Monday, August 31, 2015
The smartphone which makes you VIP
Best smartphones 2015: The
best phones available to buy
today
So, you want to buy a new phone? If you're looking for the
best smartphone of 2015, you've come to the right place.
We will guide you through the hottest mobile phones of the
year to save you time when you go to your local phone
shop.
We continually update this best smartphones feature to
reflect recent launches, recognise price changes, and
ensure 2015's latest devices appear alongside the best of
2014 (and before, if applicable). All the listed devices have
been fully reviewed by us.
We're at a time of change in smartphones - new models are
incoming, old models are falling by the wayside and the
desirability of some of last year's models are waning.
We're also spoiled for choice, with even budget handsets
delivering increasingly fast processing power and quality
design.
Our best smartphones list covers all operating systems, all
sizes, and prices, so you'll be armed with everything you
need to consider when choosing to buy your next device. Of
course, the most important factor in buying a new device is
making sure you have the best smartphone for you. The
best for your budget, the features you need, the size that
feels right and platform that suits you best.
Be sure to let us know what you think is the best
smartphone in the comments below.
21. Microsoft Lumia 735
The Lumia 735 was launched alongside the Lumia 830, but
it manages to match the specs and beat the price of its
launch buddy, making it an interesting device.
It offers a great Windows Phone experience packed into a
handset that, thanks to its 4.7-inch screen, is not too big
and plenty affordable. It offers the latest Windows Phone
8.1 with Lumia Denim, which sees Microsoft's mobile
devices getting stronger all the time.
There's a great pairing of cameras too. There's a lovely
front 5-megapixel camera to the front and a rear 6.7-
megapixel camera on the rear. Although the rear camera
isn't the highest resolution, it's a good performer and offers
Zeiss optics.
It's not the most powerful handset around, but at just £189
the Lumia 735 is difficult to ignore.
Buy if you want a great all-rounder without spending a
fortune.
FULL REVIEW: Microsoft Lumia 735 review
20. Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 is a pure Google phablet and that's one of its
strengths: it offers a stock Android experience, unfettered
by manufacturer additions. Not so long ago that was a huge
differentiator, but thanks to faster update cycles and
Google's gradual unbundling of many of the Android apps -
including the Google Now Launcher - the Nexus experience
isn't as rare as it used to be.
However, the Nexus 6 is large. It takes the Moto X design
and scales it up to a 6-inches screen device, which may be
too large for some. That screen does mean plenty of space
to play and you get a great Quad HD high-resolution
display, along with powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
innards to keep everything moving along at pace. However,
compared to something like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 the
Nexus 6 doesn't show off that extra screen real-estate with
any extra features to benefit from it.
You still have the advantage of fast update times, being
head of the list for Google, but as a phablet, we think you
might find Samsung's offering more enticing. If price
comes into it then the £499 price point meant the Nexus
isn't hugely expensive, which adds further appeal.
Buy the Nexus 6 because you absolutely have to definitely
have the pure Android on the big screen.
FULL REVIEW: Nexus 6 review
19. LG G Flex 2
The LG G Flex 2 might be something of a surprise entry in
our list of best smartphones. The curved display format is
unconventional and might not appeal to everyone, which
may make it a non-starter for some.
But this is one of a new-generation of smartphones, a
device that's packed with power from the Qualcomm
Snapdragon 810 chipset. It's a great size at 5.5-inches,
although the display on the devices we've seen so far
aren't as capable as some of the flat rivals.
There's a great camera on the back too, but the software
throughout the device isn't as slick and smooth as some
competitors, even those on older hardware. We know that
LG is looking to clean things up, but there are some
compromises for wanting to be different.
Buy the LG G Flex 2 because you want something unique.
FULL REVIEW: LG G Flex 2 review
18. OnePlus One
It's rare that an outsider jumps into the elite ranks, even
rarer that it's widely lauded. The OnePlus One managed
this, capturing the attention of smartphone lovers, not only
for offering great value for money, but with viral marketing
and a degree of exclusivity: it's not always been the easiest
phone to get hold of.
When you do part with the £220-odd that you'll be asked to
pay, you're left with a device that's powerful and has plenty
of battery life, all on a budget. It also comes pre-loaded
with CyanogenMod - which is a custom version of Android,
so you get all the usual Google goodies, plus some extra -
which means a range of tinkering options are available
from the off.
There are some downsides, of course, like some network
compatibility issues (Vodafone and O2 4G bands aren't
supported in the UK, so it's 3G only) and being tricky to
buy. But if you've got one, you'll be the envy of your
friends.
Buy the OnePlus One because you know where to get one.
FULL REVIEW: OnePlus One review
17. Huawei Ascend Mate 7
Huawei has been looking to break into the top flight of
smartphones for some time, and not without good results.
Perhaps not as widely regarded as some rivals, there's no
doubting that Huawei has come on a long way, and is
selling a lot of phones.
The Mate 7 is its latest crack at the phablet, with a 6-inch
full HD display and a metal design that's a far cry from the
budget phones the company is known for. It's a big device,
of course, but you get all that space to play.
There's plenty of customisation to the Android UI, some of
which is really useful, presenting plenty of options, even if
some of the design choices might not be to everyone's
tastes. The long battery life, however, will be. The sub-£400
asking price is also appealing - if, that is, you can get hold
of it in the UK.
Buy the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 to get a great phablet
experience without the cost.
