The 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega isn't easy to carry around or use one-handed and is short on internal storage. Having said that, it's the obvious handset for anyone who likes Samsung's 'Android-on-steroids' approach and is attracted by the Galaxy Note 3's size, but doesn't need stylus support.
The Lumia 1020 has a truly impressive 41-megapixel camera and a high-quality 4.5-inch AMOLED screen, but many Windows Phone fans might do better with the 920 and a good dedicated camera.
If you're an existing iPhone user and weren't tempted by the iPhone 5, then the colourful 5c is worth considering as an upgrade. However, iPhone 5 owners should think carefully: there's very little difference between the core specifications of the two handsets, and iOS 7 is just a download away.
The Lumia 925 is a slimmer and lighter Windows Phone 8 handset than its 920 predecessor, with a neater and more ergonomic design. It lacks integrated wireless charging but supports LTE and NFC, and has an excellent 4.5in. AMOLED screen.
With the Galaxy S4, Samsung has squeezed a superb 5-inch screen and a host of high-end features into a slightly slimmer, thinner and lighter chassis than its S III predecessor. It's an excellent handset, but some will find the S4 overladen with unnecessary features and too expensive.
If you're a fan of keyboard-equipped BlackBerry smartphones, you won't be disappointed by the Q10. However the app store needs filling out and the small, square screen isn't ideal for some uses.
The second generation of this dockable smartphone/tablet combo has a lot to recommend it, although we'd prefer a better tablet screen, a storage expansion slot (or two) and a standard Micro-USB connector.
The Z10 is a nicely designed handset with a superb touchscreen and good specifications that include LTE and NFC support. The new BlackBerry 10 OS offers a decent user experience once you get used to it, although we'd like to see a physical home button.
Samsung has managed to build a pico projector into a mid-range smartphone without completely crippling either device — but compromises are inevitable.
The first Intel-powered smartphone offers excellent value for money, with its large screen, good battery life and NFC support. On the downside, it lacks storage expansion, runs Android 2.3 and some apps may not run on the Atom processor.