Which Smartphones Are the Best of Their Kind?
When it comes to smartphones, it’s very easy to classify them by their operating systems, mainly Android, iOS, and WP7. Often times, the operating is the first criteria a person chooses when hunting for a new smartphone. So, have you ever wondered which phone is the best choice for each operating system?
Android: A Three-Way Tie
The Android operating system is the most diverse amongst smartphones, offering a wide range of choices, so it’s not surprising that there are a few choices when it comes to the “best” Android phone.
The Galaxy Note has become extremely popular among consumers primarily thanks to its display. At 5.3 inches, it’s quite large for a phone, but it also features an 800×1280 resolution (capable of 720p HD playback). It is a lot of screen real estate, and since it’s Super AMOLED, it looks stunning, great for web browsing, movies, and games. It also has the latest in processor technology, with a 1.4GHz dual-core CPU. Its 8MP camera is considered among the best smartphones have to offer. Plus it features 32GB of internal storage and is expandable via MicroSD slot. Surprisingly, even its battery life is quite good. If you’re looking for a great smartphone with a large display, the Note is the way to go.
At first glance, the Galaxy Nexus doesn’t really appear to be top dog in any single category, but what it does well is combine many excellent features, creating a very well-rounded device. It has a large, 4.65-inch 720p Super AMOLED display, but still manages to keep a fairly compact overall size. It has LTE 4G (or HSPA+ depending on model), a 5MP camera capable of 1080p video and simultaneous photos with zero shutter lag, and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. To top it all off, the Galaxy Nexus is the latest “Pure Google” device, meaning it’s the first to receive updates to the Android operating system. That last fact alone makes it an excellent choice for anyone.
Samsung’s Galaxy S line is by far the most popular of the Android devices, and the Galaxy S II is no exception. Like the Galaxy Nexus, the S II is a very well-rounded device, featuring a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch (or 4.5-inch) Super AMOLED display, 16GB-32GB of internal storage plus MicroSD slot, and Samsung’s much loved TouchWiz interface. It also has a highly praised 8MP camera, and is available on every major U.S. cell provider.
The Runners’ Up
The HTC One X certainly has potential to make the list – especially the quad-core Tegra 3 version – but it’s still experiencing a few growing pains. The Galaxy S III is also right around the corner and could easily displace the S II.
iOS: The iPhone 4S
Apple makes choosing an iOS phone pretty simple – you don’t really get much of a choice. The latest device is, of course, the best, such is the case with the iPhone 4S. It has a speedy dual-core processor, doesn’t seem to suffer from the antenna issues of its predecessor, and also includes the convenience of Siri, the personal digital companion.
Windows Phone 7: The Nokia Lumia 900
Microsoft is somewhat like Apple when it comes to WP7. Most of the devices are very similar in specs, and it’s primarily their prices and special features that set them apart. The Lumia 900 actually isn’t the most expensive WP7 phone, yet it has some of the best features. Its 4.3-inch AMOLED display looks great; it’s compatible with LTE and HSPA+; it has a solid 8MP camera (though slightly hindered by WP7 software); and battery life is superb. It easily competes with the higher priced Samsung Focus S and HTC Titan, making it an amazing value.
