Best mobile phone: 20-16
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? We've probably got about three or four nowadays, and that counts giving your old Nokia 3310 to your Mum a few years ago.
But while you used to be able to just bank on the new Nokia or always get the next Sony Ericsson because it had a half-decent camera, there are now so many great options out there from loads of manufacturers.
The trouble is, how do you decide which is the best one for you?
Well, this is where we make it easy. Because here we have our continually updated comparison of the top 20 best smartphones currently adorning phone emporiums up and down the UK.
The last update saw the HTC One maintain its place at the top of the charts, holding off multiple challenges from Nokia, Samsung, LG and Sony (namely the Galaxy S4) - showing the smartphone market still has a fair few players.
But the HTC One is nearly 6 months old. That's an age in smartphone terms, and now Apple has doubled down, bringing out a phone at the same price (the iPhone 5C) and pulling no punches with the supercharged iPhone 5S, so where will both land in our top 20?
But it's by no means a 'can Apple topple HTC' kind of race - as HTC has created a cheaper version of the One (the HTC One Mini, of course), LG's gone all out with the aptly named LG G2, and even Sony is continually pushing the smartphone envelope with the Sony Xperia Z1 - so who knows who will be number one these days?
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:
null : http://cms.techradar.com/article/y61JYYiFwbk36And when you've decided which new phone to buy (and checked out the best mobile phone deal), 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.
20. Huawei Ascend P6
Huawei is something of a dark horse in the mobile phone world at the moment, thanks to the fact that it's one of the largest manufacturers but nowhere near the minds of most consumers when thinking about their next smartphone.
That changed slightly with the launch of the Huawei Ascend P6, a super-super-slim Android device that costs less than £300, comes with a quad core processor and generally looks the business in smartphone terms.
Huawei has taken an alternative approach to its Android overlay by scrapping the menu section, leading to a dump of widgets and apps all in one easy set of screens.
It's got a rather nice display and lightning quick operation, and has certainly turned some heads in the smartphone world.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZHUDdOaHpUQuick verdict
The Huawei P6 isn't the kind of phone that's going to challenge at the sharp end of our ranking, but it is a phone worth considering if you want top-end features at a reasonable price.
It's got a lot going for it, and the customisable themes are impressive too - we suggest you hold it in your hand before dismissing it as the design is just almost inexplicably thin.
19. Nokia Lumia 820
The Nokia Lumia 820 sits nicely at the crossroads between value and power. While it doesn't have the processor, camera or larger screen of its big brother the Lumia 920, it does have microSD storage, removable covers and a more attractive price tag - multiple reasons why you should like it.
New to Windows Phone? This is an affordable option for you. Don't want a Full HD screen? The Super AMOLED option on this is battery-friendly but still rather good. Want a fun camera? Multiple lenses are your friend here.
This is a well constructed, colourful handset with some excellent technological features, and it's got a really palatable price point to boot. It's been overshadowed by others in the range, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a class act.
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OK, it's not the best Windows Phone device out there. Many have better specs, and others have lower price points.
But the Lumia 820 can take a knock, has a decent battery and more importantly: doesn't cost the earth each month on contract. A perfect device for those thinking about getting a mid-term smartphone before upgrading to something with a little more grunt in the future.
18. BlackBerry Z10
BlackBerry is (sort of) back - there's no doubt about that after the huge launch of the BlackBerry Z10 and it's BB10 operating system. The lateness of said launch caused some to question the relevance of the phones, but it's still a phone that ticks a lot of boxes.
The BlackBerry Z10's Peek function, interesting camera features and ability to offer you a work and life balance will appeal to a lot of people who struggle to carry around two handsets when the office won't let you bring the iPhone in.
The Z10 has a quality finish as well as a clever interface, and the expandable storage, removable battery and Adobe Flash support are all small wins for the Z10 and will help as it tries to stand out in a crowded market.
Add in the presence of BlackBerry 10.2 to supercharge the OS (to some extent - improving the Priority Hub is a nice move) and you can see it's not game over for BB just yet.
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The Z10 is a decent smartphone offering up a strong range of features and a fancy new operating system that may catch the eye of the technologically adventurous.
It does pretty much everything we'd expect from a high-end device and there are no major flaws to go running to the presses about. It's only the lack of any real cutting-edge features to mark it out that keeps it from going higher in our list, so if you're all about BlackBerry, then this phone won't disappoint.
