Best Cell Phone, Best Smartphone – Smartphone Reviews and Rankings

Let's get this out of the way – any list about "Best Cell Phones" is inevitably going to be about the best smartphones. The days of when a phone that would only make calls and texts and be considered lust-worthy or state-of-the-art are over. If the phone you're packing can't do additional duty as a digital media player, stream audio from Pandora, or give instant access to your Netflix queue, you might as well be living in the 1990s. The problem with the current state of smartphones is that it's a dynamic, fluid marketplace. While iPhone users may have dibs on some innovations, Apple's yearly release schedule is as constant as the north star. This... Read More also means that Android's roster of manufacturers often one-up the phone after its release. The only thing you can count on when it comes to a list of "Best Cell Phones" is that next year, there will be a list of entirely new phones. Minimize

Apple iPhone 5 (AT&T)

Why it's best: With a bigger screen, 4G LTE, and one of the fastest (if not the fastest) processors stuffed into a smartphone, Apple's iPhone 5 comes out on top. But with new Android phones from Samsung and Google's Nexus line imminent, be on the lookout for a new king of the hill. Read Full Review

Price: $565.00

Samsung Galaxy S III Android Phone (AT&T)

Why it's best: Samsung's Galaxy S III packs an impressive array of technology. Power users and even casual users will find functions that will impress and delight. Read Full Review

Price: $29.99 - $499.99

Samsung Galaxy Note II 4G Android Phone (AT&T)

Why it's best: If bigger is beautiful for you, the Galaxy Note II is sure to get your attention. It ships with excellent features, which makes it an even better choice for Android fans. Read Full Review

Price: $299.99 - $799.99

LG Optimus G 4G Android Phone (AT&T)

Why it's best: The LG Optimus G and Google's Nexus 4 are close cousins. However, most users will notice one important detail no LTE on the Nexus 4, which the Optimus G does have. Read Full Review

Price: $99.99 - $589.99

HTC Windows Phone 8X

Why it's best: HTC's Windows Phone 8X is a great choice for first time smartphone owners. However, others with investments in apps should know that the app selection for Windows Phone does not match iOS or Google. Read Full Review

Price: $579.99

SFTS
9/7/2011
Reply

I think the Nokia E7 should be in the chart.

data recovery
2/25/2010
Reply

LG enV Touch is very similar to the enV 3 but with two large screens one connected to the touch screen and the other connected to a full QWERTY keyboard.
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Anonymous
8/8/2009
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Comparing $600 cellphones with $100 cellphones? Hmmm... I wonder why the chart is dominated by smartphones? How about splitting it up into smartphones and non smartphones since many people won't buy a smart phone due to extra monthly costs.

Dan Murillo
9/1/2008
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The 3G iPhone has horrible call dropping issues. I've gone through two different 3G iPhones and calls drop all the time in areas with perfect reception. Apple has acknowledged this as a problem and has tried to fix it with a software update but without much success.
Moreover, core applications like safari and email crash all the time. If my PC applications... Read More crashed as much I'd have thrown away my PC and gone back to pen and paper. Incredibly frustrating.