Best Smartphones for Travelling

Travelling made smarter: why your smartphone matters more than you think!

Whether you're off to explore hidden gems across Southeast Asia, documenting an unforgettable road trip through Europe, or heading on a long-haul business journey, your smartphone becomes more than just a device; it’s your lifeline. Yet, too many travellers still rely on outdated phones that die before sundown, capture blurry photos, or lag when you need them most. Sounds familiar? 

Modern travel demands more. You want the best phone for travelling that lets you shoot stunning scenery, navigate unfamiliar streets offline, translate local signs in real-time, and keep your playlists rolling without scrambling for the nearest charger. This is where the importance of choosing the right travel smartphone truly shines. 

Today’s top phones aren’t just for social updates or maps; they combine high-end cameras, robust batteries, and featherlight designs that slip into your pocket. Whether you’re team Android phones or prefer the reliability of iPhones, there's a travel smartphone that matches your needs. From smartphones with long battery life for overnight train rides to phones with stunning displays for watching downloaded Netflix episodes on long flights, the options are endless. 

With so many choices, including Samsung phones and the latest OPPO mobiles, how do you pick the right travel companion? That’s where we come in. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the must have features to look for in a travel smartphone. We’ll also explore why the best smartphones for travelling offer features that elevate your entire experience, not just in performance, but in how seamlessly they support your journey. Plus, we’ll provide tips for choosing the best smartphone for travelling. Let's begin and find your perfect travel smartphone! 

What to Look for in a Travel Smartphone 

Superb Camera Performance 

A phone with an exceptional camera isn’t a luxury for travellers, it’s essential. A smartphone with the best camera allows you to capture sweeping landscapes, low-light cityscapes, and detailed close-ups of local cuisine with incredible clarity. Look for multi-lens setups, optical zoom, wide apertures, and AI-enhanced photography to ensure your travel memories look their absolute best. 

Extended Battery Power 

Exploring often means being away from a plug socket for hours, if not days. A travel smartphone with the best battery supports fast charging and stays alive from sunrise to sundown. Phones with long battery capacities, 4,500mAh and above, are invaluable for navigation, translation, and entertainment on the move. 

Lightweight and Compact Design 

In a travel smartphone, portability matters. The best phones for travel are slim, easy to handle, and fit effortlessly into a pocket or daypack. A compact yet sturdy design also helps when capturing one-handed snaps or navigating busy metro systems. 

Brilliant Display Quality 

A crisp, high-resolution screen makes everything from maps to movies clearer. A phone for travelling should offer vibrant colours and strong outdoor visibility. AMOLED or OLED displays with adaptive brightness are excellent for both sightseeing in bright daylight and winding down content in a dark hostel room. 

Durable Build and Water Resistance 

Weather and accidents are unpredictable. A travel smartphone should offer some degree of water and dust resistance, plus a solid frame to handle the occasional drop or bump without needing immediate repair. 

Storage and Dual SIM Functionality 

Travelling often means snapping thousands of photos or using multiple SIMs. Ample storage (128GB or higher) ensures you won’t run out of space, while dual SIM options allow you to stay connected with both a home and local number, a game-changer for international adventurers. 

Top 5 Phones for Travelling 

Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 12GB RAM 1TB 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X Smartphone (MPN: SM-S928BZYPEUB) 

 
Specifications 

The Samsung Galaxy S24 5G is a standout travel smartphone for 2025 thanks to its sleek titanium body, ultra-lightweight design, and pocket-friendly form factor. With a massive 1TB of storage and long battery life, it’s built for capturing adventures without worrying about power or space. This smartphone with long battery life features a vibrant 6.8" AMOLED display and pro-grade quad camera, making it the best camera phone for travellers who value quality and endurance. Whether you're a fan of Android phones or exploring Samsung phones for the first time, this is the best phone for travelling anywhere in the world. For a deeper dive into how it stacks up against the latest models, take a look at our comprehensive blog:  S25 vs S24: Is the Upgrade Worth? 

Even with newer iterations, the S24 remains an exceptional choice for the globetrotting Brit. Its focus on practical, real-world travel needs , namely, unparalleled battery longevity, allows you to navigate maps, capture fleeting moments, and stay connected without constantly hunting for a power outlet. Additionally, its generous 1TB storage means you can snap thousands of high-quality photos and videos without ever hitting a storage wall. The S24's robust build with its titanium body means it's less prone to the bumps and knocks of travel, and its sophisticated camera system, particularly the pro-grade quad camera, consistently delivers stunning results in diverse lighting conditions, from sun-drenched landscapes to dimly lit cityscapes. It's a reliable workhorse that won't let you down when you're far from home.
 