Sure, things aren't going well at the Canadian firm, which is why the handset is so far down our list - but in a vacuum, we'd wager a few more people would choose BB10 thanks to its slick operation under the finger.
17. Sony Xperia SP
The Sony Xperia SP is a phone that's flown a little under the radar in recent months: a phone with a decent spec list that can be had for a fair few quid under £300.
One of the main draws is the camera, where the range of settings and the quality of the images it produces were well beyond what we would expect from a smartphone at this price.
It's become an indispensable tool of any modern handset, and Sony has concentrated its efforts to make sure this part of the Sony Xperia SP really punches above its weight.
There are other things we really dig on the SP too: the inclusion of a microSD slot is always welcome, and the Walkman app makes a mid-range handset really shine for the music lover.
It's also packing 4G connectivity for speedy data on the go, which again is really rather nice for the price - in short, it's a handset that outperforms its price tag.
Quick verdict
The excellent camera and range of connectivity that includes NFC and 4G go hand-in-hand with a great design and a screen size that will be just right for someone that doesn't want a high-end 5-inch monster.
If you're on a budget, we'd consider it ahead of last year's high-flyers, and it's certainly better than a lot of other phones available at this hotly contested mid-range price point.
Heavy users could struggle with the moderate battery and mediocre processor, but if you want to save a bit of money and still own a smartphone that you can show off at parties or around the office, you could do a lot worse than picking up the Xperia SP.
16. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Want the Samsung Galaxy S4 but are too worried about dropping it in the bath or flinging it into a sand dune? Well, you can either not do either of those things, or buy the Samsung Galaxy S4.
With a powerful IP67 water and dust proof case the Active is far more hardy than a lot of the top end devices currently on the market.
The only other handset which can match the rugged credentials of the S4 Active is the Sony Xperia Z, (and Z1 successor, of course) although those being covered in glass front and back makes them feel far more fragile.
While the 5-inch display may not sport the Super AMOLED technology of the S4, the full HD resolution still makes for an excellent visual experience which is only really bettered by its namesake and the HTC One.
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If you're in the market for a super powerful smartphone which you can take on extreme activities, swimming and in the bath then sure the Galaxy S4 Active is the best around, although that's a pretty limited market.
And hey, chuck it in a bucket of water and your mates will be seriously impressed (honest).
We've only got this phone so far down on the list as we don't think huge amounts of users will be desperate to add the heft to an S4 to make it a bit more life proof, and that isn't going to be something most people will worry about.
But if you want the security of a phone that can withstand a few knocks but doesn't scrimp on the specs or usability, then you could do a lot worse than checking out the S4 Active.
Best Mobile phone: 15-11
15. Samsung Galaxy S3
With the Samsung Galaxy S4 (and friends) now launched, the S3 has predictably fallen down the rankings thanks to there being a better phone to recommend.
But don't worry: the S3 is still a strong phone: it's got every kind of feature we could ask for and more, and raised the bar once again in terms of what consumers should be expecting in terms of battery life, processor speed and media management.
Would we recommend you buy one if you're hankering for a spot of Samsung? Yes, but only if you're trying to save money, as the S4 is a much better version of this phone indeed.
Price isn't the only reason the Samsung Galaxy S3 is worthy of consideration though. Smart Stay, Super AMOLED HD screen, up to 128GB storage, Music Hub, removable battery, quick camera; for the price, this phone still delivers in ways that many others on the market can't.
The design didn't impress us as much as when we first laid eyes on the S2, but that's the only big issue we could find - and it's proven popular enough for MILLIONS of you to have bought it thus far, showing that it's still a cutting edge smartphone for some.
It looks like Android 4.2 is being skipped for the all-singing 4.3 version (for Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatibility), there's still life in this once-leading phone - just make sure you check out the S4 or Note 3 first.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-mDHXeFYvwQuick verdict
If you're after a decent slab of Samsung tech, the Galaxy S3 won't disappoint. It's fast, it's sleek and it still packs some interesting and useful technology.
Samsung faced an almost impossible task in trying to create a worthy sequel to the Galaxy S2, and while it's not longer top dog, it's at least getting more palatable in terms of price - plus is nimble enough to take down a number of newer phones too.
14. Nokia Lumia 925
What's better than a top Windows Phone 7 handset? A Windows Phone 8 one, and we've got no qualms about telling you this is the best high-end Windows Phone out there.
