So, you want to buy a new phone? If you're looking for the best smartphone of 2013, 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.
Our list of 16 great handsets covers all operating systems, all sizes, and prices, so you’ll be armed with everything you need when choosing to buy your next smartphone. We’ll be regularly updating this feature with the latest and greatest smartphones we review, so you can see where the smart money is heading.
Let us know what you think is the best smartphone in the comments below.
17. Motorola RAZR i
The Motorola RAZR i, or Motorola RAZR M in the US, is an odd little phone neither packed to the hilt with power features or overly attractive. But perhaps that is the main attraction as the edge-to-edge display does away with a lot of the bloat of other devices and you still get a vibrant 4.3-inch display that is bigger than the iPhone's in a case the same size.
It's powered by a single core Intel chip which is the other defining feature, but it still has plenty of power, while remaining affordable.
Unlike some of the big-screened phones that pack more power, the Motorola RAZR i is compact, with impressive battery life and a lovely build quality. We also like Moto's swipe to the right feature to access the settings, and a helpful tutorial that monitors the way you use the phone and then gives you tips to help you along the way.
QUICK VERDICT: The move to Intel doesn't bring with it a swathe of immediate advantages. But this phone is still worthy of consideration in the mid-range, bringing impressive performance and endurance, with accepted limitations.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola RAZR i review
16. BlackBerry Q10
15. Huawei Ascend Mate
It's powered by a single core Intel chip which is the other defining feature, but it still has plenty of power, while remaining affordable.
Unlike some of the big-screened phones that pack more power, the Motorola RAZR i is compact, with impressive battery life and a lovely build quality. We also like Moto's swipe to the right feature to access the settings, and a helpful tutorial that monitors the way you use the phone and then gives you tips to help you along the way.
QUICK VERDICT: The move to Intel doesn't bring with it a swathe of immediate advantages. But this phone is still worthy of consideration in the mid-range, bringing impressive performance and endurance, with accepted limitations.
FULL REVIEW: Motorola RAZR i review
16. BlackBerry Q10
If it's a Qwerty communicator that you're after, then the BlackBerry Q10 should be your first port of call. Okay, maybe it's your only port of call, but it at least gives you the best physical keyboard experience you'll find in a modern smartphone.
The BB10 operating system is much refined and more competitive alongside other smartphone platforms, but still lacks in app availability and can be a little fiddly.
But what the BlackBerry Q10 delivers is a great messaging experience. If your time is spent making calls and tapping out messages, be that BBM, email, SMS, WhatsApp or Skype, then look no further.
QUICK VERDICT: The BlackBerry Q10 is our BlackBerry of choice, delivering a great communication experience. But it lacks alongside rival smartphone platforms in other areas.
FULL REVIEW: BlackBerry Q10 review
15. Huawei Ascend Mate
It's important to note that the Ascend Mate isn't for those who want the best gaming experience, as it's not well set up for that. Where it did win us over was in the usability, screen quality - despite having only a modest resolution - and the epic battery life. If you need a phone and general "internet" device, then the Mate can't really be bettered. Heavy users will get two days battery life and light users could see three or four days.
It's nicely designed, feels solid and generally gets the user interface customisations about right. It's got a reasonable pricetag too, at around £330. Just bear in mind that it's not a graphics powerhouse, and you'll be fine. For normal use, the quad-core processor makes it feel snappy and slick.
Quick verdict: While its size will put most off, if you're keen on a big phone this offers loads. It might not have the pen features of the Note II, but if you can live without that, then this phone offers you many of the same advantages. Watching video on it is an absolute joy, and for browsing the web out and about, it feels like you've almost got a laptop with you. A solid effort from Huawei, and a phone we're very happy to recommend.
Full review: Huawei Ascend Mate review
14. HTC One X+
The HTC One X+ is an evolution of HTC's flagship phone for 2012. It might now be getting old and is easily over-shadowed by the latest HTC One handset, but the One X+ offers good battery performance and a front-facing that many still can't match.
It's wrapped in a lovely polycarbonate body that's distinct and really nice to hold, with a huge 4.7-inch HD display. There's enough power on board to keep things ticking along nicely and Sense 4 delivers an Android experience with plenty of refinement.
QUICK VERDICT: The HTC One X+ is the best phone HTC has produced to date, it's bumped specs over the impressive One X make this a better experience, with credible battery life.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One X+ review
13. HTC 8X
The HTC 8X is slim and slender, yet still powerful enough to match the more bulky Nokia 820. While HTC doesn't bring as much to the Windows Phone 8 party at Nokia, the 8X looks good, and comes with Beats audio for that improved sound. We love that purple-coloured soft-shell too.
