Our verdict on the best mobile phones / best smartphones - constantly updated
We've all got at least one mobile phone each, right? The trouble is, how do you decide which is the best mobile phone for you when you realise it's time to phone the network and trouble them for an upgrade?
If you've read our list of the latest mobile phones, seen the hottest pre-release new mobile phones and are still stumped, well, this is where we make it easy. Because here we have our constantly-updated list of the top 20 best mobile phones you can get.
And now, thanks to a glut of top-end mobile phones steaming out from Mobile World Congress 2011, we're bringing you our biggest update ever to our definitive chart.
So what's changed? We've lost seven of the 20 from the previous ranking, the top ten has seen a huge shake-up and both high-spec and budget phones have crashed now into the list.
Will the HTC Desire stay at the top of the pile? Can the iPhone 4 finally overthrow it now Antennagate is seemingly over? Or have we chosen a new challenger assume the throne, all in a bid to help you decide on your next mobile phone?
If that still doesn't help, well, there's always our extensive mobile phone reviews pages as well.
And when you've decided what new phone to buy, why not cash in your old one with our phone recycling price comparison service?
Here are our rankings for the best mobile phones around, currently available in the UK.
20. HTC Desire Z
Keyboards might not be the most fashionable things on a whizzy touchscreen phone these days, but the HTC Desire Z also manages to pack a decent Android OS on top - although we're still waiting for the Gingerbread update.
The hinge mechanism on the Desire Z is a little loose and feels like it could snap at times under the heft of the overall chassis - and let's not forget the sub 1500mAh battery, which means it lasts a little less longer than it probably could have done if HTC had chucked a higher-capacity version in there.
However, with an advanced version of Sense under the hood (albeit without inbuilt e-book capabilities) this is probably the phone we'd point you to if you're after a landscape keyboard and a decent touchscreen on top.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire Z is pretty much just the older HTC Desire with a slightly slower processor and a keyboard bolted underneath. It's understandably heavier and thicker than today's glut of ultra-skinny mobiles, but for those that must have it's tactile keyboard, it warrants a place on our list.
19. Samsung Wave 2
Samsung's somewhat left-field decision to launch its own Bada smartphone OS alongside its big Android push is still a little confusing - well, at least to us Brits. Over it Korea it's apparently going great guns, stealing swathes of market share from boring old feature phones.
If we were to recommend a cheaper smartphone option running Bada, then we'd quickly hold this one up for you to see. From it's lovely lines to premium chassis construction, the Samsung Wave 2 is one of those phones that makes you feel all important pulling it out of your pocket.
Despite losing the Super AMOLED screen, the larger 3.7-inch screen is still its equal, with some eye-popping colours and more comfortable feel. It's also using the new Bada 2.1 OS, which might not have the largest range of applications, but offers a slick alternative to Android with some useful widgets.
Apps are at a premium on this still-nascent platform, so not one for those that love to customise their phone all over the place. The �25 a month plan isn't the cheapest you'll see either, but does represent good value for those that want a bigger screen and it can be purchased for around �300 SIM free if you don't want to pony up to a network each month.
Quick verdict
It's a quirky little phone, is the Wave 2. It looks a bit like an Android phone with the same TouchWiz overlay, but then hits you with a lack of homescreen icon customisation. Still, for a premium design and longer battery life than most, you'd do well to check this out if you like your smartphones a little different.
18. Blackberry Bold 9780
The BlackBerry Bold 9780 is a worthy upgrade to RIM's flagship range from the Bold 9700. The new operating system is a significant improvement, making the phone more relevant to the wider market than anything that's come before.
An improved screen and BlackBerry OS 6 make it feel more premium, and the chassis construction will please many too, along with an upgraded 5MP camera with flash that actually takes passable snaps.
The keyboard design has again been tinkered with, and we don't think to the benefit of BlackBerry stalwarts the world over, but it's still a great way to quickly chuck in some text.
Quick verdict
The Bold 9780 is the only member of the BlackBerry family on our list - some might question the lack of a Torch on here given it's status as RIM's flagship model, but we felt the chunkier design, higher price and poor on-screen keyboard mean its been overshadowed by its slimmer, slicker and more conventional brother.
