Search
  • Videos
  • Enterprise Software
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Enterprise Software
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Tax refund smartphone buying guide: Gallery

1 of 10 NEXT PREV
  • 1. HTC One

    1. HTC One

    It has been a few years since I put together a tax refund special. Yesterday was tax day, and with the current fantastic smartphone lineup, changing carrier landscape , and average tax refund in 2013 of around $3,000, it's time to look at what is available now or coming in the next few weeks.

    In the past, it was easy to give a recommendation or two for each carrier, but we are now seeing more of the same phones appear across carriers, so consumers have the best options available. I always tell people who ask me what phone to buy to first figure out which carrier or two works best for where they live, work, and play. After that, you can then look at what the carrier offers and choose the best phone.

    A couple of months ago, I posted my top 10 smartphones to kick off 2013 , and since then, I have had more time with many of these devices. The Samsung Galaxy S IV is not yet available, but will be by the time people submitting their tax forms yesterday will be receiving their refund.

    I wrote that the HTC One was the best smartphone I have ever used , that I think both BlackBerry and Nokia have solid phones and strategies for success, that the Samsung Galaxy Note II was one of the best Android smartphones available, and that the Apple iPhone 5 is a keeper.

    Check out the following images in my gallery, showing my top picks for mid-April 2013, with the knowledge that announced devices are coming soon.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: HTC

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 2. Samsung Galaxy S IV

    2. Samsung Galaxy S IV

    The Samsung Galaxy S IV is called your Life Companion, thanks in large part to the wide assortment of software features that Samsung includes.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Samsung

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 3. Samsung Galaxy Note II

    3. Samsung Galaxy Note II

    The Samsung Galaxy Note II remains one of my best all-time Android devices, and keeps stealing the SIM out of my One because it is such a capable device.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Samsung

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 4. Apple iPhone 5

    4. Apple iPhone 5

    The Apple iPhone 5 remains my primary Verizon smartphone, and even though it is nearly a year old, it continues to be a great smartphone for the masses. Enthusiasts seem to be looking for larger displays and more features, though.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Apple

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 5. Sony Xperia Z

    5. Sony Xperia Z

    The Xperia Z is not yet out in the US, but there is so much in this Android phone that you have to at least consider it to be a top contender. ZDNet's sister site CNET gave it a 4.5 out of five star review, too.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Sony

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 6. Nokia Lumia 920

    6. Nokia Lumia 920

    I keep using the Nokia Lumia 920 on AT&T because I like Windows Phone 8, Nokia provides a ton of services, and the camera is top notch.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Nokia

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 7. BlackBerry Z10

    7. BlackBerry Z10

    BlackBerry has a long road ahead, but after using the BlackBerry Z10 for over a month, I am convinced they have what it takes to be fairly successful in the smartphone market.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: BlackBerry

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 8. Google Nexus 4 from LG

    8. Google Nexus 4 from LG

    Android purists like the Nexus 4, but without long-term evolution (LTE) and some other advanced features, I don't rate it in my top five.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Google/LG

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 9. Motorola Droid Razr HD

    9. Motorola Droid Razr HD

    Motorola makes solid Android devices, nearly all on Verizon, and the top device deserves some consideration. The Droid Razr HD is an attractive and full-featured device.

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: Motorola

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • 10. HTC Droid DNA

    10. HTC Droid DNA

    I honestly almost like the Droid DNA hardware better than the HTC One. The display goes all the way out to the edges, the back has a nice soft-touch coating, the devices supports wireless charging, and the 1080p display is just as good.

    Related stories

    • Top 10 smartphones to kick off 2013

    • The HTC One is the best smartphone I have ever used (review)

    • Better hardware and software make the Galaxy Note II the best Android available

    • Over a week with the iPhone 5 and I'm convinced it's a keeper

    • BlackBerry, HTC, Nokia: Which will be around at the end of your two-year contract?

    Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Photo by: HTC

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 10 NEXT PREV
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • 1. HTC One
  • 2. Samsung Galaxy S IV
  • 3. Samsung Galaxy Note II
  • 4. Apple iPhone 5
  • 5. Sony Xperia Z
  • 6. Nokia Lumia 920
  • 7. BlackBerry Z10
  • 8. Google Nexus 4 from LG
  • 9. Motorola Droid Razr HD
  • 10. HTC Droid DNA

The average refund for US taxpayers this year is nearly $3,000. There are some fantastic smartphones available or coming soon that you can purchase with some of this refund, as you can see in this gallery.

Read More Read Less

1. HTC One

It has been a few years since I put together a tax refund special. Yesterday was tax day, and with the current fantastic smartphone lineup, changing carrier landscape , and average tax refund in 2013 of around $3,000, it's time to look at what is available now or coming in the next few weeks.

In the past, it was easy to give a recommendation or two for each carrier, but we are now seeing more of the same phones appear across carriers, so consumers have the best options available. I always tell people who ask me what phone to buy to first figure out which carrier or two works best for where they live, work, and play. After that, you can then look at what the carrier offers and choose the best phone.

A couple of months ago, I posted my top 10 smartphones to kick off 2013 , and since then, I have had more time with many of these devices. The Samsung Galaxy S IV is not yet available, but will be by the time people submitting their tax forms yesterday will be receiving their refund.

I wrote that the HTC One was the best smartphone I have ever used , that I think both BlackBerry and Nokia have solid phones and strategies for success, that the Samsung Galaxy Note II was one of the best Android smartphones available, and that the Apple iPhone 5 is a keeper.

Check out the following images in my gallery, showing my top picks for mid-April 2013, with the knowledge that announced devices are coming soon.

Published: April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 10 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Blackberry Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | April 16, 2013 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums