CBS Essentials; Apple
The Apple iPhone 14 is the most-wanted smartphone for Christmas and Hanukkah. The latest iPhone iteration, released this September, has a bunch of cool new features and functions that you won’t find on older iPhone models. Plus. we found the Apple iPhone 14 on sale.
Give the gift of the latest Apple tech this holiday season. Keep reading to discover why the Apple iPhone 14 is CBS Essentials’ No. 1 smartphone pick this year.
Top products in this article:
Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $239 (reduced from $249)
Google Pixel 7 Pro (128 GB) plus $200 Best Buy e-gift card, $899
Why the Apple iPhone 14 is a most-wanted holiday gift
It’s no surprise that the Apple iPhone 14 is a popular device. Year after year, multiple iPhone models appear on the global list of bestselling smartphones. They’re well-loved by owners, too: Last year’s Apple iPhone 13 racked up a 4.8 star review score on Amazon.
But that’s the iPhone 13, and this is the iPhone 14. Apple’s new iPhone 14 offers several improvements over the prior model, including a camera upgrade, an improved Retina display and a larger battery. The new iPhones will feature 6GB of RAM, an increase over the 4GB offered in the iPhone 13.
If you’re shopping for an Apple fan, there’s almost no question — they want and will love to unwrap a new Apple iPhone 14 for Christmas or Hanukkah. It’s one of CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts, and our pick as the best smartphone to gift this holiday season.
The best smartphone to gift in 2022: Apple iPhone 14
Apple
The iPhone 14 has a new 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and wider aperture. The upgraded smartphone also includes an improved front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. Apple states that the new camera system will provide strong improvements for low-light photography through its new Photogenic Engine. Apple also introduced Action Mode for improved video quality for capturing moving subjects.
One notable design change is the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the phone screen. This cutout features small privacy indicator lights that alert users that the microphone or camera is in use. One the iPhone 13, these indicator lights are easier to miss but the iPhone 14 has redesigned them to appear brighter (even in sunlight) and placed them front and center at the top of your phone screen.
The iPhone 14 is also available in a Max version, with a larger phone screen. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen whereas the standard iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch display screen. Apple has decided to ditch the iPhone Mini this year, so these are the only two sizing options for the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 14 starts at $799, though we found it slightly cheaper at Walmart ($779). The iPhone 14 Plus starts at $899. Apple iPhone 14 Plus models are available at Walmart now for $879.
Apple iPhone 14 on AT&T (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
Apple iPhone 14 on Verizon (128GB), $779 (reduced from $800)
The best Apple iPhone 14 alternatives
The latest Apple iPhone might not be for everyone. Older smartphone devices are discounted right now at select retailers.
A less expensive iPhone: Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB)
Apple via Walmart
If you’re looking to buy a 6.1-inch Apple iPhone 13, know this: You’ll save money if you buy the iPhone at Walmart rather than the Apple Store.
Right now at Walmart, you can get the Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB model) for $18.87 per month for 36 months. That’s a final price of $679.
Apple iPhone 13 (128 GB), $679 (reduced from $799)
You can get better-than-Apple pricing on other models of the iPhone 13, as well, including the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini ($16.09 per month for 36 months) and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max ($29.14 per month for 36 months).
Apple iPhone 13 mini (128 GB), $579 (reduced from $699)
Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128 GB), $949 (reduced from $999)
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (128 GB), $1,049 (reduced from $1,099)
Best iPhone alternative for Android lovers: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung
Looking for the best Android smartphone instead? Consider the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, another CBS Essentials readers’ favorite.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 6.8-inch screen, compared with the Samsung Galaxy S22’s 6.1-inch screen ($699). It offers a 40MP front camera, compared with the standard 10MP front camera for better selfies. The back camera is also enhanced with a better wide-angle camera and stronger zoom functionality.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (256GB), $1,053 (reduced from $1,300)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (512GB), $1,171 (reduced from $1,400)
A budget-friendly Android smartphone: Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google via Amazon
The release of the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro smartphones means retailers are clearing out their inventory of the Google Pixel 6 Pro. The deals are especially good at Best Buy: You’ll save $500 on a carrier-locked Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6 Pro when you activate the smartphone.
That means you can get a Google Pixel 6 Pro (128GB) for $399 at Best Buy now. You can pay for the phones upfront, or split the payment over 36 months on your wireless bill.
Google Pixel 6 Pro (128GB), $399 (reduced from $899)
Newest Android phone this Christmas: Google Pixel 7
Best Buy
Want to gift the new Google Pixel 7 or Google Pixel 7 Pro instead, complete with a new design, more powerful chip and a better camera? You can preorder the new Android phones at Best Buy. If you preorder the 6.7-inch Google Pixel 7 Pro, you’ll get a $200 Best Buy e-gift card. Plus, you can take advantage of trade-in offers to lower the price if the phone even more.
Google Pixel 7 Pro (128 GB) plus $200 Best Buy e-gift card, $899
More top-rated Apple products to gift this holiday
Shop even more must-have Apple devices from top retailers, including AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch 8, Apple iPads and more. Many of these items are on sale now ahead of Christmas and Hanukkah. They all make excellent presents for Apple lovers.
(For more gifting ideas, check out the CBS Essentials Holiday 2022 Apple gift guide.)
AirPods Pro 2
Apple
The latest Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds have an upgraded wireless chip for improved audio functionality, a new low distortion driver for clearer audio and improved active noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide truly custom sound: You can use your iPhone’s camera to analyze your unique ear anatomy and find the perfect audio settings for you.
