With a plethora of smartphones flooding the market, consumers are spoilt for choice. However, with so many options comes a tricky situation - the problem of plenty.
With innumerable choices at their disposal consumers are not only torn between ecosystems - whether Windows Phone, Android or iOS is the best, but also which device is the most utilitarian. Then there is the debate of whether to opt for a bigger screen or a compact device, which device has the best camera to satiate your selfie-taking needs, etc.
Features apart, one also needs to keep their budget in mind when splurging on a new smartphone in this ever-changing and competitive market.
To simplify this conundrum we take a look at some of the best available smartphones in the market. Something for every budget and every need.
1. iPhone 6
The iPhone 6 may be a few months old but it is still on the list of most-wanted smartphones. The 4.7-inch screen may pale in comparison with its bigger sibling, but the smartphone notches up brownie points on its form factor, sleek design and camera. The latest A8 processor ensures that the iPhone 6 is a stellar performer and touts good battery life as well.
The unlocked model starts at $649 (16 GB).
2. Samsung Galaxy S5
If you favor Android over iOS, Apple's archrival Samsung has the perfect answer in its Galaxy S5. The successor to the Galaxy S4 not only has a 5.1-inch screen, but is also water resistant. A built-in heart-rate monitor and fingerprint reader up the desirability quotient of this smartphone, which also boasts a spiffy 16-megapixel primary camera. With 9 hours of battery support, the Galaxy S5 is a great phone - the plastic body notwithstanding.
The unlocked model starts at $649.99 (16 GB).
3. HTC One M8
The 2014 flagship smartphone from HTC is the successor of the popular HTC One. Physically, the HTC One M8 resembles the HTC One but sports a bigger 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display. The smartphone's powerful 2.3 Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and 2 GB of RAM are capable of handling multiple apps and games with ease seamlessly and swiftly. The phone's USP is undoubtedly its Motion Launch feature, which lets users perform tasks without touching buttons via gestures.
The unlocked model is priced at $649 (16 GB).
4. Nexus 6
Released in November 2014, at 5.96 inches the Motorola-made device from Google is one of the biggest smartphones around. At 6.49 ounces the Nexus 6 is not exactly light, either, and may not be easy to hold in one hand. However, what it lacks in form factor, the smartphone compensates for via features. The powerful nonremovable 3220-mAh battery claims to offer support for 24 hours. So if you have heavy usage requirements, then the Nexus 6 could be the phone you're looking for. The 13-megapixel primary camera with OIS is also pretty decent and the video quality is crisp, too.
The unlocked model starts at $649 (32 GB).
5. LG G3
The successor of the LG G2, the LG G3 is the dark horse. The smartphone packs a high-resolution 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 display, which betters the Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8's 1080p screens. With a snappy Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, clocked at 2.5 GHz, and 3 GB of RAM, the LG G3 ensures that games and apps run smoothly. The removable 3000-mAh battery also ensures that the smartphone has enough juice to keep you going.
The unlocked model starts at $598 (32 GB).
6. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
While compact smartphones often end up compromising on performance to compensate for the low pricing, the 4.6-inch Xperia Z compact from Sony is not far from its bigger sibling in terms of performance. The standout feature of this waterproof smartphone, apart from the highest IP rating against dust and water, is its 20.7-megapixel primary camera. Selfie lovers will also be happy with the 2.2-megapixel front-facing camera.
Another great feature is the support the Xperia Z3 Compact offers for PlayStation's Remote Play, whereby owners can dock their smartphone to a game controller and play games via their PSN account.
The unlocked model is priced at $529.99 (16 GB).
