We take a look at our very best smartphones of 2011…
There has never been a better time to get equipped with a smartphone, whatever your tastes and whatever your budget. The last couple of years have seen the smartphone market share overtaken by a huge influx of Android handsets that have been made available from almost every phone manufacturer on the planet, although of course, we’re pretty sure Apple won’t be too worried just yet.
However, the rise of Google’s Android OS has had serious consequences for others: Palm’s excellent WebOS was bought by HP, but now looks likely to be thrown on the scrapheap; Nokia have had a rethink over the future of their Symbian platform and decided to throw their hat in the ring with Microsoft’s revamped Windows Phone OS; RIM have seen market share dented to the extent that some commentators think troubled waters lie ahead for the once-all-conquering BlackBerry – who would have thought that five years ago?
So how about the best smartphones we have seen during 2011? In our opinion, 2011 has been all about speed, refinement, a fair amount of copy-cat production (and sue/counter-sue, ad infinitum) and more power in your pocket than you would have had in your desktop PC not so many years ago. Our list is based on the phones that have excited us and brought some of that blinding new technology to the table. They are almost all higher-end smartphones (we’ll bring you our favourite budget phones of the year soon) and although you may not agree, we can assure you that we are not being paid by manufacturers to promote their products. Although we are open to offers…..
So without further ado, here are our favourite smartphones of 2011…there really isn’t much between them…
1) Samsung Galaxy SII
What a fantastic year it has been for Samsung, who occupy the top two spots in our end-of-year Top 5. The Samsung Galaxy SII has received plaudits across the board for its zippy Exynos dual core 1GHz processor, its beautifully sharp Super Amoled display and a terrific 8MP camera. With Android 2.3 Gingerbread strapped on as its OS – and an Ice Cream Sandwich update on its way, too – the Galaxy SII has seen superb sales across the world for Samsung.
It’s thin and light, but still manages to have one of the largest, brightest and most sparkling displays we have ever seen on a smartphone – its 4.3-inch screen means it’s great for everything from playing games, surfing the web, watching movies and even creating documents – and although we still hear the accusations of a slightly flimsy build, we think Samsung have really improved things from its predecessor, the original Samsung Galaxy S.
Putting it simply: It’s the best phone out there and sets an impressive benchmark for 2012…….
Find Prices for Samsung Galaxy SII
2) Galaxy Nexus
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus – the very latest Google phone – is a very recent arrival and comes packing the latest version of the Android platform, Ice Cream Sandwich. The Android 4.0 OS is a major draw here, but the phone’s specs aren’t to be sniffed at either, with a dual-core 1.2GHz chip in the engine room and a really impressive 4.65-inch screen, which showcases Samsung’s Super Amoled 1280×720 HD display to near-perfection.
The Galaxy Nexus has, quite rightly, earned some serious praise from reviewers the world over, and if you want to be one of the first to have a play around with the excellent Ice Cream Sandwich Android update, then it is well worth a look. There are a few flaws: there is an extremely annoying volume bug which you will need to download a fix for if you are buying a new Nexus in the next month or so; the camera is only 5MP which is a little short when compared to the current crop of high-end handsets and finally, there is no expansion for memory.
These aren’t major gripes though and the average user will find the Samsung Galaxy Nexus an extremely powerful smartphone with a ‘next level’ operating system.
Get Prices for the Samsung/Google Galaxy Nexus
3) iPhone 4s
The iPhone has long been the cream of the smartphone crop and Apple just keep on delivering, this year with the iPhone 4S and its impressive spec sheet which includes a dual-core processor, an 8 megapixel camera and a newly-revamped operating system in iOS 5. As you would expect, the iPhone 4S is a thing of genuine technological beauty – just check out the amazing high-res Retina display – that boasts an exceptionally intuitive user interface and access to the world’s largest app store. If you throw Apple’s awesome voice-operating system Siri into the bargain, what you are getting with the 4S, is a very real glimpse into the future of smartphones.
However, it’s not quite perfect, hence ending up at Number 3 on our end-of-year list. They are age-old complaints as well. You really do pay more for that Apple branding, when alternative, similar tech is available for a better-value price; the Apple way of displaying apps is really starting to look tired against the customisation you can do with Android, and the slick tiles of Windows Phone 7. There’s still no Flash support, either, which proves problematic when surfing the web for videos – and it’s a real shame you can’t see them on that cracking display.
But let’s be honest; this is a brilliant smartphone that a lot of people love which will continue selling by the bucket-load – and even if you have to keep within the confines of Apple’s strict ecosystem, it’s an excellent, user-friendly ecosystem to be in.
