The new smartphone models are here. This year there are plenty for consumers to get excited about in the smartphone space. The return of the Galaxy Note, the evolution of the Galaxy s8, a premium iPhone, and the return of two of the industry's heavy hitters highlight this year’s best smartphones.
The smartphone has become something of a necessity in today’s social media-fueled world, and as a result, manufacturers have been in competition for some time--trying to create the best device--that the most people will buy. Samsung’s success doing so is largely the reason the Android operating system is as popular as it is today. With smartphone manufacturers spending billions of dollars spent each year creating the technology that consumers would find attractive, it’s often hard to ascertain which device is right for you.
We try to reduce the confusion by taking a look at this year’s most powerful models:
Apple iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus
For the first time in a decade, Apple decided to skip the “s” moniker to go ahead and release the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in 2017, and despite the manufacturer’s launch of iPhone X, many people will be getting the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus with their cell plan upgrade. The iPhone 8 features a 4.7-inch display that is much like the iPhone 7s--in fact, a lot about the iPhone 8 is similar to the iPhone 7. What isn’t, however, is the glass back that allows for wireless charging and most of the internals of the device. The iPhone 8 and 8 plus run on the same hardware as the iPhone X, Apple's newest A11 Bionic chip with a six-core CPU and GPU. The iPhone 8 has 2GBs of RAM, while the iPhone 8 Plus comes equipped with 3GB. As a result, the iPhone 8 offers a serious performance boost over previous models.
The camera and battery haven’t changed much, but with the new processing power the new iPhones have onboard, presents enhanced image processing in still photography and video. The batteries on these devices, like every device Apple has made since their redesign starting with iPhone 6, is on the low end for flagship smartphones. The addition of wireless-charging, however, provides a fast and reliable feature that is sure to get some use going forward. The iPhone 8 starts at $699.99, while the larger iPhone 8 starts at $799.99. They are available on all the major carriers today.
Model: iPhone 8
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 4.7-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1,334 x 759 (~326 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11
Memory
Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 2GB of RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 1,821 mAh battery - 66 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $699.99-to-$899.99
Model: iPhone 8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1920x1080 (~401 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11
Memory
Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 3GB of RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.8, 56mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,691 mAh battery - 81 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $799.99-to-$999.99
Apple iPhone X
Apple had something special in store for its 10-year anniversary, and that something special comes in the form of the iPhone X. Apple's newest flagship phone changes things significantly. Many people have asked Apple to make a device like this for some time, and now that it’s out, some users can’t believe they are using an iPhone. There are several major changes featured on the iPhone, despite its reliance on similar hardware and the same software all iPhones use.
First of the major changes is the display. The device features a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen, the first AMOLED screen ever to grace the display of an iPhone. With the clear and high-contrast OLED displays have, this is the best display on any iPhone in history. Secondly, the home button, found on the bottom of every iPhone, has been removed; along with its fingerprint reader. The iPhone X features a power button on the side of the device and instead of a fingerprint reader, Apple has unleashed FaceID, their facial recognition software. It is fast and works great to keep unwanted users out of your device.
There is a small notch at the top of the near-bezel-less display that houses sensors and the front-facing camera, but Apple has been able to make one of the most detrimental characteristics of their new device functional by utilizing new gestures to give users access to the information they are used to having access to. In fact, since the device doesn’t have a home button, iOS 11 utilizes new gestures and swipes to gain access, open and close apps, and more.
The iPhone X features two 12MP cameras that look to improve on image clarity, while the A11 Bionic chips improves image rendering and the speed of camera (and other app) access. With the glass/stainless steel design, the device is capable of fast and wireless charging, and is water and dust resistant. The iPhone X is the best iPhone ever made, and its priced as such costing users between $999.99-and-$1149.99 retail. The iPhone X will have limited availability for some time, but can be found on any of the major carriers.
Model: Apple iPhone X
Construction: Front/back glass & stainless steel frame
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,436x1,125 (~458 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core 2.39 Ghz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11.1
Memory
Internal: 64 and 256 GB models; 3GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.4, 52mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: FaceID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,716 mAh battery - 74 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey
Price: $999.99-to-$1,149.99
Samsung Galaxy s8 and s8+
Samsung has had great success with their line of Galaxy s smartphones. In fact, after the manufacturing giant’s Galaxy Note 7 snafu in 2016, the Galaxy s7 edge remained the most purchased high-end smartphone on the market. The Galaxy s8, and its larger brother, the Galaxy s8+, don’t disappoint, either. It is once again one the best mobile devices on the market.
