10 Smartphones That Are Actually Worth the Price

by Don Reisinger

Apple’s iPhone 5 is arguably the best smartphone on the market. The device comes with a nice 4-inch display, and its design is outstanding. Plus, iOS is quite secure, and with help from remote device management, the IT side can keep a close eye on what employees are doing. It’s a great device.

Those companies or consumers looking for an Android handset would be smart to buy the Galaxy S 4 from Samsung. That device is easily the best Android-based handset on the market, boasting a 5-inch screen, a quad-core processor and a design that rivals anything from Apple. Plus, it has some security enhancements that would appeal to enterprise users.

Although BlackBerry has watched the hype for its Z10 touch-screen model device wane over the last couple of months, the device is still a worthy purchase for enterprise users who don’t want to get away from some of the company’s platforms. BlackBerry Enterprise Server, for example, works exceedingly well with the Z10, making it a worthwhile purchase for some companies. Don’t underestimate the value of the Z10 for corporate use.

The HTC One is that company’s best product. And when it comes to Android-based devices, it’s one of the best options out there. The One doesn’t come with the same security enhancements found in the Galaxy S 4, but it compensates for that with a powerful quad-core processor and 4.7-inch display that makes it easy to surf the Web, sift through apps and get work done. It’s a nice option.

Companies and consumers looking for products that are a bit more affordable will love the iPhone 4S. The device is available for just $99 with a two-year contract, and supports all the applications and enterprise-friendly features that companies want. Although it’s a little smaller and slower than the iPhone 4S, its cheaper price makes it a nice alternative.

Those who want an Android device from a company not named Samsung might want to consider the LG Optimus G. The company’s flagship handset comes with a quad-core processor and supports all the security applications enterprise Android users would want. While it might be a worthy investment, the Optimus G is not the best Android handset in this roundup.

Just as with as the iPhone 4S, Samsung offers customers the opportunity to get last year’s top Android handset for a discounted rate in 2013. That’s good news for companies looking to adopt Android. The device is running Samsung’s Android software and comes with nice security enhancements. Plus, it’s still one of the faster devices on the market, despite launching last year. It’s still a good choice for bargain hunters.

So is there too much Apple in this roundup? Not a chance. As recent news of enterprise adoption has found, the iPhone is the most popular new entrant into the corporate world. And one of the reasons for that is the iPhone 4. The device is available for free to consumers with a two-year contract, making it a top choice for those on a budget. Plus, with the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) craze running wild, more IT decision makers are seeing the iPhone 4 enter the office. And why not? It’s still a solid device.

If the Z10’s touch-screen turns enterprise customers off, they should consider the Q10. That device comes with a full QWERTY keyboard and allows users to access all of BlackBerry’s many services. From a productivity perspective, the Q10 is arguably one of the strongest devices in this roundup, thanks in large part to its physical keyboard.

The Nokia Lumia 920 might seem like an odd addition to this grouping, considering it’s not all that popular, but the handset is simply the best Windows Phone-based device out there. So, for those few companies looking to invest heavily in Windows Phone, the Lumia 920 is the only choice.