Best smartphones 2014: The best phones available to buy today
15. Apple iPhone 5C
The iPhone 5C is Apple's "colourful" handset. It takes the innards of 2012's iPhone 5, adds a touch more 4G compatibility and a slightly improved battery life and wraps it in a colourful plastic casing.
Originally perceived as the "cheap" handset for those who couldn't afford the iPhone 5S, which offers better performance all round, the iPhone 5C offers a great Apple experience, with access to everything the App Store has in offer. It lacks, slightly, because it doesn't have quite the same potential as the 5S and it could be seen as more expensive than it should be, given the older specs and plastic body and the £469 price tag.
Buy the iPhone 5C if you want the iPhone experience on a tighter budget.
14. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Where the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active wins is in offering an experience that's really close to the Samsung Galaxy S4, in a water-resistant package. That takes the pains out of dropping your phone in the toilet and gives you more freedom to use your device in all conditions.
There's plenty of power and an impressive Full HD display, meaning that despite having something that's resistant to the elements, it won't cause a huge bulge in your pocket. Then there's all the customisation and all the features brought by Samsung's TouchWiz, although some might think there's just too much distracting you from the pure goodness of Android.
However, while the SGS4 cousin has dropped in price, the Active hasn't moved down so far at £499.
13. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
The Samsung Galaxy Note took the smartphone world by storm, crossing the divide between tablets and smartphones.
It might be too large for some, but the 5.5-inch display gives you room to play, without being too big for your pocket. Samsung's innovative features will help you get the most out of the size on offer from the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
There's a stylus which might be more popular with those who prefer to note down things in writing, but you can equally just leave the stylus in place and never use it, if it's the larger display that you're after. It's big and beautiful, and far from stupid.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 because you want a great phablet, but can't stretch to the Note 3.
12. Motorola Moto X
Motorola has been in this business a long time and although it doesn't launch as aggressively as rivals like Samsung, there's still a great feeling of quality when you get your hands on the Motorola Moto X.
The Moto X doesn't go up against the flagship phones out there on the spec sheet, but it still delivers the essentials. The dual-core processor offers plenty of power, partnered with 2GB of RAM and the 4.7-inch display offers plenty of space to play, even if the resolution is a notch down at 720p.
Buy the Motorola Moto X if you want an experience close to raw Android, with some clever customisation.
11. Sony Xperia Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 refreshes the excellent Sony Xperia Z, bringing you a powerful handset, with waterproofing, a slick design and a large 5-inch display.
On paper the Z1 sounds like it will be king of all classes, but the boosting of the battery and the accommodation of a 20-megapixel camera, swells the body to larger than its rivals, with a bigger footprint than the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the LG G2, but not quite reaching into phablet territory. But if you can handle the size there are plenty of treats in store.
It's a veritable powerhouse, with great internal hardware, so everything is slick and fast. The waterproofed 3.5mm headphone jack is now more convenient than the original Xperia Z, but the previous phone is smaller and getting cheaper, so is definitely worth considering. The Xperia Z1 will cost you £469.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z1 if you want big power in a big phone.
10. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z offers a great design package that's distinctly different. Sony may have revised the Xperia Z with the Z1 and the new device is certainly a lot more powerful, but we think the size of the original Z makes it more appealing.
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 talk that an Android 4.4 KitKat update will bring the Z uptodate.
There's a huge 5-inch Full HD display on the front, and although it's not as accomplished as that of the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4, it's still a pleasure to use. The price has really fallen too, sitting at £349.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z because you want a slick design and big display at a great price.
9. Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 is the best Lumia to date. It brings Windows Phone into the realm of the phablet, but it does it with aplomb, giving you a device that offers size, power and a great camera performance.
We've been critical of some of the moves of Windows Phone, and of Nokia, in the recent past, but the Lumia 1520 feels like the hero device that Nokia needed. It's powerful, it's wonderful to use and it's the rival of Android peers that rule the big-screen phone world. It's also fairly affordable for a device of this size, priced at £530.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 1520 if you want the biggest and best Windows Phone experience.
8. Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 plays out the pure Google dream, debuting Android 4.4 KitKat and bringing you plenty of power for your money. There's also a brilliant display, which gives you plenty of detail and performance to rival some of the top phones out there.
There are downsides, however. We don't think it's the best designed phone around, perhaps less interesting than the Nexus 4 which came before it and as is typical of Nexus devices, the camera isn't so good and neither is the battery, which is the biggest downside.
