Which phone to choose for the holidays? Here’s a guide to help you pick the right one
The holidays are right around the corner! And so are the tech decisions! Between buying gifts and looking out for sales, there’s no time to waste. That’s why we prepared a little shopping guide to help you compare some popular mobile devices and find the one that best suits your needs. We have selected a few of the most popular device models, starting with the powerful iPhone 17 Pro Max, which we will compare to other popular models. The advertised prices in this article are for information purposes only. As part of the Black Frivember sale, there may be exclusive offers on several devices, like a discount when you trade in a device or an additional credit with purchase. Keep your eyes peeled: the Black Frivember sale is the perfect time for a good deal! iPhone 17 Pro Max: a device made for techies iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s flagship model this year. The high-end device, which features impressive power, artificial intelligence, and battery life, was designed to meet the needs of the most demanding users. It’s perfect for families looking to capture high-definition photos, effectively manage their day-to-day, and enjoy a secure and fluid ecosystem. Whether for techie parents, content creators, or Apple fanatics, iPhone 17 Pro Max is a worthwhile investment. 🔍 Key features: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120 Hz ProMotion A19 Pro chip with embedded AI and ray tracing material 48 MP camera and 8x periscope telephoto lens Up to 39 hours of video streaming battery life Water- and dust-resistant (IP68 rating), aluminum and ceramic design Apple Intelligence, for the management of everyday family life, security, and productivity 👨👩👧👦 Targets: parents, techies, content creators, Apple product fanatics 💲At Videotron: Starting at $48.25/month for 24 months. 256 GB model, offered with the Take-back Credit. Single payment: $1,752 Other options: 512 GB, 1 TB 👉 See on the Videotron website iPhone 17 Pro Max: compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro Max has evolved compared to its previous counterpart. iPhone 16 Pro Max serves as a good reference point, so you can appreciate the improvements made to iPhone 17 Pro Max. Among the most impressive changes is the titanium frame, with an aluminum unibody design. The new frame, which is in line with a strategic choice from Apple, offers improved heat dissipation. It is essential for the performance of the A19 Pro chip and to allow intense uses such as those associated with pictures, videos, or AI apps. The frame also offers a sturdier structure, more comprehensive design, and better environmental sustainability, as aluminum is easier to recycle. 🚀 Other key improvements: 8x optical zoom thanks to the periscope telephoto lens (compared to 5x for iPhone 16 Pro Max) Battery life extended by up to 39 hours (compared to 33 hours) Integrated Apple Intelligence, for the management of everyday family life, security, and productivity The improvements made to iPhone 17 Pro Max make it an ideal choice for families seeking a powerful, versatile, and durable device. How it compares to other popular models Are you sure that iPhone 17 Pro Max is the device for you? Here is a selection of some of the most popular models today. There’s something for all tastes, all budgets, and all needs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: power and versatility 🔍 Key features: 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh frequency and 2,600 nits brightness Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with improved AI (40% faster) Quadruple lens camera: 200 MP + 50 MP ultrawide angle + 5x 50 MP zoom + 3x 10 MP zoom 5000 mAh battery with 45 W fast-charging Qi2-compatible device, for wireless magnetic charging Integrated S Pen, perfect for multitasking and creativity 👨👩👧👦 Targets: techies, content creators, advanced Android users, photography enthusiasts 💲At Videotron: Starting at $64/month for 24 months. 256 GB model, offered with the Take-back Credit. Single payment: $1,920 👉 See on the Videotron website Google Pixel 9a: smart photo, smart price 🔍 Key features: 6.3-inch OLED display; high brightness: up to 2700 nits Tensor G4 chip with Google Gemini AI Double camera: 48 MP + 13 MP ultrawide angle 5100 mAh battery: 23 W charging + 7.5 W wireless IP68 rating, minimal and durable design 7 years of Android updates, ideal for families concerned with the longevity of devices 👨👩👧👦 Targets: users with a reasonable budget, Google fans, fans of simple and effective photos, students 💲At Videotron: Starting at $21.25/month for 24 months. 128 GB model, offered with the Take-back Credit. Single payment: $678 👉 See on the Videotron website Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: affordable and connected 🔍 Key features: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster Triple camera: 50 MP + ultrawide angle + macro 5000 mAh battery with 25 W fast-charging Built-in Knox security, ideal for protecting family members’ data Streamlined design, available in various colours Excellent quality/price ratio, perfect for large families 👨👩👧👦 Targets: teens, new smartphone users, people searching for an affordable device, users seeking 5G connectivity 💲At Videotron: Starting at $4/month for 24 months. 128 GB model. Single payment: $270 👉 See on the Videotron website TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G: visual comfort at a great price 🔍 Key features: 6.6-inch Nxtpaper display with glare-free technology (ideal for reading and reduced eye fatigue) 6100+ MediaTek Dimensity chip, for fluid everyday performance Double camera: 50 MPx + macro sensor 5010 mAh battery with 33 W fast-charging Advanced reading mode, perfect for teens who use it for homework or digital reading 👨👩👧👦 Targets: families concerned about visual comfort, students, users with a limited budget 💲At Videotron: Starting at $13.50/month for 24 months. 128 GB model. Single payment: $324 👉 See on the Videotron website Moto G 5G 2025: power at a low price 🔍 Key features: 6.6-inch LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 chip for 5G connectivity and fluidity Double camera: 50 MP + ultrawide angle 5000 mAh battery with 20 W fast-charging Pure Android with regular updates, ideal for families who want a simple and reliable device 👨👩👧👦 Targets: teens, large families, users who want 5G at an affordable price 💲At Videotron: Starting at $11/month for 24 months. 128 GB model. Single payment: $264 👉 See on the Videotron website Our buying tips Thinking of getting a new device? Discover the Videotron Mobile plans. These advantageous plans are adapted to the needs of families. They are suitable for teens, parents who need to multitask, and users seeking simplicity. 👉 Learn more about our Mobile plans For peace of mind after buying a new device, consider our Mobile Device Protection Program. With this program, you get protection against unexpected events such loss, theft, and accidental damage. 👉 Learn more about the Protection Program Whatever you choose, opt for a device that suits you and your family’s day-to-day. Happy shopping, and happy holidays! 🎄🎁 👀Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra: review and features What cell phone to buy for a child? 8 signs your mobile phone is dyingTop 7 password managers
Nowadays, having too many accounts and too many passwords to keep track of is a universal problem. As a result, people have adopted a poor habit: using the same password every time to make it easier to remember. Using a password manager is a far better option. The idea is to enter all your identifiers into a highly secure database (think a digital safe). There are two password manager categories: local and cloud based. Local managers Local password managers like KeePassXC and PasswordSafe offer you complete control over your data. They are free, open source, and don’t require an Internet connection. A modern, multiplatform version of KeePass, KeePassXC is recommended for its compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux. These tools are ideal for advanced users who want to store their passwords locally, without having to rely on the cloud. Reliability and security of the source code KeePassXC, like KeePass, from which it is derived, is an open-source software. Its source code is accessible publicly, and security experts can audit it. In fact, the KeePass manager for Windows was audited by the European Commission EU-FOSSA project in 2016, and no critical vulnerabilities were detected. This helps guarantee that the source code is exempt of any major faults or backdoors. There are several KeePass clones and derivatives on Windows, Linus, iOS, and Android platforms. Using only official versions, such as KeePassXC, is crucial, as they are actively monitored and regularly updated. This provides better security and greater compatibility. Cloud-based managers Cloud-based password managers keep your password database on the cloud. These managers constitute an interesting compromise between user-friendliness and security. When properly implemented, they are considered safe and offer many benefits: Compatibility with all modern browsers Synchronization of your passwords on all your devices, accessible at all times Possibility of sharing certain passwords with other users (spouse, children, colleagues, etc.) Monitoring of accesses to your account, defining of trusted devices and, occasionally, an emergency contact should an unexpected situation arise Advanced features, such as detection of compromised passwords or dark-web monitoring in the case of certain managers Of all the recommended options, some should, however, be avoided. To avoid: LastPass Although LastPass has long been a key player in the password manager sector, several security incidents that occurred in 2022 have compromised the trust of users and experts alike. Despite efforts to reinforce the security of LastPass, some breaches have had significant repercussions, such as hacking of encrypted data and digital assets. For this reason, we recommend choosing more robust and transparent solutions, like Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, or NordPass. Can the provider access my passwords? The provider cannot read your database, as it is encrypted and unreadable without your master password–whether stored locally or in the cloud. All encryption and decryption operations are carried out locally on your device, and your master password is in no way transmitted to the provider. If the technology is properly implemented according to the best industry-standard encryption and security practices, it is impossible for the provider—and a potential hacker—to decrypt your passwords without your master password. That’s why it’s crucial that you choose a reputable, transparent, and independently audited manager. Essential tips Here are a few habits to adopt to maximize the security of your passwords: Use a long (15-character-or-more), unique master password : A robust master password is the cornerstone of your security. A passphrase: a memorable sequence of at least four words (with or without spaces). A complex password: composed of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) : This provides added security, even if your password is compromised. Never reuse your passwords : If a password is compromised on one site, all other accounts using the same password are at risk. Keep an eye out for data leaks and change any password that has been compromised : Certain managers automatically alert you if one of your passwords appears in a data leak. Use a reputable, transparent manager : Check the provider’s security audits, confidentiality policy, and reputation. Keep your master password in a safe place : If you lose it, you could lose access to all your passwords. Avoid saving your passwords in your browser : The security offered by specialized managers is far more superior than that of browsers. Comparison charts Here is a comparison chart of the main solutions, to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Note that some free password managers may limit the number of passwords you can store. We divided the managers into two categories: local solutions, for complete control of your data, and cloud-based solutions, for simplified synching. Comparison of local password managers Manager Cost Platforms Encryption Secure sharing User friendliness KeePassXC $0 Windows, macOS, Linux AES-256 Via third parties Average to good PasswordSafe $0 Windows Blowfish/Twofish Not integrated Basic Comparison of cloud-based password managers Manager Cost Platforms Encryption Secure sharing User friendliness Bitwarden Free to $56/year Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS AES-256 Yes Good 1Password $3.75 – $5.99/month All platforms AES-256 Yes Excellent Dashlane $0 – $10/month All platforms AES-256 Yes Very good NordPass $0 – $4.59/month All platforms XChaCha20 Yes Good Proton Pass $0 – $12.49/month All platforms XChaCha20 Yes GoodContent transfer: Using manufacturers’ applications
From the following applications offering this feature, choose the one that matches your new device: Google Samsung Smart Switch Huawei Phone Clone Apple: Switching from Android to iPhone Apple: New iPhone device Pro tip Transferable content may vary from one company to the next. With some transfer methods, you may have to download the application on your old model or use transfer material. While most manufacturers provide the equipment you need, make sure you have everything you need before starting the transfer. Content transfer can be convenient when you haven’t synchronized your content in the cloud and are in a bit of a hurry. This will also help if you switch from Google to Apple. Most phone manufacturers thought to create an application enabling you to transfer your content from one device to the other to make things easier. Here’s a quick look at what these applications can do. Wireless transfers Wireless transfer is the most common option available to manufacturers thanks to Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi Direct technologies. Generally, you just need to have the app on both phones and follow the instructions. You will first be asked to identify the old device and then the new one. You can then choose what you want to transfer to your new phone. Cloud transfers This is very similar to a Google or iCloud account transfer. It’s very effective when you want to transfer your data from an Apple product to an Android one. Make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network or have sufficient data to proceed without exceeding your limit. USB cable transfers This method usually helps speed up the transfer. Most manufacturers provide an adaptor with their product to connect the devices together. The application will help you connect everything properly. As you can see, it’s getting easier to transfer data from one device to another. Even if you want to switch platforms or manufacturers, you can still find a solution that will allow you to keep what matters most to you! Read also: 10 things to do when you get your new phoneCloud accounts, a user’s manual
Cloud solutions are a great example of this evolution. You’ve probably already heard that they can help you make better use of your devices. That’s true, but many people still aren’t clear on how they work and, more concretely, how can they help. Here’s some handy information to help you understand what cloud services are all about. 1. Your cloud is yours only! The first thing you need to know is that when you use a cloud service, the only person who can access your data is you. It’s important to let that sink in. A lot of people are afraid that once their information is sent to the cloud, it will be accessible to everyone on the Internet. But the fact is that no one knows your password but you—not even the cloud service provider’s staff! So don’t forget this important nugget of information: you are the only person who can access your information. 2. What exactly is the cloud? In the IT field, the term “cloud” refers to storage space reserved just for you. Think of it as a bank account for saving your information. To access it, you need a device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and an Internet connection. Most cloud services require an email address (to use as your ID) and a password. To understand how the cloud system works, let’s go back to our banking analogy. When you want to access your bank account, you need a debit card (which is like a user name) and a PIN number (which is like a password). 3. What is the cloud used for? The cloud’s main function is to make a copy of your information so that nothing is lost if your device is misplaced or stolen. Services like Apple iCloud or Google Drive have features that enable automatic backups. In fact, whenever your device is connected to Wi-Fi, its contacts, photos, notes, reminders, appointments, search history and more are all saved in this virtual storage space. That way, even if you lose your device, you can still access most of your personal information via websites like icloud.com or google.com/drive. 4. How does syncing work? To get a better understanding of what we mean by “syncing devices,” let’s imagine that phones, tablets and computers are all ways of accessing the Internet and your accounts, much like an ATM at the bank. No matter where you go, you still have access to the same amount of money. The same is true with the cloud! Syncing your devices allows you to access the same contacts, photos and other data on all your devices. This means that if you make a change on one device, it will be automatically applied to all the others and saved in the cloud. Did you buy a new phone? Simply connect your new device to your cloud account and all your information will be available to you. How do you know if these features are enabled? Open the settings on your various devices and go through the backup options. Read also: How to free up storage space on an Android device How to free up storage space on an iPhone 10 things to do when you get your new phone 10 tips to preserve battery life on your cell phone
