The top 15 smartphones you can buy right now
It’s possible you already purchased one of the smartphones we listed in our buyer’s guide last July, but things tend to move quickly, and with fresh handsets from names like Apple, Samsung and Motorola, some of you may already be itching for an upgrade. To that end, we’ve made some fresh additions to our list of the latest and greatest smartphones out there today. Sure, our official Holiday Gift Guide is just around the corner, but this update will help you make some quick decisions, or at least get a head start on that holiday wish list. Filed under: Cellphones, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Google, LG
AT&T Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014)
In the hunt for a new smartphone from AT&T? Regardless of whether you’re buying your first Android or upgrading for the fourth time there’s something for everyone. And, as you might suspect, Ma Bell has plenty to choose from. In fact, counting variations, there are roughly two dozen models to choose from today.
As the last of the big four carriers to adopt Android, AT&T is doing a bang-up job in supporting the platform. It seems we’re constantly hearing about an exclusive model or head start on the competition.
Defining high-end
Today’s top Androids feature big, gorgeous displays, fantastic high-resolution cameras, and lots of memory. Toss in some quad-core and octa-core processors and some killer high capacity batteries and you’ve got mobile devices that would rival your computer from just a few years back.
As 2014 draws to a close and we look at the hardware from late model Androids it’s not uncommon to find screens hovering at 5-inches or larger. Thanks to ever-shrinking bezels we have phones with massive displays that also happen to fit comfortably in our hand. And, they’re not only big, but they’re sharp, too. Resolutions across the the top models are 1080p and higher. For what it’s worth, we’re starting to get our first glimpses of 2K and Ultra HD screens. It can be argued that average users cannot discern much beyond 720p/1080p on such a small device.
If you’re not coming to the table with at least a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM then you’re not going to sit at the big boy’s table. Most of the bleeding edge stuff you’ll find today comes with 3GB memory and chipsets of around 2.3GHz – 2.7GHz.
Storage capacities, for the most part, haven’t moved forward quite as quickly as other areas. You’ll still routinely find 16GB and 32GB models in most models though some are creeping into the 64GB space. Given that many handsets offer external storage via microSD cards it should matter little where you start out – especially if cost is a factor.
Another important factor in determining a smartphone purchase is the version of Android. Typically, it’s a simple case of “the newer the phone, the newer the operating system”. Today’s most recent phones are powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat but anything running at least 4.4 should suffice for the average person. You will still find an occasional straggler, though, running something older.
Flagships & Exclusives
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Launched in October, this is Samsung’s annual plus-sized experience. Thanks to the release time-frame, these are typically a step-up from the Galaxy S series of smartphones. Standout specs include 32GB storage, a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 3GB RAM, an S Pen stylus, and a 3220mAh battery. Best Buy | AT&T
- Samsung Galaxy S5: Released in spring 2014, it’s the most popular series of Android models to date. Hardware includes a 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, 16GB storage, and a 2800mAh battery. Best Buy | AT&T
- LG G3: LG’s increasingly popular family of phones, this one is unique in that it features rear button configuration under the camera. Best Buy | AT&T
- Motorola Moto X (2014): Motorola’s now annual flagship model, the Moto X is significant for its stripped down Android experience. Slightly bigger than last year’s model, this one has been very well received in the space. Best Buy | AT&T
- HTC One M8: Perhaps the oldest model in this list, HTC’s flagship handset received very high marks for its build quality and toned-down custom UI. Often cheaper than others in the group, it’s still plenty of bang for the buck. Best Buy | AT&T
- Samsung Galaxy Alpha: The first device from Samsung to employ the new “design language”; features a svelte body wrapped in metal trim. Best Buy | AT&T
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Active: A variation of the flagship with pre-installed apps based around the more active user. Rugged and durable, with a trio of new colors. Best Buy | AT&T
Mid-range
While not always the case, the mid-range Android is typically made up of last year’s top models. This is not to suggest, however, that there’s not a one-off model or variation that sneaks in every once in a while. Specs, as you can imagine, are often a step below. Processors, cameras, and batteries are sometimes the key difference though many of them also feature a screen resolution of 720p or 1080p. What follows what could be considered some of AT&T middle-of-the-pack handsets.
