In the near term, the U.S. smartphone market is shaping up to become a three horse race. The iPhone is topping sales charts on every carrier it's available from, quite an accomplishment considering it does have some formidable competition. Android devices from Samsung and Motorola are selling well -- especially the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note, and Razr -- while the Lumia 710 briefly broke into the top three at T-Mobile. Nokia is hoping to repeat that feat with the Lumia 900 on AT&T. BlackBerry devices have failed to impress lately, so you'll note they are all but absent on this update.
Without further ado, check out our selection of the hottest devices currently out there (or those that are a short few weeks away from release). Each phone is listed alongside its feature highlights, specs and prices, from newest to oldest. To further aid you in making well-informed decisions on your next purchase, we've also added metascores from our Product Finder along with links to reviews besides each phone.
Samsung Galaxy S III
Available: May 29 in Europe, TBA in US
Samsung has officially taken the wraps off of the long-awaited Galaxy S
III smartphone. The new flagship handset packs a quad-core 1.4GHz Exynos
processor and a GPU that is said to be 65% faster than the chip found
inside the Galaxy S II, along a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen (1280 x
720 resolution) with a 306 ppi density, 1GB of RAM, an 8MP rear shooter,
1.9MP front camera and storage options in the neighborhood of 16GB,
32GB and 64GB. There’s also a removable 2,100 mAh battery, a micro-SD
card slot, support for Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi Direct, DLNA and NFC. Samsung
also included a Siri-like voice assistant as well as a technology is
called Smart Stay to detect if you are reading the phone's screen and
prevent it from going to sleep. The phone will ship with Android 4.0 Ice
Cream Sandwich with a TouchWiz layer on top.
Additional views:
| Carrier: TBA | Talk Time: - |
| Price: TBA | Standby Time: - |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 4.69 ounces |
| Platform: Android 4.0 with TouchWiz | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC |
| Network: GSM, HSPA+, LTE (coming soon) | Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, expandable via microSD |
HTC Evo 4G LTE
Available: May 18, 2012
The successor to the popular HTC EVO 4G released in 2010 is a
doppelganger of the HTC One X arriving soon on AT&T. It has the same
4.7-inch HD Super LCD 2 screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera,
and Android 4.0 with Sense UI. However, HTC threw in a few extras that
make this device stand out. That includes a shift from the One X's
plastic body to anodized aluminum, the familiar Evo kickstand, a
dedicated camera button, an improved battery, a microSD slot, and dual
microphones to support Sprint's new HD Voice feature, which promises to
reduce background noise and deliver the best audio quality possible.
Pre-orders for this phone begin on May 7.
Additional views:
| Carrier: Sprint | Talk Time: - |
| Price: $199 with two-year contract | Standby Time: - |
| Manufacturer: HTC | Weight: 4.73 ounces |
| Platform: Android 4.0 with Sense 4 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC |
| Network: CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
HTC One X
Available: April 2012 in Europe, May 6 in US - Review
HTC's new flagship smartphone features a beautiful 4.7-inch, 720
x 1280 resolution display and single-piece polycarbonate body that's
unique in the Android world. It will ship with the latest Ice Cream
Sandwich release of Google's mobile OS and a refreshed Sense UI on top.
Keep in mind that there will be some critical differences between the
European phones announced recently and those coming to the U.S, however.
Most notably, the AT&T model will have a Qualcomm processor instead
of a quad-core Tegra 3 chip and supports LTE.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: - |
| Price: $199 with two-year contract | Standby Time: - |
| Manufacturer: HTC | Weight: 4.59 ounces |
| Platform: Android 4.0 with Sense 4 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA 21.1 | Storage: 32GB |
HTC One S
Available: April 2012 in Europe, April 25 in US
The One S features an ultrathin (7.8mm) single-piece aluminum
body, a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) AMOLED display, an 8MP camera, and is
powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core SoC clocked at 1.5GHz.
In terms of specs it almost matches the US version of HTC's One X
flagship, save for the lack of LTE (it supports T-Mobile's fast 42Mbps
HSPA+ network), lower-res display and a slightly smaller battery. The
device will ship with Android 4.0 and HTC's newest Sense UI.
