So, you want to buy a new phone? If you're looking for the best
smartphone of 2014, 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 our best smartphones feature to reflect
recent launches, putting 2014's latest devices alongside the best
of 2013, but all the listed devices have been fully reviewed by us.
Things are changing fast in the world of smartphones: slashed
prices, ever-improving hardware, software updates and refreshed
handsets arriving every few months means that things never stand
still. This list is never static, it's an ever-changing beast. With the
Note 4, next Nexus and more still to arrive, we suspect this list will
soon be changing again.
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.
18. Samsung Galaxy Alpha
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha sets out to address the criticism that
Samsung was making cheap plastic phones. The Galaxy Alpha,
the first in a new line of premium devices, swaps metal for plastic
in some places, giving this a build quality that we've so far not
seen from Samsung.
It is a powerful handset, however, with Samsung's octo-core
chipset meaning things skip along nicely. There's a useful 12-
megapixel camera on the back, and all the customisation from
Samsung that you expect.
That means you'll get the heart rate sensor and the fingerprint
scanner, as well as all the additional software features that
Samsung offers. It's expensive, however, priced close to most
larger flagship handsets.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Alpha if you love Samsung and want a
premium finish.
17. Motorola Moto E
The Moto E continues Motorola's aim to deliver smartphones on a
budget. This compact handset is incredibly cheap, but still
manages to offer plenty of features.
The design is solid, for starters, and although the display is lower
in resolution than many of the devices on this list, so too is the
price. That's a significant factor, as this handset only costs £89.
You'll get all the glory of Android at almost disposable prices, but
this isn't the fastest phone around and the camera performance
isn't great. It also lacks 4G connectivity, but does offer a range of
coloured changable backs, so you can make it suit your style.
Buy the Moto E because you want smartphone features at a great
price.
16. Nokia Lumia 1020
The Nokia Lumia 1020 is yet to be replaced, with the rear camera
standing out, both literally and figuratively. But this is also a jewel
in Nokia-now-Microsoft's crown, a stand-out phone, despite
getting a little long in the tooth.
The very capable PureView camera on the back brings options you
simply don't get elsewhere in the smartphone world: it's a great
performer. The compromise you have to accept however, is that
this is a big phone, especially compared to Nokia's "other"
flagship, the Lumia 930.
In many areas, the 1020 offers the same experience as other Lumia
devices, with Windows Phone offering a great alternative to
Android or iOS. There are still some holes in the ecosystem, but
Nokia is doing more than any manufacturer to plug them, and the
forthcoming Lumia Denim update will bring improvements and
features to the experience.
Nokia is being agressive on price, however, as the Lumia 1020 is
now down to £269, SIM free.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 1020 if you want the best smartphone camera
available.
15. Nokia Lumia 1520
Nokia Lumia 1520
The Nokia Lumia 1520 brings Windows Phone into the realms of
the phablet, but it does it with aplomb, giving you a device that
offers size, power and a great camera performance.
Nokia's commitment to the platform, dragging apps - kicking and
screaming - over to Windows Phone really enhances what's on
offer, but also pouring home-grown features in too.
We've been critical of some of the moves of Windows Phone, and
of Nokia, in the recent past, but the Lumia 1520 feels like the hero
device that Nokia needed. It's powerful, it's wonderful to use and
it's the rival of Android peers that rule the big-screen phone world.
Buy the Nokia Lumia 1520 if you want the biggest Windows Phone
experience.
14. Apple iPhone 6 Plus
For years Apple was criticised for sticking to small displays, while
other platforms got bigger, giving you more space to play. That's
all changed with the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus, alongside the
smaller iPhone 6.
The 6 Plus offers a lovely high-quality design, with an all metal
body and a great display. The display curves into the edges for an
almost seamless design, but there's no denying that this is a big
handset overall. That might have lead to some of the bendgate
problems that Apple has experienced post-launch, but importantly,
the iPhone 6 Plus offers a great experience.
There isn't a huge amount done to take advantage of the large
display - 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.
Buy the iPhone 6 Plus because you want big screen gaming and
entertainment, Apple style.
13. Nexus 5
Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 plays out the pure Google dream, There's a brilliant
display, which gives you plenty of detail and performance to rival
some of the top phones out there.
There are downsides, however. We don't think it's the best
designed phone around, perhaps less interesting than the Nexus 4
which came before it and as is typical of Nexus devices, the
camera isn't so good and neither is the battery, which is the
biggest downside.