FULL REVIEW: Huawei Ascend Mate 7 review
16. Nokia Lumia 930
The latest Lumia flagship is the 930. It refines the 925
offering, in a handset that's a little big chunkier (at 9.8mm
thick), but nonetheless solidly built.
The Lumia 930 offers the new pinnacle of the Windows
Phone experience. There's a great 5-inch Full HD display, a
wonderful camera on the back and some of the latest
software from Microsoft, dabbed with Lumia additions.
With the Lumia Denim upgrade, it makes Windows Phone
more compelling than ever before.
There's no shortage of tech packed into the brightly-
coloured handset, with optical image stabilisation on its
camera and wireless charging for the battery.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 930 because you want the best of
Windows Phone.
FULL REVIEW: Nokia Lumia 930 review
15. Motorola Moto G 4G (2014)
The Motorola Moto G took a lot of people by surprise.
Motorola wasn't content with the original, so updated with
microSD card support and 4G, making for a cracking
device.
The Moto G 4G is a fantastic smartphone and incredible
value for money that's difficult to ignore. With a price as
low as £150, if you're on a budget, this is the handset to
choose. The Moto G has now been updated with a 2015
model, but the newer version is larger and loses some of
the charm of the earlier Moto G 4G in our view.
Take the price out of the equation and you don't feel let
down. The design is great, the display is excellent and
there's plenty of power too. Yes, it will be out-performed by
any number of handsets, but those are handsets that will
cost you twice, if not three times, as much.
Better still, the Motorola Moto G was one of the first non-
Nexus devices to be upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop, as
it's pretty much stock Android with some Moto app extras.
Buy the Motorola Moto G 4G (2014) for the best 5-inch
Android experience in a budget handset.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto G (2014) review
14. Motorola Moto E (2015)
The Moto E is Motorola's play for the even more budget
section of the market, with a price tag of £109 seeing it as
even cheaper than the Moto G. However, in its 2015 form,
we find the Moto E is the best of the two for the balance of
size (it's now got a 4.5-inch screen), price and features. It
might not have the fastest processor in the world, but this
rarely affects use.
Principal to the Moto E is a great design - which now
includes interchangeable "Bands" for a lick of colour, as
shown in blue in the above photo - a good display, excellent
battery life and microSD support for expanding the internal
storage. Compared to the original 2014 model, the 2015
Moto E also adds a front-facing camera, a smoother
Android experience, as well as all-important 4G connectivity
for fast internet browsing.
Despite its low price point and slightly bulky build, the Moto
E has glimpses of premium about it. It's a brilliant handset
for just over the £100 mark and the budget handset to beat.
Buy the Motorola Moto E 2015 for the best Android
experience on a budget.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto E (2015) review
13. Apple iPhone 6 Plus
For years Apple was criticised for sticking to small displays,
while other platforms got bigger, giving more space to play.
That all changed with the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus,
which landed alongside the smaller iPhone 6.
The 6 Plus offers a lovely high-quality design, with an all-
metal body and a great 5.5-inch screen. This display curves
into the edges for an almost seamless design, but there's
no denying that this is a big handset overall. That's
matched by a big price too: starting at £619 it's more
expensive than most rivals.
There isn't a huge amount done to take advantage of the
large display either - a similar story to the Nexus 6 in that
regard; the Samsung Galaxy Note handsets offer more
custom features - but the 6 Plus offers a Full HD display
and plenty of power to take Apple into the realms of the
phablet.
Recent efforts from developers have seem more apps
optimised for use on the larger display with Netflix, as one
example, offering Full HD playback.
Buy the iPhone 6 Plus because you want big screen gaming
and entertainment, Apple style.
FULL REVIEW: Apple iPhone 6 Plus review
12. HTC Desire Eye
The HTC Desire Eye is something of a surprise package,
pitched as the selfie phone - but it's so much more than
that. Carrying a name from HTC's second tier of devices,
the experience it offers is far from sub-flagship.
The Desire Eye offers all the internal power of flagship rivals
and comes with a lovely full HD 5.2-inch display. It offers
HTC's mature Sense 6 user interface layered over Android,
with the latest HTC Eye experience bringing a boost to the
cameras.
The headline feature is the 13-megapixel front-facing
camera with flash. But this phone is great not because of
that camera, but despite it. The cameras perform well
enough, even if the front selfie camera is a little over sold.
But what you get is a flagship experience at a price that's
affordable at £399. You don't get the premium metal body
of the HTC One M8, but you do get a fun and well-built
phone with waterproofing.
Buy the HTC Desire Eye because you're a selfie fiend or
because you want near-flagship HTC performance at an
affordable price.
FULL REVIEW: HTC Desire Eye review
11. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung originally showcased the Note Edge as a limited
release device, but following a glowing reception, it landed
in stores in many territories. It was also the pre-cursor to
the Galaxy S6 edge, one of our favourite Android phones
ever.
The Galaxy Note Edge takes the Note 4 and curves one of
the display edges, giving you a range of shortcuts down one
side, adding extra functionality.
You get the plenty of power and a great camera, but the
battery takes a bit of a hit over the original Note 4 and,
although there are a lot of core features that take
advantage of the larger display, that curved edge perhaps
doesn't have the support or attention it needs - third-party
support isn't really there, so it doesn't feel like a feature you
absolutely must have.
