Best mobile phone: Overview
What's the best mobile phone? Our verdict on the best smartphone / best phones - constantly updated
We've all got at least one mobile phone each, right? The trouble is, how do you decide which is the best one for you?
If you've read our list of the hottest pre-release new mobile phones and are still stumped, well, this is where we make it easy. Because here we have our continually-updated comparison of the top 20 best smartphones you can get in the UK.
The last update saw the Samsung Galaxy S2 nabbing the top spot - the combo of Android 2.3 and a beautiful screen in a tightly packaged body saw it head straight to the top of the pile.
But now Apple has finally brought out another version of the iPhone (if you want a sneaky peek, you can read our iPhone 4S review) so check out our list see if it'll have what it takes to finally get an iPhone on top spot and help you choose a phone to buy.
If that still doesn't help, well, there's always our extensive mobile phone reviews pages as well - or check out our personally crafted smartphone buyer's guide:
brightcove : 1051906349001And when you've decided what new phone to buy, why not cash in your old one with our phone recycling price comparison service?
Here are our rankings for the best mobile phones around, currently available in the UK.
Number 20: Samsung Galaxy S
20. Samsung Galaxy S
The Samsung Galaxy S just manages to stay in our top 20 ranking by the fact it's dropped so much in price - and at least it's still running the latest version of Android too.
The niggles that were appearing with the older version of the software are gone - the lagging on certain applications seems to have gone now, and while battery life is still not stellar, it's certainly improved - especially when it comes to offering a correct reading.
The Super AMOLED screen is still one of the best around for media, rivalling the likes of the iPhone 4S and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, and while we can't fix the fact it doesn't have a flash, Flash VIDEO now works a lot better.
But its time as Samsung's top smartphone is now over - the Galaxy S2 has landed is so much better you'd have to be really in need of a budget handset to make this your choice, hence its dramatic fall down the rankings.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S is everything that's good about the Wave, but with Android power to back it up. The Super AMOLED screen is awe-inspiring, and the 1GHz Hummingbird processor means the phone never misses a beat, even though it's not dual core.
Number 19: Samsung Galaxy Ace
19. Samsung Galaxy Ace
We were mixed over our love of the Samsung Galaxy Ace when it first emerged, but it's shown itself to be a real winner when it comes to choosing a budget option of the Samsung Galaxy S2.
Even down to its similar stylings, the Ace is a smartly packaged device that doesn't even come close to the performance of the S2 (the low res LCD screen is a shadow of the bigger brother's Super AMOLED Plus) but it does it all on a much lower tariff, and still packs in many of the the same applications as more expensive phones.
Quick verdict
It won't do Flash and it can't compete on the media front with the Samsung Galaxy S2, but overall the Galaxy Ace is the smartphone you should be looking at if you want to save money yet still have the latest Android expetience.
Number 18: LG Optimus 3D
18. LG Optimus 3D
LG was the first to market with a 3D screen on a phone - innovative it may be, but it's also pretty cool too. HTC followed quickly with the Evo 3D, but the LG Optimus 3D is the optimal way to view the third dimension on a mobile device in our opinion.
The main reason is the sheer power of the device - it's capable of using its resources much more efficiently, so more power can be gained from the dual-core CPU. It's not the most powerful on the market, but it's pretty close.
brightcove : 1031687199001The expense and overall value of the 3D screen is why it's so low in this list, but factor in the dedicated 3D portal and solid build and we think this is at least a phone worth checking out.
Quick verdict
3D won't be everyone's cup of tea on a mobile phone, but it's still something to seperate this phone from the glut of thin touchscreens on the market.
Number 17: INQ Cloud Touch
17. INQ Cloud Touch
When deciding on the top 20 best mobile phones in the world, it's sometimes tempting to only look at the super-skinny, action-packed expensive phones that promise you unlimited power and status just by owning them.
But equally, those that serve a purpose and aren't hideously ugly deserve a mention too - and we're big fans of INQ's budget-friendly social networking range.
brightcove : 1047515851001The INQ Cloud Touch is all about social networking, thanks to a deeper than ever integration with the Facebook application allowing users to simply see their favourite people's updates, check in places quickly and see new statuses without entering a new app.
It's also got a dedicated Spotify key, which is ace if you're a premium user and want direct access - plus the info key, which has details on alarms, expected battery life and connection control.
