LG G3
LG came later in the Android wars to craft the new example of the new upper-echelon of Android smartphones w/ the G3. Offering the holy trinity of features like the best display + camera on Android along w/ great battery life. The G3 has a 5.5inch 2K display (or 2560 x 1440 resolution), a premium metal-esque feel, fast, laser-guided autofocus on the camera, rear controls, Knock-On/Code security features, and more. All of this to make LG's latest the best thing on Android right now.
It's available on all carriers.
Nokia Lumia Icon
Currently only available as a Verizon exclusive until the Lumia 930 makes its way tot he states, the Icon is one of the top choices of Windows Phone. Its not the 1020 w/ its 41MP camera but the 20.2MP shooter it has on the back is still better than any other non-Lumia shooter on the market. The Icon is the best designed WP device as it has the typical polycarbonate body w/ a aluminum border, quad-core CPU, and a beautiful, 5inch 1080p display.
The Lumia Icon is currently free on contract on Verizon.
HTC One M8 or Samsung Galaxy S5
Again these two are tied as consumers will usually choose between one or the other. Both excel in different areas and lack in some areas as well. Great 1080p displays, great battery life, and each w/ their own standout features. The M8 has great camera effects as the 4MP Ultrapixel shooter is good enough for social media. Also, the best speakers on a smartphone w/ their BoomSound front-facing speakers + amp. The GS5 has a great 16MP shooter to cover all bases of photo/video situations. Also a built-in heart-rate monitor + fingerprint scanner features added to the mix. Both are available on all carriers.
iPhone 5s or 5c
While Apple currently still has the smallest smartphone display on the market at 4inches, the iPhone is still a great pick. Armed w/ a superb 8MP shooter that is adaptable to almost any situation, lag-free performance, and the best App Store in the market w/ choice + quality of apps. The 5S differs by sporting an aluminum build + Touch ID is still the shining example of how to do a fingerprint scanner. While the 5c offers the choice of candy-colored plastic shells w/ the same base specs minus the 64-bit A7 CPU. The 5S starts at $199 for the 16GB and the 5c starts at $99 for the 16GB.
Nokia Lumia 635
Nokia has been revitalizing their brand w/ the many Lumia devices for Windows Phone. They have recently used their designs + innovations for a budget phone w/ the Lumia 635. The 635 is giving you a 4.5inch display, quad-core CPU, and v8.1 of the OS that brings you Cortana.
This budget Lumia is available on AT&T, T-Mobile, & Metro PCS.
Moto G
Motorola created the new blueprint to creating a great budget phone w/ the Moto E. You have a 720p display, great quad-core CPU, 5MP rear shooter, & near 24-hour battery life. A budget phone w/ premium specs - available on a pre-paid plan. You have the choice of a 3G or LTE models, either of them are priced at $219.
You grab one from Motorola as well as Verizon, Boost Mobile & more.
One Plus One
The elusive and hard to acquire One device from OnePlus is attempting to disrupt the current model of Android phones on the market. High-end specs like quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU, 13MP Sony lens, 3GB of RAM, 3100 mAh battery, & more w/ affordable off-contract pricing (that starts at $299) is a great combination. Good luck finding an invite though.
Nexus 5
While the OnePlus One is moving in on their turf, the Nexus 5 is still the fan favorite among the many. LG + Google's latest Android offering always gets the newest version of Android ahead of the rest of the crowd. Other than the Google Play Edition devices, the only device running pure stock Android.