It gives you a phone that's a little different, but we find it
hard to really get the benefit from the additional curved
area. It's also more expensive than the Note 4, at £700,
which is a lot to ask by any measure.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge because you want a
phablet with added functionality that's a little different.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note Edge review
10. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact succeeds by dominating its
unique position: it offers flagship power in a mid-range size.
For anyone looking for a portable powerhouse, the Sony
Xperia Z3 Compact is it.
Sony has also brought this handset to market at a price
that's aggressive for the package you get. At around £300
there's a lot of phone for your money.
The 4.6-inch 720p display is good, if not the highest
resolution at this size, but the outstanding feature is battery
life. This is a phone that goes on and on, surviving the
busiest days where larger rivals falter.
Mature user interface tweaks, waterproofing, great camera
performance and options galore will make the Xperia Z3
Compact the sort of device that power users will want -
without needing giant pockets (both in physical and cash
terms).
Buy the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact if you want the best
performance in a compact device.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
9. LG G3
The LG G3 was one of the first mainstream devices to step
out of the door with a Quad HD display (2560 x 1440
pixels), pushing the resolution further than its rivals. It's
5.5-inch panel is capable of incredibly sharp details (at
538ppi), but be warned - little content really makes use of
that resolution even a year later.
Although the G3 doesn't offer the same build quality as
many others, it's a good looking phone. But the real appeal
here is the size of the display crammed into that body: you
get a lot in your pocket.
LG has added plenty of smart functionality to the G3. There
are gestures and shortcuts to make your life easier, as well
as a range of functions to make use of all the display
space, like dual app views, although the battery life is
relatively weak.
There's a really impressive camera on the back which is
slick and performs well in most conditions. Add 4K video
capture to the list and you've a smartphone package that
sees you ready for the future. It also cost £275 SIM-free,
which is a bargain - likely because the leather-clad G4 is
just around the corner .
Buy the LG G3 because you want a big screen experience in
a manageable package.
FULL REVIEW: LG G3 review
8. Motorola Moto X (2014)
The Motorola Moto X was reborn for 2014 in its second-
generation guise. Boosted to offer a larger 5.2-inch display
than the original, the design of the Moto X sits nicely in the
hand, but most appealing of all are the options to
customise the design materials using Moto Maker -
including a leather back if that's what takes your fancy (and
it should).
The Moto X's unfettered Android experience is one of its
strengths, as is the speed of updates as new Android
versions come along. But at the same time its rivals are
much more fully featured, offering more straight out of the
box.
There's good battery performance and plenty of power on
offer at a price that undercuts most rivals. The weakness,
however, lies in the camera, which isn't a consistent
performer. There's also no microSD card which
many Android rivals offer, but the £419 price is appealing.
Buy the Moto X for a great Android experience with
unrivalled customisable design options to truly make your
own mark.
FULL REVIEW: Moto X (2014) review
7. Sony Xperia Z3
Sony has had a number of passes at its flagship Z-series
model. Fortunately, the Xperia Z3 is where it all comes
together, a case of third time's a charm.
The body design has been refined to the point where the
size now feels comfortable. Slimming the body pays
dividends, but so too does refining the edges and
construction. That's not all the Xperia Z3 offers though: the
5.2-inch display sits in front of powerful hardware that's
speedy in execution of all those tasks.
Sony runs a number of customisations to Android through
its own skin, but avoids the worst of duplication. Yes,
there's some bloat and things are geared towards those
using Sony's other services and products, but it doesn't
completely obliterate the Android experience in the process.
Then there's a great pair of cameras, the rear offering great
quality results and plenty of shooting options. This is the
best of Sony's handsets, the flagship device where Sony's
perseverance paid off. And at around £430, the price is
creeping down.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z3 for a powerful, waterproof, sharp-
shooting Android handset.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z3 review
6. HTC One M9
The HTC One M9 is in incremental upgrade of the HTC One
M8, one of our favourite 2014 phones. HTC has focused on
refinement in the M9, increasing the quality of the build and
the design to make it one of the most precisely
manufactured phones you'll find.
The aim was to preserve the good parts of the HTC One M8
and address the weaknesses of that device. The camera
has been boosted to 20-megapixels in place of last year's
Duo Camera efforts, but the performance is weaker than
many older rivals, especially in low-light conditions. The
front "Ultrapixel" camera offers good quality shots, but are
often blighted by a pink cast, again struggling in low-light
conditions.
The introduction of the Sense 7 brings a good helping of
refinement to one of the best user interfaces that you'll find
on Android. The BoomSound speakers are still class-
leading and there's plenty of power from the Qualcomm
Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM. The HTC One
M9 offers a microSD card slot for expansion too, which is a
real positive point.
However, the display remains the same, or slightly worse
than the M8, and the battery life hasn't advanced either.
The result is that the M9 feels like it hasn't advanced over
the excellent M8 and in some areas it has regressed. With
the M8 price falling, and due an upgrade to Sense 7, there's
an argument that you're getting much of the same from the
older device, for less cash than the M9's flagship price.
Buy the HTC One M9 for build quality, power and a mature
user interface.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One M9 review
5. HTC One M8
The HTC One M8 delivers design and user experience.
There's no doubt that this is a premium device at the top of
the Android pile. It's slick, fast and the refinement of Sense
6 (soon to be Sense 7 - enhancing the user experience and
rivalling the M9) adds plenty to Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Despite being replaced by the HTC One M9, above, it offers
many of the same advantages, with prices now slipping
down to around £330 SIM-free.
