We have returned for more of our back to school picks.  You can keep up with all of them here.  For the parents looking to provide their kids w/ better tools for learning, we’re here to help.   We have compiled a product guide to make your choice for mobile computing a lot easier with great specs and pricing to fit your needs.

2013 Back To School Guide: Smartphones
And now we move on from the ultraportable to the pocket-portables with smartphones.

HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4

These are pretty much the top two all-around Android device powerhouses on the market.  Similar but different in certain ways, the HTC One and the Galaxy S4 are at the top of their class.  Both w/ magnificent 1080p displays, quad-core processors, 2GB of RAM, and can be used as TV remotes.  Both have their own distinct differences as well.

The GS4 has a 13MP camera, pedometer for tracking steps, and plenty of gesture-based navigation features.  The One has a 4MP Ultrapixel for better low-light shots, create short 30-seconds clips using their Zoe camera feature, and dual front-facing speakers for in-your-face-audio. It honestly comes down to a matter of preference as they are both stellar devices.

Pricing starts at $199.99 for both and are available on all four major carriers (GS4, HTC One).

iPhone 5

While becoming the smallest display in the market as of recently at 4inches, the iPhone is still an all-around competitor.  The resolution on the display is still great, the 8MP camera is probably still superb in many situations, great lag-free performance, and offers the best selection of apps in the game.  With redesigned iOS on the way, this is about to get even better.

Pricing starts at $199 for the 16GB model and goes up as it is available on all major carriers.

Nokia Lumia 1020

The latest and possibly greatest Windows Phone comes from Nokia as they used a 41MP Pure View camera here.  The rear-facing optics is probably better than any smartphone or point-and-shoot.  The best low-light performance, steady video, and great optical image stabilization.  Using real-time updating Live Tiles in Microsoft’s best incarnation of a mobile OS w/ Windows Phone.

Priced at $299.99, this is only available for AT&T…for now.

Samsung Galaxy Note III or LG Optimus G Pro

For those of you in need of something with more power, bigger display, and a bit more features than your average Android device.  The Note II & the Optimus G Pro are the massive-sized boys on the Android block.  The two devices use a 5.5inch display, quad-core prcoessors, 2GB of RAM, and unique software features.

The Note III has a 8MP camera, included S-Pen stylus, and a 720p HD resolution display.  While G Pro has a 13MP camera, customizable features, and a 1080p HD resolution display.  Both do have a hefty battery to last you all-day.  Either way, you can’t lose.

The Note II is available on all major carriers as its priced at $299.99 and the G Pro is available at AT&T for $99.99.

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