2012 was a great year for smartphones. There were advancements made toward the 4G LTE networks of various wireless carriers, with more choices of devices available to the public than ever. With that being said, certain phones were and are hailed as being the best of this year. Whether you are up for an upgrade or simply want to purchase a new smartphone at full price to treat yourself, you can benefit from choosing one of the top 10 phones of 2012.
iPhone 5
Released in October of this year, Apple's new iPhone 5 is a top seller. Available for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint users, this model is the lightest iPhone yet. The new model sports the iOS 6 and a 4 inch Retina display. In addition, an A6 chip boosts graphics performance. The iPhone 5 is available from $199.
Nokia Lumia 920
The Nokia Lumia 920 is a new Windows 8 phone set to be released October 21st of this year. Nokia's newest model boasts PureView imaging technology, allowing for pictures that are clearer and brighter than ever before. The Nokia Lumia 920 will have a 4.5” display size, and PureMotion HD+ display technology (which even works with gloves). The Nokia Lumia 920 will blend together beautifully with the rest of the Windows ecosystem, meaning users can integrate it with all of their other windows products.
Nokia Lumia 710
The Nokia Lumia 710 is a Windows Phone that was released for T-Mobile in January. While marketed toward beginner smartphone users, it does not disappoint in terms of performance and build quality. It is 4G capable and includes a zippy performance while browsing the web. Users can nab the Lumia 710 for free on contract.
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung's Galaxy Note is the first smartphone deemed a "phablet" as it contains a 5.2-inch display and dimensions that fall somewhere between phone and tablet. While it may feel awkward in the hands of the average user, the device comes with an S pen — Samsung's version of a stylus — that should make usage easier and a more enjoyable experience. The Note was such a hit for AT&T that the next version is expected for T-Mobile as well. For $250, the Note can be yours.
Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx
Motorola's Droid RAZR Maxx is available through Verizon for $199 on contract. It is essentially an upgrade of the Droid RAZR but includes a 3300mAh battery that should get users through one or two days between chargings. It connects to the lightning fast LTE network and has an exceptional 8-megapixel camera that can capture 1080p video.
Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung's Galaxy S III just recently launched on Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T and has been much anticipated. It includes Android's 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and faster download speeds as well as a stronger battery than prior Galaxy S devices. The 16GB version sells for $199 on contract.
HTC Radar
The HTC Radar is a nice Windows Phone that was released for T-Mobile late last year but has been a huge hit for 2012. It is 4G capable and has a gorgeous, durable build that is available in a white and silver combination. It has been a favorite Windows Phone device and is available on contract for $99.99.
HTC One X
HTC's One X is $299 through AT&T and boasts a 4.7-inch screen and 1.5GHz dual-core processor. It also includes 4G LTE connectivity and Beats Audio technology that makes it incredible for listening to music. It is one of the top Android devices and includes the 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.
HTC One S
The HTC One S is similar to the One X, though it is available for T-Mobile users and costs $199.99 on contract. 1GB of RAM makes the phone speedy and reliable.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
The Galaxy Nexus is equipped with Android's 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and is available for Verizon users at $299.99 on contract. It includes 4G LTE connectivity and a brilliant 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD touchscreen.
HTC Evo 4G
The HTC Evo 4G is $200 on contract with Sprint and is actually a 3G device. It includes the 4.0 HTC Sense user interface, which allows you to customize it to your heart's desire. Like other HTC devices from 2012, it includes Beats Audio.
About the Author
This article was written by Ty Whitworth for the team at blog templates.