This time around Samsung use many of the design elements from the Galaxy s7 Edge and couples it with the reliability of the s7. The display is the best in class, with a curved screen that features edge menu functionality. The physical button on the front of older devices has been replaced with more screen real estate which gives these devices a higher display to device ratio. This provides users more screen in what is essentially the same footprint of older Galaxy s devices. Samsung has changed some other features in the past year. They include moving the fingerprint scanner to the back of the phone for the first time, and providing brand new DeX capabilities. The DeX dock allows user to power an entire desktop experience using their Galaxy s8 or s8+.
Available in midnight black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold, and Rose pink, the Galaxy s8 and s8+ continue to be some of the best smartphones available. You can get them at all major carriers with a price point from $749.99-to-$899.99.
Model: Samsung Galaxy s8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~570 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0, Touchwiz
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh - 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold, Rose Pink
Price: $725.99-to-$825.99
Model: Samsung Galaxy s8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 6.2-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~529 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh - 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold, Rose Pink
Price: $799.99-to-$899.99
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
The Galaxy Note 8 is Samsung’s $1,000 flagship, and the most complete phone on the market. But to some it seems a little too similar to Samsung Galaxy s8+ to justify the enormous price tag. More squared off than the Galaxy s8 or 8+, the Galaxy Note 8, offers an additional 12 MP camera, two more gigabytes of RAM, and s-pen integration. These features, along with other industry-leading specifications make The Note 8 a workhorse phone; and a great option for people using the device for business.
Inevitably, the price tag is going to be the biggest issue with what is the best phone available at the moment. While it does have all the top-tier specifications that consumers are looking for, as well as all of the features the Note series of smartphones have come to be known for, consumers may find a hard time finding value here. Available in black, gold, gray, and blue, the Galaxy Note 8 is available today on all major carriers, starting at $949.99.
Model: Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.3-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16m colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~521 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.34 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo)
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 64, 128, 256 GB options, 6GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP (26mm, f/1.7, PDAF & 52mm, f/2.4, AF) OIS, autofocus, 2x options zoom, LED flash.
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7, face detection
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung Desktop Experience, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging, s-Pen integration
Battery size-life: 3,500 mAh battery - 88 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Grey, Deep Sea Blue
Price: $ 949.99-to-$1149.99
Google Pixel and Pixel XL 2
Google’s Pixel model of smartphone were some of the best-selling devices of 2016. Their newest devices seem to be building on the market success the Pixel and Pixel XL achieved over the past year. Made from aluminum with a plastic “hybrid” coating, the Pixel 2 feels good in the hand. Users can look forward to the cleanest Android experience on the market, as the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL both ship with Android’s latest OS 8.0, the only phone that currently does. Google has added the most responsive fingerprint reader as well as responsive sides so when a user squeezes the phone Google Assistant is triggered. This gives users the fastest access to apps and Assistant, providing enhanced ease-of-use.
As with the original Pixel, users are raving about the camera. In fact, many are calling it the best camera in any Android smartphone. Whether that is true or not, the Google Pixel 2 is a phone built for users, Google-centric users specifically. Available on Verizon exclusively, the Pixel 2 is available in white, blue, and black; while the Pixel 2 XL is available in black/white and black. They are priced starting at $649.99.
Model: Google Pixel 2
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 5.0-inches
Display: AMOLED, 16m, 1,920 x 1.080 (~441 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo, 4 x 1.9 GHZ Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0
Memory
Internal: 64 and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 2,700 mAh - 75 hours
Available Colors: Kinda Blue, Just Back, Clearly White
Price: $649.99-to-$749.99
Model: Google Pixel 2 Plus
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16m colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~538 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core *4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0
Memory
Internal: 64GB and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,520 mAh battery - 88 hours
Available Colors: Just Black, Black & White
Price: $849.99-to- $949.99
Motorola Z² Force
Hello, Moto! By now you’ve seen the commercials playing up the effectiveness of the Moto mods. The phone that fuels those mods is the Motorola Z² Force. Lenovo, the owners and manufacturer behind Motorola, has created a high-end smartphone that not only provides a great user experience, but allows users to create more out of their phone.
The Motorola Z² Force is the second Z² smartphone released this year by Motorola, but it is by far the most powerful. Featuring industry standard processors and internal specifications, the Z² Force gives users the chance to use their device as a projector, a 360º camera, a speaker, a vehicle dock, and many different options to get more battery life from the device. These add-ons are expensive, however, so take that into account if you are considering the Motorola Z² when shopping for your next smartphone. You can get the Motorola Z² in black, gold, and grey on all of the major carriers for $720.00. The mods, however, are variably priced up to $299.99.