The M8 was once the best of 2014, in the top slot, but even
in 2015 it's still more than relevant. The design is great,
with a premium metal body offering a great feel in the hand.
But this handset isn't only good looking, it offers a great 5-
inch Full HD display with some of the best visuals you'll
find on a device at this size. We think the M8 has a better
display than the M9 too.
The camera is the relative weakness for this phone, with
the Duo Camera features not really appealing, and a feeling
that there's insufficient resolution in some shooting
conditions, even if the low-light performance is pretty good.
As this handset is older, it's not as powerful as more
modern rivals, but it's no slouch.
Buy the HTC One M8 for it's design and mature user
experience.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One M8 review
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung has long ruled the phablet roost and the 5.7-inch
Galaxy Note 4 cements its mastery with big handsets: it's a
sensational device, offering plenty of power from the
Snapdragon 805 chipset, and an included stylus - known as
the S Pen - for added feature functionality.
But even if you don't use a stylus, Samsung manages to
differentiate itself from the pack by filling the Note 4 with
features that really make use of the screen space and the
hardware. This isn't just about making a big phone, it's
about making it useful - with genuinely useful multi-tasking
features that other manufacturers simply don't offer. It's a
true workhorse, for work and play.
There may be some bloat and a feature too many, but
Samsung's software is neatly backed by some of the best
performing hardware around. There's a fantastic display,
plenty of power and endurance packed into a frame that's
been sympathetically designed. Oh, and then there's the
camera, which is amongst the best you'll find on an
Android handset.
If you're looking for the best big screen experience around,
then look to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review
3. Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
For many, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge should top this list.
It's everything that the SGS6 is, but with innovation in that
display design (or what some will see as nothing but design
excess). However, although these two phones are matched,
the S6 edge comes at a price premium which only really
extends to the design - there's not the more extensive
functionality as realised in the larger Note Edge to be found
here.
Yes, the curves to the display do lead to jaw-dropping
design, and that screen is punchy and vibrant, but we feel
they could do a little more. Perhaps that will change in the
future and bring justification for the £160 surcharge you
have to pay over the SGS6.
However, the edge offers the same slick user experience
that the SGS6 does. It's fast, powerful, with refinement in
the TouchWiz user interface that makes it better than ever
before. There's a fantastic camera on the rear that
produces great results with very little effort too.
It has the same shortcomings as the SGS6, namely that
there's no longer a removable battery or microSD support,
the display resolution doesn't really add a huge amount and
the waterproofing of the last-generation Galaxy S-series has
dried up.
But otherwise, this is a top-drawer smartphone experience.
It costs a lot to buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, but it
could be the most exciting phone of 2015. Can you justify
the extra cost just for the curved edges to the display?
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge because you want a
great phone that turns heads.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
2. Apple iPhone 6
After six months at the top, it's taken Samsung's latest
SGS6 phone to dislodge the iPhone 6 from number one.
The size of the iPhone 6, for starters, gives us the screen
space we've been asking for for years. It might not be the
highest resolution around, but it's a great quality display, a
real visual treat.
That's paired with design that's excellent. It's slick, with a
high quality finish, with this slightly bigger iPhone sitting
nicely in the hand. It looks great, it feels great, and it's a
pleasure to use.
The TouchID fingerprint-verification implementation is the
most effective we've seen, and with Apple Pay having an
impact in the US and coming to other countries, it could be
a key to unlocking much more than your just your phone.
The camera also offers great, consistent, results, with a
simplicity to use that many rivals lack. It might not pack in
the most megapixels, but it does give you great shots with
no fuss.
This is all wrapped in the refinement of iOS 8. Apple might
have been playing catch-up with Android in some areas of
its operating system, but in iOS 8 there's a consistency of
experience that some other platforms lack, not to mention
the huge developer support and an app experience that's
difficult to match.
Buy the iPhone 6 because you want a premium handset
offering a bigger Apple experience than ever before. Also
because it won Best Phone at the Pocket-lint Gadget
Awards 2014 .
FULL REVIEW: Apple iPhone 6 review
1. Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung needed change and the Samsung Galaxy S6 was
the result. Launched alongside the also excellent (but far
more expensive) Samsung Galaxy S6 edge , the S6 betters
its innovative brother by being more affordable for much
the same experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 ditches Samsung's tired design for
a body that's more interested in quality. There's no more
plastic, instead you have a slick body that turns heads,
comprising a metal frame which sandwiches Gorilla Glass
both front and back.
There's a fantastic display on the front. The Super AMOLED
panel gives deep blacks and plenty of colour vibrancy, only
really marred by not creating the cleanest whites around. It
offers a super-sharp Quad HD resolution, although it's
questionable whether this brings any real benefits in daily
use - the same criticism we have of all other handsets with
this resolution, but found here condensed into a 5.1-inch
display.
The SGS6 is slick and fast, with heaps of power from the
Exynos octa-core chipset and 3GB of RAM. It also supports
both common standards of wireless charging, which should
be of interest as the battery is no longer replaceable and the
battery life is a little on the short side. There's also no
microSD card slot any more due to the fixed body design.
However, the performance from the 16-megapixel rear
camera is one of the most consistent and impressive from
any smartphone you'll find. The experience is wrapped in a
TouchWiz interface that's slicker, cleaner, and less intrusive
than ever before . Then there's the fingerprint scanner that
works just as well as it does on the iPhone. In short, this is
Samsung's best phone ever.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 for the best Android
experience of 2015.
best phones available to buy
today
So, you want to buy a new phone? If you're looking for the
best smartphone of 2015, you've come to the right place.
