Last month, I advised that you wait until September to pick up a new phone as so many new models were being announced. Now September has arrived, so I’m going to show you five of the most promising new smartphones. All of these phones will go on sale in the coming weeks, so if your contract is up or you’re looking to buy a new smartphone sim-free, these are the ones to look out for.
5. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
What it is: A smaller version of Sony’s flagship Z3 smartphone.
Why it’s worth it: The Z3 Compact is a calculated reaction to the trend of ever-larger flagship phones. Unlike most ‘mini’ phones, the Z3 Compact is just as powerful as its full-size brother, offering top-notch internals and an excellent camera. The body looks and feels high-end too, with a gorgeous squared off glass look that’s also waterproof. If you want a reasonably-sized phone without settling for 2012-era specifications, the Z3 Compact is a good shout.
Read more about the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact or see Xperia Z3 Compact accessories.
4. Nokia Lumia 830
What it is: Microsoft’s self-described affordable flagship Windows Phone.
Why it’s worth it: High-end Nokia Lumia phones come with great PureView cameras, beautiful bodies and the slick Windows Phone OS. The Lumia 830 is Microsoft’s attempt to bring these features down to the middle range of the market, and includes a 10-megapixel PureView OIS camera, wireless charging and a svelte premium body wrought from polycarbonate and aluminium. If you’d like an introduction or an update to the world of Windows Phone, the 830 is just the ticket.
Read more about the Nokia Lumia 830 or see Lumia 830 accessories.
3. Samsung Galaxy Alpha
What it is: Samsung’s best looking phone, designed to compete with the iPhone 6.
Why it’s worth it: Samsung have made plasticky phones for years, but that’s slowly beginning to change. The Galaxy Alpha is their first attempt at a new design language, and comes clad with a chamfered aluminium frame that measures just 6.7mm thick. It looks a little like an iPhone, and comes with specs to match the upcoming iPhone 6. That includes a 4.7-inch 720p display, 32 GB non-removable storage and a 12-megapixel camera.
Read more about the Samsung Galaxy Alpha or see Galaxy Alpha accessories.
2. iPhone 6
What it is: The next iPhone, aka the best selling phone worldwide in Q4 2014.
Why it’s worth it: The iPhone 6 is the first properly large iPhone. Two years ago Apple first made the jump to four inches, and now they’re going all the way up to 4.7… and later, 5.5 inches. That means more screen real estate, more readable text and bigger movies and games. The iPhone 6 also includes NFC for the first time – for contactless payments – and the latest and greatest Apple A8 processor.
Read more about the Apple iPhone 6 or see iPhone 6 accessories or iPhone 6 Plus accessories.
1. Motorola Moto X
The original Moto X was a critical darling, with a highly customisable and classy design and clever software features that people actually used… but it lost the spec war, and sales didn’t meet expectations because of that. Now the second-generation Moto X is here, and now it’s firing on all cylinders. The new X has a new metal frame that looks great (and it’s still fully customisable, even including wood and leather backs). It’s got those great features (voice controls and battery saving over clean Android. Maybe most importantly, it’s got leading specs as well: a 5.2-inch 1080p screen, latest Snapdragon 801 processor and good 13-megapixel camera. The Verge have already called it the best Android smartphone, and from what I’ve seen I’m inclined to agree.
Read more about the Motorola Moto X or see Moto X (second gen) accessories.
Conclusion
Of course, there are probably more than five smartphones that are worth considering. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which will probably sell millions of units, is a great choice for anyone that really wants a big screen or stylus support. The One M8 remains a paragon of industrial design several months after its release. The Sharp Aquous Crystal won’t see a UK release date, but does look futuristic and gorgeous. And of course, the second-generation Motorola Moto G looks set to be a big success with an incredible amount of performance and features for the price… but this is a top 5, not a top 10 or a top 20.
What do you think of the selections? Got any questions? Let me know in the comments below, or speak to us on Twitter @mobilefun!