However, the Nexus 5 delivers plenty in it's aggressively priced
package at £299, especially if power and display are top of your
list and you have the reassurance of knowing you'll be at the front
of the Android upgrade queue too.
For some, however, the refinement added by other manufacturers
will bring attractive features out of the box that the Nexus 5 lacks,
and we suspect it'll soon to be replaced by the next-gen Nexus.
Buy the Nexus 5 for the pure Android experience and plenty of
power in an affordable package.
12. 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.
It's yet have the final price confirmed, but we suspect it will hit
£440, well below that of rivals.
Buy the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 to get a great phablet experience
without the cost.
FULL REVIEW: Huawei Ascend Mate 7 review
11. Sony Xperia Z2
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The Sony Xperia Z2 updates the Xperia Z1, sticking to familiar
Xperia Z design. It is slim and solidly built, if a little on the large
side, but it does offer a 5.2-inch display and new front-facing
speakers.
It's more accomplished all round than the Xperia Z1: the display is
better, there's a lot more power and it's better handled. The battery
performance is very good and the camera produces great results.
The new front speakers boost the audio delivery, but it won't touch
the HTC One for speaker skills. However, the Z2 features in-built
noise cancellation if used with compatible headphones, which is a
nice unique feature.
There's plenty of refinement in the software, although it doesn't
feel as though the Z2 has evolved much over the Z1 in this
department, and Sony still seems very focused on pushing its own
content services which can be a little intrusive. We still think it's a
little uncomfortable to hold due to it's flat, squared, design, but
there's no denying the power it offers. It's expensive, however, at
£539.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z2 because you're looking for a great media
experience on a larger screen.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z2 review
DEALS: Sony Xperia Z2 best deals
10. Nokia Lumia 930
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The latest Lumia flagship is the 930. It refines the 925 offering, in a
handset that's a little big chunkier, 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 Denim upgrade
forthcoming, 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 that 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
DEALS: Nokia Lumia 930 best deals
9. Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 takes the large device format and
refines it. In this 2013 model, there's a cracking 5.7-inch display
offering a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, giving you 386ppi. It's
packed into a frame that measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, making
it one of the most compact devices with such an expansive
display.
Some might not like the faux leather back, but you can peel that off
and swap it out: as well as access the internals to expand the
storage or change the battery.
Samsung hasn't ignored the screen space on offer, giving you
innovative features through the S Pen to help keep you productive.
Recent updates bring some of the features of the SGS5, keeping
this phablet up to date.
The Note 3, however, is on the verge of being replaced with the
Note 4. That might see prices fall, but the new device offers a lot
more, so it's worth holding off if you want the latest and greatest
from the Note.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for the best phablet experience.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review
DEALS: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 best deals
8. Motorola Moto G 4G
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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.
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 4.4 KitKat, as it's pretty much
stock Android.
Buy the Motorola Moto G for the best Android experience in a
budget handset.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Moto G review
DEALS: Motorola Moto G 4G best deals
7. Samsung Galaxy S5
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The Samsung Galaxy S5 refines much of what the SGS4 offered.
The design is similar, as is the interface, but there's refinement at
every level. This is still the Samsung smartphone you know and
love, but it's slick and fast, with plenty of power, and offers a
stunning 5.1-inch full HD display.
The build offers the same flexibility as previous devices, so you
can remove the back of the phone to switch out the battery which
gives you all-day performance. The build might be mostly plastic,
lacking the premium sheen of some rivals, but that makes for a
device that's lighter and more compact.
The addition of a heart rate scanner is one element of a new
focus on fitness from Samsung, even if the implementation of the
fingerprint scanner is a little awkward. The camera produces great
results, and is a good performer in all conditions.
There are perhaps a number of features packed into the Samsung
Galaxy S5 that you won't use, but there's no lack of choices.
Things like the download booster and user interface features that
make use of the larger display give you plenty of useful elements
to enhance the day-to-day experience.
We expect the SGS5 to be one of the top selling devices of 2014,
such is the success of Samsung's machine, and for many, it will be
the phone of choice. It will cost you £549.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S5 for the vast array of features and
great display.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S5 review
DEALS: Samsung Galaxy S5 best deals
6. OnePlus One
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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 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 preloaded with CyanogenMod,
offering a range of tinkering options.