Additional views:
| Carrier: T-Mobile | Talk Time: - |
| Price: $199 with two-year contract | Standby Time: - |
| Manufacturer: HTC | Weight: 4.22 ounces |
| Platform: Android 4.0 with Sense 4 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA+ 42.2 | Storage: 16GB |
Nokia Lumia 900
Available: April 2012 - Review
The Lumia 900 is one of the most affordable flagship devices
AT&T has ever sold thanks to what is reportedly a huge investment
from Nokia and Microsoft. It features 4.3-inch ClearBlack AMOLED
display, a 1.4GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, an 8-megapixel Carl Zeiss
camera lens, a high capacity 1830 mAh battery, and a sleek single-piece
polycarbonate body. The phone ships with Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.5
OS and is compatible with AT&T's LTE network. If you you prefer a smaller 3.7-inch display, the Lumia 800 has everything that the 900 has save for a 4G radio. However, in the US at least, it's only available without carrier subsidies as part of an expensive (~$899) bundle deal in Microsoft stores.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: 7 hours |
| Price: $50 with new two-year contract ($120 extension) | Standby Time: 14.6 days |
| Manufacturer: Nokia | Weight: 5.6 ounces |
| Platform: Windows Phone 7.5 Mango | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA 21.1 | Storage: 16GB |
Sony Xperia S
Available: February 2012 in Europe, US TBA
The Xperia S is Sony's first smartphone since it parted ways
with Ericsson. The device's stand-out features are its pixel-dense
4.3-inch 1280 x 720 HD screen and a 12.1-megapixel camera featuring
Sony's Exmor R sensor. It also packs a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and
1GB of RAM. However, the absence of ICS (an update is reportedly on the
way) and its plastic enclosure detract from what would otherwise be a
nicely designed phone. A larger, 4.6-inch Xperia Ion model with LTE and
unibody construction is scheduled to arrive sometime this summer.
Additional views:
| Carrier: TBA | Talk Time: 7.5 hours |
| Price: TBA | Standby Time: 18.8 days |
| Manufacturer: Sony | Weight: 5.08 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.7 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
| Network: GSM, HSPA | Storage: 32GB |
Motorola Droid 4
Available: February 2012
The venerable Droid QWERTY line has admittedly lost its luster
in recent years but for those that can't live without a physical
keyboard the newest model is a solid choice. Now equipped with 4G LTE
speeds along a host of minor spec bumps, the Droid 4 delivers great
overall performance and decent battery life. That said, there are a few
compromises to be made. The slide-out keyboard makes it a bit bulky, the
4-inch, 960 x 540 PenTile LCD display isn't quite as nice as those
found on other Android phones, and it lacks the latest version of
Google's OS.
Additional views:
| Carrier: Verizon | Talk Time: 12.5 hours |
| Price: $50 with new two-year contract ($150 extension) | Standby Time: 8.5 days |
| Manufacturer: Motorola | Weight: 6.31 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.5 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Network: CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx
Available: January 2012
Motorola upset a few people by releasing a follow up to the Razr
just three months after the latter was launched. The two are
practically identical -- same 4.3-inch AMOLED display, 1.2Ghz processor
and 1GB of RAM, 16GB of integrated memory, and the same Moto-flavored
version of Android Gingerbread. The only real difference, however, is
the enormous 3300mAh battery that will keep you going longer than pretty
much any other smartphone, let alone one that supports 4G LTE network
speeds. It's thicker than its predecessor but not by much.
Additional views:
| Carrier: Verizon | Talk Time: 21.5 hours |
| Price: $199 with new two-year contract ($229 extension) | Standby Time: 15.8 days |
| Manufacturer: Motorola | Weight: 5.11 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.5 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Network: CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
Pantech Burst
Available: January 2012
The Pantech Burst is an affordable LTE phone (actually, free on
contract) that packs a few welcome goodies for a device in its price
range. It may not match up to the latest Samsung and Motorola devices in
terms of design or hardware, but it still has a terrific 4-inch Super
AMOLED display, a good 5-megapixel camera, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor,
and some interesting design touches. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread
but an update to ICS should arrive "in the coming months", according to
AT&T. Battery life isn't its strong suit, though.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: 4.5 hours | |
| Price: Free with two-year contract | Standby Time: 10 days | |
| Manufacturer: Pantech | Weight: 4.32 ounces | |
| Platform: Android 2.3.5 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 | |
| Network: GSM, HSPA, LTE | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
Other Current Popular Smartphones
Nokia Lumia 710
Available: December 2011 - Review
The Lumia 710 represents Nokia's first Windows Phone 7.5
smartphone in the U.S., despite the fact that the Lumia 800 model has
been available in other parts of the world for some time. Thanks to a
fast processor and Windows Phone's snappy interface, the 3.7-inch
display, entry-level handset is no slouch, and it benefits from solid
call quality, decent battery life, and a usable 5MP camera.
Additional views:
| Carrier: T-Mobile | Talk Time: 6.9 hours |
| Price: $99 with two-year contract | Standby Time: 16.7 days |
| Manufacturer: Nokia | Weight: 4.43 ounces |
| Platform: Windows Phone 7.5 Mango | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA 14.4 | Storage: 8GB |
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Available: November 2011 - Review
Samsung's Galaxy Nexus was the first handset in the world to run
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, introducing a whole new look and feel
for Google's mobile platform. The device features a curved 4.65-inch HD
Super AMOLED display running at 1270 x 720 resolution, a 1.2GHz dual
core processor, 1GB of RAM, NFC, a 5MP rear camera with zero shutter
lag, backlit-illuminated sensor, built-in stabilization and LED flash
and a 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chat. It is powered by a
1,750mAh battery and is 8.9mm at its thinnest point.
