its predecessor should have been.

Here's a list of devices worth upgrading this year. I chose not to include flagship devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Maxwith new 5x optical zoom or the Pixel 8 Pro, as these are impressive devices, but not necessary for most people.

iPhone 15:
The best iPhone for most users

You can't deny that the iPhone 15 Pro Max it contains the best that Apple has to offer, but the iPhone is for die-hards and power users—people who wouldn't want to give you update tips.

This year, I'm telling iPhone folks age 12 and up to look into it iPhone 15, even though it's only the first generation with USB-C. Removing all those Lightning cables will be a chore, but the iPhone 15 is basic iPhone 14 Pro refreshed and recharged. I also like that it's available in an affordable range of colors. In addition, there is support for new generation iPhone features such as Emergency SOS via satellite and the smart one Dynamic island. Price: It starts at $800 Where to buy from: μήλο, Better buy

Pixels 8:
Small phone with big performance

Tired of big, gigantic phones? Me too. This is why I don't use any of the big phones everyday. Right now, I'm on the Pixel 8. It's only a tenth smaller than the Pixel 7, but the difference is noticeable.

The material inside is reminiscent of Pixel 8Pro with the new Google Tensor editor and AI-powered photo edits. Google is also committed to seven years of Android updates in its Pixel line, which is a great guarantee if you're someone who doesn't upgrade. Price: It starts at $700 Where to buy from: Google Store, Better buy

AirPods Pro with USB-C:
The best headphones you could give as a gift

ο AirPods Pro 2nd generation with USB-C worth the upgrade, even with new ones looming in the next two years.

If you're still holding onto an old pair of AirPods, or maybe the first-gen variant is starting to creak, the $250 AirPods Pro will ensure you've got MagSafe Charging and USB-C to match all future iPhones and iPads. Price: $250 Where to buy from: μήλο, Amazon

Sonos Era 300:
The best Bluetooth speaker compatible with AirPlay

If you like living in your well-designed garden, the Sonos Era 300 it's a nice addition to any home that uses AirPlay. The Era 300 features six drivers, all of which are positioned to ensure that the music and the sound reaches all corners of the rooms. Amazon Alexa is also available as an optional smart home controller. Price: $450 Where to buy from: Sonos, Better buy

Pixel Tablet:
The best non-Apple tablet worth getting

The new Google Pixel Tablets it runs Android, but the software improves with each new feature drop. It's a chameleon: you can use it to work with a Bluetooth keyboard and dock, connect a game controller to the cloud, or permanently connect it as a central smart home controller. Price: $499 for the 128GB version Where to buy from: Google Store, Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9:
A smartwatch worth upgrading to

Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for every Apple user. But this year 9 Series The launch is exciting with the Double Tap gesture, which makes one-handed use of the smartwatch seem like a magic trick. The smartwatch also features offline Siri commands, which help access everyday actions on Apple Watch by voice without delay. Price: It starts at $400 for the 41mm, $430 for the 45mm Where to buy from: μήλο, Amazon

Apple Pencil with Slide-Out USB-C:
A stylus for the artist in your life

The artist in your life deserves an easier way to charge their mighty Apple Pencil. The good news is that the Apple Pencil 3 it's now available with USB-C, so you don't need to carry more than one cable on digital drawing excursions. Price: $80 Where to buy from: μήλο, Better buy