Simplicity is the key here, the Lumia 925 does the basics well, from contact integration and calling, to web browsing and messaging. The camera is market-leading, and offers excellent performance from low-light to jumpy videos.
The 8.7MP PureView camera on the back of the Lumia 925 is actually one of the best we've used, and for anyone looking to get a top end cameraphone: you need to seriously consider this Nokia, although the recent glut of handsets (Sony Xperia Z1, HTC One, LG G2 and iPhone 5S) have all stepped up their game significantly to offer strong camera experiences too.
The 4.5-inch display is also a good'un, crisp and clear it makes watching movies, surfing the web or Facebook stalking an enjoyable experience, thanks to the PureMotion HD technology on offer.
And you can even use it with gloves on... what more could you want? You're right: hologram messages. But they don't exist yet.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzSPAaYCh_wQuick verdict
The Nokia Lumia 925 is a worthy ambassador for Windows Phone 8 and probably a strong part of the reason Microsoft decided to acquire the Finnish handset division.
It's not got the clout to take on the likes of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 just yet, but it's still a great choice if you're not sold on Android or iOS but don't want to give up a powerful phone.
13. iPhone 5C
What's this? A new iPhone not making it into the top five? Wait... not even the top ten?
Well, you can't really blame us. This isn't a new iPhone - it's last year's device in brand new package with more colours to choose from.
There are more LTE bands to choose from too, which is important to UK buyers as it means it can give superfast speeds from all the networks.
It's still a really rather good phone, with the Retina display still giving market-leading colour reproduction, a strong camera and the best App Store around.
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We'll be honest: this is the place the iPhone 5 would have occupied since it's been usurped by the iPhone 5S.
This is, in our eyes, essentially the same phone with a new skin. There will be loads of people looking to buy it simply because the iPhone now comes in pink or green, and to those we say: look at the Lumia range. Nokia's been doing the same thing for years and at a much, much cheaper price point.
The iPhone 5C is the same as a every phone from Apple: too expensive for what it is, but if you're desperate for such a device from the Cupertino brand then this is still a strong handset to plump for.
12. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Many (including us, we admit) were not convinced when the original Samsung Galaxy Note launched. Who on earth would want something so big to make their calls and surf the internet, even with a glorified stylus? Cue awkward silence.
Millions of you, it would appear. The Galaxy Note sold by the bucketload, so how do you follow that up? With something better, of course - the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which has shifted 20 million units worldwide, and now is the elder statesman thanks to the new Galaxy Note 3 appearing.
Still a strong and eye-catching device, the Galaxy Note 2 is well-connected, and thanks to that increased screen size (up to an eye-bulging 5.5-inches), is, among many things, a quality media player.
Samsung has achieved something special here, because it has made the Galaxy Note 2 bigger than the original, but pulls it off so that you don't notice it too much and anyway, it's the features that make it so amazing.
Air View, Multi-window, a dock that can turn it into a fully-fledged computer - it's all here, people..
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As a phone, it's big, but once you get over that, if you can, it's great. As a PMP, it really does excel, and as a web communicator, it's only beaten by the Note 3.
Ultimately, there's no getting away from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a niche device. But it does almost everything it sets out to do perfectly, with grace, class and maximum functionality. With a lower price, it's still powerful enough to last for at least a year or two, so we have no qualms recommending it as a viable option for your next phone.
11. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z is no longer the top dog for the Japanese firm since the Xperia Z1 has launched. But when it came out, the handset was definitely the most impressive the firm has launched either in its current guise or as Sony Ericsson.
You can see the Sony influence throughout the handset as it oozes quality and build from the large screen, which fits close to the edges of the bezel, to the intelligent camera that allows you to snap some really premium photos without needing to fiddle about with the settings.
And it's water and dust resistant too, which makes it excellent for general life business. There's a certain freedom that comes from knowing that the heart-stopping moment of your phone falling in a pint of beer is gone for good.
It's also packing a microSD card slot in an nicely-thin chassis, for which we laud the phone even higher. Add to that the Bravia Engine 2, (which is as much as you need - the Z1's Triluminous technology doesn't really further the message much further forward.)
It doesn't run the Snapdragon 800 processor, but it does have a good spec list and uses them well - a crisper video experience, a more powerful camera, being waterproof, expandable memory are all great elements.
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While it doesn't quite pack the clout of the phones from HTC and Samsung, the Xperia Z is a phone that says Sony is definitely back at the sharp end of the smartphone game.
It's a shame it hasn't dropped in price much since its successor appeared, but there's still a lot of decent tech in a phone that's not even a year old.
Number 10: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
10. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
Samsung has created a mid-range handset, putting itself right against the 4G-toting Sony Xperia SP and Nokia Lumia 820 - but most importantly now in a war with the HTC One Mini too.
The Galaxy S4 Mini takes the design language of the full-fat S4, and does well to shrink it down without losing the same 'atmosphere'.
A vibrant screen, bright and clear enough, added to the fact it's only 4.3-inches large, mean the S4 Mini is a lot easier to hold in the hand, and the camera is as powerful as we'd expect on a phone of this size and price point.
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What you get with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a far better trade off of price and features than you got with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, and a phone that sits very comfortably within the S4 range.
It's got a lot of the S4 power at a lower price point, and while the S3 to S3 Mini divide was just too great in our eyes, the S4 Mini is a lot closer to its bigger brother.
It lacks the power of the main version, but strips out the right amount of stuff to still be desirable.
Number 9: Sony Xperia Z1
9. Sony Xperia Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 is another powerhouse of a phone. With a 20.7MP camera with G Lens technology, the ability to withstand rain, snow and sand and a superfast Snapdragon 800 processor running the show, it's clearly a great handset to have around.
It also comes in a variety of funky colours, has a pleasing build quality that helps justify the higher price to a degree and basically offers the best of the Sony brand in a smartphone.
We do have a few reservations insofar as the Z1 doesn't really carry the mantle the Xperia Z created; it's got a massively uprated camera and screen technology, but neither particularly wow.
Quick verdict
Don't think that this is anything less than a leading phone from Sony. It's just that the added thickness to accommodate the camera doesn't impress enough to plop it into the top five, and after the really great showing from the Xperia Z, we were a little disappointed.
However, the slick interface that make Android feel more simple, the fun Walkman and Movies app and the overall power and battery life make this a really nice phone that once again shows Sony knows how to make a smartphone.
Number 8: Google Nexus 4
8. Google Nexus 4
Google and LG have worked together to bring to market a fantastic offering, one that even Apple fans can't help but coo over when they hear the price.
The fact of the matter is that this is a handset with world class specs – yet it's at a cost you'd expect to get a budget phone for. Sure, there are a few things that could have been done better, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
The Nexus 4 is beautifully designed with a stunning display and rocking the latest version of Android. It has more connectivity than a telephone exchange and even excels in the simple matter of making calls.
We're not fans of the lower memory allowance, and it's not got the best screen on the market, and there will be a few that see stock Android 4.3 as too stripped-down to consider it a valid phone OS choice; more a platform for the big hitters to build on.
But that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic handset - it would have competed even without the insanely low price tag.
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Make no mistake – this is the best Nexus handset so far by a long shot. We love it and can't recommend it highly enough.
It was a contender for the top spot at launch, although it's fallen just short ahead of intense competition as it's not the fastest model out there. If you're due a new phone and aren't willing to spend the big bucks, you should check the Google Nexus 4 out without delay - although be aware the Nexus 5 is due any day now.
Number 7: Nokia Lumia 520
9. Nokia Lumia 520
The Nokia Lumia 520, much like its big brother the Nokia Lumia 620, is a jack of all trades and a master of none - although it really manages to make a good fist of everything it tries, for the price.
It looks good, it's got a decent screen both in terms of size and resolution, it rarely stutters or slows down, it's great for calls and messaging, reasonable for media and okay for photos.
To achieve a lower price point the 520 has had to strip away a few things - there's no NFC, compass, camera flash or front facing camera here.
But on the other hand it's also got a bigger screen, a larger battery, a sleeker, slimmer, lighter build and the same processor and RAM as the Nokia Lumia 620, so in many ways it's actually better.
Combine that with a lower price tag and we reckon that this just might be the best entry level Windows Phone 8 handset that you can buy and certainly the best value.
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The Nokia Lumia 520 certainly isn't an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy beater - but it's a superb Windows Phone device that you can pick up for under £100. If you're a fan of a simple interface with some quality add-ons, then you should definitely look at Nokia's latest attempt to win over the smartphone naysayers.
Number 6: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is alive and kicking and breathes yet more life into a mobile form factor many thought would be dead on arrival, ramping up the specs and the size to give us a new monolith of mobile.
It may be big, but the 5.7-inch display is fantastic and the Full HD Super AMOLED technology makes everything pop from websites to movies.
