If your mobile phone has fallen behind the times lately – and with new models and features coming out almost on a daily basis, that’s quite likely – maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. While you could spend your time browsing smartphone retailers, we’ve made the job a bit easier by listing some of the hottest phones available at the moment.
One of the best Android smartphones around, if not the best, the Galaxy S3 has a lot going for it. The recent update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean means it’s slicker and faster than ever, and it’s lightweight but still hard-wearing thanks to the extra-tough, scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass front. It also recently benefited from an upgrade to support 4G, the super-fast mobile service currently only offered by EE, although more networks are expected to roll it out over the course of this year. With a 4.8-inch display, quad-core processor, super-long battery life and great features like voice recognition and the ability to beam video files between S3s, it’s still a great prospect for those who are committed to Android.
Apple iPhone 5
Perhaps the most anticipated smartphone model in history, the iPhone 5 holds its own against almost any contenders. The longer screen allows for more app icons than any previous iPhone, and the etched aluminium back makes it feel sturdier and grippier than earlier models. It’s also considerably thinner and lighter, despite the taller screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio that’s perfect for watching movies. The layout and functionality of the operating system remains much the same, but that’s good news for Apple fans who’ve grown used to doing things a particular way – and added features like Facebook integration are definitely welcome. Fortunately, you don’t even have to use Apple Maps now that Google Maps runs just fine – we won’t tell if you don’t.
Google Nexus 4
Powered by a quad-core, 1.5GHz processor that runs Android 4.2 like a dream and 2GB of RAM, the Nexus 4 certainly takes some beating – particularly for the price. A high-definition 4.7-inch screen means it’s perfect for watching TV and movies on the go, and the 8-megapixel camera is certainly on a par with rivals like the S3 and iPhone 5. For those on a budget, this may be one of the few high-end phones you can afford to buy outright. However, there is one drawback – no 4G support. This probably won’t be a problem as the service will remain expensive for a while yet, but when it becomes standard in the years to come it will definitely count against the Nexus 4.