Model: Motorola Z2 Force
Construction: front plastic w/ Moto Shattershield, back plastic
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~534 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 MHz Kyro & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/2.0, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2, dual LED flash
Audio: One front-facing speaker, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Motorola Mods (insta-share projector, 360 camera, gamepad, JBL SoundBoost 2, turbopower pack, style shell w/ wireless charging, power pack, Hasselblad True Zoom, vehicle dock)
Battery size-life: 2,730 mAh battery - 69 hours
Available Colors: Super Black, Fine Gold, Lunar Grey
Price: $720.00
LG V30
The surprise of the year is the improvement LG has made to their V-series smartphone for 2017 the V30. In fact, the V30 is comparable to every other top-tier smartphone on the market this year, including the flagships from Samsung and Google. Featuring a six-inch P-OLED display the LG V30 has the high-end looks and construction to compete with the best phones on the market. You can get one today at all the major carriers, starting at $800.00.
With nearly every feature that consumers are looking for in a device, including fast charging, expandable storage, fast charging, IP-certified waterproofing, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack, LG has shown a dedication to deliver what the consumer wants in a smartphone. The LG V30 can be had in black, silver, blue, and violet and be found on all major carriers starting at $800.00.
Model: LG V30
Construction: front/back glass, aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~537 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.45 GHz Kyro & 4 1.9 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.2
Memory
Internal: 64 or 128 GB options, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microsSD (Up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 16 MP (f/1.6, OIS, 3-axis, laser & phase detection autofocus) _ 13 MP (g/1.9) LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2
Audio: Dual speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum
Features: Fast charging, wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,300 mAh - 87 hours
Available Colors: Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet
Price: $819.99-to-$929.99
BlackBerry KEYone
The newest BlackBerry may just be the one that sets BlackBerry up for a revitalization. Ditching BB 10, the sturdily built BlackBerry KEYone is the second BlackBerry to run the Android OS. Much like last year’s BlackBerry PRIV, it has its sights set on the consumers who absolutely love having a physical keyboard.
With a solid build quality and better-than-expected specifications, the KEYone’s major draw is its physical QWERTY keyboard; and the keyboard’s capabilities. Not only can users use the keyboard as a trackpad for the 4.5-inch screen, the space bar is a fingerprint reader for device security, and each key is programmable in both long and short press giving users over 50 dedicated shortcut options. The KEYone is available in black and silver and black starting at $499.99.
Model: BlackBerry KEYone
Construction: Aluminum, Gorilla Glass 4, with soft-touch plastic, physical keyboard
Screen Size: 4.5-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 1,620 x 1,080 (~433 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625
CPU-GPU: Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Operating System: Android 7.1
Memory
Internal: 32 GB with 3 GB RAM or 64 GB with 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing:8 MP, f/2.2
Audio: Dual speaker stereo
Sensors: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Features: Full programmable keyboard, fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,505 mAh - 107 hours
Available Colors: Black & Silver, Black
Price: $499.99-to-$559.99
Nokia 8
The first flagship device from new Nokia owner's HMD Global, the hardware giant’s latest parent company. Nokia (like every smartphone manufacturer) has ditched Windows Phone 10 for nearly stock Android experience. With industry-leading specifications and Nokia’s signature build quality, the Nokia 8 looks the part as a flagship smartphone.
Some of the features that sets the Nokia 8 out include the invention of the “bothie”. The camera allows user to take a selfie video while simultaneously recording with the primary camera to capture two images. The Nokia 8 also features high-quality sound recording that give additional richness to a user’s videos. Available in two shades of blue, silver, and copper, the Nokia 8 can be purchased for as low as $480.00.
Model: Nokia 8
Construction: Glass Aluminum
Screen Size: 5.3-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~554 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.5 GHz Kyro & 4 x 1.8 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 13 MP, f/2/0, laser and phase detection autofocus, Carl Zeiss optics, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 13 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus
Audio: Two-speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,090 mAh - 78 hours
Available Colors: Tempered Blue, Polished Blue, Steel, Polished Copper
Price: $479.99-to-$559.99
Like a selfie, you have to face it: Smartphones are the most important computing devices for the 2017 user. With manufacturers changing more, it is essential that users find the right device for their particular situation. These flagship phones only scratch the surface. There are dozens of other options that can work for you. If you would like more information about mobile trends, or simply just a professional’s opinion on what phone is right for you, call the IT experts at Walsh IT Group today at (832) 295-1445.
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