Looking for the best smartphone this 2014? You'll be surprised to find out that the hands down winner is not a baby of the market giants. Sure, we'll give Apple iPhone 6 the benefit of the doubt and we'll see if this flagship can make it to this list.
For now, let's take a look at the best choices available today!
Google Nexus 5
Google has this knack for releasing fairly priced Android phones that do not disappoint. As per Techradar's review, this model of the Nexus series has longer battery life (2300 mAh), impressive CPU power (Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400), clear display (1080 x 1920 pixels, 4.95 inches (~445 ppi pixel density), all set in a rubberized outer shell.
Although this phone doesn't introduce some striking features, it is certainly one of the few smartphones that can run all manner of apps and games at an affordable cost.
Samsung Galaxy S5
Touted as the best Samsung phone ever produced is the Samsung Galaxy S5. Aside from being a dust and water resistant phone with ultra power saving mode, S Health, Quick Connect, and Kids Mode features, what really makes it on the list is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU, along with a notable battery life of 2800mAh. The 5.1" FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080), 432 ppi display also makes it one of the market favorites.
Sony Xperia Z2
Always needed a camera with high MPs? Sony Xperia sets the record with its 20.7MP rear camera. More than that, it also has long battery life at 3200 mAh and a quad-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz. Another impressive feature of this phone is the 16 memory, with a microSD slot that can store up to 128GB data. Imagine an impressive package of gorgeous display and superb processing performance, topped with an outstanding camera.
OnePlus One
Although this device is not as well known as others (which is quite regrettable), users can attest to the fact that it possesses all the power, specs, and functionality of the top dogs, with super-customizable software as per Tech Radar, for nearly half the price. If you're the type who uses the phone the entire day, then its 3100 mAh battery won't fail you. As one of the best smartphones available this 2014, it is unfortunate to know that not everyone across the globe can easily get a feel of OnePlus One due to limited stocks and prior shipment issues.
An improvement that should be made though, is the availability of a microSD slot and removable battery.
HTC One M8
Hailed as the best smartphone of 2014 by a number of online tech publications HTC One M8 shines brighter than the rest! Running a Snapdragon 801 processor, this device has boosted battery life of 2600mAh. Game apps, movies, photography, and browsing work really well. It also runs a faster Sense 6 UI. The metal chassis like that of the HTC One is still part of the design, and the aluminum casing now makes up 90% of the frame, up from about 70% previously. And of course, HTC has built in the classic BoomSound Speakers. It sports a 5-inch Super LCD 3 capacitive touchscreen rendering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a density of 441 ppi. Elegant design and unparalleled speed all rolled into one.
However, it has not been selling pretty well today. In fact its plastic-clad brother E8, a mid-tier smartphone, attracts more and more gadget fanatics despite its availability in only three countries (Russia, India, and China) as of the moment. Can HTC flagships ever keep up with market titans Samsung and Apple?
Perhaps HTC did a great job presenting a cheaper phone with almost exactly the same features as its flagship M8, only that it is made of a polycarbonate shell.
Your thoughts on the best smartphones 2014? Does M8 deserve the top rank? Sound off in the comments section below!
