2014 has been a banner year for smartphones, especially if you like them big. Even Apple (AAPL) finally caved into the reality of consumer demand for big screens with the iPhone 6 and the super-sized iPhone 6 Plus.
While Apple was going big, some of the Android camp were winning kudos for offering a smaller flagship option. Sony’s (SNE) Z1 Compact, for example, had a 4.3-inch display and was one of the stars of the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show.
If you are one of the many people who has been holding off on a new smartphone purchase until the new iPhones dropped, decision time is here — at least unless you want to wait until next year (when the madness starts all over again).
With most of the current generation of smartphones now on store shelves, which should you buy? Much of that will depend on whether you prefer iOS or Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system, how big you like your screen and whether you prefer plastic or metal.
To help make your decision a little easier, here are five of the best smartphones currently on the market, along with details on what makes them such winners.
Best Smartphones: iPhone 6
The iPhone 6 (reviewed here) is an easy pick as a contender for best smartphone of 2014. If iOS is your thing, the only real decision you need to make is whether to go with the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, or fork over the extra for the super-sized 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.
Apple set a new launch weekend record of 10 million, despite some early hiccups with iOS 8 and the “bendgate” issue with the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6 is the one that most consumers prefer — bigger, but not too big — and it’s going to be the smartphone to beat this holiday season.
Key Selling Point: It’s an iPhone, but finally a version that breaks the 4-inch display ceiling the iPhone 5 series stuck with.
Best Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S5
When it comes to Android smartphones, the Samsung (SSNLF) Galaxy S5 took over from the Galaxy S4 in topping the list of best smartphones — at least when it comes to sales.
The big knocks against the Galaxy S5 have been the plastic exterior that looks a little low-rent to some, and Samsung’s insistence on loading its devices up with its own TouchWiz user interface and apps.
Key Selling Point: Big, powerful, with a 16MP camera, absolutely stacked with Samsung software features like S Health, waterproof and compatible with Samsung’s Gear smartwatches.
Best Smartphones: HTC One M8
When I reviewed the HTC One M8 back in April, it was clear that this follow-up to last year’s surprise hit HTC One was going to be one of the best smartphones of the year.
Like last year’s HTC One, the One M8 is a metal-clad beauty. The 2014 edition gets a 5-inch display (up from 4.7-inches last year), a faster Qualcomm (QCOM) Snapdragon 801 CPU and a more rounded look.
Key Selling Point: An Android phone that challenges Apple for design prowess, BoomSound audio with dual front-firing speakers and an Ultra-pixel camera optimized for low-light pictures.
Best Smartphones: Motorola Moto X
If you want a premium Android smartphone with a big Full HD OLED display (5.2-inches), a decent camera and minimal monkeying with the base Android interface, the latest Moto X is a solid choice.
Even better, it can be customized with 17 different colored plastic back shells, four different wood grains or, for a more upscale look, one of four different leather options.
Oh, and the Moto X is just $99 on contract — half of what most competing smartphones go for.
With it’s compelling mix of performance, looks and affordability, this device definitely belongs on any list of the best smartphones of 2014.
Key Selling Point: The flagship Android smartphone with the most customization options and the cheapest price.
Best Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Smarting from criticism that the Galaxy S5 felt cheap — despite its metallic, textured polycarbonate shell — Samsung decided to fight back with a Galaxy aimed directly at the iPhone.
The Galaxy Alpha is a revamped version of one of the best smartphones out there, but Samsung has shrunk it down to the size of an iPhone (it has a 4.7-inch display) and put it inside a milled metal enclosure (the back panel remains plastic).
The result is an Android phone that is far more solid feeling than the Galaxy S5, in a more physically attractive and compact case. On the downside, Samsung dropped the display resolution to 720p from Full HD, got rid of the SD card slot and lost the Galaxy S5’s waterproof rating.
Key Selling Point: Smaller than the Galaxy S5 and with a premium metal frame instead of plastic, it’s Samsung’s attempt to offer an Android smartphone that will appeal to iPhone fans.
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
