Father's Day gifting guide: Compact smartphones for your dad because he deserves the best
Father's Day is a great time to upgrade your dad's daily companion his smartphone. Whether he's capturing memories, managing work on the go, or simply enjoying some well-deserved entertainment, the right phone can make a big difference. Based on feedback from our previous
article
, many of you asked for more versatile options, including compact smartphones so we've expanded our list to reflect that.
We've personally tested each of the devices featured here, with recommendations made for photography, performance, and everyday usability. From power-packed flagships to sleek, reliable all-rounders, here are the best smartphones to consider gifting this Father's Day 2025.
OnePlus 13S
If you're thinking of a practical yet premium Father's Day gift, the OnePlus 13S is worth considering. It offers solid build quality in a compact form, a sharp 120Hz AMOLED display, and reliable battery life. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Elite chipset, it handles multitasking and gaming with ease. The software is clean, with useful features like a customizable Plus Key and built-in AI tools. Starting at Rs 54,999, it's a balanced choice for someone who values both performance and simplicity.
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Oppo Find X8 Pro
If your dad enjoys photography or loves exploring new tech, the Oppo Find X8 Pro is a strong pick. Its quad 50MP Hasselblad-tuned cameras deliver standout portrait and zoom shots, and the dedicated camera control key makes shooting easier—even with its slightly larger size. In our testing, the added size didn't get in the way thanks to this thoughtful design. With a sharp 6.78-inch 2K AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, and a 5910mAh battery, it's a well-rounded flagship. Available at Rs 99,999, it's a gift that blends utility with a premium experience.
iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is a solid choice for a Father's Day gift which is smart, reliable, and built to keep up. With Apple Intelligence, it can help draft messages, summarise emails, and offer Siri suggestions based on what's on screen. The 48MP camera captures great photos, while the Super Retina XDR display and all-day battery make video calls and streaming feel effortless. Priced from Rs 59,900, it's a thoughtful upgrade for a dad who values simplicity, performance, and a bit of smart assistance built right in.
Xiaomi 15
Priced at Rs 64,999, the Xiaomi 15 is a powerful and thoughtful Father's Day gift for dads who appreciate cutting-edge tech packed in a sleek, compact form. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a Leica-engineered triple-camera setup, it delivers flagship performance and pro-level photography. The 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers vivid, crisp visuals perfect for watching sports, reading the news, or catching up on shows.
Its 5410mAh battery ensures all-day use, while fast charging gets him powered up in no time. Whether he's capturing moments on the 50MP cameras or enjoying the lightweight yet durable build, the Xiaomi 15 strikes the perfect balance of power, portability, and style. A top-tier gift for the dad who deserves nothing less.
Nothing Phone 3(a)
Looking for a Father's Day gift that's as unique as your dad? The Nothing Phone 3(a) stands out with its out-of-the-box design and signature Glyph lights perfect for dads who appreciate tech that looks and feels different. While the design might seem bold at first, it's surprisingly well-received and comfortable to hold thanks to its flat edges and lightweight build.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 8GB RAM, it delivers smooth everyday performance. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate, 3000 nits brightness) is stunning for reading or streaming. The clean Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, offers a bloat-free, intuitive UI that's fun and easy to personalize even for non-techy users.
Add a 50MP telephoto camera, reliable 5000mAh battery with 50W fast charging, and all this at Rs 24,999—it's a smart, stylish, and practical gift for the dad who deserves something different.
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