We will guide you through the hottest mobile phones of the
year to save you time when you go to your local phone
shop.
We continually update this best smartphones feature to
reflect recent launches, recognise price changes, and
ensure 2015's latest devices appear alongside the best of
2014 (and before, if applicable). All the listed devices have
been fully reviewed by us.
We're at a time of change in smartphones - new models are
incoming, old models are falling by the wayside and the
desirability of some of last year's models are waning.
We're also spoiled for choice, with even budget handsets
delivering increasingly fast processing power and quality
design.
Our best smartphones list covers all operating systems, all
sizes, and prices, so you'll be armed with everything you
need to consider when choosing to buy your next device. Of
course, the most important factor in buying a new device is
making sure you have the best smartphone for you. The
best for your budget, the features you need, the size that
feels right and platform that suits you best.
Be sure to let us know what you think is the best
smartphone in the comments below.
21. Microsoft Lumia 735
The Lumia 735 was launched alongside the Lumia 830, but
it manages to match the specs and beat the price of its
launch buddy, making it an interesting device.
It offers a great Windows Phone experience packed into a
handset that, thanks to its 4.7-inch screen, is not too big
and plenty affordable. It offers the latest Windows Phone
8.1 with Lumia Denim, which sees Microsoft's mobile
devices getting stronger all the time.
There's a great pairing of cameras too. There's a lovely
front 5-megapixel camera to the front and a rear 6.7-
megapixel camera on the rear. Although the rear camera
isn't the highest resolution, it's a good performer and offers
Zeiss optics.
It's not the most powerful handset around, but at just £189
the Lumia 735 is difficult to ignore.
Buy if you want a great all-rounder without spending a
fortune.
FULL REVIEW: Microsoft Lumia 735 review
20. Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 is a pure Google phablet and that's one of its
strengths: it offers a stock Android experience, unfettered
by manufacturer additions. Not so long ago that was a huge
differentiator, but thanks to faster update cycles and
Google's gradual unbundling of many of the Android apps -
including the Google Now Launcher - the Nexus experience
isn't as rare as it used to be.
However, the Nexus 6 is large. It takes the Moto X design
and scales it up to a 6-inches screen device, which may be
too large for some. That screen does mean plenty of space
to play and you get a great Quad HD high-resolution
display, along with powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
innards to keep everything moving along at pace. However,
compared to something like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 the
Nexus 6 doesn't show off that extra screen real-estate with
any extra features to benefit from it.
You still have the advantage of fast update times, being
head of the list for Google, but as a phablet, we think you
might find Samsung's offering more enticing. If price
comes into it then the £499 price point meant the Nexus
isn't hugely expensive, which adds further appeal.
Buy the Nexus 6 because you absolutely have to definitely
have the pure Android on the big screen.
FULL REVIEW: Nexus 6 review
19. LG G Flex 2
The LG G Flex 2 might be something of a surprise entry in
our list of best smartphones. The curved display format is
unconventional and might not appeal to everyone, which
may make it a non-starter for some.
But this is one of a new-generation of smartphones, a
device that's packed with power from the Qualcomm
Snapdragon 810 chipset. It's a great size at 5.5-inches,
although the display on the devices we've seen so far
aren't as capable as some of the flat rivals.
There's a great camera on the back too, but the software
throughout the device isn't as slick and smooth as some
competitors, even those on older hardware. We know that
LG is looking to clean things up, but there are some
compromises for wanting to be different.
Buy the LG G Flex 2 because you want something unique.
FULL REVIEW: LG G Flex 2 review
18. OnePlus One
It's rare that an outsider jumps into the elite ranks, even
rarer that it's widely lauded. The OnePlus One managed
this, capturing the attention of smartphone lovers, not only
for offering great value for money, but with viral marketing
and a degree of exclusivity: it's not always been the easiest
phone to get hold of.
When you do part with the £220-odd that you'll be asked to
pay, you're left with a device that's powerful and has plenty
of battery life, all on a budget. It also comes pre-loaded
with CyanogenMod - which is a custom version of Android,
so you get all the usual Google goodies, plus some extra -
which means a range of tinkering options are available
from the off.
There are some downsides, of course, like some network
compatibility issues (Vodafone and O2 4G bands aren't
supported in the UK, so it's 3G only) and being tricky to
buy. But if you've got one, you'll be the envy of your
friends.
Buy the OnePlus One because you know where to get one.
FULL REVIEW: OnePlus One review
17. Huawei Ascend Mate 7
Huawei has been looking to break into the top flight of
smartphones for some time, and not without good results.
Perhaps not as widely regarded as some rivals, there's no
doubting that Huawei has come on a long way, and is
selling a lot of phones.
The Mate 7 is its latest crack at the phablet, with a 6-inch
full HD display and a metal design that's a far cry from the
budget phones the company is known for. It's a big device,
of course, but you get all that space to play.
There's plenty of customisation to the Android UI, some of
which is really useful, presenting plenty of options, even if
some of the design choices might not be to everyone's
tastes. The long battery life, however, will be. The sub-£400
asking price is also appealing - if, that is, you can get hold
of it in the UK.
Buy the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 to get a great phablet
experience without the cost.
