The prelude to the busy holiday season means one thing: companies are sending out their biggest, baddest smartphones all at once.
iPhone 5 (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon)
The iPhone 5 brings Apple's popular OS to a taller, larger device that's also faster in every way. LTE compatibility means the iPhone can speed along on any network, the camera is top of class, and the build quality -- in typical Apple fashion -- is among the best money can buy. Luckily, you have your choice of three storage capacities for as low as $200 smackers.
The good: The iPhone 5 adds everything we wanted in the iPhone 4S: 4G LTE, a longer, larger screen, free turn-by-turn navigation, and a faster A6 processor. Plus, its top-to-bottom redesign is sharp, slim, and feather-light.
The bad: Apple Maps feels unfinished and buggy; Sprint and Verizon models can't use voice and data simultaneously. The smaller connector renders current accessories unusable without an adapter. There's no NFC, and the screen size pales in comparison to jumbo Android models.
The bottom line: The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe.
Galaxy S3 (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Verizon)
Samsung's Galaxy S3 has a huge, vibrant HD screen, a large battery, an awesome camera, and a boatload of software extras -- the best lets you tap two like phones together to share photos and video. 4G LTE and a fast dual-core Qualcomm processor make it a compelling Android 4.0 package. You'll have your choice of 16GB or 32GB versions, which also store up to 64Gb of your movies and e-books on a microSD card.
The good: The Samsung Galaxy S3 comes fully loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE/HSPA+ 42 capability, a zippy dual-core processor, and a strong 8-megapixel camera. S Beam is an excellent software enhancement, and the handset's price is right.
The bad: The Galaxy S3's screen is too dim, and Samsung's Siri competitor, S Voice, disappointed.
The bottom line: Pumped with high-performing hardware and creative software features, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is an excellent, top-end phone that's neck and neck with the HTC One X.
HTC One X (AT&T)
The HTC One X is a terrific Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich handset, with a speedy, zero-shutter lag camera, a luminous 4.7-inch display, and a darn well-crafted design. With LTE and the same speedy processor found in the Samsung Galaxy S3, the newly lowered $99 price tag makes it a terrific deal.
Or, wait a few weeks for the upgraded HTC One X+, which comes to AT&T with a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The good: The futuristically-styled $199.99 HTC One X offers Android fans on AT&T plenty to like, such as a massive, bright 4.7-inch screen, blazing 4G LTE data speeds, a powerful camera, and zippy performance running Ice Cream Sandwich and Sense 4.
The bad: Sadly, HTC One X owners can't claim quad-core bragging rights. Also, the nonremovable battery and lack of SD card slot weaken an otherwise incredible Android smartphone.
The bottom line: Quad-core processing isn't everything, and AT&T's new $199.99 HTC One X proves it. This advanced Android has style, speed, blazing 4G, and power galore.
HTC Evo 4G LTE (Sprint)
A flashier variant of the One X, the HTC Evo 4G LTE comes with red racing stripes and the now-classic Evo kickstand.
The good: Powerful parts, a lovely screen, stunning design, and an excellent camera help the Evo 4G LTE restoke the fires of the Evo faithful.
The bad: Given the 4G LTE in its name, the newest Evo's lack of Sprint LTE at launch is a huge letdown.
The bottom line: The HTC Evo 4G LTE is a worthy successor to Sprint's Evo family, as long as you remember one important caveat: until Sprint gets its LTE network off the ground, the Evo 4G LTE won't actually run 4G -- it will be 3G-only at first.
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx (Verizon)
Motorola's Droid Razr Maxx may not have the all-time sharpest screen, the best 8-megapixel camera, or the most recent Android version, but for many, that 3,300mAh battery is all the slice of heaven you need. That is, until the Droid Razr Maxx HD arrives with a sharper screen and Android 4.1 to blow it all away.
The good: Despite a beefed-up battery, the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx has a slim, attractive, and durable design with the same gorgeous display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and fast Verizon 4G/LTE data speeds as its predecessor. It retains powerful multimedia chops and tight security features.
The bad: For such an advanced smartphone, the vague promise of a future Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is disappointing. Also, while a stronger battery is great, it's still not user-removable. People with small hands will find it hard to wrap them around the phone's wide frame, and the 8-megapixel camera is unimpressive.
The bottom line: The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx proves that a powerful Android superphone can remain thin yet still promise marathon-worthy battery life.
LG Optimus G (AT&T, Sprint)
If nothing can move you like quad-core processing action, LG's Optimus G will strike the right chords. The Android 4.0 device is the first-ever to feature Qualcomm's 1.5Ghz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset. Beyond that, it also packs in LTE, an 8-megapixel camera, and a brilliant 4.7-inch screen.
The good: AT&T's LG Optimus G has Qualcomm's lightning-quick quad-core processor, supports 4G LTE, and has a gorgeous display.
The bad: The Optimus G's camera flash is harsh and some of its photos fell flat, its battery life is short, and we found its speaker audio quality tinny.
The bottom line: With its speedy innards, LTE data speeds, and stunning screen, the LG Optimus G is one of LG's best handsets so far, but it can't escape its weak battery and camera.