However, the Nexus 5 delivers plenty in it's aggressively priced package at £299, especially if power and display are top of your list and you have the reassurance of knowing you'll be at the front of the Android upgrade queue too.
Buy the Nexus 5 for the pure Android experience and plenty of power in an affordable package.
7. 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.
Some may say that there's a feature too many and the design isn't as inspiring as some other devices like the HTC One, but if you opt for the Samsung Galaxy S4, you won't be disappointed. Samsung crams a large 5-inch full HD display into a handset that isn't overly large, so despite going big, the size is still manageable.
Undoubtedly the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be the top smartphone choice for many and sell by the bucketload, but recent launches bring more raw power and a more refeshing user interface. SGS4 users are awaiting an update to Android 4.4 KitKat and it looks like the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be announced before it arrives.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 to get flagship performance, with the option to change battery and expand the storage.
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 takes the large device format and continues to refine it. In this 2013 model, there's a cracking 5.7-inch display offering a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, giving you 386ppi. It's packed into a frame that measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, making it one of the most compact devices with such an expansive display.
Some might not like the faux leather back, but you can peel that off and swap it out: as well as access the internals to expand the storage or change the battery.
There's plenty of power, thanks to the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset and 3GB of RAM, meaning that everything is slick and smooth. Samsung hasn't ignored the screen space on offer, giving you innovative features through the S Pen to help keep you productive.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for the best phablet experience.
Den Thamai Hodama 5 Eanne.........
5. LG G2
LG hasn't had the smoothest run of in the world of modern smartphones, but the LG G2 brings things back into focus. There's heaps of power on offer and a 5.2-inch display crammed into a body that's still fairly compact: LG has banished bezels, so you get more space to play.
It's a powerful phone with the latest hardware. The point is though, this phone competes brilliantly with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 while offering a more "Android" experience, through a slightly less customised UI. The camera isn't the best; the SGS4 beats it easily, and the iPhone is streets ahead.
But best of all, the display is outstanding. LCD screens have great detail, and accurate colours that AMOLED screens can't claim. And the high-quality audio system will blow you away if you plug in some high-quality music, and some decent headphones.
What we like most is that LG hasn't just thrown features at the phone. It's thought about what is missing from current phones, and what customers might like to have, and done its best to incorporate those into the LG G2. It will cost you around £439.
Buy the LG G2 for it's impressive performance, slick design and thoughtful software tweaks.
4. Motorola Moto G
The Motorola Moto G has taken a lot of people by surprise. We've heard the sentiments plenty of times before: performance at a price, without compromise. Motorola, however, went ahead and got it right. The Moto G is a fantastic smartphone and incredible value for money that's difficult to ignore. With a price as low as £130, if you're on a budget, this is the handset to choose.
Take the price out of the equation and you don't feel let down, however. The design is great, the display is excellent and there's plenty of power too. Yes, it will be out-performed by any number of handsets, but those are handsets that will cost you twice as much.
We're really impressed with what you get in the Moto G. It's a great handset and no matter what your budget, if you're after a smartphone for daily use, then this phone pretty much does it. It's fast, the display is lovely and the camera will give you some decent shots too.
Better still, the Motorola Moto G was one of the first non-Nexus devices to be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Buy the Motorola Moto G for the best Android experience in a budget handset.
3. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the phone where Sony Mobile got it right. It blends power with performance and design in a handset that will slip into any pocket. There's no shortage of devices at this size, but the Z1 Compact is the best performer by a considerable margin.
Although this handset doesn't have a full HD display, the 4.3-inch 720p screen is packed with detail and it doesn't feel lacking. It also offers better colours and better viewing angles than other Sony phones. There's a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 16GB or storage with the option to expand with microSD, all sealed into a water resistant package.
Although it launches on Android 4.3, a KitKat upgrade is promised and we'll be expecting Sony to deliver this swiftly, or the Z1 Compact will be eclipsed by newer launches with more uptodate software. That said, there's plenty of refinement in the software, but a hefty amount of Sony bloat too.
We really love the power controls, which brings day-long performance to the Z1 Compact, easily outlasting many of the devices on this list. Sony's Stamina mode offers granular control over the apps and services, giving you much more control over data and battery use.