FULL REVIEW: Huawei Ascend Mate 7 review
16. Nokia Lumia 930
The latest Lumia flagship is the 930. It refines the 925
offering, in a handset that's a little big chunkier (at 9.8mm
thick), but nonetheless solidly built.
The Lumia 930 offers the new pinnacle of the Windows
Phone experience. There's a great 5-inch Full HD display, a
wonderful camera on the back and some of the latest
software from Microsoft, dabbed with Lumia additions.
With the Lumia Denim upgrade, it makes Windows Phone
more compelling than ever before.
There's no shortage of tech packed into the brightly-
coloured handset, with optical image stabilisation on its
camera and wireless charging for the battery.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 930 because you want the best of
Windows Phone.
FULL REVIEW: Nokia Lumia 930 review
15. Motorola Moto G 4G (2014)
The Motorola Moto G took a lot of people by surprise.
Motorola wasn't content with the original, so updated with
microSD card support and 4G, making for a cracking
device.
The Moto G 4G is a fantastic smartphone and incredible
value for money that's difficult to ignore. With a price as
low as £150, if you're on a budget, this is the handset to
choose. The Moto G has now been updated with a 2015
model, but the newer version is larger and loses some of
the charm of the earlier Moto G 4G in our view.
Take the price out of the equation and you don't feel let
down. The design is great, the display is excellent and
there's plenty of power too. Yes, it will be out-performed by
any number of handsets, but those are handsets that will
cost you twice, if not three times, as much.
Better still, the Motorola Moto G was one of the first non-
Nexus devices to be upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop, as
it's pretty much stock Android with some Moto app extras.
Buy the Motorola Moto G 4G (2014) for the best 5-inch
Android experience in a budget handset.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto G (2014) review
14. Motorola Moto E (2015)
The Moto E is Motorola's play for the even more budget
section of the market, with a price tag of £109 seeing it as
even cheaper than the Moto G. However, in its 2015 form,
we find the Moto E is the best of the two for the balance of
size (it's now got a 4.5-inch screen), price and features. It
might not have the fastest processor in the world, but this
rarely affects use.
Principal to the Moto E is a great design - which now
includes interchangeable "Bands" for a lick of colour, as
shown in blue in the above photo - a good display, excellent
battery life and microSD support for expanding the internal
storage. Compared to the original 2014 model, the 2015
Moto E also adds a front-facing camera, a smoother
Android experience, as well as all-important 4G connectivity
for fast internet browsing.
Despite its low price point and slightly bulky build, the Moto
E has glimpses of premium about it. It's a brilliant handset
for just over the £100 mark and the budget handset to beat.
Buy the Motorola Moto E 2015 for the best Android
experience on a budget.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto E (2015) review
13. Apple iPhone 6 Plus
For years Apple was criticised for sticking to small displays,
while other platforms got bigger, giving more space to play.
That all changed with the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus,
which landed alongside the smaller iPhone 6.
The 6 Plus offers a lovely high-quality design, with an all-
metal body and a great 5.5-inch screen. This display curves
into the edges for an almost seamless design, but there's
no denying that this is a big handset overall. That's
matched by a big price too: starting at £619 it's more
expensive than most rivals.
There isn't a huge amount done to take advantage of the
large display either - a similar story to the Nexus 6 in that
regard; the Samsung Galaxy Note handsets offer more
custom features - but the 6 Plus offers a Full HD display
and plenty of power to take Apple into the realms of the
phablet.
Recent efforts from developers have seem more apps
optimised for use on the larger display with Netflix, as one
example, offering Full HD playback.
Buy the iPhone 6 Plus because you want big screen gaming
and entertainment, Apple style.
FULL REVIEW: Apple iPhone 6 Plus review
12. HTC Desire Eye
The HTC Desire Eye is something of a surprise package,
pitched as the selfie phone - but it's so much more than
that. Carrying a name from HTC's second tier of devices,
the experience it offers is far from sub-flagship.
The Desire Eye offers all the internal power of flagship rivals
and comes with a lovely full HD 5.2-inch display. It offers
HTC's mature Sense 6 user interface layered over Android,
with the latest HTC Eye experience bringing a boost to the
cameras.
The headline feature is the 13-megapixel front-facing
camera with flash. But this phone is great not because of
that camera, but despite it. The cameras perform well
enough, even if the front selfie camera is a little over sold.
But what you get is a flagship experience at a price that's
affordable at £399. You don't get the premium metal body
of the HTC One M8, but you do get a fun and well-built
phone with waterproofing.
Buy the HTC Desire Eye because you're a selfie fiend or
because you want near-flagship HTC performance at an
affordable price.
FULL REVIEW: HTC Desire Eye review
11. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung originally showcased the Note Edge as a limited
release device, but following a glowing reception, it landed
in stores in many territories. It was also the pre-cursor to
the Galaxy S6 edge, one of our favourite Android phones
ever.
The Galaxy Note Edge takes the Note 4 and curves one of
the display edges, giving you a range of shortcuts down one
side, adding extra functionality.
You get the plenty of power and a great camera, but the
battery takes a bit of a hit over the original Note 4 and,
although there are a lot of core features that take
advantage of the larger display, that curved edge perhaps
doesn't have the support or attention it needs - third-party
support isn't really there, so it doesn't feel like a feature you
absolutely must have.
It gives you a phone that's a little different, but we find it
hard to really get the benefit from the additional curved
area. It's also more expensive than the Note 4, at £700,
which is a lot to ask by any measure.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge because you want a
phablet with added functionality that's a little different.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note Edge review
10. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact succeeds by dominating its
unique position: it offers flagship power in a mid-range size.
