Best Smartphones Of

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

In 2013, many smartphone models were released, but only a few were remembered by users, and this is quite natural. CNET has presented a ranking of the best smartphones of the outgoing year. Which models from leading manufacturers have earned praise or criticism - read this review.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4

This is probably a surprise to some, but the Galaxy S4 has officially become the top-selling model in the US, and more than deservedly so. Thanks to a nimble 4-core processor, a first-class 13-megapixel camera and rich functionality of the proprietary TouchWiz interface. With its help, without downloading third-party software, you can do almost everything that is required, including remote work with a TV / DVR. Plus support for NFC technology, a microSD slot, Android 4.2.2 and a battery that even a housewife can change. And in the end - it's just cute and fits comfortably in your hand.

But what about without a fly in the ointment? Compared to competitors, the display is dull, the power button is rather awkward and inconvenient, and the plastic case does not correspond to the high status of the flagship of the line. The set of applications "for all occasions" is convenient, but redundant, it would not hurt to reduce it to reasonable limits, and in the case of the camera, the opposite is true - not all the declared functions work as we would like. Therefore, the conclusion is this: if you need a large, convenient, functional smartphone and are not too lazy to tinker with the settings, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the best choice.

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2. Google Nexus 5

Until recently, smartphones from Google were liked only by fans of the brand and no one else. The Nexus 5 was able to change everything and immediately became in demand, the latest version of Android 4.4 KitKat, the display with a resolution of 1080p and LTE support. The last factor is perhaps the decisive one - the audience appreciated the ability to connect to the networks of different telecom operators and the excellent quality of data transmission. Plus, increased battery life and deeper integration with Google services - who doesn't like it?

On the other hand, the same KitKat was created to optimize support for old systems and hardware, but there are depressingly few interesting innovations in it. The smartphone's camera is capricious, not everyone has the patience to "curb" it, and the screen is not as bright as we would like in some cases. However, almost all of this is more than offset by the low cost, and given the high performance in general, we get one of the best smartphones on the market. At least in the Nexus series, the 5th model is by far the smartest.

3. Motorola Droid Maxx

Do not count those on the planet who are dissatisfied with their expensive smartphone, which is discharged before the end of the working day. This year, their number has slightly decreased due to the fact that some users have switched to Motorola Droid Maxx - a phone that honestly works at full load for 48 hours. In addition, it is large, beautiful, efficient and has a very practical and pleasant interface. For example, it recognizes voice commands and can take great photos.

Alas, compared to other Android smartphones, the Motorola Droid Maxxobscenely expensive. In fact, this is its only drawback, however, it covers many advantages and therefore the device takes the third place in the rating with a reservation. Namely, if we take into account the price with the contract from the operator when assessing. In this case, the cost of the smartphone will be $ 200, but such offers, alas, are not practiced in Russia.

4. Apple iPhone 5s

Many expected more and some were disappointed that the manufacturer introduced so few innovations. However, everyone noticed and appreciated the 64-bit A7 processor, smartly upgraded camera and fingerprint scanner. Called Touch ID, this option is not the first of its kind, but its implementation is the best of all. The new iOS 7 leverages the power of your smartphone, including the all-new M7 motion coprocessor. Other benefits include the free iWork suite, AirDrop and Android Control Center.

On the bad side - the 4-inch display does not look at all against the background of more spacious screens from competitors. In addition, there are almost no applications for the A7, M7, the much-praised TouchID service (apart from Apple's demo ones )that would enable them to be fully utilized. And some of the new options and interface elements in iOS 7 simply baffle old fans of Apple products. But all this does not prevent the iPhone 5s from remaining the flagship of the lineup and a role model.

5. Nokia Lumia 1020

A smartphone built to revive public interest in camera phones - the Lumia 1020 is designed to take photos and videos - that says it all. No one, absolutely none of the analogs on the market can boast of a 41 Mp camera with Carl Zeiss optics and a powerful xenon flash. The pictures taken with the phone simply have a huge resolution and incredible detail, a real photographer with Lumia 1020 in his hands creates masterpieces easily and comfortably. That's it, the benefits are over.

The disadvantages are natural - by focusing on the camera, the designers somehow lost sight of the fact that most users use more than just it. And if it clicks the shutter, then in passing, without delving into the jungle of settings and using templates and presets. Besides, the price paid for such a large camera was the increased dimensions of the device and the price - the difference of $ 100 with the most productive analogs is not in favor of Nokia. This means that a good half of potential buyers will pass by without hesitation, having made a choice in favor of cheap phones. But there are enough of those who love "photo hunting" in the world - the 5th place in this rating of Nokia Lumia 1020 is well deserved.

6. HTC One

When discussing the looks of smartphones released in 2013, it's easy to see that no Android gadget compares to the HTC One in this regard. An all-aluminum body versus cheap plastic, a well-thought-out stylish design with a twist - this model certainly stands out even among the flagships. Including, the stuffing presented by a 4-core Snapdragon 600 processor, an elegant UltraPixel camera and an updated proprietary Sense UI. The Android Jelly Bean system, unlike the new KitKat, works almost flawlessly, and the set comes with a set of intelligent software for working with the camera. And the pictures taken with it are conveniently viewed in 1080p resolution on the 4.7-inch screen.