17. LG Optimus 7
Windows Phone 7 made a big impact on our top 20 list back in November 2010, but now it's reduced to a single offering - and we're plumping for the LG Optimus 7.
While it lacks the vivid screen of the Samsung Omnia 7 or the large display/kickstand combo of the HTC HD7, the Optimus 7 wins simply because it's got a few more features on offer out of the box, including an awesome augmented reality browser that shows the weather when you point it at the sky. (Yes, we know you could look at it with your eyes. We mean forecasts).
The PlayTo DLNA service is ace too, making it a breeze to send content to your big screen TV, and the build quality isn't too shabby either.
The sleek packaging and slick operating system still bring a smile to our faces when using it - but Windows Phone 7 badly needs the big Mango update we're hoping to see in the next few months.
Quick verdict
If you follow the word of Stephen Fry and simply must check out Microsoft's new smartphone OS, this is the phone we'd recommend to do it on. The sweet swishing action will impress you, and the Live Tiles and Xbox integration are nice additions too. It's still far too simplistic to be a cutting-edge phone, but that will all change when the multi-tasking Mango update drops.
16. Samsung Galaxy Ace
The Samsung Galaxy Ace is an odd little phone when you first pick it up - plastic mesh back, lower-res touchscreen and a slight lag on the interface aren't what everyone is looking for in a smartphone.
However, combined with Samsung's TouchWiz overlay and a sublime �15-�20 a month price point, the Ace suddenly seems like much more attractive package - a tip-top 5MP camera on the back to boot.
It might not be the snappiest phone you'll ever use (we found it sometimes stumbled wandering from one home screen to the next) and it's only average for media - but for that price point it deserves to be one of the budget newbies on our list.
Quick verdict
Compared to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S2, the Ace looks lightweight - but then you consider that you're getting access to a large amount of the Android Market, a microSD slot and an above-average camera, and the head to head comparison is suddenly looking a lot more even.
15. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini / Pro
Sony Ericsson's time in the doldrums might be coming to an end, and that turnaround was marked by the success of the Xperia Mini and it's keyboarded sidekick, the Mini Pro.
We loved its miniature dimensions (although we still don't understand how adding a keyboard only increased the depth by 1mm) and the reskinning of Sony Ericsson's overlay to fit a teeny screen was genius at times.
It's great for music playback while sitting secretly in a pocket (although it's never going to be a video-watching marvel) and the internet browser is unbelievably snappy for a 600MHz processor - plus a lower price tag than many handsets around it, at less than �200 on PAYG and running Android 2.1.
Quick verdict
The clever implementation of Android with customisable corner icons and a simple yet effective keyboard means it's very easy to use this phone, and even the internet is still a good experience for one of the world's smallest smartphones.
We can see a refresh for this line coming soon - hopefully with a little bit of a Gingerbread flavour about it - but for now, it's a cool choice if you're after a tidy package.
- Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini review
- Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro review
- Compare Xperia X10 Mini offers
- Compare Xperia X10 Mini Pro offers
14. Nokia N8
If you've been a Nokia fan for years, then you'll have noticed that the Finnish firm hasn't been competing at the sharp end of the game for a while now.
It hoped to change all that with the N8, and on the hardware side at least it triumphed: 12MP camera with Xenon flash, HD video recording, reams of internal storage and a high end media player, as well as the new Symbian^3 OS.
It's not an expensive device either, with it available on an 18-month deal at only �25 a month - we're getting back to the days when you could have a high-end smartphone and not be locked in until you start drawing a pension. (Unless you're reading this and 64 years old - those days are gone for you).
However, the user interface still needs a lot of work in our opinion - the new Symbian Anna update goes a long way to fixing the laggy issues and poor internet browser, but it still needs a few more updates to even think about rivalling the slickness of the Android brigade.
Quick verdict
This is hardware at the sharp end of many categories, which is sure to bring a smile to the tech-lovers' heart. It's a phone that polarises opinion though - some people prefer a snazzier user interface, which the Nokia N8 fails to deliver, even with the Anna update. Others love the power of Symbian^3 and can see past the slight lag in the ageing UI - and for them this phone is without compare.
