If you are looking to buy a new smartphone this month for cash, with a unlimited budget, there are a lot of options. For those who don't want an Android, it might want to wait for the next generation iPhone or for the price of BlackBerry Z10 to drop.
As in the past months, LTE is must to make it on the elite list.
All prices posted are for units covered by a manufacturers warranty.
1. LG Optimus G (Php20,990) - Nexus 4 with LTE
A sharp price drop is making this phone look more and more interesting. The LG Optimus G is the phone on which the Google Nexus 4 was based. Basically, think of it as a Nexus 4 with double the storage and LTE.
Quick specifications:
- Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- 4.7-inch HD (768 x 1280) display
- 32 GB internal storage, not expandable
- 2 GB RAM
- 1.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Krait processor
- Adreno 320 graphics
- 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
- 1.3 MP front camera
- LTE/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- A-GPS
- 2100 mAh battery
The LG Optimus G put together the best of 2012 technology. It won't stand up to the best 2013 offerings, still priced at Php6K below the new 1080p quad core phones it is worth a look.
2. Nokia Lumia 920 (Php22,600) - The best Windows Phone 8 device in the local market
There are two really good reasons to buy this phone. First, it is the best Windows Phone 8 which means it is a good choice for heavy Facebook and Skype users. Second, it has an excellent video camera.
The 8MP primary camera has Carl Zeiss Optics and optical image stabilization, the first for a smartphone. A gyroscope is used to detect the motion of the phone and the whole optical assembly moves in the opposite direction to cancel out the movement. That happens 500 times a second. This really does wonder for HD video capture, especially for the action junkies. The still image quality is not really up to par with the Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 2 camera, if you are an action junky, the video capture mode of the Lumia 920 will make you forget all that.
Quick specifications:
- Windows Phone 8
- 4.5-inch HD (768 x 1280) display
- 32 GB internal storage, not expandable
- 1 GB RAM
- 1.5 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
- Adreno 225 graphics
- 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
- 1.3 MP front camera
- LTE/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- A-GPS
- 2000 mAh battery
The price of the Nokia Lumia 920 dropped recently, and at its new price, it is spec'ed just right. If you cannot get a good price on it, I recommend you look at the other offerings.
3. Sony Xperia ZL C6503 LTE (Php26,850) - The most compact 5-inch Full HD phone in the market
The Sony Xperia ZL combines 2012 and 2013 technology. Basically, todays it sports todays cutting edge Full HD display tech, with last years quad core processor. It is also the most compact 5-inch smartphone in the world. By comparison, it is 5 mm shorter, and 0.5 mm narrower than the Samsung Galaxy S 4. While its more expensive sibling, the Sony Xperia Z may look more upscale with its glass case, this one feels better in the hand with its curved back.
Quick specifications:
- Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- 5-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) display
- 32 GB internal storage, not expandable
- 2 GB RAM
- 1.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Krait processor
- Adreno 320 graphics
- 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
- 1.3 MP front camera
- LTE/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- A-GPS
- 2370 mAh battery
4. Samsung Galaxy S 4 i9505 (Php29,990) - The best smartphone ever built
It is still made of plastic and it no longer has an FM radio. The software has been given so many features it is starting to feel gimmicky. Those are about the only bad things you can say about the Samsung Galaxy S 4. The Galaxy S 4 is basically a Galaxy S III with a larger, higher resolution display, in a smaller case. It is also faster, comes with LTE, and the camera and battery life have been improved. Basically, it improves on everything. In sum, it is the best smartphone in the world.
Quick specifications:
- Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
- 5-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) Super AMOLED display
- 16 GB internal storage, expandable via a MicroSD card
- 2 GB RAM
- 1.9 GHz quad core Qualcomm S600 processor
- Adreno 320 graphics
- 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
- 1.3 MP front camera
- LTE/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- A-GPS
- 2600 mAh battery
Get over the plastic. The plastic case means this phone has been equipped with a user replaceable battery and is easy to repair. You are going to keep this phone in a plastic or leather case anyway.
5. HTC One (Php30,900) - The best looking smartphone ever built
If you cannot get over the plastic of the Samsung Galaxy S4, don't worry, there is the HTC One. The HTC has a smaller 4.7-inch screen, and the processor is clocked a bit slower. The battery is also a bit smaller, resulting in shorter battery life. But you do get a very premium looking handset built in aluminum. At the same time, you also get some pluses. It has optical image stabilization, like the Nokia Lumia 920. The 4 MP Ultrapixel camera is designed for better low light performance, in exchange for image quality in brighter conditions.
Quick specifications:
- Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- 4.7-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) display
- 32 GB internal storage, not expandable
- 2 GB RAM
- 1.7 GHz quad core Qualcomm S600 processor
- Adreno 320 graphics
- 4 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
- 2.1 MP front camera
- LTE/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- A-GPS
- 2300 mAh battery
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