While we all have our personal preferences, and there's no one phone that is perfect for everyone, I think we can generally agree what models may be considered for the top ten. Because several new phones have appeared since my last list was published in June, let's take a look at my current ten best picks. Feel free to chime in with your opinion on how the list could be shuffled.
1. Apple iPhone 6 Plus
The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display, internal storage capacity up to 128GB, NFC with Apple Pay support, advanced A8 chip and M8 motion coprocessor, new 8 megapixel iSight camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), the TouchID button, and significantly increased battery life. Those on T-Mobile also now get WiFi Calling and VoLTE support, which were functions we have only seen on Android in the past. The specs are top notch and with iOS 8 powering the device we can rest assured performance will be solid.
There are always a few things missing from every device and I was hoping to see wireless charging, waterproof capability, and infrared remote control support. These are niche desires, though, and the iPhone 6 Plus will easily appeal to the masses who might have went with a Note 4 or other large screen Android device if Apple did not go big. Apple already reports that the initial stock of all iPhone 6 Plus variations in the US have sold out.
The iPhone 6 Plus is clearly the most expensive smartphone available today with full prices ranging from $749 to $949 and two-year contract subsidized prices ranging from $299 to $499. For those of us who use our smartphones daily as an essential tool, the cost is justified.
2. New Moto X
Unfortunately, you cannot yet purchase the new Moto X and we have not yet been told when it will be released. The price is right, though, at just $99 with two-year contract and $499 with no contract. Compare that to the lowest priced iPhone 6 at $649 and you can quickly see the value in the Moto X.
Motorola offers some fantastic features that provide a better overall daily usage experience than any other smartphone. I debated about giving the Moto X the top spot and could easily be convinced to make that switch, but went with the iPhone since apps always launch on iOS first.
3. Nokia Lumia 1520
Unfortunately, it is only sold on one US carrier (AT&T) and at select online retailers so it will not be purchased by the masses. The app gap continues to shrink with Windows Phone 8.1, but there are still holes and it is pretty rare to have brand new apps launch directly on Windows Phone.
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.
4. Apple iPhone 6
I imagine the majority of people will choose this iPhone over the 6 Plus due to the form factor.
The iPhone 6 display is 1334 x 750 pixels and also gets the new processors and iSight camera. You will not get OIS or as much battery capacity as the 6 Plus.
The iPhone 6 is priced $100 less than the iPhone 6 Plus with two-year contract prices ranging from $199 to $399 and full prices from $649 to $849.
5. HTC One M8
HTC improved its Sense 6 UI so that it honestly enhances, rather than detracts from, the Android experience. There is just the right amount of customizations, settings, and features without being overbearing like Samsung tends to do. You won’t find a better designed smartphone and HTC did a fantastic job improving on an already great device.
You can purchase the One M8 on all carriers and it is an excellent choice. You can also now purchase the One M8 for Windows on Verizon and it has the exact same hardware as the Android version so if Windows Phone is your preferred OS then look at this device.
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