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Best smartphones for 2013

Posted on 20 May 2013 at 15:06

Choose the best smartphone for 2013 with our reviews of seven top models

With high-quality smartphones from Samsung, Apple and Google, and other big names including Nokia, HTC and Motorola also in the running, choosing the right handset isn't easy.

We’ve rounded up the best smartphones to help you choose which one to buy. Whether you’re after a top-of-the-range handset or a mid-range option, we’ve got you covered.

Read our feature: Mobile data: how much do you need?

HTC One

The HTC One is the best-looking phone we’ve ever seen, and it doesn’t only stand out because of its stunning aluminium exterior. The build quality is top-notch, and its 1080p screen delivers unmatched quality across the 4.7in diagonal.

The Snapdragon 600 processor is the most powerful we’ve ever seen in a smartphone, delivering benchmark results that are close to the Samsung Galaxy S4 (below). Battery life doesn’t suffer despite the extreme levels of power, and the latest version of Sense is excellent, too: smooth, easy to use, and with sensible additions throughout.

HTC has managed to pack in a decent camera and punchy, well-balanced audio, too. The One is a phone with very few weaknesses – if you want the ultimate smartphone right now, this is what you need to buy.

Click here to read our full review of the HTC One

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will be one of the year’s most successful smartphones, boasting the quality to put most of its competitors in the shade. The 5in, Full HD screen is pin-sharp and serves up rich colours, and it’s the fastest phone we’ve ever had in the Labs – its quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor broke most of our benchmark records.

It’s better than ever on the outside thanks to improved build quality, and it’s still possible to get inside to add extra storage or replace the battery. Samsung’s TouchWiz software is crammed with features, even if some of those feel too gimmicky for our liking. Only the HTC One can best the Samsung Galaxy S4, but this is a fine alternative.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Apple iPhone 5

The latest version of the iPhone 5 boasts a larger, higher-resolution screen than any Apple smartphone, but that's not the only area that impresses. The chassis is slimmer, lighter and more stylish than before, and the Apple App Store is still the standard-bearer for smartphone software. You'll pay the usual premium for it, though.

Read our full Apple iPhone 5 review

Nexus 4

Google's latest home-grown handset sold out in 15 minutes when it first went on sale, and it's easy to see why. It has the latest version of Android, it's fast, and the hardware - made by LG - is top-notch. There's the price, too: both the 16GB and 32GB SIM-free models cost less than £300. If you're an Android fan and want a top-quality phone without a contract, look no further.

Read our full Nexus 4 review