It's quirky in place of being attractive - and at £18 per month, or less than £200 for the handset, it warrants a solid place in our list.
Quick verdict
The INQ Cloud Touch is a phone that mixes it with the big boys admirably and costs a lot less - the lower powered processor might irk some, but we reckon the Facebook integration will win over more fans.
Number 16: Motorola Atrix
16. Motorola Atrix
When Motorola announced the Atrix at CES 2011, we were blown away by the tech crammed into the tiny package. Dual core Tegra 2 1GHz processors, 1930mAh battery and qHD screen meant the Atrix was far and away the most powerful phone around.
It garnered a decent review from us thanks to the snappy processor speeds, the range of accessories that use the inbuilt WebOS (including a LapDock that turns the phone into a fully-fledged netbook) and above average battery life, even in heavy usage scenarios.
brightcove : 889778470001However, in practice the LapDock was unwieldy, the design hasn't really taken off with consumers and while it's been relatively popular with business users, the fact it's STILL not been upgraded to Android 2.3 is a real bugbear in the UK.
Quick verdict
Dual core phones are the flavour of 2011 and the Motorola Atrix was one fo the first.
It's not the sleekest handset out there at the moment, and in the dual core wars it's been trumped by the likes of the LG Optimus 2X and Samsung Galaxy S2 in terms of looks.
But for the power business user, this is still a top phone worth looking at.
Number 15: HTC Wildfire S
15. HTC Wildfire S
The HTC Wildfire S might only be an evolution of the popular Wildfire, but it's proven to be an attractive handset in its own right.
It was a little bit too pricey when it first launched at over £200, but subsequent price drops have seen it come in at a much more palatable £130.
It's got the same Sense UI as it's bigger brothers, and a neat-enough screen too. It's not the fastest handset in the world, but we're still fans.
Quick verdict
Not a behemoth by any stretch of the imagination, the Wildfire S is definitely worth considering if you want a smartphone experience without shelling out the cash.
Number 14: HTC ChaCha
14. HTC ChaCha
The glut of Facebook phones promised at Mobile World Congress earlier in the year might not have materialised, but the ones we have been given aren't half bad.
Our favourite is the HTC ChaCha, with a highly-usuable keyboard and a dedicated Facebook key for publishing whatever it is you're doing to the social network.
brightcove : 1011288661001It's not the most advanced smartphone around, but one that's nicely entrenched at the cheaper end of the scale and still runs the latest version of Android.
Quick verdict
The HTC ChaCha is primarily a Facebook phone, but even if you're not a huge fan of the blue social network you're getting a decent BlackBerry rival and a snappy OS to boot.
Number 13: Google Nexus S
13. Google Nexus S
The first Android 2.3 phone to land on the market was also one of the first with NFC capabilities and a curved chassis with Super AMOLED screen from Samsung.
It's a 'Pure Google' experience, which means no messing about waiting for networks to bring you the update; if Google likes it, you'll have it (for the foreseeable future, with the Ice Cream Sandwich update coming in the next few weeks).
brightcove : 1016801581001The build quality might feel a little suspect at first, but it's robust enough and sits in the hand well, and that screen is just superb for the internet and media.
Quick verdict
It's not the best handset on the market by any stretch, and it's not much better than a simple update to the Samsung Galaxy S. But what we do like about this phone is the simple Google experience - if you're after Ice Cream Sandwich on a budget with no frills, then this will be the way to do it.
Plus the NFC chip means you can do some cool stuff in the future too, like using Android Beam to send links or YouTube videos to friends by bumping phones.
Number 12: Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini / Mini Pro
12. Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini / Mini Pro
Sony Ericsson managed something of an underground hit with the original Xperia X10 Mini range, and has predictably brought the line-up back with a powerful refresh.
The new line-up (the Mini Pro features a keyboard, but is otherwise pretty much identical to the Mini) has a 1GHz processor under the hood and a much bigger 3-inch screen compared to last year's model, which makes a big difference.
brightcove : 1116060883001That improved processor also means things like Flash player support too, and while HD video recording isn't the best on test, it's still a decent option to have over other smartphones.
Quick verdict
The Xperia Mini range is a quirky offering that will appeal to those that love the idea of a teeny smartphone.
The price tag is a little too high to dub it truly budget busting, but if you're after a phone that will fit in any pocket, with or without keyboard, then this is definitely a choice worth checking out.