QUICK VERDICT: If apps aren't much interest to you, then the 8X will suit you down to the ground. Windows Phone has most bases covered, but there are still some missing apps that we really crave. Even so, the hardware is solid, and HTC has managed to create a very desirable phone. All we need now is developers to fall in love with the platform
FULL REVIEW: HTC 8X review
12. Motorola RAZR HD
This is Motorola's 2012 phone still trying to punch its weight in 2013 and it's doing okay, but not amazingly compared to the barrage of Android powered phones available at the moment. That said, the RAZR HD has a lot going for it. There is the big screen, the huge 2500mAh capacity lithium polymer cell battery, and Moto's easy to use Android skin that these days isn't really that far from stock vanilla Android.
QUICK VERDICT: We love the Razr HD. There, we said it, and if Google can't be nice about Motorola's handsets, we will be, because this is a fantastic little phone that would suit anyone really nicely. It's not the most powerful, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice that most of the time. We'd buy one, and that has to be a good recommendation, doesn't it?
FULL REVIEW: Motorola Razr HD review
11. iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S is getting old, but Apple has continued to support older devices and with prices coming down, this might be a great way to get in on the iOS action.
There are loads of accessories and apps galore for the iPhone and the sharp display and decent camera mean that the iPhone 4S is still a great performer. It's not as slick and fast as the iPhone 5, but then it's not as expensive either.
QUICK VERDICT: It may not be the most thrilling upgrade ever, but Apple has put some thought into making the iPhone more useful, and has largely succeded in improving it hugely. Siri and the new camera are the two main improvements in the device, and both are useful and impressive. The upgrade to the antenna is also welcome, and as a phone, this is the best iPhone yet.
FULL REVIEW: iPhone 4S review
10. Nokia Lumia 620
The Nokia Lumia 620 earns its place by delivering that Windows Phone experience without costing the earth. That's right, this budget WinPhone really delivers value for money whilst still retaining great design and build quality.
Of course some compromises have been made on the spec sheet to hit the low price point, but the Nokia Lumia 620 is a great performer for those looking for smartphone performance in a compact package. Consider this a great choice for your first smartphone.
QUICK VERDICT: The Lumia 620 has none of the problems of Nokia's 920 (size, high cost) and the 820 (high cost) but is a lovely, charming and pleasant phone to use. It might be a little small for some, especially those with bigger hands, but we had no problem with our above-average-sized-hands. This is, in short, a winner, and honestly probably just about the best WP8 device out there.
FULL REVIEW: Nokia Lumia 620 review
9. Nokia Lumia 920
The Nokia Lumia 920 is the big bad boy of Windows Phone. Packed within the sizable size is all the love that Nokia can direct at Microsoft's mobile operating system.
The star of the show is the camera, which offers class-leading low-light performance and is a real credit to Nokia's focus on imaging.
That's not all though. Nokias add enhancements to mapping and related services that result in the Nokia Lumia 920 being one of the best Windows Phones you can buy. Some think it's a little on the chunky side though.
QUICK VERDICT: We had high hopes for the 920, and while individual elements are great we have come away bitterly disappointed with the overall package.
FULL REVIEW: Nokia Lumia 920 review
8. Nokia Lumia 820
Sometimes bigger isn't better. The Nokia Lumia 820 might be a step down the spec sheet from the Lumia 920, but there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the Nokia Lumia 820.
The camera performance is good, but we love the slick and compact design, along with the enhancements that Nokia brings to Microsoft's mobile platform. In our minds it's a lot more manageable too that the Lumia 920. And yes, power users can remove the battery to ensure you get through the day.
QUICK VERDICT: If you are tempted by Windows Phone 8, this is the phone for you. In our view, there are enough features here to make it well worth considering over the 920. We love, for example, the microSD support.
FULL REVIEW: Nokia Lumia 820 review
7. Samsung Galaxy SIII
One of the most successful smartphones ever, the Samsung Galaxy S III might be getting old, but it still has its place. As new devices appear, the venerable S3 gets more affordable, but still delivers on all fronts.
Slick design is paired with innovation and although the hardware is now a generation old, the SGS3 still delivers a premium Android experience with heaps of enhancement from Samsung's innovative features.
It offers good camera performance, a large 4.8-inch HD display and battery performance that's impressive for a device of this size. It's still one of our favourite phones and we still think it has some way to run.
QUICK VERDICT: Undoubtedly a great phone, the flexibility allowed by giving you memory expansion and battery access will make this popular. It's a phone that does little wrong, but isn't without its quirks.
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
The Samsung Galaxy Note has taken the smartphone world by storm, crossing the divide between tablets and smartphones.
It might be too large for some, but the 5.5-inch display gives you room to play, without being too big for your pocket. Samsung's innovative features will help you get the most out of the size on offer from the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
There's a stylus which might be more popular with those who prefer to note things down in writing, but you can equally just leave the stylus in place and never use it if it's the larger display that you're after. It's big and beautiful, and far from stupid.