There are some downsides, of course, like some network
compatibility issues (Vodafone and O2 bands aren't supported in
the UK) 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
5. Apple iPhone 5S
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The iPhone 5S has been supplanted by the iPhone 6, and if you're
in the market for a new device, the iPhone 6 is better in all areas.
However, with the iPhone 5S receiving a price drop to £459, it
becomes more affordable for many.
It offers a great quality display, although it's amongst the smallest
of the devices on this list. Apple's Touch ID offers effective security
and there's plenty of power and speed on offer.
But it's not only about the hardware, as the iPhone 5S offers a
wonderfully polished UI in iOS 8 (post-launch hiccups aside),
closing many of the gaps in functionality that had opened up
between Apple and Android. On top of that you have one of the
most vibrant communities of developers: the iPhone is always top
of the list for app development, and even on this smaller device,
you get a great experience.
Buy the iPhone 5S for that Apple experience at a slightly more
affordable price.
FULL REVIEW: Apple iPhone 5S review
DEALS: iPhone 5S best deals
4. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
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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 only £429, it's far cheaper
than the Samsung Galaxy Alpha, so you get 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 UI tweaks, waterproofing, great camera performance and
options galore, make the Xperia Z3 Compact the sort of device that
power users will want.
Buy the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact if you want the best performance
in a compact device.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
BEST DEALS: Sony Xperia Z3 best deals
3. LG G3
LG G3 review
The LG G2 was a great handset and the G3 ups the ante, fusing the
appeal of a large display with a body that's only just larger than
other devices at the top of this list.
It's also one of the first mainstream devices to step out of the door
with a Quad HD display, or 2560 x 1440, pushing the pixels further
than its rivals. It's capable of incredibly sharp details at 538ppi,
but be warned - little content really makes use of that resolution,
yet.
Although the G3 doesn't offer the same build quality as the HTC
One, it's a good looking phone. The design keeps things simple,
avoiding some of the kitsch design of the Samsung Galaxy S5. It's
easy to grip, although might be a little too large for some.
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 isn't the best.
There's also a really impressive camera on the back which is slick
and fast 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. You also don't pay over the odds for it at
£479.
Buy the LG G3 because you want a big screen experience in a
managable package.
FULL REVIEW: LG G3 review
DEALS: LG G3 best deals
2. HTC One (M8)
The HTC One (M8) comprehensively betters the HTC One, taking
the design and user experience of the former and refining it in
many areas. There's no doubt that this is a premium device at the
top of the Android pile. It's slick and fast and the refinement of the
new Sense 6.0 user interface adds plenty to Android 4.4 KitKat.
The design is excellent, 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 nicest
visuals you'll find on a device at this size.
With size and power, you might expect the 2800mAh battery to be
something of a concern, but the HTC One (M8) offers all-day
battery life, along with an extreme power saver mode if you need to
last longer.
The camera offers some clever features. Thanks to the Duo
Camera you can easily refocus images, as well as apply a number
of effects after shooting. They add interest, but if camera
performance is the most critical feature you want then you might
want to look elsewhere. The HTC One M8 is slick and fast and
daily use is a pleasure. It will cost you £549.
Buy the HTC One (M8) for it's design, power and mature user
experience.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One (M8) review
DEALS: HTC One (M8) best deals
1. Apple iPhone 6
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The iPhone has never topped the our best smartphone charts, but
in the iPhone 6, Apple has taken a big step forward. The size, for
starters, gives us the screen space we've been asking for years. It
might not be the highest resolution around, but it's a great quality
display, a visual treat.
That's paired with design that's second to none. It's slick, with a
high quality finish, with this bigger iPhone sitting nicely in the
hand. It looks great, it feels great, and it's a pleasure to use.
The TouchID implementation is the most effective we've seen, and
with Apple Pay in the works, could be a key to unlocking much
more than your just your phone. The camera too offers great,
consistent, results, with simplicity that many rivals lack. It might
not pack the most megapixels, but it does give you great results.
This is all wrapped in the refinement of iOS 8. Apple might have
been playing catch-up with Android in some areas, but in iOS 8
there's a consistency of experience that some other platforms
lack, not to mention the huge developer support. On day one the
iPhone 6 is a great device, but offers more potential as the
developers swing into action to bring their best to bear.
This is the best iPhone ever and for those who have been waiting
for something bigger, that day has finally come.
Buy the iPhone 6 because you want a premium handset offering a
bigger Apple experience than before.
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