Number 11: iPhone 4
11. iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 was the most impressive iPhone ever when launched, and a big step up from the iPhone 3GS.
The iPhone 4's 960x640 Retina Display was a revelation when it was launched in 2010, and it's impressive that it's yet to be properly usurped. It's got 326 pixels per inch, and we're talking tiny pixels, only 78 micrometers wide.
The Retina Display, especially, is hands-down one of the clearest, most enjoyable screens we've seen on a handheld, and the sheer amount of technology packed into the device might no longer be surprising, but still worth a gander.
brightcove : 1018924918001The 3G reception disappearing problem is gone now with newer builds (although Apple would never admit to it being a problem) and you can finally get the darned thing in white.
But the big win for the iPhone 4 is the fact it runs so much better in the new iOS 5 - it's faster and the battery lasts longer, with a whole heap of functionality making it feel like a brand new phone.
Quick verdict
While the iPhone 4S is clearly the superior device in terms of technology, the lower price of the iPhone 4, plus the fact it looks almost identical to the new version, means this is still a fantastic phone.
Sure, you don't get the likes of Siri's voice recognition on there, but iOS 5 is still a fantastic upgrade to the handset, so if you don't want to splash the cash but want to stay in Apple's barn, this is a great phone to check out.
Number 10: BlackBerry Curve 9360
10. BlackBerry Curve 9360
The Curve range has been something of a saviour for RIM in the last few years, with the immensely popular Curve 8520 still selling years after its launch.
The new Curve takes things to another level though, with the new handset offering a superbly sleek chassis, a well-designed keyboard and next-generation functionality thanks to the inclusion of NFC to connect up to other BlackBerry devices, as well as letting you pay for goods on the go.
brightcove : 1126205897001It's not got the fastest processor nor the biggest battery on the market, but that doesn't stop it being a cost-effective and useful device, especially when it comes to messaging.
Quick verdict
You'd be forgiven for thinking the BlackBerry Curve 9360 is a premium handset, and we wholeheartedly recommend you consider this if you're looking for a half-decent messaging device. It's not as cheap as the other Curves out there, but a definite contender for those not looking to splash £40-odd a month on a contract.
Number 9: Orange Monte Carlo
9. Orange Monte Carlo
We've had the Orange San Fransisco down as our favourite budget handset for ages now, but it's time in the sun has finally come to an end with the announcement of the Orange Monte Carlo.
Also made by ZTE and badged by the citric network, the Monte Carlois a superb effort for not much dollar, with a well-integrated processor and a large 4.3-inch screen seeing it fit in well with the current crop of massive smartphones.
That screen isn't the best on the market though, especially in bright sunlight, and the camera has been downgraded a little to lower the cost too.
However, for the price we're more than happy to forgive this, and the Monte Carlo still delivers a decent large-screen viewing experience (if you're indoors...).
Quick verdict
Not ever phone needs to cost thousands of pounds to use, and for those that want the latest version of Android, a big screen for movies and a few pounds left over at the end of each month, the Orange Monte Carlo is one of the best phones to go for.
Number 8: HTC Incredible S
8. HTC Incredible S
HTC's ability to make large-screened phones on Android is seemingly never ending, with more emerging from the woodwork every week.
With the HTC Sensation now out, and the HTC Desire S already available, there was some worry about this Android 2.2-toting handset becoming lost in the ether.
But with a vacuum-packed design and large and bright 4-inch screen, it's quickly become a quirky, if not to everyone's liking, alternative to the run-of-the-mill boring slabs of smarpthone hardware.
The 8MP camera with dual LED flash is a decent option, the interface snaps along nicely and the price is palatable - with another top example of HTC Sense that's been improved with the launch of Android 2.3, and hopefully will get the same update to Ice Cream Sandwich.
Quick verdict
While sales haven't really been stellar for the Incredible S, it's still a real favourite among users. We suggest you nab one soon, as they may not be around for much longer given the popularity of the HTC Sensation and new Beats Audio range.
Number 7: BlackBerry Bold 9900
7. BlackBerry Bold 9900
RIM's been in the doldrums a little in 2011, but that hasn't stopped it doing what it does best: bringing out the industry's best messaging devices.
The Bold 9900 is the best BlackBerry ever created, with a solid chassis, easy to use keys, a superbly hi-res screen and touch capabilities too.