You're able to fit a lot more on screen at a time and that means less scrolling in messages, on websites and down your long contact list and that can only be a good thing.
What really impressed us with the Galaxy Note 3 though was its battery life and sheer speed under the finger. We're used to a day at best when hardcore using the device, but we got far past that without breaking a sweat throughout our tests.
The speed of the Snapdragon 800 quad core processor, combined with 3GB of RAM, means this is the least-slouchy phone we've encountered in a while.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is a great phone and if you were to own one you wouldn't be disappointed. It provides a great onscreen experience - as long as your hands are big enough to reach across it - and its stuffed full of tech to almost warrant its lofty price tag.
Its size will be a real stumbling point for many and we'd recommend going into a store and just holding the Note 3 for a while to see if it's something you can cope with - in short, we want all this but in a form that we can hold easily, at a lower price and without the S Pen.
So, essentially, we're really looking forward to the Galaxy S5.
Number 5: HTC One Mini
5. HTC One Mini
If you hold both the One and the One Mini, you'll struggle to tell the difference, apart from the fact one is smaller than the other (obviously). The aluminium build quality pervades, and it's hard to believe that you're not holding one of the premium devices on the market.
Even the polycarbonate band that runs around the edge of the phone is unobtrusive, which means you get a distinctive design that doesn't impact on the way the One Mini sits in the hand.
We love that the functionality of the One Mini isn't compromised from its larger relative, with the likes of UltraPixels and BoomSound all involved without being watered down. HTC has been very clever in the design of this phone by bringing nearly every great element of the One to the smaller version, and packaging it in a way that still makes it very attractive.
In short, it's a cheaper version of the larger phone that scales down the processor and drops the price. Good combo, HTC.
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Would we recommend the HTC One Mini? Absolutely - the mid-range market renaissance is something we didn't expect, but is an area that HTC is intent on winning - and we think it's managed that with the One Mini.
We really love the aluminium shell, the UltraPixel camera and BoomSound on board, plus we get to play with the latest version of Android as well as all the cool apps like the Music Player, which show lyrics to songs as they're playing. Actually, we're just happy to have the headphone-boosting amplifier on board - as long as our songs are nicely audible, we don't really care.
There's a sub-class of phones around at the moment that try and replicate top-end features in the mid-range market, and HTC is now winning that game too.
Number 4: iPhone 5S
4. iPhone 5S
Did you see this one coming? The iPhone 5S behind three other Android phones in our rankings? Some think it should be higher, some think lower - it depends on your level of Apple love.
Never has a company polarised opinion in the smartphone world like Apple - and with the iPhone 5S, so many are quick to decry it while others know it to be the smartphone they've been waiting for.
And let's make no bones about it: this is a stunning phone, with a gorgeous two-tone finish, a high-res screen with good colour reproduction, a 64-bit chip and that all-powerful TouchID sensor that lets you unlock your phone with a simple fingerprint.
The iOS 7 update is one that we sorely, sorely needed and does bring a lot more power and control - as shown by the impressive and pervasive Control Center.
We really like TouchID, the processor might be a little useless now but definitely brings a touch more zip to things, and the M7 chip for fitness apps will be very exciting in weeks and months to come as app developers get their paws on it.
The main problem we have with this phone, spec list aside, is the fact the iPhone 5S is STILL very expensive... we're not sure how such sky high prices can be charged when equivalent smartphones are available on the market.
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Let's not beat around the bush here: the iPhone 5S is still one of the great smartphones in the world thanks to a great package of technology, design and UI intuition.
iOS 7 is the update we've needed for a while, and does a lot to help keep Apple current at the sharp end of the market - but we still can't wait to see what the iPhone 6 will bring, as essentially this is still the same phone as the iPhone 5 but with a better engine under the hood.
Number 3: Samsung Galaxy S4
3. Samsung Galaxy S4
All change at the top! Samsung managed to hold off HTC at the top in 2012, but this year the supreme stylings of the HTC One proved too strong against a phone that's a slightly-better-version of its predecessor.
Well, that's not really fair - it's only in looks that it's too similar, and sadly that was one of the biggest issues most users had with the S3. It's not the world's biggest smartphone crime, but it's enough to keep it from the top spot.
There's a lot, a lot, to love with the Samsung Galaxy S4 though: whether it's a powerful camera, a brilliant screen, a long-lasting battery or just a fluid experience, there's everything you could want in a smartphone right here.
