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Nokia Lumia 928 is the latest entrant into the smartphone market and let us see how well it scores when compared with the already existing top smartphones from other brands like Samsung, HTC and Sony. In the infographic, we have picked some of the device specifications which matter the most for your decision of choosing a best smartphone.
The product rankings we give, are based on the ReviewGist Score – which combines ratings from expert reviewers from around the web to give you a single quality score from 1 to 100.
Furthermore, we have narrowed down the selection of other top smartphones in this which have been released very recently and have been acclaimed my most review sources.
1. Nokia Lumia 928
Overview
Nokia Lumia 928 has arrived very recently into the market exclusively for Verizon users. You could get the Lumia 928 with Windows Phone operating system along with other above mid-range specifications without digging deeper into your pockets.
With this model, Nokia seems to be letting more light inside the camera since it underlines the low light photo capturing experience with the PureView camera which optimises Carl Zeiss optics along with the much needed optical image stabilization feature.
The strong feature set of Lumia 928 apart from its camera include 1.5 GHz dual core processor, 1080p video recording capability and AMOLED display which complements Windows Phone user interface.
What the reviews say
The Nokia Lumia 928 reviews speak a lot good about the design/build quality and its high quality PureView camera. CNET’s review finds the device’s look to be of “cutting edge” and Techradar too appreciates the design and thinness of the device. Apart from PhoneArena which pops in its opinion about the 928’s design getting thicker towards the middle of the chassis, the rest of the review sources are content with the device’s aesthetics.
Nokia Lumia 928’s 8.7 Megapixels camera is another similar attempt from Nokia to do its best in offering good quality image capturing experience . CNET gives you a clue that the images taken from Lumia 928’s camera are sharp with high image quality overall while the PhoneArena review approves the PureView camera as “incredible” for macro or portrait shots outdoors.
Overall, most review sources upvoted the Lumia 928’s camera and phone’s sleek body. Apart from these the phone has scored some points for its decent dual core processor and impressive display.
Conclusion
If you need most out of a smartphone camera, you can confidently opt for Lumia 928 and the device definitely has a well built and durable design too. For its price, Nokia Lumia 928 is the best in the market with all its specifications. But on the other hand, watch your step: you may be disappointed by the limited number of apps availability from the Windows Phone Store. So, those of you who are specific about highly customizable user interfaces and expecting a lot more from the application usage: try Android or iPhone offerings.
2. Samsung Galaxy S4
Overview
Samsung Galaxy S4 is the latest and most advanced Android smartphone from the manufacturer. Compared to the Galaxy S3, the previous year’s flagship model, S4 is touted to be a more powerful 5-inch smartphone with Full HD Super AMOLED display hosted by a robust 1.9 GHz quad-core processor and the latest version of Android operating system. Apart from these features, Samsung introduces you to a string of technical innovations with S4, like the creative touch free – gesture control features. Galaxy S4, the brand’s current flagship smartphone, easily the earns its position in list of topmost smartphone models.
What the reviews say
To begin with, Galaxy S4 is definitely a thinner and lighter version of S3 with improved features like display, camera, processor, battery life and overall ergonomics. CNET sees about Galaxy S4 being thinner, lighter and also about actually having improved battery life when compared to Galaxy S3. Contrary to this, TechRadar hints you that this model isn’t a completely remodelled version, and looks identical to Galaxy S3.
Almost every reviewer has embraced the Galaxy S4’s camera which has got a zing through its advanced 13 Megapixels autofocus camera. The phone’s camera is stuffed with full of features and you could easily compare it with the connected camera offering from Samsung under the Galaxy line: in terms of pro features, manual controls and easy sharing options.
S4 hosts a large screen with an appealing screen sharpness of 441 pixels per inch, which is the highest among all the Galaxy line models. Number of review sources also indicate that smartphone does very well with its display screen. PhoneArena digs into the screen’s outdoor visibility and viewing angle and commends it as being terrific and top-notch. On the top of that, TechRadar slides away with a statement that the device’s screen is as close to perfect in any way.
The superfast processor deployed on Galaxy S4 is suggested to be perfectly acceptable for gaming, viewing HD videos or any other multimedia and multitasking needs, which is why CNET highlights the blazing speed and powerful performance of the Galaxy S4 smartphone as one of the fastest handheld machines available anywhere.
