A personalised Father’s Day card is always a must, but we’re sure Dad has enough novelty socks in his drawer. With Father’s Day coming up on 18 June, you have time to get him a gift he’ll really love from Vodacom. Perhaps a PS5 and Xbox Series X? A projector? Or of course, the latest smart home gadgets and devices.
For gaming dads
On its release in November 2020, the PlayStation 5 was in such demand that stores ran out of stock, and you had to join a waiting list. But if you want to get your hands on one now, Vodacom has both once-off and contract options. PlayStation 5, the successor to the PS4 and the ninth generation of the popular console, boasts a customised solid-state drive for high-speed data streaming, can stream in 4K, and produce up to 120 frames per second. Vodacom’s deal includes a charging dock and two Star Wars-themed cable guys (controller holders). Pair this with a PS Plus account, and gain access to a variety of top-performing and classic games.
Price:
Once-off: R14 999
Contract/upgrade: R689 per month
The Series X is the high-end disc version in the fourth generation of Xbox consoles. It features a 4K streaming resolution at 60 frames per second and is also backwards compatible with older games from previous Xbox incarnations. With an Xbox Game Pass account, you also get immediate access to the newest released games along with a strong catalogue of other games, such as the highly rated Halo series. Get your Xbox Series X from the Vodacom Microsoft online store.
Price:
Once-off: R11 999
Epson EF-100 portable projector + Xbox Series S
Play your games anywhere in the home with the Epsom EF-100 portable projector. It’s capable of a 16:10 aspect ratio that can achieve 4K resolution and project onto any wall. Vodacom offers the Epson projector along with an Xbox Series S console – the downscaled, digital-only version of the Series X. But don’t worry, it’s still capable of playing the latest games. The Series S uses video scaling to boost the video resolution to 4K, making it a great partner for the projector.
Price:
Once-off: R11 999
For sporty dads
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 40mm BT Grey
Smartwatches have made timepieces fashionable again, and Samsung has been at the forefront of this revolution. The brand’s latest model, the Galaxy Watch 5 44mm LTE, includes functions like sleep tracking, health monitoring, and can monitor your body fat percentage, muscle weight and bone density, as well as give you an ECG reading and monitor your heart rate. It also has a step-counting function, is water resistant and features a fast-charge function that can charge from empty to 45% in 30 minutes.
Price:
Once-off: R4 799
Contract/upgrade: R538 per month
Huawei has gone for a classic approach with the GT 3, which resembles an aesthetically appealing, high-end traditional watch. But embedded in this handsome timepiece are functions to monitor your health and fitness, and a battery that can keep going up to 14 days on one charge. The GT 3 also provides workout options, with up to 100 different models available for use.
Price:
Once-off: R3 699
Contract/upgrade: R548 per month
With a smart TV, Dad can enjoy all the latest shows and series. He can have Netflix, Prime Video and Showmax Pro all on this 43-inch Samsung smart TV – and if he’s a sports fan, all the better – with Showmax Pro, on special for R299 per month (special ends 31 July 2023), he can stream sports like soccer, rugby, hockey, boxing, and more.
Price:
Once-off: R5 399
Contract/upgrade: R389 per month
For tech-savvy dads
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Home Bundle contains several nifty and convenient gadgets to kickstart Dad’s mission of creating a smart home. This bundle includes smart home products such as a smart home hub, smart speaker, bedside lamp, door and window sensor, light detection sensor, temperature and humidity monitor, wireless switch, 360° camera, and a smart LED bulb. All of these can be linked via the Google home service and controlled via voice using the hub, or through the smartphone app.
Price:
Once-off: R3 799
For dads who need a new phone
The Huawei nova 11i boasts 128GB of onboard memory, 8GB RAM and a 6.8-inch screen for fast and smooth performance and picture. Add to this a 48mp main rear camera and a 16mp selfie cam, and Dad is all set to make new memories with the family. This one also has a 40W fast-charge capability and goes from 0 to 60% in 30 minutes.
Price:
Once-off: R5 199
Contract/upgrade: R249 per month
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 256GB
If you really want to impress Dad on Father’s Day, gift him the top-of-the-range Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This model has an onboard memory of 256GB and runs the latest Android 13 operating system. The 6.8-inch display ensures high-quality visuals and the quad-cam rear camera with a 200mp main lens and Samsung says it can take crystal-clear pictures of the moon at night. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S23 review here.
Price
Once-off: R27 899
Contract/upgrade: R1 049 per month
