Apple iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 hasn’t even been confirmed, but it’s highly likely that Apple will starting selling it in September or October. According to the latest reports, the device will come with a bigger display, the ability to connect to 4G networks and perhaps even more storage than its predecessor, the iPhone 4. Details are obviously slim for now, but here’s hoping Apple opens up about the iPhone 5 sooner rather than later.

Aside from the iPhone 5, the Motorola Droid Bionic is one of the most anticipated smartphones that will be released this year. The device will come with a dual-core processor and 4.3-inch qHD display. It will also have the ability to connect to 4G networks, making it a fine choice for those who surf the Web often. The Android-based device will ship with a slick design that could make some folks think twice about Apple’s iPhone.

Earlier this year, Nokia announced that it would make Windows Phone 7 the “principal” operating system in its line of handsets. Later this year, the company will make good on that promise by launching smartphones running Windows Phone 7. Whether or not those products will actually catch on with customers remains to be seen. But they will be vastly important, since they could very well lead to the resurgence or demise of Nokia.

The Samsung Galaxy S II is available elsewhere around the world. However, the device has yet to make an appearance in the U.S. That will change in September when Samsung finally offers up this new Android-based device. The handset comes with a 4.3-inch display, a dual-core processor and 4G-connectivity support. Some critics are calling the Galaxy S II an iPhone 4 killer. On paper, that doesn’t seem so outlandish.

The Acer Liquid Mini is by no means the most impressive handset in this roundup. In fact, with its 3.2-inch display and 8GB microSD card for storage, it might not seem like the best smartphone option. However, it comes with Acer’s Ferrari branding, making it one of the more unique handsets in this roundup. The Liquid Mini isn’t meant to be an iPhone killer; it’s designed to be a more mobile alternative for road warriors. And in that regard, it appears to succeed.

The HTC Titan is one of two Windows Phone 7 “Mango”-based phones that HTC plans to ship later this year. The device comes with a big, 4.7-inch screen and offers a surprisingly slim design—0.39 inches—helping customers easily stuff it into their pockets. With a 1.5GHz processor built-in, users shouldn’t have any trouble surfing the Web, checking their email or using applications. The HTC Titan looks to be a winner both inside and out.

The HTC Radar is the second Windows Phone 7 “Mango”-based handset HTC announced recently. The device comes with a 1GHz processor and 8GB of on-board storage. It also has a 3.8-inch screen, for those who don’t want the big display found on the Titan. The Radar doesn’t appear to be as appealing as the Titan from an all-around features perspective, but expect it to catch on with those who want to test the Windows Phone waters.

Recently released, the LG Thrill 4G is a fine option for those who want a 1GHz dual-core processor and don’t want to waste their time waiting for something else. The device, which is available on AT&T’s network, has a 4.3-inch 3D display. That display also lets users watch 3D content without the need for special glasses. Combine that with the dual HD cameras to capture video in 3D, and it quickly becomes clear that the $99 customers will need to dole out for the device after inking a two-year agreement isn’t so bad.

The Motorola Droid 3 is the latest entry in Motorola’s beloved Droid line. Like its predecessors, the device comes with a slide-out physical keyboard and a prominent 4-inch qHD display, offering near-Retina-Display quality. The device’s display is a full touch screen, so users don’t lose out on that functionality, and it supports Android 2.3 “Gingerbread.”

With all the consumer-focused products included in this roundup, it might be a good idea to throw in an enterprise option, as well. The latest BlackBerry Bold model might suit the fancy of corporate users. It comes with the same BlackBerry design corporate users have responded well to over the years and features a physical keyboard for easy typing. Most importantly, it supports enterprise solutions, like BlackBerry Enterprise Server, making it a fine option for any company’s employees.