Additional views:
| Carrier: Verizon | Talk Time: 8 hours |
| Price: $79 with new two-year contract ($229 extension) | Standby Time: 12 days |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 4.76 ounces |
| Platform: Android 4.0 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC |
| Network: CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE | Storage: 32GB |
Samsung Focus Flash
Available: November 2011
The Samsung Focus Flash combines a slim, elegant design with a
3.7-inch WVGA super AMOLED display and a fast 1.4GHz processor. Although
AT&T bills this as a 4G device, it doesn't run un the carrier's LTE
network but rather on the three-and-a-half G HSPA+. Still, it's a solid
budget option at one cent on contract to both new and existing AT&T
subscribers. Then again, if you are looking for a Windows Phone, the
Nokia Lumia 900 is around the corner and won't cost you that much more.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: 6.5 hours |
| Price: Free with two-year contract | Standby Time: 10 days |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 4.10 ounces |
| Platform: Windows Phone 7.5 Mango | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA 21.1 | Storage: 8GB |
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
Available: November 2011
Samsung’s Galaxy S II Skyrocket includes a 4.5-inch SuperAMOLED
Plus display running at 800 x 480 pixels, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor,
16GB of on-board memory with a microSD card slot that can add an
additional 32GB, an 8MP rear camera with 1080p support and a 2MP front
lens for video chatting. Those familiar with Samsung's Galaxy S II
handsets will feel right at home with the Skyrocket. Of course, the big
differentiator here is that the Skyrocket supports LTE speeds.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: 7 hours |
| Price: $99 with two-year contract | Standby Time: 10.4 days |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 4.60 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.5 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA 21.1, LTE | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
Apple iPhone 4S
Available: October 14, 2011 - Review
The iPhone 4S features an upgraded A5 dual-core processor, a
faster wireless network, an 8MP rear camera with improved optics, and
the same 3.5-inch high ppi 'Retina Display'. The 4S retains the same
size and shape of the iPhone 4, categorizing it as an evolutionary
upgrade rather than a revolutionary device. Its standout feature is a
new voice assistant program called Siri that's described as an
"intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking."
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint | Talk Time: 8-14 hours |
| Price: $199-399 with two-year contract | Standby Time: 8.3 days |
| Manufacturer: Apple | Weight: 4.93 ounces |
| Platform: iOS 5 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Network: GSM, CDMA, HSPA+ 14.4 | Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
Samsung Galaxy Note
Available: October 2011 - Review
This 5.3-inch Galaxy device is actually a phone -- in case you
were wondering. It sports a Super AMOLED display with a resolution of
1280 x 800 and it runs on a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon
processor. It also supports LTE speeds on AT&T and comes equipped
with a special type of stylus called the S Pen, which is meant to make
it easier to mark down data on the go and tucks away neatly on the
bottom of the handset when not in use.
Additional views:
| Carrier: AT&T | Talk Time: 26 hours |
| Price: $249 with two-year contract | Standby Time: 40 days |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 6.28 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.5 | Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC |
| Network: GSM, HSPA+ 21.1 | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
HTC Amaze 4G
Available: October 2011
Equipped with a beautiful 4.3-inch, 960-by-540 qHD Super LCD
display, a great 8 megapixel camera, and blazing HSPA+ 42 speeds, the
HTC Amaze is a top choice for Android smartphones on T-Mobile. The
device itself is constructed of brushed aluminum, glass, and soft touch
black plastic. Although it looks pretty sleek and feels very solid in
your hand, it's also a bit thicker and heavier than competing devices.
Battery life is another weak point for the Amaze 4G.
Additional views:
| Carrier: T-Mobile | Talk Time: 6 hours |
| Price: $199 with two-year contract | Standby Time: 11 days |
| Manufacturer: HTC | Weight: 6.10 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3.4 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 |
| Network: GSM, HSPA+ 42.2 | Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD |
Samsung Galaxy S II
Available: April 2011 in Europe, October 2011 in U.S. - TechSpot's Review
The Galaxy S II
is one of the sleekest smartphones in the market at just 0.33 inches
thick and weighing 4 ounces. Samsung's hot selling Android handheld
features a 4.27-inch (800x480) Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core
1.2GHz processor, an 8MP primary camera with 1080p video capture and a
2MP camera in the front, as well as integrated NFC support on some
versions. There's also Bluetooth 3.0+HS and HSPA+ connectivity, as well
as Samsung's custom UI TouchWiz 4.0.Additional views:
| Carrier:AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint | Talk Time: 8.5 hours |
| Price: $0.01 (Sprint), $50 (AT&T) with new two-year contract ($150/$90 extension) | Standby Time: 25 days |
| Manufacturer: Samsung | Weight: 4.1 ounces |
| Platform: Android 2.3 | Wireless: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 |
| Network: GSM , HSPA+ 21 / CDMA, EVDO Rev. A | Storage: 16GB/32GB |
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