The result is a handset that's should be seriously considered. It's the first of the latest breed, and a phone that we'd happily recommend to those looking for a compact Android handset. It's also priced cheaper than many flagship devices at £449.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact for the best flagship Android experience in a compact device.
2. Apple iPhone 5S
With exquisite attention to detail and wonderful design, the iPhone 5S is master of the largest mobile ecosystem around. The design isn't a huge step over the previous edition, but the internal modifications, paired with a new refreshed OS, keeps Apple in the smartphone fight.
The iPhone 5S experience is very refined; it's mature, familiar and intuitive and supported by an App Store that's always first in line for the new apps, while you won't be left waiting for Apple's software updates. This is the handset that iOS 7 was built for and where it performs the best.
The iPhone 5S sets itself up for future dominance: 64-bit support and a new coprocessor dedicated to handling the motion sensors provide the potential for new directions. The camera is as reliable as ever, with a better flash unit and the addition of a fingerprint scanner provides for easy access with a layer of security.
Great battery life comes with this phone that is slick and fast in operation, it's just a shame that the display is one of the smallest around. At least it won't be making an unsightly bulge in your pocket, even if buying it might make a little hole in your finances at £549. A late launch in 2013 means the iPhone is unlikely to see a newer version until late 2014.
Buy the iPhone 5S to get the best Apple experience.
Then The Winner Is....................
1. HTC One (M8)
The HTC One (M8) comprehensively betters the HTC One, taking the design and user experience of the former and refining it in many areas. There's no doubt that this is a premium device at the top of the Android pile. It's slick and fast and the refinement of the new Sense 6.0 user interface adds plenty to Android 4.4 KitKat.
The design is excellent, with a premium metal body offering a great feel in the hand. But this handset isn't only good looking, it offers a great 5-inch full HD display with some of the nicest visuals you'll find on a device at this size.
With size and power, you might expect the 2800mAh battery to be something of a concern, but the HTC One (M8) offers all-day battery life, along with an extreme power saver mode if you need to last longer.
The camera offers some clever features. Thanks to the Duo Camera you can easily refocus images, as well as apply a number of effects, after shooting. They add interest, but if camera performance is the most critical feature you want then you might wish to look elsewhere.
Buy the HTC One (M8) for it's design, power and mature user experience.
15. Apple iPhone 5C
The iPhone 5C is Apple's "colourful" handset. It takes the innards of 2012's iPhone 5, adds a touch more 4G compatibility and a slightly improved battery life and wraps it in a colourful plastic casing.
Originally perceived as the "cheap" handset for those who couldn't afford the iPhone 5S, which offers better performance all round, the iPhone 5C offers a great Apple experience, with access to everything the App Store has in offer. It lacks, slightly, because it doesn't have quite the same potential as the 5S and it could be seen as more expensive than it should be, given the older specs and plastic body and the £469 price tag.
Buy the iPhone 5C if you want the iPhone experience on a tighter budget.
14. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Where the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active wins is in offering an experience that's really close to the Samsung Galaxy S4, in a water-resistant package. That takes the pains out of dropping your phone in the toilet and gives you more freedom to use your device in all conditions.
There's plenty of power and an impressive Full HD display, meaning that despite having something that's resistant to the elements, it won't cause a huge bulge in your pocket. Then there's all the customisation and all the features brought by Samsung's TouchWiz, although some might think there's just too much distracting you from the pure goodness of Android.
However, while the SGS4 cousin has dropped in price, the Active hasn't moved down so far at £499.
13. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
The Samsung Galaxy Note took the smartphone world by storm, crossing the divide between tablets and smartphones.
It might be too large for some, but the 5.5-inch display gives you room to play, without being too big for your pocket. Samsung's innovative features will help you get the most out of the size on offer from the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
There's a stylus which might be more popular with those who prefer to note down things in writing, but you can equally just leave the stylus in place and never use it, if it's the larger display that you're after. It's big and beautiful, and far from stupid.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 because you want a great phablet, but can't stretch to the Note 3.
12. Motorola Moto X
Motorola has been in this business a long time and although it doesn't launch as aggressively as rivals like Samsung, there's still a great feeling of quality when you get your hands on the Motorola Moto X.
The Moto X doesn't go up against the flagship phones out there on the spec sheet, but it still delivers the essentials. The dual-core processor offers plenty of power, partnered with 2GB of RAM and the 4.7-inch display offers plenty of space to play, even if the resolution is a notch down at 720p.
