2Samsung Galaxy S4: The Smartphone the iPhone 5S Wishes It Could Be
3Apple iPhone 5 Is Still a Solid Smartphone
4Apple iPhone 4S Is Dated But Still Effective
The iPhone 4S is admittedly outdated compared with the latest smartphone models. But that doesn’t mean it should be left off this list. At $99 with a two-year commitment, the device is one of the most affordable smartphones on the market. And since it can still work with all of the apps users want, it’s worth considering.
5Samsung Galaxy Note Serves as the ‘Phablet’ Option
6HTC One Is an Effective Alternative Even to the Galaxy S4
The HTC One is one of the more high-powered Android handsets on the market. The device features a quad-core processor and a big, 4.8-inch screen. Plus, it’s running the latest Android flavor, Jelly Bean, meaning it’ll work with any and all apps available on that operating system. The HTC One is a fine alternative to the Galaxy S4.
7Nokia Lumia 1020 Is Solid Windows Phone Handset
Nokia recently announced the Lumia 1020, and the device quickly established itself as a fantastic alternative to the iPhone and any Android device. To achieve that, Nokia bundled a 41-megapixel camera into the Windows Phone handset, making it the best photo-snapping smartphone on the market. If photos matter to would-be iPhone 5S customers, choosing the Lumia 1020 might not be a bad idea.
8LG’s Upcoming Optimus Unit to Challenge Even the Galaxy S4
LG has announced plans to hold a special event in a few weeks to unveil the next device in its flagship Optimus line. All signs point to the device coming with a 5-inch screen, the latest quad-core Snapdragon processor and a design that will blow customers away. Look for the Optimus to possibly unseat the Galaxy S4 as this summer’s best Android handset.
9Motorola Droid Razr Maxx Still a Strong Design
The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx might not be the newest device in this roundup, but it’s still a worthy Android contender. The device comes with a stellar design, and because it’s from Motorola, Google is keeping a close eye on it to ensure it’s properly updated. Is the Razr Maxx the best Android handset in this list? No. But it’s still worth considering.
10Apple iPad Mini Serves as Tablet Alternative
Current iPhone owners hoping to get their hands on an iPhone 5S this summer should stop looking for a new smartphone and wait. In the meantime, investing in the iPad Mini, which delivers a great design, 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) networking and access to all of the apps they care about, isn’t such a bad idea. For current iPhone owners, waiting on the next handset and getting a small iPad now doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
11Apple iPad Remains the Best Full-Size Tablet
Considering that, it also wouldn’t be a bad idea if customers consider investing in the larger iPad. That device likely won’t be updated for several months, leaving customers with the option to get their hands on it now and replace a lightweight notebook or outdated PC. The iPad might not appear to be an iPhone 5S competitor, but when it comes to Apple fans, buying anything to satiate their desire for a new handset is worth it.