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 12GB 512GB Storage 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED Android 15 Smartphone - Titanium Grey (MPN: SM-S938BZTGEUB) 

 
Specifications 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate travel smartphone for 2025, offering a sleek titanium design and a powerful 5,500mAh battery that keeps you powered through the longest journeys. Its lightweight yet durable build, combined with a vivid 6.9-inch AMOLED screen and a 200MP pro-grade camera system, ensures you capture every adventure with unparalleled endurance and quality. This phone is a top pick for travellers who demand peak performance without compromise, making it the best phone for your global escapades. For more on its battery life, check out our detailed blog: A Deep Dive into the Galaxy S25 Ultra's Battery Life. 

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Apple iPhone 15 Plus 6.7" Dual SIM iOS 18 5G USB Type-C 512 GB Pink (MPN: MU1J3ZD/A) 

 
Specifications 

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is a brilliant travel smartphone for those seeking style, power, and simplicity. With a slim form, lightweight build, and extended battery life, it’s a dependable phone for travelling across time zones and continents. Its 6.7" OLED screen and powerful A16 chip deliver smooth performance, while the dual SIM support adds flexibility abroad. Among the best phones for travel, this smartphone with best camera and strong battery is perfect for iOS lovers looking to capture memories on the move. 

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OPPO Reno13 5G MediaTek Dimensity 8350 12GB RAM 256GB ROM 6.59" AMOLED Smartphone - Luminous Blue (MPN: CPH2689-BLUE) 

 
Specifications 

The OPPO Reno13 5G is a fantastic travel smartphone that balances power, style, and endurance at a great price. With its slim 7.29mm form and featherlight 181g design, it’s built for easy packing and one-handed use on the go, a crucial advantage when navigating busy airports or exploring new landscapes. Its large AMOLED screen, generous 256GB storage, and remarkable battery performance make it a reliable companion for all-day adventures. Ideal for fans of OPPO mobiles, this phone for travelling also delivers stunning photo quality with a 50MP front camera and fast 5G connectivity, letting you capture vibrant selfies and share your experiences instantly. Furthermore, its IP69 water and dust resistance offers peace of mind against unexpected spills or dusty trails, making it truly adventurer ready. 

Looking for something different? Read our detailed OPPO Reno13 Series buying guide and discover the top reasons to choose OPPO Reno13 Series phones for your next journey. 

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 12GB 256GB Storage 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED Android 15 Smartphone – Navy (MPN: SM-S931BDBGEUB) 

Specifications 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a brilliant travel smartphone, packing serious power into a compact, easy-to-carry design. Its slim 6.2-inch AMOLED display and lightweight aluminium build make it ideal for life on the go, effortlessly slipping into any pocket or bag without adding bulk. The long-lasting battery delivers hours of entertainment and navigation, ensuring you can explore new cities, capture breathtaking moments, and stay connected with loved ones without constantly hunting for a power outlet. This smartphone with best-in-class battery and AI-enhanced camera features ensures stunning travel photos and smooth performance wherever your journey takes you, adapting intelligently to various lighting conditions and subjects to deliver professional-grade results. It's a great phone for travelling and undoubtedly one of the standout Samsung phones of the year. 

For a deeper dive into how S25 cutting-edge AI camera capabilities truly elevate your travel photography, read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Camera Review. Also check out our Samsung Galaxy S25 buying guide for picking the right Galaxy phone for your needs and budget. 

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Shop all of these incredible smartphones for travelling at unbeatable prices and deals at Box.co.uk! Get a warranty with each phone for enhanced peace of mind! Order now! 

Tips for Choosing the Best Smartphone for Travelling 

Assess Your Needs 

Start by identifying how you’ll use your smartphone while travelling. Your specific needs will shape the ideal phone for your adventures. 

Set a Budget 

Great travel smartphones exist at every price point — it's all about knowing where to compromise. 

Do Some Research 

Once you’ve identified your needs and set a budget, it’s time to explore your options. 

Whether you prefer Android phones like Samsung phones or OPPO mobiles, or lean towards iPhones, these tips will guide you to the perfect phone for travelling. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the best smartphone for travelling is crucial for an enhanced journey. As we've explored, the ideal travel smartphone balances robust features with practicality, whether you're an Android phone user eyeing Samsung phones or considering OPPO mobiles or an iOS lover after iPhones.  

Key considerations include exceptional battery life – a smartphone with long battery life is non–negotiable for all-day exploration. Equally vital is the best camera system, allowing you to capture stunning memories. Don't forget ample storage and a durable, portable design to withstand the rigours of your adventures.  

From the mighty Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the accessible OPPO Reno13 5G, there's a phone for travelling that perfectly fits your needs. Equip yourself with the right device and elevate every trip. Shop the range of the best phones for travel and top travel smartphones at Box.co.uk today!