Don’t upgrade your handset without
reading our essential guide
1. Samsung Galaxy S4: best for power
When Samsung released the Galaxy S4 at a
glitzy New York launch, everyone turned up their noses at what was dubbed ‘a
trumped-up S3’. But then they held it, and the combination of the world’s best
Full HD screen in a phone - one that’s the same size as the S3 - and the
presence of the world’s first octo-core (if it’s ever released) processor, proved
this was a real step forward. Add to that potent mix a great camera, oodles of
memory and the latest version of Android, and we’re looking at is a real
game-changer. While some new features have been criticized for being gimmicky,
and the plastic body slammed for the lack of premium feel, the Galaxy S4 is
still a top handset.
Samsung
Galaxy S4: best for power
Samsung Galaxy S4 Specs
·
Thickness: 0.31 inches
·
Weight: 0.29 pounds
·
Form factor: Slab
·
Screen size (diagonal): 4.99 inches
·
Carriers: Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint,
AT&T, Cricket, US Cellular, Other
·
Operating system: Android
·
Launch OS version: 4.2.2
2. HTC One: best for photos
HTC has been unfairly in the doldrums
recently, managing to somehow make great phones but not get the profits to show
for its efforts. So it went back to the drawing board with the One, and brought
a whole raft of innovation to the table. You could argue that the aluminum case
is a triumph, but it’s the camera we love: Ultrapixel technology allows you to
take images in barely any light at all, so finally our Warhammer collection can
be snapped by candlelight. The release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 has really
highlighted the strengths of the HTC One, and it’s been constantly compared to
Samsung’s flagship - and in many areas, it’s come out top.
X
HTC One: best for photos
HTC One specs
·
Thickness: 0.37 inches
·
Weight: 0.29 pounds
·
Form factor: Slab
·
Screen size (diagonal): 4.7 inches
·
Operating system: Android
·
Launch OS version: 4.0
3. Sony Xperia Z: best for durability
What more can you add to a phone that has a
microSD card slot, a 13MP camera and a Full HD screen to make it stand out from
the competition?
Make it is so you can put it in the
dishwasher, that’s what. The Xperia Z is both dust and waterproof, despite having
a super thin body and top-end specs. If you’ve ever dropped your beloved
handset down the toilet, or into a pint glass, you’ll know the havoc it can
cause, so Sony is to be applauded for putting such an emphasis on durability.
The Xperia Z also features a Bravia Engine 2 to make your scrappy home movies
look high definition, but screw that we want to be able to drop it in the
toilet without panicking.
Sony
Xperia Z: best for durability
Sony Xperia Z specs
·
Thickness: 0.31 inches
·
Weight: 0.32 pounds
·
Form factor: Slab
·
Screen size (diagonal): 5 inches
·
Operating system: Android
·
Launch OS version: 4.1
4. iPhone 5: best all-rounder
To some people, Apple’s star is on the
wane. Once the epitome of the smartphone buyer’s lust, the Cupertino brand
doesn’t seem to have the favor it once demanded. But that doesn’t stop the
iPhone 5 being a leading smartphone - for design alone, it’s up there at the
sharp end. The well-stocked app store, decent camera, Retina display and svelte
build means it’s ubiquitously appealing, and has won the admiration of home
users and businesses alike. Once you’ve felt the aluminum exterior and felt the
weight (or lack thereof) you can’t help but feel like you’re holding something
special and don’t forget iOS either, which is still a top platform.
iPhone
5: best all-rounder
iPhone 5 specs
·
Thickness: 0.3 inches
·
Weight: 0.25 pounds
·
Form factor: Slab
·
Screen size (diagonal): 4 inches
·
Operating system: iOS
·
Launch OS version: 6.0
5. Google Nexus 4: best for customization
Aside from some notable historical events,
we can’t remember when millions of people have been collectively wrong, and the
constant sold-out status of the Google Nexus 4 shows what a fantastic device it
is. The Nexus 4 wins on one simple thing: price, and that’s because Google has
thrown such a massive subsidy on it that you’re able to get a phone with
top-end specs but that only costs the same as a rubbish Android phone made by
Sony Ericsson in 2012. An HD screen, a camera that can record 360 degree images,
a quad-core processor and the very latest version of Android for just over
$349? Yes please!
Google
Nexus 4: best for customization
Google Nexus 4 specs
·
Thickness: .36 inches
·
Weight: .31 pounds
·
Form factor: Slab
·
Screen size (diagonal): 4.7 inches
·
Carriers: T-Mobile
·
Operating system: Android
·
Launch OS version: 4.2