For anyone looking for a portable powerhouse, the Sony
Xperia Z3 Compact is it.
Sony has also brought this handset to market at a price
that's aggressive for the package you get. At around £300
there's a lot of phone for your money.
The 4.6-inch 720p display is good, if not the highest
resolution at this size, but the outstanding feature is battery
life. This is a phone that goes on and on, surviving the
busiest days where larger rivals falter.
Mature user interface tweaks, waterproofing, great camera
performance and options galore will make the Xperia Z3
Compact the sort of device that power users will want -
without needing giant pockets (both in physical and cash
terms).
Buy the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact if you want the best
performance in a compact device.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
9. LG G3
The LG G3 was one of the first mainstream devices to step
out of the door with a Quad HD display (2560 x 1440
pixels), pushing the resolution further than its rivals. It's
5.5-inch panel is capable of incredibly sharp details (at
538ppi), but be warned - little content really makes use of
that resolution even a year later.
Although the G3 doesn't offer the same build quality as
many others, it's a good looking phone. But the real appeal
here is the size of the display crammed into that body: you
get a lot in your pocket.
LG has added plenty of smart functionality to the G3. There
are gestures and shortcuts to make your life easier, as well
as a range of functions to make use of all the display
space, like dual app views, although the battery life is
relatively weak.
There's a really impressive camera on the back which is
slick and performs well in most conditions. Add 4K video
capture to the list and you've a smartphone package that
sees you ready for the future. It also cost £275 SIM-free,
which is a bargain - likely because the leather-clad G4 is
just around the corner .
Buy the LG G3 because you want a big screen experience in
a manageable package.
FULL REVIEW: LG G3 review
8. Motorola Moto X (2014)
The Motorola Moto X was reborn for 2014 in its second-
generation guise. Boosted to offer a larger 5.2-inch display
than the original, the design of the Moto X sits nicely in the
hand, but most appealing of all are the options to
customise the design materials using Moto Maker -
including a leather back if that's what takes your fancy (and
it should).
The Moto X's unfettered Android experience is one of its
strengths, as is the speed of updates as new Android
versions come along. But at the same time its rivals are
much more fully featured, offering more straight out of the
box.
There's good battery performance and plenty of power on
offer at a price that undercuts most rivals. The weakness,
however, lies in the camera, which isn't a consistent
performer. There's also no microSD card which
many Android rivals offer, but the £419 price is appealing.
Buy the Moto X for a great Android experience with
unrivalled customisable design options to truly make your
own mark.
FULL REVIEW: Moto X (2014) review
7. Sony Xperia Z3
Sony has had a number of passes at its flagship Z-series
model. Fortunately, the Xperia Z3 is where it all comes
together, a case of third time's a charm.
The body design has been refined to the point where the
size now feels comfortable. Slimming the body pays
dividends, but so too does refining the edges and
construction. That's not all the Xperia Z3 offers though: the
5.2-inch display sits in front of powerful hardware that's
speedy in execution of all those tasks.
Sony runs a number of customisations to Android through
its own skin, but avoids the worst of duplication. Yes,
there's some bloat and things are geared towards those
using Sony's other services and products, but it doesn't
completely obliterate the Android experience in the process.
Then there's a great pair of cameras, the rear offering great
quality results and plenty of shooting options. This is the
best of Sony's handsets, the flagship device where Sony's
perseverance paid off. And at around £430, the price is
creeping down.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z3 for a powerful, waterproof, sharp-
shooting Android handset.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z3 review
6. HTC One M9
The HTC One M9 is in incremental upgrade of the HTC One
M8, one of our favourite 2014 phones. HTC has focused on
refinement in the M9, increasing the quality of the build and
the design to make it one of the most precisely
manufactured phones you'll find.
The aim was to preserve the good parts of the HTC One M8
and address the weaknesses of that device. The camera
has been boosted to 20-megapixels in place of last year's
Duo Camera efforts, but the performance is weaker than
many older rivals, especially in low-light conditions. The
front "Ultrapixel" camera offers good quality shots, but are
often blighted by a pink cast, again struggling in low-light
conditions.
The introduction of the Sense 7 brings a good helping of
refinement to one of the best user interfaces that you'll find
on Android. The BoomSound speakers are still class-
leading and there's plenty of power from the Qualcomm
Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM. The HTC One
M9 offers a microSD card slot for expansion too, which is a
real positive point.
However, the display remains the same, or slightly worse
than the M8, and the battery life hasn't advanced either.
The result is that the M9 feels like it hasn't advanced over
the excellent M8 and in some areas it has regressed. With
the M8 price falling, and due an upgrade to Sense 7, there's
an argument that you're getting much of the same from the
older device, for less cash than the M9's flagship price.
Buy the HTC One M9 for build quality, power and a mature
user interface.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One M9 review
5. HTC One M8
The HTC One M8 delivers design and user experience.
There's no doubt that this is a premium device at the top of
the Android pile. It's slick, fast and the refinement of Sense
6 (soon to be Sense 7 - enhancing the user experience and
rivalling the M9) adds plenty to Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Despite being replaced by the HTC One M9, above, it offers
many of the same advantages, with prices now slipping
down to around £330 SIM-free.