13. HTC Wildfire
While HTC might not have budget phones right the first time round - remember the HTC Tattoo, forlornly stuck on Android 1.6? - the HTC Wildfire is a much bigger hit, essentially taking the HTC Desire and squishing it down and reducing the cost.
We were impressed with the HVGA screen and dinky dimensions - while the camera was only passable, the presence of the flash helped things greatly.
Essentially, it's a decent Android smartphone for not much cash - although it's going to be usurped by the new HTC Wildfire S which is smaller, faster and more importantly, cheaper.
Our quick verdict: Friendly on the pocket and even nicer on the wallet, the Wildfire is set for a big price drop when the Wildfire S emerges, so perhaps hold fire for a few weeks if you're thinking of upgrading to this HTC Desire mini.
12. HTC Desire HD
The HTC Desire HD was a phone we were so excited about when it launched - the huge 4.3-inch screen, DLNA support in the new version of Sense - this was going to be the new favourite Android phone on the block.
However, battery issues got in the way - many people reported that it lasted less than a day on a single charge when used under normal conditions, and the larger screen meant it was dubbed a 'male-oriented' phone.
Don't get us wrong, it's a cracking piece of kit: 8MP camera with flash, large screen with surround sound and connection to HDTVs is a decent line up, even before we mention the excellent Sense UI on top, but after the launch of the Incredible S, it's inevitable that the Desire HD would drop significantly on the list.
Quick verdict
The Desire HD is a behemoth of phone - powerful, hefty yet slim. However, with the 4-inch screen of the HTC Incredible S, the cooler design and same price point (plus updated Sense UI) we have to plump for that one instead if we're recommending a larger HTC phone.
11. Motorola Atrix
When Motorola announced the Atrix at CES 2011, we were blown away by the tech crammed into the tiny package. Dual core Tegra 2 1GHz processors, 1930mAh battery and qHD screen meant the Atrix was far and away the most powerful phone around.
It garnered rave reviews from us thanks to the snappy processor speeds, the range of accessories that use the inbuilt WebOS (including an awesome LapDock that turns the phone into a fully-fledged netbook) and above average battery life, even in heavy usage scenarios.
The only reason the Motorola Atrix isn't higher up in the list is we're still yet to review the UK edition, and we want to make sure the experience is worthy a place in our top ten list - plus we need to know the final price to you, dear reader.
Quick verdict
Dual core phones are the talk of Mobonia at the moment (the land where handsets are conceived and developed) and the Motorola Atrix is leading that charge. It's not the sleekest handset out there at the moment, and in the dual core wars it's likely to be trumped by the likes of the LG Optimus 2X and Samsung Galaxy S2 in terms of looks.
But for the power business user, this is highly likely to be the only phone they need look at for a long while.
10. INQ Cloud Touch
When deciding on the top 20 best mobile phones in the world, it's sometimes tempting to only look at the super-skinny, action-packed expensive phones that promise you unlimited power and status just by owning them.
But equally, those that serve a purpose and aren't hideously ugly deserve a mention too - and we're big fans of INQ's budget-friendly social networking range.
The INQ Cloud Touch is all about social networking, thanks to a deeper than ever integration with the Facebook application allowing users to simply see their favourite people's updates, check in places quickly and see new statuses without entering a new app.
It's also got a dedicated Spotify key, which is ace if you're a premium user and want direct access - plus the info key, which has details on alarms, expected battery life and connection control.
It's quirky in place of being attractive - and at �18 per month or less than �200 for the handset, it warrants a solid place in our list.
Quick verdict
The INQ Cloud Touch is a phone that mixes it with the big boys admirably and costs a lot less - the lower power processor might irk some, but we reckon the Facebook integration will win over more fans.
9. Orange San Francisco
Android is one of the big winners in our top 20 list, and the Orange San Francisco has emerged as the winner of the 'budget league', with a great build, slick operation and clear screen - all for under �80 as well.
It's 'only' got Android 2.1, but an upgrade is in the works, and despite that you still get a fast response from the capacitive screen and all the widgets and home screens you've come to expect from Android.