QUICK VERDICT: We're in love. This phone may seem wildly illogical, but those fabulous Koreans have somehow managed to create a device that offers so much more than a smaller phone and almost makes tablets pointless. This phone won't be for everyone, but for us it's one of the best Android devices money can buy.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review
5. Nexus 4
The Nexus 4 is pure Google and is not only a well-designed and powerful handset, but comes in at around half the price of some of the rival devices. If you don't have the cash to splash, it's the LG-built Nexus 4 that you want.
The design is great, sandwiched in glass and there's plenty of power under the hood, as well as bringing with it the latest updates from Android before they arrive with other devices.
The camera isn't the best however and the screen, although HD, lacks the visual impact of the latest devices. We still love it though, it's the affordable star.
QUICK VERDICT: The Nexus 4 offers a native Android experience with plenty of power in a wonderfully designed phone at an affordable price. It's almost too good to be true, but the camera interface and performance falls well short of rivals and the battery could be better.
FULL REVIEW: Google Nexus 4 review
4. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z is the first Sony Mobile device of recent years that really gets it right. The design is sumptuous, a glass monolith that is distinctly different from everything else on the market.
Sony's take on Android is lighter than ever before, resulting in a device that doesn't feel inhibited, while still bringing plenty of power. We love that even though this handset is water resistant, you still get the option to expand the memory.
There's a huge 5-inch full HD display on the front, and although it's not as accomplished as that from the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4, it's still a pleasure to use. A great device from Sony.
QUICK VERDICT: The Xperia Z is Sony's best Android phone so far, combining sharp design with a great display, sensible software tweaks and attention to battery life. The camera feels pretty average though.
FULL REVIEW: Sony Xperia Z reviewed
3. Apple iPhone 5
With exquisite attention to detail and wonderful design, the iPhone 5 is master of the largest mobile ecosystem around. A larger 4-inch display gives the extensive range of apps more space than ever before.
Slick and seamless user experience is paired with the power to make everything skip along with pace. The operating system might be in need of a tweak or two, but this is still a premium smartphone experience, loved by many.
The iPhone 5 brings with it innovative features like Siri and a camera that just gets on and performs without the fuss, as well as often being the first destination for new apps and services. Little may have changed, but it the iPhone is still a firm favourite in smartphone circles.
QUICK VERDICT: The iPhone 5 is a phone that makes you feel safe. A phone that you know exactly how to use as soon as you take it out of the box and that is perfect for a wide range of people.
FULL REVIEW: iPhone 5 review
2. Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 brings more innovation to a phone that's already at the top of its game. The design offers flexibility where others don't with access to the battery and the option to expand the memory via microSD.
Samsung continues to introduce more features designed to make your life easier and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is undoubtly an Android powerhouse.
There may be a feature too many and the design might not inspire like some other devices, but if you opt for the Samsung Galaxy S4, you won't be disappointed. This is an Android smartphone top of its game, let down on being the top smartphone in the world, only because there is one phone that is better.
QUICK VERDICT: We love it, honestly. The new design might look the same as the old, but it isn't. New, more squared-off sides mean it feels nicer than the old model, and it's got so many new features that it's impossible not to love some of them. Battery life is still a major issue for Samsung though, and that's a big deal for most users.
FULL REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy S4 review
1. HTC One
The HTC One is a triumph of design, sumptuous to hold and wonderful to behold. There's a stunning 4.7-inch display on the front, with a full HD resolution, so Android looks pin sharp on this power house.
HTC Sense has been refined with a lot of the clutter removed to focus on the essential features. There's an elegance and sophistication to HTC's flagship phone for 2013, making it a pleasure to use.
The camera might not be the best for straight photos, but the unique features it offers are really fun. This is paired with stunning sound quality to result in a smartphone that covers all bases.
QUICK VERDICT: HTC has a history of making good phones, so the HTC One doesn't comes as a surprise to us. It's a fantastic Android smartphone and is well worthy of your consideration if you're in the market for a premium device.
The HTC One X+ is an evolution of HTC's flagship phone for 2012. It might now be getting old and is easily over-shadowed by the latest HTC One handset, but the One X+ offers good battery performance and a front-facing that many still can't match.
It's wrapped in a lovely polycarbonate body that's distinct and really nice to hold, with a huge 4.7-inch HD display. There's enough power on board to keep things ticking along nicely and Sense 4 delivers an Android experience with plenty of refinement.
QUICK VERDICT: The HTC One X+ is the best phone HTC has produced to date, it's bumped specs over the impressive One X make this a better experience, with credible battery life.
FULL REVIEW: HTC One X+ review
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