- LG G2: One of LG’s breakout devices over the last few years, the smartphone was the first to employ the rear button setup. Killer hardware and a refined UI make this one hard to resist even a year later. Best Buy | AT&T
- LG G Flex: The first smartphone from LG to offer the curved display; six inch screen and a 3500mAh battery make it big and long-lasting. Best Buy | AT&T
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3: As the plus-sized Samsung flagship from 2013, its quad-core CPU and camera make it a moderately strong device one year later. Best Buy | AT&T
- Amazon Fire Phone: The first smartphone from Amazon, it’s exclusive to AT&T. It might be a little more gimmick than seasoned Android users might enjoy but plenty for new users. Works great for those who can’t get enough Amazon (Prime). Best Buy | AT&T
Entry-level
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: A smaller take on the 2013 flagship model, the S4 Mini has a very pocketable 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel rear shooter, and plenty of Samsung software features. Best Buy | AT&T | Amazon
- Motorola Moto G: A perfect starter smartphone, it has a 4.5-inch screen, a quad-core CPU, and LTE support. Best Buy | AT&T | Amazon
- HTC Desire 610: Low-cost take on the form factor from the One M8, you’ll find front-facing speakers and a host of HTC custom tweaks. Best Buy | AT&T | Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro: Features a 4-inch display, enhanced push-to-talk (PTT), and is built tough to resist shocks, water and dust. Best Buy | AT&T | Amazon
- NEC Terrain: The only one on this list that features a physical keyboard; rugged design and PTT make this a great option for people who spend their days in the field. AT&T | Amazon
The post AT&T Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Verizon Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014)
In the hunt for a new smartphone from Verizon? Regardless of whether you’re buying your first Android or upgrading for the fourth time there’s something for everyone. And, as you might suspect, Big Red has plenty to choose from. In fact, counting variations, there are roughly two dozen models to choose from today.
As the lone carrier to offer the Droid series, Verizon transitioned the family away from other hardware makers into an exclusive relationship with Motorola. Beyond that, you’ll also find some devices that are exclusive to the nation’s largest wireless provider.
Defining high-end
Today’s top Androids feature big, gorgeous displays, fantastic high-resolution cameras, and lots of memory. Toss in some quad-core and octa-core processors and some killer high capacity batteries and you’ve got mobile devices that would rival your computer from just a few years back.
As 2014 draws to a close and we look at the hardware from late model Androids it’s not uncommon to find screens hovering at 5-inches or larger. Thanks to ever-shrinking bezels we have phones with massive displays that also happen to fit comfortably in our hand. And, they’re not only big, but they’re sharp, too. Resolutions across the the top models are 1080p and higher. For what it’s worth, we’re starting to get our first glimpses of 2K and Ultra HD screens. It can be argued that average users cannot discern much beyond 720p/1080p on such a small device.
If you’re not coming to the table with at least a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM then you’re not going to sit at the big boy’s table. Most of the bleeding edge stuff you’ll find today comes with 3GB memory and chipsets of around 2.3GHz – 2.7GHz.
Storage capacities, for the most part, haven’t moved forward quite as quickly as other areas. You’ll still routinely find 16GB and 32GB models in most models though some are creeping into the 64GB space. Given that many handsets offer external storage via microSD cards it should matter little where you start out – especially if cost is a factor.
Another important factor in determining a smartphone purchase is the version of Android. Typically, it’s a simple case of “the newer the phone, the newer the operating system”. Today’s most recent phones are powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat but anything running at least 4.4 should suffice for the average person. You will still find an occasional straggler, though, running something older.