There are some trade-offs: don't buy this if you want to take quality pics or are an avid radio listener, for instance, but overall it's a super phone for the price.
Quick verdict
There was a time when the Orange San Francisco was the only decent budget phone on the market - but now that title is being challenged hard. Despite all that, it's testament to the clever price drops and ahead of the curve tech on board that it still remains our top budget smartphone buy.
8. LG Optimus 2X
The dual-core race is set to hot up, and LG has stolen a march on its Atrix-shaped rival in the UK by dropping the Optimus 2X.
The new phone is certainly a slick player - we found the screen it be bright, the operation lightning fast at times and the HDMI mirroring a really neat feature.
If it wasn't for some odd 1080p recording issues and slightly juddery internet experience there's no doubt that the Optimus 2X would have been troubling the top of this chart - but you can forgive even those issues when you realise that it costs just �25 a month.
That's right. A mid-range price for a top end handset - we're really hoping this is a trend that continues.
Quick verdict
The idea of dual-core handsets is still better than the reality at the moment, as there still aren't many apps that can take advantage. That said, 1080p video recording and improved graphics performance are still winning features, and the LG Optimus 2X is all over these like a rabbit in a radish field.
7. Google Nexus S
The first Android 2.3 phone to land on the market is also one of the first with NFC capabilities and a curved Super AMOLED screen from Samsung.
It's a 'Pure Google' experience, which means no messing about waiting for networks to bring you the update; if Google likes it, you'll have it.
The price dropped just before launch to a palatable �430, and competes very well indeed with the iPhone 4 and others in the top phone game - although with more Android 2.3 handsets landing seemingly every week, unless you're after a Google-only experience, it's appeal becomes more limited.
However, the build quality might feel a little suspect at first, but is robust enough and sits in the hand well, and that screen is just superb for the internet and media.
Quick verdict
A 'no frills' handset that delivers on the specs - affordable and practical for the developer and early adopter alike, plus offering a more unique design than others on the market. If and when NFC becomes more widespread in the UK, this will probably see a real surge in interest again too.
6. HTC Incredible S
HTC's ability to make large-screened phones on Android is seemingly never-ending, with more emerging from the woodwork every week.
With the HTC Sensation landing soon, and the HTC Desire S already available, there was some worry about this Android 2.2-toting handset becoming lost in the ether. But with a vacuum-packed design and large and bright 4-inch screen, it's quickly become a hot alternative to the Desire HD.
The 8MP camera with dual LED flash is a decent option, the interface snaps along nicely and the price is palatable - another top example of HTC Sense that will only improve when the Android 2.3 update lands.
Quick verdict
If you want a phone that stands out slightly from the rest, the Incredible S at mid-range price point, could be a goer for you. If you're someone that wants the latest and greatest HTC though we suggest holding fire until we bring you our full HTC Sensation review.
5. Samsung Galaxy S
The Samsung Galaxy S is one lucky phone indeed - it was in danger of sliding right down our top 20 list until a last minute Android 2.3 update booted it back up to the front of the pack (so last minute that we're still working on updating the review).
We can confirm that some of the niggles that were appearing with the older version of the software are gone - the lagging on certain applications seems to have gone now, and while battery life is still not stellar, it's certainly improved - especially when it comes to offering a correct reading.
The Super AMOLED screen is still one of the best around for media, rivalling the likes of the iPhone 4, and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and while we can't fix the fact it doesn't have a flash, Flash VIDEO now works a lot better.
When the Samsung Galaxy S2 lands you'd imagine this phone will slide down the rankings simply because its big brother is tipped to be a real big-hitter, but if you're after the budget version, this is definitely worth a look.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S is everything that's good about the Wave, but with Android power to back it up. The Super AMOLED screen is awe inspiring, and the 1GHz Hummingbird processor means the phone never misses a beat, even though it's not dual core.
This was Samsung's breakout smartphone, and its longevity near the top of our charts is testament to its quality.
4. Apple iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 is certainly the most impressive iPhone ever, and a big step up from the iPhone 3GS. The flat body is only 9.3 millimetres thick, 24 per cent thinner than the iPhone 3GS at its thickest. It feels great in the hand, and at the keynote Steve Jobs remarked, "Its closest kin is a beautiful old Leica camera."