Conclusion
Galaxy S4 offers the finest things: best display, optimum camera, latest Android OS and a blazing processor. Galaxy S4 should be your best choice if you are looking for an high-end smartphone which has some very useful and customizable options like UI, expandable memory slot and, removable battery. Given its features like 4.2.2 Android Jelly Bean and faster processor, this smartphone with a plastic body can turn out to be too expensive; and you have many bargain smartphones out there if you are too specific about the price.
3. Sony Xperia Z
Overview
Xperia Z is the Sony’s flagship smartphone released earlier this year with a premium spec sheet which any of the earlier Xperia phones didn’t have. The unique feature of this 5 inch Xperia smartphone which runs the latest Android OS and 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, is the water and dust resistant body. Added to that, the SD card slot caters to those of you who need extra storage space apart from the existing built-in memory. Read on to know more about what reviews say about this Sony smartphone.
What reviews say
Sony Xperia Z has a sleek body which can accommodate a 5 inch phablet screen size with a very good screen sharpness value of 441 ppi. The reviews are in favor of Xperia Z’s 1080p Full HD screen and the same is confirmed by the CNET’s review as the kind of clarity you would normally expect from your television. And to complement the usage of the older TFT LCD technology for display having a resolution of 1080 x 1920, Sony has implemented its Mobile BRAVIA 2 engine which enhances display settings to improve the appearance of media content on your screen.
From most reviews on the web, the Xperia Z’s camera has got positive remarks but the PhoneArena review is seemingly confronted with few deficiencies with the low light and outdoor performances.
For the first time, Sony has tried out implementing the quad core processor on this Xperia Z smartphone for better performance of all your multimedia and multitasking needs. PhoneArena remarks that the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor which Sony has deployed offers a clock speed upto 1.5 GHz adds up to the strong spec sheet which the Xperia Z has.
Furthermore, most reviews acclaim the features like water and dust resistance, brilliant hardware design, powerful performance and the usual high music quality which the Xperia phone delivers.
Conclusion
Xperia Z is a recommendable phone which has premium features with the thinnest body and a beautiful design. And if you are a thorough smartphone camera user, Xperia Z’s camera may not be acknowledged as the best in terms of image quality, even though it has a 13.1 resolution camera. But overall, with least drawbacks, Sony delivers you the performance with Xperia Z with high-end specs of display, processor and OS, which you would expect from a typical high-end smartphone.
4. HTC One
Overview
HTC One is the one impressive Android smartphone currently available in the market which scores well in the critical areas: design, screen, sound and camera. The phone has an outstanding 4.7 inch display with a pixel density of 468 ppi which is the highest among any other smartphone. The smartphone also offers you an unique feature for high quality image capturing with lesser Megapixels by introducing the proprietary Ultrapixel camera. HTC One is definitely a finely crafted smartphone and read on to know more about the device.
What reviews say
HTC One has the aluminium body build, which is thin and lightweight too. Along with many other reviews, Techradar too gives its design the thumbs up for its design and the perfectly placed front facing dual speakers. The One easily succeeds in the display department also with its 1080 x 1920 display screen which implements Super LCD 3 technology.
HTC One comes with a camera resolution of 4 Megapixels – not merely Megapixels but Ultrapixels. Number of review sources embrace the HTC’s proprietary Ultrapixel camera with better sensor quality which captures significantly more light than any other camera with more megapixels. CNET concludes that the phone comes with feature-packed Ultrapixel camera which takes great low light pictures and lives up to its hype as marketed. Apart from the main camera, One is coupled with front camera which offers pretty good quality images with a resolution of 2.1 Megapixels.
The 1.7 GHz quad core processor on the HTC One helps in smoother running of your apps. About the blazing performance of One, PhoneArena notes that this sleek smartphone is accompanied by a stutter-free quad-core processor for versatile usages.
HTC One is an editor choice of prominent review sources like CNET and TechRadar as you can see the impressive features and specifications.
Conclusion
HTC One can be recommended as the best smartphone in the market which gives a head to head competition to the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z. Adding to the advantageous gorgeous dual frontal stereo speakers of this phone, if you want to experience the sleek interface of HTC’s Sense and if your choice of design leans towards aluminium body, HTC One should your choice. But if you would prefer to use a phone with a removable battery and if you prefer expandable memory slot for extra space, Galaxy S4 can stand as the very next option.
This list of the top smartphones was compiled in June 2013 and for an ever updated list of the best smartphones at ReviewGist, check out the link here. We continuously update our cellphone selection from the latest cellphones by the top manufacturers, match them to the expert reviews from around the web to give you the most updated list of the best cellphones to buy.