The design of the AirPods Pro 2 is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch control to the AirPods Pro 2 to help users more seamlessly control their AirPods.
Apple AirPods Pro 2, $239 (reduced from $249)
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple
Want to save even more money? Right now, you can save big on the older generation of the Apple AirPods Pro. These AirPods feature active noise cancelation technology, water resistance and hearing health tracking in a compact, well-fitting design.
Apple AirPods Pro, $180 (reduced from $249)
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) is designed to be a more rugged and durable option for athletes and adventurers. It provides up to 36 hours of life on a single charge with standard use, or 60 hours of battery life with the soon-to-be-released battery optimization setting. It is made with a stronger titanium alloy material for improved impact resistance. It also offers a brighter display and a second speaker for better sound and display visibility during outdoor use. Apple says it’s also optimized for diving and water sports.
What else is new with the Apple Watch Ultra? The new wearable is the only Apple Watch to feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
The Apple Watch Ultra provides enhanced GPS functionality to trace your steps and improve navigation for outdoor expeditions. There is also an action button that can be used to more accurately track your workouts by marking segments of your workout. The Apple Watch Ultra features a large 49mm display screen.
Apple Watch Ultra, GPS + Cellular (49mm), $799
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple
Apple Watch Series 8, the latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, features the new S8 chip for improved performance. It also includes an always-on display and new watch face options. The Apple Watch 8 will has a larger battery than previous models: Battery life can be extended to 36 hours when in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 features a durable design and is swim-proof, dust-proof and crack-resistant.
The Apple Watch 8 has a number of health-tracking features, including an optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG, blood oxygen sensor and a new body temperature sensor. For these reasons, and more, the Apple Watch 8 is one of CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts.
The Apple Watch 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizing options. Shoppers can choose between stainless steel or aluminum casing and several different colors. The GPS model starts at $399, while the cellular model (with new international roaming capabilities) starts at $499.
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm), $429
Apple Watch Series 8, GPS + Cellular (41mm), $499
Apple Watch Series 8, GPS + Cellular (45mm), $529
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation
Apple
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, the most affordable Apple Watch option, includes core Apple Watch features such as car crash detection, heart rate monitoring, fall detection and activity tracking. The updated watch can be paired with a parent’s iPhone, but still operate independently for calling and texting. It’s a smart choice for families that want to stay connected.
The new Apple Watch SE is 20% faster than the last generation. The display is 30% larger than the prior model as well. The back case design now features 100% recycled aluminum.
The Apple Watch SE starts at $249 for GPS and $299 for cellular (additional fees from your wireless carrier will apply). It’s available for purchase on Amazon now.
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation (40mm), $249
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation (44mm), $279
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, GPS + Cellular (40mm), $299
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, GPS + Cellular (44mm), $329
Apple AirTags (4 pack)
Apple via Amazon
An Apple AirTag will help you keep track of important items, including your luggage. Stick one inside your suitcase, within a pocket or encased in a key chain. Then, use your MacBook, Apple Watch or other device to discover a location.
Apple AirTags (4 pack), $95 (reduced from $99)
You’ll get the best per-AirTag price when you buy a four pack. But if you only need one, single Apple AirTags are on sale at Amazon.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple via Amazon
Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They’re also compatible with Siri.
Apple AirPods Max, $429 (regularly $549)
Apple iPad 9
Apple
The 10.2-inch iPad 9, released in 2021, is the most affordable of Apple’s iPad offerings. It offers a 8 MP wide-angle back camera, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. It boasts stereo speakers, too. This iPad is powered by a A13 Bionic chip. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil ($70) for drawing or note-taking.
Available in two colors; prices vary.
Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (space gray), $299 (reduced from $329)
Want to protect your new tablet investment? Get the 64 GB Apple iPad 9 bundled with a two-year subscription to Apple’s protection plan, Apple Care+. That bundle’s on sale on Amazon, too.
Apple iPad 9 (64 GB) (silver) bundled with Apple Care+, $368 (reduced from $398)
Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm)
Apple via Amazon
Right now you can save on the larger, somewhat weightier 45 mm Apple Watch Series 7, some colors of which are on sale.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (45 mm) (red), $329 and up (regularly $429)
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
Apple via Amazon
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack magnetically attaches to your iPhone (iPhone 12 models and newer), providing a portable, wireless phone charge. If need be, your MagSafe Battery Pack and iPhone can be charged at the same time.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack, $98 (regularly $99)
100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The best gifts to give this Christmas
It may seem early to start shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, but trust us, it’s not. Last year’s holiday season was riddled with supply-chain issues, and CBS News is anticipating more of the same in 2022. Plus, there’s inflation — unfortunately, prices may rise even more before December comes.
So it’s time to shop for holiday gifts now. Pick out a great hiding spot and check out CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts of 2022. We’ve based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews and our own extensive research into the most-buzzed-about gifts of 2022, such as this I am Groot Lego set, a guinea pig toy that gives birth and this pooping purple turtle.
Stay tuned to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Series for our picks of the hottest gifts to give in 2022. Our list includes the new Apple Watch 8 and Apple iPhone 14, the top toys of 2022, custom leather jackets, game-changing kitchen appliances (such as this air fryer), top-rated Rimowa luggage for traveling and so much more.