Buy the Motorola Moto X if you want an experience close to raw Android, with some clever customisation.
11. Sony Xperia Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 refreshes the excellent Sony Xperia Z, bringing you a powerful handset, with waterproofing, a slick design and a large 5-inch display.
On paper the Z1 sounds like it will be king of all classes, but the boosting of the battery and the accommodation of a 20-megapixel camera, swells the body to larger than its rivals, with a bigger footprint than the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the LG G2, but not quite reaching into phablet territory. But if you can handle the size there are plenty of treats in store.
It's a veritable powerhouse, with great internal hardware, so everything is slick and fast. The waterproofed 3.5mm headphone jack is now more convenient than the original Xperia Z, but the previous phone is smaller and getting cheaper, so is definitely worth considering. The Xperia Z1 will cost you £469.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z1 if you want big power in a big phone.
10. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z offers a great design package that's distinctly different. Sony may have revised the Xperia Z with the Z1 and the new device is certainly a lot more powerful, but we think the size of the original Z makes it more appealing.
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 talk that an Android 4.4 KitKat update will bring the Z uptodate.
There's a huge 5-inch Full HD display on the front, and although it's not as accomplished as that of the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4, it's still a pleasure to use. The price has really fallen too, sitting at £349.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z because you want a slick design and big display at a great price.
9. Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 is the best Lumia to date. It brings Windows Phone into the realm of the phablet, but it does it with aplomb, giving you a device that offers size, power and a great camera performance.
We've been critical of some of the moves of Windows Phone, and of Nokia, in the recent past, but the Lumia 1520 feels like the hero device that Nokia needed. It's powerful, it's wonderful to use and it's the rival of Android peers that rule the big-screen phone world. It's also fairly affordable for a device of this size, priced at £530.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 1520 if you want the biggest and best Windows Phone experience.
8. Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 plays out the pure Google dream, debuting Android 4.4 KitKat and bringing you plenty of power for your money. There's also a brilliant display, which gives you plenty of detail and performance to rival some of the top phones out there.
There are downsides, however. We don't think it's the best designed phone around, perhaps less interesting than the Nexus 4 which came before it and as is typical of Nexus devices, the camera isn't so good and neither is the battery, which is the biggest downside.
However, the Nexus 5 delivers plenty in it's aggressively priced package at £299, especially if power and display are top of your list and you have the reassurance of knowing you'll be at the front of the Android upgrade queue too.
Buy the Nexus 5 for the pure Android experience and plenty of power in an affordable package.
7. 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.
Some may say that there's a feature too many and the design isn't as inspiring as some other devices like the HTC One, but if you opt for the Samsung Galaxy S4, you won't be disappointed. Samsung crams a large 5-inch full HD display into a handset that isn't overly large, so despite going big, the size is still manageable.
Undoubtedly the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be the top smartphone choice for many and sell by the bucketload, but recent launches bring more raw power and a more refeshing user interface. SGS4 users are awaiting an update to Android 4.4 KitKat and it looks like the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be announced before it arrives.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 to get flagship performance, with the option to change battery and expand the storage.
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 takes the large device format and continues to refine it. In this 2013 model, there's a cracking 5.7-inch display offering a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, giving you 386ppi. It's packed into a frame that measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, making it one of the most compact devices with such an expansive display.
Some might not like the faux leather back, but you can peel that off and swap it out: as well as access the internals to expand the storage or change the battery.
There's plenty of power, thanks to the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset and 3GB of RAM, meaning that everything is slick and smooth. Samsung hasn't ignored the screen space on offer, giving you innovative features through the S Pen to help keep you productive.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for the best phablet experience.
Den Thamai Hodama 5 Eanne.........
5. LG G2
LG hasn't had the smoothest run of in the world of modern smartphones, but the LG G2 brings things back into focus. There's heaps of power on offer and a 5.2-inch display crammed into a body that's still fairly compact: LG has banished bezels, so you get more space to play.
It's a powerful phone with the latest hardware. The point is though, this phone competes brilliantly with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 while offering a more "Android" experience, through a slightly less customised UI. The camera isn't the best; the SGS4 beats it easily, and the iPhone is streets ahead.
But best of all, the display is outstanding. LCD screens have great detail, and accurate colours that AMOLED screens can't claim. And the high-quality audio system will blow you away if you plug in some high-quality music, and some decent headphones.