Flagships & Exclusives
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Launched in October, this is Samsung’s annual plus-sized experience. Thanks to the release time-frame, these are typically a step-up from the Galaxy S series of smartphones. Standout specs include 32GB storage, a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 3GB RAM, an S Pen stylus, and a 3220mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S5: Released in spring 2014, it’s the most popular series of Android models to date. Hardware includes a 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, 16GB storage, and a 2800mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G3: LG’s increasingly popular family of phones, this one is unique in that it features rear button configuration under the camera. Verizon | Best Buy
- Motorola Moto X (2014): Motorola’s now annual flagship model, the Moto X is significant for its stripped down Android experience. Slightly bigger than last year’s model, this one has been very well received in the space. Verizon | Best Buy
- Sony Xperia Z3v: The first Sony smartphone for Big Red, it’s sleek, sexy, and waterproof. Featuring a 5.2-inch 1080p display, the handset also boasts a stellar 20.7-megapixel rear camera, and 3200mAh battery Verizon
- Motorola Droid Turbo: The first Droid from Verizon in over a year, it’s big and beautiful with a lean Android 4.4 KitKat experience. Standout features include turbo charging (8 hrs juice in 15 minutes) and a Quad HD display. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC One M8: Perhaps the oldest model in this list, HTC’s flagship handset received very high marks for its build quality and toned-down custom UI. Often cheaper than others in the group, it’s still plenty of bang for the buck. Verizon | Best Buy
Mid-range
While not always the case, the mid-range Android is typically made up of last year’s top models. This is not to suggest, however, that there’s not a one-off model or variation that sneaks in every once in a while. Specs, as you can imagine, are often a step below. Processors, cameras, and batteries are sometimes the key difference though many of them also feature a screen resolution of 720p or 1080p. What follows what could be considered some of Verizon’s middle-of-the-pack handsets.
- LG G2: One of LG’s breakout devices over the last few years, the smartphone was the first to employ the rear button setup. Killer hardware and a refined UI make this one hard to resist even a year later. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4: Quite possibly one of the most popular handsets ever, this Samsung features a 5-inch 1080p display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 2600mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Maxx: Centered around its all-day battery life, the Droid Maxx is one big and powerful device. As often is the case with these signature Motorola handsets, this one features Kevlar coating and a splashproof screen. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Mini: Still powerful enough for the typical smartphone user, this Droid is smaller in hand. At 4.3-inches it might feel diminutive by today’s standards, however it gets the job done. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC Desire 612: As a budgeted approach to the flagship One M8, you’ll find slightly less powerful hardware and a plastic housing. The 4.7-inch qHD display looks sharp and shows off the modern approach to HTC’s Sense UI. Verizon
- HTC One Remix: Also an offshoot of the One M8, this HTC packs a 4.5-inch screen and eschews Ultrapixels in favor of 13-megapixels. The front-facing 5-megapixel shooter is a selfie-lover’s dream. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G Vista: A twist on the flagship G3, the G Vista boasts a massive 5.7-inch HD display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Toss in a 3200mAh battery and a quad-core CPU and you’ve got an excellent option for plus-sized smartphone lovers. Verizon | Best Buy
Entry-level
- LG Lucid 3: Employing the more traditional button configuration, LG’s phone comes with a 4.7-inch qHD display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and 1.2GHz quad-core chipset. Still present are some of LG’s custom software enhancements. Verizon | Best Buy
- Kyocera Brigadier: The most, if only, rugged Android in Verizon’s lineup today, the Brigadier can withstand water, dirt, drops, and even tough weather conditions. Strong enough to get the job done, you’ll get a 4.5-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, too. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: A smaller take on the 2013 flagship model, the S4 Mini has a very pocketable 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel rear shooter, and plenty of Samsung software features. Verizon
- Droid Razr M: Thanks to a 4.3-inch, nearly edge-to-edge screen, this Droid simply feels great in hand. Kevlar coating and a scratch resistant glass make this one tough phone. Specs, including software, are a step behind the others listed here. Verizon | Best Buy
The post Verizon Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG says LG G3 Android Lollipop update is coming before the end of 2014
Closely following the news that the Samsung Galaxy S5’s Android Lollipop update might be coming sometime in December, a rumour has emerged that says the LG G3 Android Lollipop update will also be arrive before the end of the year. This information was apparently conveyed by the European branch of LG which promised its Dutch and Belgian LG G3 customers that the update would be coming before the end of 2014.
This is a relatively ambitious timeline from LG which didn’t get out the LG G2 Android KitKat update out until February/March earlier this year. Still, it’s always good to hope, and it’s obviously in LG’s best interests to make its best selling flagship so far the best it can be, particularly in a climate that now actually has competitors with Quad HD displays to rival the G3’s.
