I hope I won’t get slammed for the list of phones. Unfortunately I cannot add an unlimited number of choices.
The one rule I imposed when I selected them was that every phone in the list has to connect to the new 4G networks. Many times in Lausanne do I see my phone connected to Orange 3G but unable to actually connect to the Internet. This is kind of expected given how many smartphones have been sold in the last months. Thus 4G connectivity is an absolute requirement when you spend that much for your new smartphone (so the Nexus 4 is out, sorry). I also went one step further and excluded from the list the HTC One XL (while I kept the Galaxy S3 4G) because it doesn’t support all three basic 4G frequencies, meaning that once operators start using the 800 MHz frequency it won’t be able to take advantage of it.
The fact I included 3 devices from Samsung does not mean that I am a big Samsung fanboy (I’ve never owned any Samsung device), nor does it mean that I wanted to split the Samsung votes in order for somebody else to come on top. I just happen to believe that the (improved) Galaxy S3 deserves a place in this list having kicked a*s throughout 2012 and that the Note II is still the king of the big category.
So, a bit about the options.
Asus Padfone 2
With comparable performance to every other phone in this list, an almost pure Android interface and a good history of upgrades from Asus, the capability to insert it in the tablet accessory and have instant access to the same apps and files from the bigger screen and a great battery life (which is tripled if you use the tablet as a portable charger), the only reason to not consider it is because you want to get your phone from your mobile operator (none offers it unfortunately in Switzerland).
HTC One:
With its aluminum unibody, Beats Audio sound quality and a gorgeous screen, it certainly has its target audience that could prefer it over the Galaxy S4.
Motorola Razr HD
Like the Asus phone it is not offered by any Swiss operator so you have to pay full price for it, but its superior Kevlar body, its solid batter performance, the very limited customizations by Motorola on the interface, and the fact that it was the first phone fully designed by Google-owned Motorola are not to be overlooked.
Samsung Galaxy S4:
Building on the Galaxy S3’s strengths, packing a 5” screen without increasing the overall size, and expectedly offering the very best performance of every other Android phone for the first half of the year, the Galaxy S4 looks like the most standard option out there. But is improving last year’s model here and there enough for you?
Samsung Galaxy S3 4G version
What is it doing here? With 4G LTE connectivity, 2GB of RAM and upgradable at least to Android 5, I don’t see any reason why not to pick this upgraded version of the 2012 Android best-seller.
Samsung Galaxy Note II 4G version
Too big for most people, just excellent for its fans. The extra capabilities of the S-Pen distinguish it from its competitors that are just very big phones. And it now comes with 4G connectivity.
Sony Xperia Z
Water- and dust-resistant but still looking good, there is certainly a good reason to forgive it for not coming on top in the benchmarks (it still beats every 2012 phone).
Other
Some possible options: Nexus 4, HTC One XL, HTC Butterfly, Huawei Ascend D2, LG Optimus G Pro, Optimus F7, Motorola Razr i, Sony Xperia ZL, Xperia SP, ZTE Grand S.