Now that CES, MWC, and CTIA are all wrapped up I thought it would be appropriate to go through what I think are the top 10 smartphones for the first half of 2011. My top 10 smartphones of 2010 article was very popular and readers seem to like these types of comparison articles. I will follow up in a month or so with an article listing some of the top smartphones per carrier. As I sat down to go through all of the amazing devices that were announced or released, my list started at about 20 so it was extremely difficult to pare my list down to just 10. When the devices were close, I gave a bit more credit to those that are available or that have more definite release dates for the US market.
It is likely that a new iPhone will be announced sometime this summer and there are sure to be many more Android devices released throughout 2011. As you will see, some of the top 10 I listed do not yet have pricing or solid release dates, but I trust that they will be released since the manufacturers and carriers providing them are reliable. You can check out several product photos of these top 10 devices in my image gallery, but I also highly recommend you visit your carrier store or local electronics retailer to get some hands-on time with a device before you make a huge monthly commitment.
Image Gallery: Check out photos of my top 10 smartphones of 2011… for now. | ||||||
Each carrier is different for all of us and is highly dependent on where you live, work, and play. I recommend you figure out which carrier works best for you before buying a device you won't be happy with because of the carrier. There are many excellent smartphone options today and you honestly can't really go wrong with any of the available choices. Like carriers, different smartphone operating systems work for different people because of their different strengths and weaknesses, 3rd party applications, and available form factors.
Enough about the disclaimers and warnings, let's take a look at my list of Top 10 Smartphones of 2011 … for now.
The amazing Samsung display itself might be a reason to buy this device and if it comes to T-Mobile then I will likely be buying one for myself. You won't have to worry about an OS upgrade since the Galaxy S II launches with Gingerbread already loaded too.
The device is scheduled to launch this quarter for an undisclosed price. It will likely launch with Android 2.2, but hopefully gets an update to 2.3 (Gingerbread) soon after release.
T-Mobile has a high powered lineup of Android devices and the G2X looks to be at the top of the heap.
Let's check out numbers 4 through 7 »
The iPhone 4 is a 3G device with no capability for the faster AT&T or Verizon networks. The display is a bit small for my tastes at 3.5 inches while I do love the look and feel of it. I want Apple to update iOS since it is getting a bit long in the tooth and needs better notification and home screen widget support.
You can buy the iPhone 4 for $199 (16GB) or $299 (32GB) from AT&T or Verizon with a two-year contract.
It will launch with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and HTC Sense. It will support Sprint's WiMAX data network too. I honestly almost put this into my top three and it arguably could be placed there. This is one device that is causing me to evaluate my HTC Thunderbolt purchase decision.
The MAJOR reason I purchased the ThunderBolt was the blazing LTE wireless data network support where I am seeing regular downloads from 13 to 20 Mbps and that is easily at least double any other carrier data network in the U.S. If speed is your need, the the ThunderBolt is the only current answer.
One reason it is up higher on my list than other devices with high specifications is the LTE network and the fact that you can go buy one of these now. The ThunderBolt is priced at
The Xperia Play will launch as the first PlayStation certified Android smartphone with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), 854x480 pixel display, 5 megapixel camera and VGA front facing camera, 3G wireless radio, stereo speakers, and more. I would like to try one out, but I am not a heavy gamer so having controls dedicated to gaming is not for me.
We do not yet have full pricing or availability information.
Let's check out numbers 8 through 10 and my conclusion »
The internals of the Nexus S are what you could find in the Galaxy S line from last year with the addition of NFC. It is a solid smartphone, but the lack of 4G, lack of expandable storage memory, and last year's processor only make it a device to consider if you want a device that is easily upgradeable.
You can buy the Nexus S for $529.99 from Best Buy and if it had T-Mobile HSPA+ support I would seriously consider one. The Nexus S 4G is not yet available.
The Pre3 isn't a revolutionary device compared to the Pre Plus or Pre2 with the major differences being a larger 3.58 inch display, faster 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, and 5 megapixel camera. It has the same slide up display revealing a portrait QWERTY keyboard and the skipping stone look and feel.
There looks to be some cool integration with their upcoming webOS tablets, which may end up being a major bonus for those looking for a 2 device solution. Unfortunately, we have no pricing or availability information.
I put it down at number 10 since the specifications are 2010-era like all of the other WP7 devices. However, the OS is fun to use and a breath of fresh air in the mobile space. I honestly almost put the Dell Venue Pro at number 5 in my list and maybe I should have because the OS really is THAT good.
You can buy the Dell Venue Pro for $449.99 (8GB) or $499.99 (16GB) as an unsubsidized device or just $99.99 or $149.99 with a 2-year T-Mobile contract. Here is a tip for you, you can buy it with a contract and cancel by paying just a $200 ETF to T-Mobile and still come out cheaper than an unsubsidized device.
Six or seven other Android devices that I did not put into the top ten are also very good devices and they include the HTC Desire S, HTC Incredible S, LG Optimus 3D, LG Revolution, Motorola Atrix 4G, Samsung Infuse 4G, and T-Mobile Sidekick 4G.
I couldn't bring myself to select an AT&T 4G device because they have failed to really meet any kind of 4G standard and really have no evidence to show they should be advertising their network as 4G. Just take a look at Kevin's new GigaOM Mobile 4G speed test post that shows what a joke AT&T's 4G network is compared to the blazing Verizon LTE network and even the T-Mobile and Sprint networks.
I just purchased the HTC Thunderbolt and am likely to keep it since it is the only LTE smartphone currently available and the speeds are addicting. I use a Dell Venue Pro and HTC HD7 on T-Mobile, but am getting a bit frustrated with Microsoft and may find myself looking at one of their 4G offerings, like the LG G2X. I will also be keeping my eye on Apple and the likely iPhone 5 that should be announced this summer and if Apple can get proper notifications and some home screen customization support on iOS I may get an iPhone 5.
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