What do you think about the LG G3 Android Lollipop update schedule? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: TechTastic via Phone Arena
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LG G3 Spigen Slim Armor review
I hate to put cases on my beautiful new smartphones, it always seemed so awkward to me. Sure, I understand that smartphones are expensive and break easily, but why should I cover up my brand new phone. Someone at LG spent a lot of time and effort designing the G3, covering it up seems almost sacrilegious. Well, after a few days with my new phone, I began to realize I had a problem. The G3 is a wonder to behold, but can be slippery when trying to use it one handed. After a near miss with a toilet bowl, I decided I needed to take some precautions.
I decided I needed a case that met three conditions: It needed to add some grip, keep the slim profile of the G3 intact and look decent. There is certainly no shortage of cases out there and I quickly found a few that looked interesting. There was the LG circle case, some OtterBox type cases and your typical hard plastic snap on jobs. None of these suited my needs really: too big, no grip, ugly, etc. Finally, I came across Spigen Slim Armor. I quickly decided that this was the case for me.
The Spigen Slim Armor case is made of two pieces, a soft rubber in piece and a hard plastic outer shell. The first piece is a grippy, rubber feeling inner sleeve that slips on right over your phone. The second piece is made of hard plastic and snaps on over the soft inner core. The soft inner piece adds grip and aids in shock absorption. The hard plastic piece holds everything together, while adding a bit of armor.
Once the case is on it feels great. It adds very little bulk to the G3 and provides a border of soft rubber that greatly enhances grip. While it’s not as attractive as a naked G3, I’m happy with how it looks. In the past I’ve used cases that make it impossible to attach headphones or charging cables. The Slim Armor should fit just about any connector you can throw at it. The 3.5mm connector on my RHA earbuds is pretty bulky, but fits with no problem.
The one complaint that I have, is that it takes a bit of effort to hit the volume buttons on the back of the G3, it would be nice if the cutout for the volume rocker tapered a bit. This is a minor issue that I got over quickly, I actually came to appreciate the design because it eliminated accidental button presses.
After using this case for about a month, I feel confidant that it will stand up to most abuse. My phone has survived a number of small drops and one big one. While juggling my backpack, water bottle and other items, I dropped my phone as I got out of my SUV. As I watched my phone fall to the pavement, screen first, I was sure that my phone was done for. When I picked it up, much to my amazement, there wasn’t a scratch on it.
As much as I hate to cover up my G3, I’m glad that I decided to purchase this case. It offers great protection in a package that isn’t ugly or bulky. If you pair your phone with a screen protector and Spigen Slim Armor your phone should be able to stand up to just about anything. You can find Spigen Slim Armor on Amazon. It fits a wide variety of phones and comes in a number of colors. The case retails for about $25, but you can get it now for $17.99.
Via Amazon
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AT&T to carry LG G3 Vigor on September 23
AT&T on Monday announced that it, too, will soon offer the LG G3 Vigor. As a lower-cost and lesser-powered take on the flagship G3, this one features a 5-inch display, an 8-megapixel rear camera (with Auto Laser focus), front-facing 1.3-megapixel snapper. Powered by Android 4.4 KitKat, the G3 Vigor also features LG’s signature apps and UI tweaks including Knock Code, Gesture Shutter, and QuickMemo+.
The G3 Vigor is capable of HD Voice from AT&T and will be offered for $49.99 with a two-year service agreement. Alternatively, customers can opt for an AT&T Next plan and spread payments out. With a total off-contract cost of $334.99, options are $13.96 a month with Next 18 (24 months), $16.75 a month with Next 12 (20 months). AT&T is also announcing a limited time promotion which sees the LG G Pad 7.0 LTE selling for $.99 with a two-year service plan. Yes, you’ll have to sign both up for their own plans, but that’s essentially a free, 4G LTE-connected tablet in the process.
As is the case with other smartphones under Ma Bell, the G3 Vigor qualified for the $100 bill credit for new activations.