BB OS 7 might not be much of an upgrade, but it still just works on a phone with a QWERTY keyboard / smaller screen combo.
brightcove : 1103767967001The internet is faster (although not market leading), the camera has been improved and NFC capabilities push the Bold 9900 into next generation territory.
Quick verdict
If you're a BlackBerry fan, this is the phone for you without doubt. Well, that is if you can afford the oddly high price tag - it's only this that's stopping us ranking the Bold 9900 higher in our definitive guide.
Number 6: Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
6. Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
Sony Ericsson has had something of a smartphone reboot in 2011, with the likes of Xperia Arc and Xperia Mini proving big hits.
But there's another winner from the soon-to-be-just-Sony brand, with the Xperia Ray winning more than a few admirign glances.
brightcove : 1189106106001It's got the innards of the Arc, plus the same pixel count - in a much smaller screen. That means the display is pin sharp, and while a little small compared to the competition, it's a very pocketable affair indeed.
The 8MP camera isn't as strong photographically as its rivals, but it still delivers quality snaps for a cheaper price tag.
Quick verdict
Well-packaged and packing in a host of top-end Sony tech, the Xperia Ray is a smaller smartphone that squeezes a large amount of power into a pocketable package.
Number 5
5. Desire S
The Desire S has surprised us all with its popularity - decent price drops already have seen it become a valuable proposition and place it as a good HTC alternative to the dual-core power of the HTC Sensation.
Excellent call quality, a decent camera, strong build and clever-as-ever social networking integration make this a class-leader once more, despite it no longer being the HTC top dog since the Sensation has landed.
brightcove : 1018924928001Quick verdict
The HTC Desire S is a slick, compact and attractive handset that is a decent improvement on its predecessor with more compact lines and an improved Sense experience.
It may only have a 5MP camera, but it's got a budget-busting £20 price tag, so that means it's still going to have a decent customer uptake even though the HTC Sensation has arrived - and we rate it ahead of the Incredible S thanks to a smoother design, greater pocketability and more advanced software upgrades, even though the camera is poorer.
Number 4
4. Sony Ericsson Arc S
When we talk about a Phoenix Phone, it will forever be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, and despite only being a few months old, it's already been upgraded to the Xperia Arc S, which makes things even better than the original and firmly deserves its place in the top 5 mobile phones.
And it's earned that rank through sheer quality - the things we're impressed with on the Xperia Arc S are almost too many to list.
From the beautiful Reality Display with Bravia Engine to the powerful-yet-simple 8.1MP camera with Exmor R technology, this is one of the phones that people actually want to hold and play with when you show it off - plus it now boasts a 3D panorama mode, although you have to hook it up to a compatible big screen TV to view.
brightcove : 1018924894001The Sony Ericsson overlay has cool features like an 'exploded widgets' view, and the integration of YouTube searching for videos of songs currently playing is super cool too - plus the Xperia Arc S is now rocking deeper Facebook integration and the latest version of Android: 2.3.4.
OK, it's not dual-core powered, but Sony Ericsson has looked to fix that with a boost to 1.4GHz processor, but until we start seeing some applications that really start to challenge these smartphones, we're happy to recommend a phone that is slick under the finger, slim in the pocket, satisfying in the hand and kinder than many on the wallet to boot.
Quick verdict
The hardware is extremely impressive, both in terms of looks and performance. Forget the fashionable dual-core phones – when done right, a single-core processor can still do it all, nearly a year after the tech was announced.
As it is, we're prepared to overlook the Xperia Arc S' minor flaws thanks to its stunning good looks, superb screen and very decent photo performance. You can't help but love it once you've held its magically thin body and gazed adoringly into its dazzling Reality Display.
Number 3
3. HTC Sensation
We know it's terribly geeky, but the battle between the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2 was one we were salivating over the thought of.
Both are dual core powerhouses, both have cutting-edge software and both the brands behind them have been enjoying success with Android in recent times.
The HTC Sensation is a cracking piece of kit despite being behind the S2 (and now the iPhone 4S), with Sense 3.0 being a real joy to use.
brightcove : 1029943802001The camera is decent enough, browsing and UI speeds are lightning fast and the overall build quality is sure to entice a number of users to pick up the Sensation and play with it in their local phone outlet.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire was the phone that showed the world what HTC could do, and the Sensation is a big step change once more. The dual-core power really shows, and the HTC Watch service is one to, well, watch as bringing movie downloads to a phone on the go could be the next big thing.