The cost is a tad higher than on other smartphones, but thankfully still cheaper than iPhone level. If only it was made out of something a little more premium...
LG has now taken its second spot too - here's hoping the Samsung Galaxy S5 brings something that's really rather special to halt its slide down the charts.
FutTv : m6h0uCeL8z0kOVerdict
There's no doubt that this is one of the best smartphones ever made - it's clear, powerful and does everything we'd expect a flagship phone from Samsung to do.
It's just a shame that the perceived 'innovation' doesn't really add anything: motion gestures, smart scroll and it's other non-contact bedfellows didn't take smartphones to the next level, which is what we needed in the face of Ultrapixels and BoomSound.
Make no mistake though: you'll love the Samsung Galaxy S4 if you choose to go for it, as it's an amazing phone with some really cutting-edge features.
Number 2: LG G2
2. LG G2
Wait, an LG phone in at number two? Believe it people; LG has made a phone that not only impressed us but ran the HTC One very, very close for the top spot.
We don't know where to start in terms of extolling the virtues of this new handset from the South Korean firm: it's got an insanely good screen, quality camera, the best audio pumping out from its speakers and headphone jack... the list goes on.
We even came to tolerate, then love, the power and volume buttons being placed on the rear. These aren't ideal, but the ability to knock on the screen makes it really easy to interact with this impressive device.
FutTv : D8rmk71fXNrk8Verdict
There's so much on offer here that we can't help but recommend it to anyone looking for the best smartphone powerhouse.
The only things that we dislike are the cluttered UI (pull down the notifications bar and you'll see why) and the plastic casing, which drops the premium feel of the phone.
But launching at £400 on PAYG, along with comparable contracts to six month old phones, is a really nice touch from LG, and we reckon it's going to pay dividends.
Number 1: HTC One
1. HTC One
Don't fear HTC fans - your darling is still number one. As our only five star phone, its combination of impressive UI and stunning aluminium build means it was always safe in the number one
It's nothing to do with the quality of the S4 or the LG G2 – outstanding phones in anyone's book – but more the fact HTC has managed to bring out a smartphone that's worthy of any user's consideration.
The supreme aluminium chassis, the Full HD screen and the simplified version of Sense 5.0 sitting on top of Android Jelly Bean means it's a pleasure to use and recommend this handset.
The new innovations are also pleasingly more than just marketing gimmicks; Zoe functionality allows the creation of delightful video highlight reels, and the Ultrapixel camera means you've got a much wider range of shots available thanks to being stunning in low light.
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With power, poise and beauty all combined in this innovative phone, HTC has proved it can more than still cut it with the big boys when it comes to bringing out a lust-worthy flagship smartphone - and it's also proved that it still knows how to beat the Samsungs and LGs of this world into third and second place with ease.
We're now starting to wonder how HTC can hold its place at the top - but with that metallic frame, there's no short supply of users ready to coo all over it the second it lands in their hand.
You might also like...
If a phone isn't in the top 20 best phones in the world list, that doesn't mean it's not worth giving two hoots about.
Here's a few handsets you might want to think about should none of the above tickle your fancy... although you're clearly VERY hard to please:
Motorola Razr HD
A former top 20 resident the Motorola Razr HD is still a decent contender and has only dropped out of our best phones list due to newer handsets elbowing their way to the top.
While this phone lacks in some areas (let's be honest: a dual-core processor doesn't get anyone's heart racing any more, despite being able to handle most tasks) it still has a clear screen, simple OS and a really strong battery at its heart.
Many will be taken by the almost stock Android platform it uses, and the fact it's got an additional HDMI port means it's easy to sync your phone up to a big screen - plus it doesn't cost the earth.
Motorola Razr HD review
Huawei Ascend Y300
Fancy stepping into the smartphone market but don't want a phone that'll cost you the earth? Then why not check out the capable Huawei Ascend Y300, yours for just £100.
At that price you're not going to get any breakthrough technology, but with Android Jelly Bean, a dual-core processor and a 5MP rear camera it offers plenty for the first time user.
You don't get 4G, NFC or a shiny metal chassis, but the Y300 offers a solid build a reliable - if not slightly sluggish - interface.
Huawei Ascend Y300 review
Nokia Lumia 720
The Nokia Lumia 720 is a great smartphone and though some may be put off that it's rocking Windows Phone 8 over Android, if you're in the market for a mid-range mobile this is certainly worth considering.