By far the most in-your-face feature of the iPhone 4 is 960x640 Retina Display. It's got 326 pixels per inch, and we're talking tiny pixels, only 78 micrometers wide.
The Retina Display, especially, is hands-down one of the clearest, most enjoyable screens we've seen on a handheld, and the sheer amount of technology packed into the device is surprising.
The 3G reception disappearing problem w is gone now with newer builds (although Apple would never admit it) and while we know that many will never condone the phone not being at the top of the list, we still have a problem with the price.
How can a phone that's approaching a year old not have a slide in cost? The HTC Desire, which was cheaper than the iPhone 4 already, is now only �15 per month - yet Apple's device still costs a premium on networks.
Quick verdict
If it wasn't for the reception issue, the iPhone 4 would have probably topped our charts long ago - well, perhaps if it had been a bit cheaper now.
It's still a class-leading bit of kit now, and with the iPhone 5 supposedly delayed until September, still worth taking a look at - but Apple die-hards will want to wait to see if the new model is a better proposition or not.
3. HTC Desire
We all knew it had to happen - the HTC Desire couldn't hang on to top spot forever, and despite a really cheap price tag attached to it these days, plus an Android 2.3 update in the offing, it's time at the summit is now over.
The hardware is still as solid as ever - the only niggles we have are a lack of internal storage (meaning apps that can't live on an SD card are at a premium) and the HD video recording is suspect.
Users have had some battery life problems with the phone, but that doesn't detract from a phone that simply WORKS - very few crashes, swift internet browsing, a quality on-screen keyboard and a decent design ethic to boot.
If you're after a budget phone and don't mind slightly older kit, then this could even be in second place for you.
Quick verdict
We will always have a soft spot for the HTC Desire in our hearts - it's still a class apart from many other phones out there, and the combination of intuitive overlay and flawless operation showed the world that there was life beyond the iPhone - and it still a decent piece of hardware to boot.
2. HTC Desire S
It's hardly a surprise, is it? The sequel to the best phone in the world with updated software is ahead of its predecessor?
We agonised about the choice - the first Desire is such good value and the new version is only an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, handset. But the Desire S is a more compact offering with the latest version of Sense, and going forward is likely get the best updates, so just nips ahead.
Excellent call quality, decent camera, strong build and clever-as-ever social networking integration make this a class-leader once more (although whether it will hold onto the title of best HTC phone once the Sensation lands remains to be seen).
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire is a slick, compact and attractive handset that has edged ahead of its predecessor thanks to simply taking a good formula and improving on it.
It may only have a 5MP camera, but it's got a budget-busting �20 price tag on it already, so that should see it stay attractive when the HTC Sensation launches.
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1. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
When we talk about a Phoenix Phone, it forever be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. A company that was making phones like the Xperia X10 on outdated software just a year ago has brought out one of the world's thinnest and most attractive handsets that sits atop our 20 best list.
And it's earned it place on our list through sheer quality - the things we're impressed with on the Xperia Arc are almost too many to list.
From the beautiful Reality Display with Bravia Engine to the powerful-yet-simple 8.1MP camera with Exmor technology, this is one of the phones that people actually want to hold and play with when you show it off.
The new Sony Ericsson overlay has cool features like an 'exploded widgets' view, and the integration of YouTube searching for videos of songs currently playing is super cool too.
OK, it's not dual-core powered, but until we start seeing some applications that really start to challenge these smartphones, we're happy to recommend a phone that is slick under the finger, slim in the pocket, satisfying in the hand and kinder than many on the wallet to boot.
Quick verdict
The hardware is extremely impressive, both in terms of looks and performance. Forget the fashionable dual-core phones ? when done right, a single-core 1GHz processor can do it all.
As it is, we're prepared to overlook the Xperia Arc's minor flaws thanks to its stunning good looks, superb screen and very decent photo performance. You can't help but love it once you've held its magically thin body and gazed adoringly into its dazzling Reality Display.
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XILINX WESTERN DIGITAL VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY VIRGIN MEDIA
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