What we like most is that LG hasn't just thrown features at the phone. It's thought about what is missing from current phones, and what customers might like to have, and done its best to incorporate those into the LG G2. It will cost you around £439.
Buy the LG G2 for it's impressive performance, slick design and thoughtful software tweaks.
4. Motorola Moto G
The Motorola Moto G has taken a lot of people by surprise. We've heard the sentiments plenty of times before: performance at a price, without compromise. Motorola, however, went ahead and got it right. The Moto G is a fantastic smartphone and incredible value for money that's difficult to ignore. With a price as low as £130, if you're on a budget, this is the handset to choose.
Take the price out of the equation and you don't feel let down, however. The design is great, the display is excellent and there's plenty of power too. Yes, it will be out-performed by any number of handsets, but those are handsets that will cost you twice as much.
We're really impressed with what you get in the Moto G. It's a great handset and no matter what your budget, if you're after a smartphone for daily use, then this phone pretty much does it. It's fast, the display is lovely and the camera will give you some decent shots too.
Better still, the Motorola Moto G was one of the first non-Nexus devices to be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Buy the Motorola Moto G for the best Android experience in a budget handset.
3. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the phone where Sony Mobile got it right. It blends power with performance and design in a handset that will slip into any pocket. There's no shortage of devices at this size, but the Z1 Compact is the best performer by a considerable margin.
Although this handset doesn't have a full HD display, the 4.3-inch 720p screen is packed with detail and it doesn't feel lacking. It also offers better colours and better viewing angles than other Sony phones. There's a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 16GB or storage with the option to expand with microSD, all sealed into a water resistant package.
Although it launches on Android 4.3, a KitKat upgrade is promised and we'll be expecting Sony to deliver this swiftly, or the Z1 Compact will be eclipsed by newer launches with more uptodate software. That said, there's plenty of refinement in the software, but a hefty amount of Sony bloat too.
We really love the power controls, which brings day-long performance to the Z1 Compact, easily outlasting many of the devices on this list. Sony's Stamina mode offers granular control over the apps and services, giving you much more control over data and battery use.
The result is a handset that's should be seriously considered. It's the first of the latest breed, and a phone that we'd happily recommend to those looking for a compact Android handset. It's also priced cheaper than many flagship devices at £449.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact for the best flagship Android experience in a compact device.
2. Apple iPhone 5S
With exquisite attention to detail and wonderful design, the iPhone 5S is master of the largest mobile ecosystem around. The design isn't a huge step over the previous edition, but the internal modifications, paired with a new refreshed OS, keeps Apple in the smartphone fight.
The iPhone 5S experience is very refined; it's mature, familiar and intuitive and supported by an App Store that's always first in line for the new apps, while you won't be left waiting for Apple's software updates. This is the handset that iOS 7 was built for and where it performs the best.
The iPhone 5S sets itself up for future dominance: 64-bit support and a new coprocessor dedicated to handling the motion sensors provide the potential for new directions. The camera is as reliable as ever, with a better flash unit and the addition of a fingerprint scanner provides for easy access with a layer of security.
Great battery life comes with this phone that is slick and fast in operation, it's just a shame that the display is one of the smallest around. At least it won't be making an unsightly bulge in your pocket, even if buying it might make a little hole in your finances at £549. A late launch in 2013 means the iPhone is unlikely to see a newer version until late 2014.
Buy the iPhone 5S to get the best Apple experience.
Then The Winner Is....................
1. HTC One (M8)
The HTC One (M8) comprehensively betters the HTC One, taking the design and user experience of the former and refining it in many areas. There's no doubt that this is a premium device at the top of the Android pile. It's slick and fast and the refinement of the new Sense 6.0 user interface adds plenty to Android 4.4 KitKat.
The design is excellent, with a premium metal body offering a great feel in the hand. But this handset isn't only good looking, it offers a great 5-inch full HD display with some of the nicest visuals you'll find on a device at this size.
With size and power, you might expect the 2800mAh battery to be something of a concern, but the HTC One (M8) offers all-day battery life, along with an extreme power saver mode if you need to last longer.
The camera offers some clever features. Thanks to the Duo Camera you can easily refocus images, as well as apply a number of effects, after shooting. They add interest, but if camera performance is the most critical feature you want then you might wish to look elsewhere.
Buy the HTC One (M8) for it's design, power and mature user experience.