Indeed, there is little negative, for example, the BlinkFeed application, which disappointed many, cannot be completely removed. And the beautiful one-piece metal case lacks a slot for memory cards, in addition, replacing the battery without a visit to the service center is almost impossible. However, if we close our eyes to this, then it turns out that HTC One is almost the best smartphone from the existing - so many think.

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7. LG G2

It is believed that to demonstrate scientific and technological progress and the level that smartphone manufacturers have reached, it is necessary to use the flagship model from LG. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 800 processor, the most powerful member of the series to date, an excellent, very clear, contrasting and spacious 5.2-inch display with 1080p resolution. Plus, a very good built-in camera and invisible, but quite tangible work of engineers - in this device everything works very quickly and clearly.

But with usability for everyone who takes the LG G2 for the first timein the hands, problems usually arise - the control buttons have migrated to the rear panel. According to laboratory studies, this should be more convenient, and the same is said about some new options in the software. But, in practice, for some reason, it takes too long to get used to "intuitive" innovations. There is also no microSD card support here, and in general the LG G2 is best described this way - if you agree to compromise and get used to the inconvenience, then this super-fast smartphone is the perfect choice.

8. Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Recognized as the king of tablets, the Galaxy Note 3 is powerful and feature-rich. It just has a luxurious 5.7-inch screen and a smart S Pen stylus in the kit, and an abundance of specially adapted applications helps users to use the gadget in any area of life - with continued success. Interestingly, this rather large and resource-intensive device is equipped with a very decent battery and lasts longer than many compact smartphones. There is nothing to say about the high quality of photos and sound - no complaints have been identified.

But, all this does not get to the user for free, it costs Samsung Galaxy Note 3significantly more expensive than many competitors. And at the same time "dressed" in a somewhat awkward outfit, consisting of an artificial leather back cover and a plastic case - an unfortunate blunder of designers. This is naturally annoying for some, since it is problematic to use the Galaxy Note 3 as a fashion gadget. But, otherwise, this model is just an excellent example of a modern tablet phone.

9. Pantech Discover

A dark horse, an unexpected newcomer, whose appearance almost went unnoticed. And it would be a shame, because the Pantech smartphone with the name Discover is a reliable, ergonomic and at the same time very affordable device. No kidding, the cost of the phone together with the contract of the American telecom operator AT & T is only $ 50 - even among inexpensive Android gadgets there are not enough such offers.

True, despite all its positive qualities, it is a little outdated and uses the version of Android 4.0 OS, which Google has already made history. And other functionality brings back memories of past years - to the level of the modern Discover smartphonefalls a little short. There will certainly be a buyer for such a product, and for a reasonable combination of good performance and price, Pantech's Discover got into this rating.

10. Motorola Moto X

Everyone understands that this smartphone has far from top-end characteristics, although it is quite powerful and functional. Available: S4 processor, Adreno 320 graphics module, voice command recognition option and more. The battery life inspires optimism, the construction and design of the device are thought out, the Android operating system has all the known advantages. But, it distinguishes the ability to mimicry from the gray mass of Moto X, in other words, its appearance can take on an almost endless number of options - for every taste.

Beauty and personality are certainly very attractive factors, but with the Moto X's screeneverything is not so smooth - it would be possible to install something brighter and more. The lack of a memory card slot raises a natural question - what about those who can only purchase a 16 GB model? If these aspects are irrelevant, then yes, the Motorola Moto X is an excellent example of an inexpensive and unusual Android budget.

11. Nokia Lumia 925

When developing this model, we relied on two factors: an aluminum body and a powerful camera. With the first, everything is clear, the reaction of people to a solid metal is unchanged and positive, even though it has plastic inserts. And the PureView camera with an 8.7 megapixel sensor is perfectly adapted for filming in semi-darkness and can give odds to many flagships. It remains to add a good price and it turns out a worthy candidate for conquering a certain niche in the market.

But not the leader's place, because Nokia Lumia 925 is too bulky and angular, it is inconvenient to carry it in a tight pocket because of the sharp corners of the body. In general, this model is good as a mid-range smartphone with Windows Phone on board. But, for lovers of style, perhaps the older Lumia 1020 is more suitable.

12. LG Optimus G Pro

Well tailored, but not well thought out and therefore at the bottom of the list. The Optimus G Pro has a good Snapdragon 600 processor, a pretty decent 5.5-inch Full HD 1080p display, and a 13MP camera. There is support for LTE and an abundance of high-quality applications, the price is also not scary - in short, the newcomer is good for everyone.

But with such and such a screen and without a stylus it is completely uncomfortable, but there is no trace of it. Plus, increased power consumption - it seems that nobody tried to solve this problem. The specifications are, of course, high and it makes a good impression. So much so that the LG Optimus G Pro can be preferred over the Samsung Galaxy Note.

See also:

• iPhone 5s is the best-selling smartphone in October.
• Tablets in 2013: Leaders, Outsiders and General Trends.
• Google: iPhone 5s is the most popular smartphone in the world.
• IOS superiority over Android in terms of device support dates (graph).
• The Best Movies, Apps, Albums, and Podcasts of 2013, according to the iTunes Store.