HTC One (M8)
The original One was the
favorite and the M8 model certainly follows suit. It has a large
full HD display surrounded by a metallic exterior that's sure to
turn a few heads. Keep in mind that this device isn't for the
small-of-hand, so you may want to give it a test drive before making
it your daily driver.
Price: $649+ (unlocked)
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Google Nexus 55
LG hopped on board to bring us
Google's latest reference handset: the Nexus 5. The price is right
and you're sure to be at the head of the line for Android updates.
Qi charging and a full-HD display don't hurt either. Oh, and if
you're down for a splash of color, be sure to check out the red
model.Price: $349+
(unlocked)
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iPhone 5s
There's certainly the chance that Apple will roll out a new iPhone soon,
but, as they say, a bird in the hand... Though it's been out for the
better part of the year, the 5s still offers brisk performance with its
new 64-bit A7 processor. Plus, the 8-megapixel camera has been known to
produce some amazing photographs.
Price: $649+ (unlocked) |
LG G3
LG really pulled out the stops with its latest flagship, the G3. The
standout feature is by far its Quad HD display, though it boasts other
impressive specs too, like infrared focusing technology. And while the
G3's 5.5-inch screen is a handful, we've actually found it's quite
comfortable to hold.
Price: $599+ (contract-free) |
Nokia Lumia Icon
Whether you're a Windows Phone stalwart or trying the OS for the first
time, the Icon is a top choice. It's the slightly smaller cousin to the
massive 1520, but still packs in a 1080p screen and a 20-megapixel
camera. If you're in the states, however, you've got to head over to
Verizon to pick one up.
Price: $550+ (contract-free) |
Nokia Lumia 520
Nokia has found success with its budget line of phones and the Lumia 520
is no exception. Sure, the screen and battery life are middling, but if
you're sticking to ramen noodles at the Shop-n-Save, this handset could
be the perfect fit.
Price: $59 (contract-free) |
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
This is Samsung's third iteration in the Note line that jump-started the
big-phone craze, and it's the best one yet. The wide screen may not be
palm friendly, but it offers more real estate for the impressive display
and more wiggle room for wielding that S Pen.
Price: $550+ (unlocked) |
Nokia Lumia 1020
Nokia has packed all the pixel prowess of the old 808 PureView into a
slimmer package with the 1020. There's a 41-megapixel shooter on board,
which makes the phone a touch awkward to hold at times, but it pays if
you're looking for high-quality shots.
Price: $429+ (unlocked) |
We know, having the newest tech in the palm of your hand is great. But
the iPhone 4s is still a good option when you're on a budget. It has a
solid build, a quality camera and it's sure to see iOS 8 later this
year, so you won't be left in the dust.
Price: $450+ (unlocked)) |
Nokia Lumia 1520
If you're a fan of what Windows Phone has to offer, then you may want to
consider the Lumia 1520. The one thing we should mention, besides the
20-megapixel shooter and HD screen, is that this "phone" is bordering on
the size of a tablet with its 6-inch display. If you want to go big,
though, this should definitely fit the bill.
Price: $488+ (unlocked) |
BlackBerry Z30
If you're a BlackBerry enthusiast or perpetual fan of the underdog, then
the Z30 is a top choice. It's the best BlackBerry 10 device out there,
combining solid specs with a well-sized 5-inch display. The battery is a
trooper as well, so if you can do without the iconic physical keys the
company is known for, this device may be for you.
Price: $400+ (unlocked) |
BlackBerry Q10
If you're a QWERTY diehard, then the Q10 should be right up your alley.
It packs BlackBerry 10 OS, an 8-megapixel camera and a 3.1-inch Super
AMOLED display, but your fingers will buzz with excitement as you click
away on its physical keyboard.
Price: $368+ (unlocked) |
Motorola Moto G
The Moto G falls right between the ultra-budget Moto E and the
upper-scale Moto X, but it could just be the sweet spot. The price is
right and you're getting a quality screen, camera and silicon, to boot.
Price: $179+ (unlocked) |
Motorola Moto X
The parent company may be changing hands, but the Moto X is still a
solid option. The price is approachable and unique features like Active
Notifications and the always-on touchless controls are an appealing
bonus. You also get the chance to let your inner freak flag fly by
customizing the shell with a variety of color options and even a bamboo
rear panel.
Price: $350 (contract-free) |
Samsung Galaxy S5
The Galaxy line has been a popular choice for years and the S5 is
certainly one of the best on offer. Its 5.1-inch HD display,
16-megapixel camera and quad-core processor put this smartphone in the
upper-tier. Plus, it's got that new Band-Aid-like styling on the back,
so there's that.
Price: $597+ (unlocked)) |