4) HTC Sensation XE
Without doubt the very best smartphone you can buy if you love listening to music on the move, the HTC Sensation XE, is helped into our Top 5 by the inclusion of some superb audio delivery from the Dr Dre-approved Beats Audio and you can expect a pair of Beats earphones to accompany it out of the box – a really nice change from the usual sub-standard headphones you normally get packaged with a new phone.
But there’s far more on offer than just music on offer with the Sensation XE. You can expect a lovely Super LCD display and a supremely fast dual-core processor, as well as Android 2.3 Gingerbread (an Ice Cream Sandwich update will be arriving soon) and HTC’s excellent new version of Sense UI strapped onto it – lovely stuff. Throw in an 8MP camera that takes brilliant snaps and HD video, and you have one of the best smartphones we have seen this year – it could even grab the number one spot once that ICS update arrives.
There is only one major issue to report and that is the battery life – you’ll be hard pressed to last the day without charging if your phone is working at its hardest – but if you can put that aside then we thoroughly recommend the HTC Sensation XE.
Find out more about the HTC Sensation XE
5) Nokia Lumia 800
The Nokia Lumia 800 is another recent release and wins its place in the Top 5 because it is the best example so far of Microsoft’s superb Windows Phone 7. Nokia have always had a reputation for excellent engineering and there’s no change there, with the Lumia 800 showing off a lovely looking polycarbonate body that manages to pull off the difficult trick of oozing style and sophistication as well as strength and sturdiness.
A 3.7-inch Clear Black display is joined by an excellent 8MP camera which takes some cracking shots (although we found HD recording to be a little less than the standards we have come to expect from Nokia) and although the Lumia only features a single core processor, don’t let this put you off; WP7 works extremely quickly and actually performs better than some dual-core chips for speed – it’s all in the engineering, we guess!
If you are after something different, slick, highly usable and that will garner your handset appreciative looks when out and about, then we recommend you give the Nokia Lumia 800 some serious consideration.
Introduce yourself to Windows Phone 7 with the Nokia Lumia 800
Honourable Mentions
Although we think the Top 5 really are the best smartphones overall on the market at the moment, they were really pushed hard by our runners-up. The next 5 are also worth checking out in the shops if you get a chance.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S
We loved the original Arc, but the Sony Ericsson Arc S has been souped up with a 1.4GHz processor and updated to Android 2.3.4, turning it into a genuine contender for our Top 5. There’s a real elegance about this handset and its 4.2-inch display is up there with the Galaxy SII. Great camera, too. Can be found available on slightly cheaper contracts than the Top 5, so well worth investigating.
Blackberry Bold 9900
RIM may have had a troubled year and they may not be winning many new customers, but their Bold 9900 will tick the boxes of any BlackBerry fan – it is their best handset yet. As usual, you can expect an excellent business phone with speedy performance, unrivalled messaging services and that classy, professional BlackBerry build and appearance.
Treat yourself to a BlackBerry Bold 9900
Motorola Atrix
Motorola’s major return to the world of smartphones, the Motorola Atrix, gets a mention because of its innovations in attempting to replace your laptop. The Atrix can be plugged into a range of docks, which gives you the opportunity to use it as a laptop or a multimedia device. The accessories aren’t cheap, but the idea of your phone as a central hub has genuine appeal – the Motorola Atrix is a superb concept that has been executed very well.
LG Optimus 3D
We ummed and ahhed about including this one.The LG Optimus 3D isn’t the best phone in the world by some distance, but its key selling point is innovative and interesting. The Atrix’s glasses-free 3D is a world’s first on a smartphone, as is its ability to take pictures and shoot video in 3D. It’s a decent handset, and if 3D is your bag, then worth investigating, but if you’re not fussed there are probably better options out there.
See things differently with the LG Optimus 3D
Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini / Mini Pro
Today’s smartphone makers are increasingly ‘going big’ with their designs, but if you prefer a smaller handset that still manages to pack a decent punch, then you will want to check out the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini or Mini Pro. This tiny little phone with a 3-inch display still manages to pack in a speedy 1GHz processor and a slide-out, physical keyboard, as well as providing a 5MP camera and HD recording.
Find out prices for Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Mini and Mini Pro
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So there you have it. Our favourite smartphones of 2011 all in the one place. We’re pretty sure you are going to disagree with us on placings and perhaps we even left off your favourite – so let us know if you think we’ve missed a good ‘un! We’re already looking forward to what 2012 might bring…
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