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Going large: LG G3 billboard gets Guinness World Record awarded for largest outdoor advertising structure ever
LG really wants you to buy a LG G3. How much, you ask? Well, they just got awarded a Guinness World Record for a LG G3 billboard that they put up next to the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. The 240 metre wide and 12 meter high structure is the largest outdoor advertising structure in the world, and allegedly uses 1,800 tons of steel in its almost 3000 square meter construction. The real question is whether the billboard will be worth it and LG is so far saying yes, quoting the 20 million visitors that pass through the airport every year which they expect will result in $25 million more revenue every year.
LG says it’s also going to reuse the billboard in the future – while it’s advertising the LG G3 now, future devices may take up all or some of the billboard’s space. The LG G3 is of course LG’s crown jewel for 2014, and its no small wonder that it has been so popular globally. For quite awhile, it was the only major flagship device with a Quad HD display, making great use of its 5.5-inch display, powered by the equally impressive Snapdragon 805 – or 801, depending on your region – which puts it in very unique company at the top of the Android device charts.
What do you think about LG’s giant LG G3 billboard? Do you think manufacturers really need advertising this big? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: LG via Phone Arena
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LG offering free 3,000mAh battery & battery charging cradle with G3 purchase
LG on Tuesday announced a new, limited-time promotion which sees the handset maker essentially doubling the battery life of the G3. Already a beast at 3,000mAh, the promo gives buyers a second battery and a charging cradle at no additional cost. The deal is worth approximately $70 and is offered to anyone who buys the LG G3 at an authorized retailer or wireless provider. Hurry, the offer only lasts through September 22.
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The LG G3 will be LG’s first smartphone to sell over 10 million handsets
If you were ever wondering exactly how well the LG G3 has been doing for its manufacturer, LG, you need not look past this news courtesy of The Korea Times. According to the Times, the LG G3 is on track to sell 10 million handsets, the first of LG’s smartphones to achieve the feat. This comes on the back of LG shipping 14.5 million handsets in one quarter earlier this year, resulting in a 16% profit increase and snapping a streak of quarterly losses.
It wasn’t specified exactly when the milestone will be reached, but given the sales pace that it showed in Korea, it’s clear that the device is by far LG’s most popular and should cross the threshold sooner rather than later. Thanks to selling points like being the first smartphone to launch with a Quad HD display and featuring a OIS+ enhanced 13MP camera with lots of gadgets, the LG G3 was supremely equipped to take the smartphone world by storm pre-IFA – we’ll see if anyone has an answer to LG’s best in a few weeks in Berlin.
What do you think about the LG G3 making the 10 million handset milestone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Korea Times via Phone Arena
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LG G3 Stylus is official! Don’t get too excited Though
Looks like LG decided it was time to take the wraps off the LG G3 Stylus, and I don’t mean just a stylus for your current G3. No, I mean a totally new device. As the name would suggest, it does offer the wondrous stylus pen and carry the G3 flagship name scheme. Much like the LG G3 Beat though, this is just a spin-off device that packs a fairly excitable line of specs. It does look pretty though, minus those hideous on-screen nav keys. What’s up with the white LG? Clear I can do, even a solid black, but that solid white in the images is just atrocious.
As for specs:
- 1.3GHz quad-core processor ( no mention on which one in the press release.)
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB internal storage
- Micro SD slot
- 5.5-inch qHD display at 960 x 540
- 13MP rear camera
- 1.3MP front shooter
- 3,000 mAh battery (removable)
- Android 4.4.2
- Will be in Black, White and Gold
Another interesting bit of information from the press release also tosses out the network type as 3G. Seems like, at least right now, that this won’t really be looking like a device that will be headed stateside. It is possible that a 4G LTE variant could become a thing at a later date though. LG doesn’t offer much in the way of a price tag either, simply stating a “fairly-priced package.” The LG G3 Stylus will pack in a number of the same software features as its higher-end cousin tough. Features like Knock Code and dual-window along with Gesture Shot and QuickMemo+.
LG will have the device on hand at IFA next week and we are sure to see more of the device pop up online then.
I can understand the need to cover the various price points with a flagship branded device, but I still find it rather annoying. Especially with something like this. I was fully expecting a G3 with a pen stylus and few new apps designed for it with maybe a few tweaks to the hardware. It will do well for those that can’t spring for something a bit more pricey, like the upcoming Note 4, and should fare well for LG.
Source: LG Via Android Police
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AIVAnet 