Best of 2013
Which one takes the lead among them.
5. Nexus 4
The Nexus 4 is pure Google and is not only a well-designed and powerful handset,
but comes in at around half the price of some of the rival devices. If you don't have
the cash to splash, it's the LG-built Nexus 4 that you want.
The design is great, sandwiched in glass and there's plenty of power under the hood,
as well as bringing with it the latest updates from Android before they arrive with other
devices.
The camera isn't the best however and the screen, although HD, lacks the visual
impact of the latest devices. We still love it though, it's the affordable star.
QUICK VERDICT: The Nexus 4 offers a native Android experience with plenty of
power in a wonderfully designed phone at an affordable price. It's almost too good
to be true, but the camera interface and performance falls well short of rivals and
the battery could be better.
4. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z is the first Sony Mobile device of recent years that really
gets it right. The design is sumptuous, a glass monolith that is distinctly
different from everything else on the market.
Sony's take on Android is lighter than ever before, resulting in a device that
doesn't feel inhibited, while still bringing plenty of power. We love that even
though this handset is water resistant, you still get the option to expand the
memory.
There's a huge 5-inch full HD display on the front, and although it's not as
accomplished as that from the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4, it's still
a pleasure to use. A great device from Sony.
QUICK VERDICT: The Xperia Z is Sony's best Android phone so far,
combining sharp design with a great display, sensible software tweaks
and attention to battery life. The camera feels pretty average though.
3. Apple iPhone 5
With exquisite attention to detail and wonderful design, the iPhone 5
is master of the largest mobile ecosystem around. A larger 4-inch
display gives the extensive range of apps more space than ever before.
Slick and seamless user experience is paired with the power to make
everything skip along with pace. The operating system might be in need
of a tweak or two, but this is still a premium smartphone experience,
loved by many.
The iPhone 5 brings with it innovative features like Siri and a camera that
just gets on and performs without the fuss, as well as often being the first
destination for new apps and services. Little may have changed, but it the
iPhone is still a firm favorite in smartphone circles.
QUICK VERDICT: The iPhone 5 is a phone that makes you feel safe.
A phone that you know exactly how to use as soon as you take it out of
the box and that is perfect for a wide range of people.
2. Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 brings more innovation to a phone that's
already at the top of its game. The design offers flexibility where
others don't with access to the battery and the option to expand the
memory via microSD.
Samsung continues to introduce more features designed to make
your life easier and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is undoubtly an Android
powerhouse.
There may be a feature too many and the design might not inspire like
some other devices, but if you opt for the Samsung Galaxy S4, you won't
be disappointed. This is an Android smartphone top of its game, let down
on being the top smartphone in the world, only because there is one phone
that is better.
QUICK VERDICT: We love it, honestly. The new design might look the
same as the old, but it isn't. New, more squared-off sides mean it feels
nicer than the old model, and it's got so many new features that it's impossible
not to love some of them. Battery life is still a major issue for Samsung though,
and that's a big deal for most users.
1. HTC One
The HTC One is a triumph of design, sumptuous to hold and wonderful
to behold. There's a stunning 4.7-inch display on the front, with a full
HD resolution, so Android looks pin sharp on this power house.
HTC Sense has been refined with a lot of the clutter removed to focus
on the essential features. There's an elegance and sophistication to
HTC's flagship phone for 2013, making it a pleasure to use.
The camera might not be the best for straight photos, but the unique
features it offers are really fun. This is paired with stunning sound quality
to result in a smartphone that covers all bases.
