Must-have high-end smartphones for business users

A number of enterprise users value their privacy and wish to go beyond physical fingerprint scanners and PIN codes to protect it.

For the privacy-minded, you can't go much further than the Blackphone 2, the second incarnation of Silent Circle's security-based smartphone.

The smartphone runs on a custom version of the Android OS, layered with a number of security protections which help prevent data leak, malicious instals and also seizes control of what permissions third-party apps are allowed. One particular feature of note is "Spaces," which allow users to download apps but keep them sandboxed away from critical apps -- such as work email, apps and banking.

Price: $799

Via: ZDNet [review] | Silent Circle

While the Android and iOS are the most popular ecosystems for smartphones and tablets, some business users may enjoy Microsoft's Surface tablet range and wish to stay in the Microsoft ecosystem for their apps.

Vaio has launched into the mobile Windows 10 space with the "Phone Biz." While an odd name, the company says the smartphone has been designed with enterprise users in mind, and, at the very least, it likely to appeal to business users with a sense of style.

The smartphone is encased in aluminum and is equipped with a 5.5-inch HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 SoC, 3GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and a 13-megapixel camera.

Price: $TBD

Via: ZDNet | Vaio

BlackBerry's flagship smartphone, the BlackBerry Priv, is meant to represent two major concepts: privacy and privilege.

In ZDNet's review, the Android smartphone did not quite meet these expectations, but still boasts reasonable specs, decent battery life and a few good hardware security features.

The smartphone isn't for everyone, to be sure, but for business users who miss having the traditional QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry's offering may appeal to you -- especially if you're after a large smartphone with this keyboard function for quickly typing on the move.

Price: $719.99+

Via: ZDNet [review] | BlackBerry

Apple iPhone and iPad products remain a popular choice for consumers and businesses alike thanks to their sleek design and the iOS ecosystem, and so Apple's latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6 Plus, deserves a spot on the list.

The smartphone sports a 5.5-inch display, up to 128GB storage, a dual-core Apple A8 processor and 1GB RAM.

Alternatively, you could hang on and see what Apple has in store later this month.

See also: The pros and cons of iPhone 6 Plus ownership

Price: $749.99+

Via: ZDNet | Apple

The Google Nexus 6P, the result of a partnership between Google and Huawei, has resulted in a stable smartphone with great features for the average business user.

The smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 5.7-inch AMOLED 2360 x 1440 pixel display, 3GB RAM, up to 128 GB storage, a rear 12.3-megapixel camera and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Cheaper than Samsung and Apple counterparts but still boasting decent power, the smartphone also comes with a useful fingerprint sensor for added physical security. For business users on a budget who prefer the Android ecosystem, this smartphone is a good contender.

Price: $499

Via: ZDNet [review] | Google

The most ostentatious entry into this list -- and certainly the priciest -- is Vertu's Signature Touch for Bentley smartphone. The designer smartphone maker isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you're someone who prizes the look and feel of your mobile device, the Touch's Bentley leather casing, red and black scheme and titanium touches could be for you.

The smartphone is based on the Android Lollipop operating system and sports a 21-megapixel camera, 4K video capture, 5.2" sapphire screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, 64GB storage and 4GB RAM.

Price: £10,300

Via: Vertu

If you have cash to burn and are looking for a sharp-looking Android smartphone, perhaps Gresso's Regal range might entice you.

The Regal range, of which only 999 have been made, come encased in titanium with 18K yellow or white gold inserts. The smartphone is only 8.8mm thick, and is equipped with a 5-inch HD display, quad-core processor, 32GB storage, 2GB RAM and a 13-megapixel camera.

While the specifications fall behind what you can get with flagship smartphones from other vendors, with this range, you're paying premium prices for the look.

Price: $3000+

Via: Gresso