The M8 was once the best of 2014, in the top slot, but even
in 2015 it's still more than relevant. The design is great,
with a premium metal body offering a great feel in the hand.
But this handset isn't only good looking, it offers a great 5-
inch Full HD display with some of the best visuals you'll
find on a device at this size. We think the M8 has a better
display than the M9 too.
The camera is the relative weakness for this phone, with
the Duo Camera features not really appealing, and a feeling
that there's insufficient resolution in some shooting
conditions, even if the low-light performance is pretty good.
As this handset is older, it's not as powerful as more
modern rivals, but it's no slouch.
Buy the HTC One M8 for it's design and mature user
experience.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One M8 review
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung has long ruled the phablet roost and the 5.7-inch
Galaxy Note 4 cements its mastery with big handsets: it's a
sensational device, offering plenty of power from the
Snapdragon 805 chipset, and an included stylus - known as
the S Pen - for added feature functionality.
But even if you don't use a stylus, Samsung manages to
differentiate itself from the pack by filling the Note 4 with
features that really make use of the screen space and the
hardware. This isn't just about making a big phone, it's
about making it useful - with genuinely useful multi-tasking
features that other manufacturers simply don't offer. It's a
true workhorse, for work and play.
There may be some bloat and a feature too many, but
Samsung's software is neatly backed by some of the best
performing hardware around. There's a fantastic display,
plenty of power and endurance packed into a frame that's
been sympathetically designed. Oh, and then there's the
camera, which is amongst the best you'll find on an
Android handset.
If you're looking for the best big screen experience around,
then look to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review
3. Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
For many, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge should top this list.
It's everything that the SGS6 is, but with innovation in that
display design (or what some will see as nothing but design
excess). However, although these two phones are matched,
the S6 edge comes at a price premium which only really
extends to the design - there's not the more extensive
functionality as realised in the larger Note Edge to be found
here.
Yes, the curves to the display do lead to jaw-dropping
design, and that screen is punchy and vibrant, but we feel
they could do a little more. Perhaps that will change in the
future and bring justification for the £160 surcharge you
have to pay over the SGS6.
However, the edge offers the same slick user experience
that the SGS6 does. It's fast, powerful, with refinement in
the TouchWiz user interface that makes it better than ever
before. There's a fantastic camera on the rear that
produces great results with very little effort too.
It has the same shortcomings as the SGS6, namely that
there's no longer a removable battery or microSD support,
the display resolution doesn't really add a huge amount and
the waterproofing of the last-generation Galaxy S-series has
dried up.
But otherwise, this is a top-drawer smartphone experience.
It costs a lot to buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, but it
could be the most exciting phone of 2015. Can you justify
the extra cost just for the curved edges to the display?
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge because you want a
great phone that turns heads.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
2. Apple iPhone 6
After six months at the top, it's taken Samsung's latest
SGS6 phone to dislodge the iPhone 6 from number one.
The size of the iPhone 6, for starters, gives us the screen
space we've been asking for for years. It might not be the
highest resolution around, but it's a great quality display, a
real visual treat.
That's paired with design that's excellent. It's slick, with a
high quality finish, with this slightly bigger iPhone sitting
nicely in the hand. It looks great, it feels great, and it's a
pleasure to use.
The TouchID fingerprint-verification implementation is the
most effective we've seen, and with Apple Pay having an
impact in the US and coming to other countries, it could be
a key to unlocking much more than your just your phone.
The camera also offers great, consistent, results, with a
simplicity to use that many rivals lack. It might not pack in
the most megapixels, but it does give you great shots with
no fuss.
This is all wrapped in the refinement of iOS 8. Apple might
have been playing catch-up with Android in some areas of
its operating system, but in iOS 8 there's a consistency of
experience that some other platforms lack, not to mention
the huge developer support and an app experience that's
difficult to match.
Buy the iPhone 6 because you want a premium handset
offering a bigger Apple experience than ever before. Also
because it won Best Phone at the Pocket-lint Gadget
Awards 2014 .
FULL REVIEW: Apple iPhone 6 review
1. Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung needed change and the Samsung Galaxy S6 was
the result. Launched alongside the also excellent (but far
more expensive) Samsung Galaxy S6 edge , the S6 betters
its innovative brother by being more affordable for much
the same experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 ditches Samsung's tired design for
a body that's more interested in quality. There's no more
plastic, instead you have a slick body that turns heads,
comprising a metal frame which sandwiches Gorilla Glass
both front and back.
There's a fantastic display on the front. The Super AMOLED
panel gives deep blacks and plenty of colour vibrancy, only
really marred by not creating the cleanest whites around. It
offers a super-sharp Quad HD resolution, although it's
questionable whether this brings any real benefits in daily
use - the same criticism we have of all other handsets with
this resolution, but found here condensed into a 5.1-inch
display.
The SGS6 is slick and fast, with heaps of power from the
Exynos octa-core chipset and 3GB of RAM. It also supports
both common standards of wireless charging, which should
be of interest as the battery is no longer replaceable and the
battery life is a little on the short side. There's also no
microSD card slot any more due to the fixed body design.
However, the performance from the 16-megapixel rear
camera is one of the most consistent and impressive from
any smartphone you'll find. The experience is wrapped in a
TouchWiz interface that's slicker, cleaner, and less intrusive
than ever before . Then there's the fingerprint scanner that
works just as well as it does on the iPhone. In short, this is
Samsung's best phone ever.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 for the best Android
experience of 2015.
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