1. Apple iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
Apple surprised me by
launching a device as large as the iPhone 6 Plus, but after spending nearly two months with it I am convinced the iPhone 6
Plus is nearly the perfect device for me.
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The elegant
hardware design, industy-leading app store, vast accessory market, and
consistent user experience make the iPhone the top choice. I've discovered that
the camera is also tough to beat, both in terms of quality and usability. While
many other devices offer compelling camera experiences, Apple's implementation
of time-lapse videos, slow motion, and HDR are incredible.
The Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus remain the most expensive
smartphones available today with full prices ranging from $649 to $949 and
two-year contract subsidized prices ranging from $199 to $499. For those of us
who use our smartphones daily as an essential tool, the cost is justified.
2. Sony Xperia Z3
One of the reasons I returned my Sony Xperia Z2 was
because it wasn't available on a US carrier. Thankfully, Sony was able to
launch the Xperia Z3 on T-Mobile and I bought one
after taking the eval unit for a spin.
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The Xperia Z3 is
waterproof, has a solid camera, offers a nearly pure Google experience, and has
an amazingly premium fit and finish. Specifications are at the top of the
Android line with a fast 2.5 GHz processor, 32GB integrated storage, 3GB RAM,
20.7-megapixel camera, microSD expansion card slot, and 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080
display.
My T-Mobile SIM
switches between the Z3 and iPhone 6 Plus, with the Z3 often getting more time
in my pocket due to its waterproof capability that lets me run with it in the
rain, the fantastic audio experience with the active noise-cancelling earbuds,
and the ability to access everything on the device through the Android
operating system.
3. New Moto X & Droid Turbo
The 2014 Moto X is one of the best Android
devices available with plenty of custom case options, nearly pure Google
experience, and fantastic Motorola experience enhancements. The Droid Turbo is a slightly larger Moto X
with a few tweaks made by Verizon Wireless.
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Some people are
concerned with the 2,300 mAh battery on the Moto X. Even though this is a
rather low capacity compared to other modern high-end smartphones, I have been
able to consistently get through a long day with the Moto X. The Droid Turbo
has a massive 3,900 mAh battery, but the high resolution display (2560 x 1140
pixels) ends up providing less than the two days that Motorola advertises.
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 4
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The Galaxy Note 4 is powered by a Snapdragon 805
quad-core processor, with a 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 Super AMOLED screen, 3GB of
RAM, 32GB internal storage with support for a microSD card, 16-megapixel
camera, 3.7-megapixel front-facing camera, and large 3220 mAh replaceable
battery.
If you like using
the S Pen for productivity, then the Note 4 is clearly a number one pick for
you. After seeing my wife's Galaxy S5 act up continuously after several months
of use, I am a bit apprehensive about buying a device with the TouchWiz
software.
5. Google Nexus 6
Google released the Nexus 6 with an initial
availability of devices that lasted for just a few minutes. Carrier launches
have been delayed and it may be difficult for
people to buy one in time for the holidays.
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Unlike previous
Nexus devices though, the Nexus 6 is not really lacking in any specification.
It has a large 5.92-inch x resolution display, Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB
RAM, 32/64 GB internal storage, large 3,900 mAh battery, 20-megapixel camera,
Qi wireless charging, and water resistance. This is the one device I have yet
to test, but reports are that the camera is rather lackluster and the massive
capacity battery does not perform as well as it should.
6. HTC One M8 for Windows
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The HTC One M8 for
Windows launched on Verizon, but has since come to AT&T with T-Mobile
rolling it out soon as well. The camera experience is good, but like the
Android version it captures limited detail with the UltraPixel lens. Since most
people use their phones for social networking and online sharing, this may not
be a concern for the masses.
The metal design
feels great in your hand, the LCD display looks fantastic, and the device is
very responsive.
7. BlackBerry Passport
I honestly thought I would never include another
BlackBerry in a top ten smartphone list, but the BlackBerry Passport seriously
impressed me .I purchased my own after reading early reviews and am glad I did.
The BlackBerry
Passport has specifications that beat nearly every
smartphone today and comes in a unique form factor that is optimized for
productivity.
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The BlackBerry
Passport has a 4.5-inch 1440 x 1440 pixel resolution display, full hardware
QWERTY keyboard, 13-megapixel camera, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, microSD
card slot, and large 3,450 mAh battery.
If unified
communications is important to you, then it will be tough to beat the awesome
BlackBerry Hub. You can pick up the unlocked BlackBerry Passport for $599 to
use with T-Mobile or AT&T in the US.
8. Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 remains the best Windows Phone
available today and has just about everything you could want in a smartphone.
This includes one of the best cameras available on a phone, microSD expansion
card slot, large high-resolution display, Qi wireless charging, extremely long
battery life, and the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1.
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Windows Phone 8.1
itself is a satisfying OS with the best personal assistant in Cortana, a very
functional Action Center, nearly perfect folder implementation on the home screen,
and more. I bought the unlocked 1520.3 and could not be happier with a Windows
Phone device. It is a bit sad that we have gone a year without any new high-end
Lumia devices or further rollout of the Lumia 1520.
9. LG G3
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The LG G3 is still
a great choice with the microSD card slot, removable battery, fantastic camera,
and innovative rear button design. You get a massive 5.5 inch display in a
reasonable form factor thanks to some of the smallest bezels you can find on a
smartphone.
The LG G3 is
available now on all major US carriers and since it has been out now for
several months, you can find some good deals and plenty of accessories.
10. HTC One M8 Android
The new HTC One (M8)
Android is a nice upgrade to the M7 in most regards. It is
one of the fastest smartphones available today. The camera is often referred to
as the Achilles heel of this phone, but honestly the photos are just fine for
social networks and sharing photos online with family and friends.
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You can purchase
the One M8 on all carriers and it remains an excellent choice.
As I stated in the
beginning, we all have our preferences and you may have a different order for
these high-end smartphones. I think this list covers the full top ten, but if
you have another recommendation I would love to hear about it too.
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