If offers a bigger screen then the excellent, but small Lumia 520 and it won't make a massive dent in your wallet if the Lumia 925 is out of your price range.
It is up against some tricky, and more established Android competition, but if you fancy taking the plunge for something new you can't go wrong with the Lumia 720.
BlackBerry Q10
Everyone is going touchscreen these days, BlackBerry's even got the Z10 and Z30 now, but for those of you still reliant on a physical keyboard to type the Q10 is one of the few options available to you.
While the Q10 may struggle to match the top end Android and iOS handsets in terms of features, apps and value, it does offer the best physical typing experience on the market - and for some that's all they need to hear.
Huawei Ascend P2
The Huawei Ascend P2 is a highly capable smartphone and offers a strong line up of features and a decent level of specs - it just doesn't excel at anything, or wow us with amazing features.
If you fancy a powerful handset on a budget then the Ascend P2 is a decent shout with a quad-core processor, 4.7-inch HD display, 4G connectivity and a 13MP camera.
It's not going to win any races against the likes of the HTC One or Galaxy S4, but you'll be safe in the knowledge you got decent value for money.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
If you're one of those people who plays by their own rules then you won't be taken by any of the generic slabs of plastic and metal which are today's smartphones - you'll want something different, something out there, something a little bit off the wall. Meet the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom.
Is it a phone? Is it a camera? Well it's kind of both. From the front it looks like another Samsung clone, but flip it over and there's a whacking great optical zoom camera lens plastered on the back.
It's big, brash and heavy and that will put a lot of people off, but it you want a device which can take some impressive pictures and make the odd phone call you may fall for the S4 Zoom's... umm... charm?
New mobile phones 2013 - what's coming up?
Of course, there's always a chance you don't give two hoots about the phones we've listed here, and want to know what shining lights are set to glimmer into focus in the final few months of this year and early in 2014.
Here's a selection of new upcoming phones to whet your appetite:
BlackBerry Z30
The key feature on the BlackBerry Z30 is its 5-inch display, putting is squarely up against the big players in the market including the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, LG G2 and Nokia Lumia 925.
We found the Z30 to be a capable, if unappealing smartphone during our hands on review, and it's probably never going to try and win the hearts of the masses.
That said if you've still got a soft spot for BlackBerry and want to get your mitts on their best smartphone hold on for the Z30 to hit stores.
We're currently putting through the BlackBerry Z30 through our in depth review process, so keep an eye out for our final thoughts soon.
ZTE Blade V
A quad-core processor in a smartphone which will set you back no more than £90 - that's the dream, right? Well the ZTE Blade V delivers just that.
It's not really got much going for it beyond 'it's really rather cheap for a quad-core device' though, and that may not be enough to warrant a purchase.
We fear for a lack of substance underneath the spec sheet, but that could all change come our in depth review, so you should keep an eye on the Blade V.
Nokia Lumia 625
Why are all the big screened phones so expensive? It means those on a tighter budget are left to make do with smaller screens and that just doesn't seem fair.
Luckily the Nokia Lumia 625 is on hand, or it will be soon, with its 4.7-inch display and rather affordable £200 price tag to ease that big screen pain.
After our hands on time with the handset we walked away from the Nokia Lumia 625 feeling distinctly under whelmed. In a vacuum, this would be an interesting device, but we fear it will struggle to stand out in a crowded middle market. Is Windows Phone and a 4.7-inch screen a big enough pull?
Google Nexus 5
Google will launch another Nexus device. It will more than likely arrive rocking Android 4.4 KitKat, probably sometime in October this year and we'd expect it to have a highly attractive price tag.
The latest reports suggest the Nexus 5 will sport the same specs as the iPhone 5S, but at about half the price, which would really stick it to Apple.
Of course it's pure speculation at the moment and we wait for something firm to come out of the search giant surrounding the Nexus 5.
In the meantime, read up on all the latest news and rumours in our Nexus 5 hub, there's a link to it below.
HTC One Max
We love the HTC One - it's so good in fact we gave it a 5 star rating and number one spot in our 20 Best Mobiles Phones in the World. So what will HTC do next? Make the same phone, just bigger, apparently.
A possible HTC One Max release date has been pegged for October 17, while rumoured specs include a huge 5.9-inch full HD display, 2.3GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM.
The One Max price could be an issue though with a figure around the £600 mark being knocked about - better start saving them.
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