Smartphones have come a long way since they first made it into the front pockets of consumers in the late 1990s. What were once considered merely communication devices have transformed into all-in-one gadgets that many of us can’t live without. Sure, you can live without being constantly connected, but why would you?
Smartphones just make everything so much easier.
The smartphone statistics for 2014 are staggering. Nearly 60% of Americans own one and global revenue is approaching $265 billion. And even though there are still a few naysayers who are sticking with their feature phones and think smartphones are just a trend, smartphones are only getting better.
And bigger.
2014 will probably go down as “The Year of the Phablet” because it seems like every manufacturer is making their smartphones bigger than the last. But with so many devices available in so many price ranges and configurations, it can be difficult to sift through them all. Luckily for you, I’ve done my research.
Here are the five best smartphones of 2014:
Best Android Phone for Consumers
The Samsung Galaxy Note series is credited with bringing phablets into the mainstream and their latest offering doesn’t disappoint. This phone literally has it all – including a stylus – and will allow you to get the most out of whatever you’re doing. The best part about this device is that there are tons of accessories for it and no two of them are the same.
Specs
- 5.7” 1440 x 2560 AMOLED Display
- 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB Memory
- 16MP Rear/ 3.7MP Front Camera
- 3220 mAh Battery
Best Android Phone for Developers
There’s tons of Android smartphones available, but only one of them offers an untouched version of the operating system: the Nexus 6. This phone is essentially a blank slate of Android and is ideal for developers, because it shows you what the OS is supposed to look like – not what the phone manufacturer or carrier thinks it should look like.
Specs
- 5.9” 1440 x 2560 AMOLED Display
- 2.7 Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32/64GB Memory
- 13MP Rear/2MP Front Camera
- 3220 mAh Battery
Best iPhone
Apple was a little late getting into the phablet game, but they did it right with the iPhone 6 Plus. Sure, #bendgate is a legitimate concern, but that doesn’t hide the fact that this is the best iPhone ever made. Fans of iOS won’t be disappointed with the larger-than-life apps, increased security, and high-performance camera. For those of you committed to Apple, this is the iPhone you want.
Specs
- 5.5” 1920×1080 LCD Display
- 1.4GHz Apple A8 Processor
- 1GB RAM
- 16/64/128GB Memory
- 8MP Rear/1.2MP Front Camera
- 2915 mAh Battery
Best Budget Phone
Owners of the Ascend Mate 2 felt betrayed when Huawei announced they wouldn’t be upgrading the Ascend Mate 2 from Jelly Bean to Kit Kat. But all that changed when Huawei recently revealed they would be jumping straight into Lollipop in early 2015. You won’t find a better smartphone at this price and if you’re looking for something with incredible specs; this is it.
Specs
- 6.1” 720 x 1280 HD Display
- 1.6GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB Memory
- 13MP Front/5MP Rear Camera
- 3900 mAh Battery
Best Phone You Don’t Know About
China has been offering low-cost/high-performance smartphones in their country for years and is trying to do the same thing in America. Nobody is able to pack in as much power at such a low price point like ZTE and the Nubia 5S Mini can keep up with the best of them. If you’re tired of spending $800 every time you upgrade your device, take a chance on this phone because it won’t disappoint.
Specs
- 4.7” 720×1280 Display
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Processor
- 2GB RAM
- 32GB Memory
- 13MP Rear/5MP Front Camera
- 2000 mAh Battery
What do you think is the best smartphone of 2014? Do you own any of these devices? Will you be purchasing one? Let us know in the comments below!