It's not cheap, and will probably be bested by the Beats-powered HTC Sensation XL, but if we woke up and found this on our bedside table we certainly wouldn't be disappointed.
Number 2
2. iPhone 4S
You migjht have noticed that Apple recently announced a new phone - it's the iPhone 4S though, and not the iPhone 5 as many were expecting.
But a phone by any other name would smell as sweet, and despite being identical in looks to the iPhone 4, there's enough here to warrant its high place in our rankings.
Siri voice recognition has shown itself to be more than a novelty, the dual-core processor has made phone operation even slicker and we're salivating over what the seven times more powerful graphics chip will be able to do.
brightcove : 1224629147001We were hoping for a larger display and things like a lack of Bluetooth transfer, no Flash integration with the internet browser and an uninspiring contacts app still grate - but they're no match for the sheer ease of use and general operation of Apple's best smartphone to date.
Quick verdict
OK, so it doesn't feel different in the pocket, and the updates don't seem to be that ground-breaking - but that doesn't matter for Apple, and the amazing camera, slick iOS 5 platform and superb display are still the things other phones should benchmark themselves against.
It's one of the most expensive phones on the market, so have a think whether you really want the latest features, as the iPhone 4 and 3GS are cheaper alternatives... but make no mistake, this is another cracking smartphone from Apple, and while many will be undoubtedly upset it's not number one, if you're an Apple fan then this is your number one phone.
Number 1
1. Samsung Galaxy S2
DId you think it could hold onto the crown and see off the challenge of the iPhone 4S? Well, despite Apple releasing its best smartphone to date, we still have to recommend Samsung's challenger for its mix of good looks and functionality.
What we love about the Samsung Galaxy S II is the sheer amount of stuff that's packed in under the chassis - but more important is the way Samsung has used all that tech to create a phone that just works near-flawlessly.
Check out our Samsung Galaxy S2 video review:
brightcove : 889800904001The dual-core 1.2GHz processor, the Super AMOLED plus screen and the excellent sonic performance of the media player all combine to make a real doozy of a mobile phone.
Recording in 1080p is a nice touch (given that it actually works most of the time) and the camera is more than enough to take great shots in a short space of time - although we suggest you check out the iPhone 4S, as we rate the camera on Apple's device that little bit higher if you're not bothered about messing about with settings.
In short, be it internet browsing, navigation, media, social networking or gaming - the Samsung Galaxy S2 is our pick of the bunch for all those functions in one phone.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a phone we're excited to whip out in a pub and show off to our friends - and millions of people already are. It's the ultimate media mobile, the next generation in web browsing thanks to slick Flash integration, a very good replacement for a pocket camcorder and, goshdarnit, it makes calls pretty well too.
The Samsung Galaxy S II has not only set a new bar for smartphones in 2011; it's smashed the bar, recreated it in its own image and even managed to see off the competition of an Apple smartphone that doesn't drop signal all over the place.
New mobile phones
If you're not that bothered by any of the handsets in our 20 best mobile phones list, then while you are clearly dead inside, there's still some more on their way to tickle your fancy, so check out the phones that might whet your appetite:
Nokia Lumia 800
Nokia's gone all Windows Phone 800 on us, and the Lumia 800 is basically a rebadged N9 sporting WIndows Phone 7.5 Mango under the hood.
It's 3.7-inch ClearBlack OLED screen and 1.4GHz processor are decent enough on the spec front, and Nokia's plugged its top end camera tech in too for the 8MP snapper. But can it take on the might of the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S2?
brightcove : 1241720705001Due: November 2011
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
The latest Google-specified phone has been announced, and it's a real powerhouse when it comes to the spec list.
We're talking a 1280x720 resolution stuffed into the 4.65-inch screen, a dual core 1.2Ghz processor, NFC and crucially will be the first phone to run Ice Cream Sandwich.
brightcove : 1244183571001Due: 17 November 2011
Samsung Galaxy Note
This is a massive phone in terms of size and impact - Samsung is trying to bridge the gap between the tablet and the phone.
With the industry's fastest 1.4Ghz dual core processor, a dedicated pen and a Super AMOLED HD display, we could be seeing the dawn of a new type of phone - but will consumers get on board?
brightcove : 1138414830001Due: 3 November 2011
