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Now that CES 2013 is over, seems like the industry's top names in mobile technology saved their biggest announcements for the grand stage in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress 2013. Last year’s show introduced us to, in addition to a number of other powerful handsets, our favorite Android phone of 2012: the HTC One X. However, this year’s outing has taken on a theme of “bigger is better,” with nearly every manufacturer following in Samsung's footsteps and welcoming giant handsets to the soiree. And even though several anticipated phones remained MIA such as the Galaxy S IV, Nexus 5, and Motorola X, there were still some eye-catching devices present at the expo. So get a glimpse of future as we put you onto the 7 Best Products Announced at Mobile World Congress 2013.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Release date/Price: Q2 (TBA)
Samsung’s smaller tablet offers the same unique stylus-based features and functionality (dual-viewing mode, etc) as its predecessor, while sporting a stronger spec sheet that consists of a 1.6GHz quad-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of internal storage. But we find the device's most unique attribute to be the calling capabilities of the wifi + 3G model.
LG Optimus G Pro
Release date/Price: Q2 (TBA)
Everyone (including us) foolishly anticipated the unveiling of the Nexus 5, but LG had something just as big up its sleeve. Literally. Say what’s up to the Optimus G Pro—the company’s new phone-tablet hybrid, which flaunts a monstrous 5.5-inch full HD IPS screen that delivers a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution and 440ppi. Housing a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 13MP camera, Jelly Bean OS, and a whopping 3,140mAh battery, it could very well be the most powerful Android phone to hit the scene this Spring.
Huawei Ascend P2
Release date/Price: TBA
Billed as the “world’s fastest phone,” Huawei’s Android offering looks to deliver the most insane 4G data speeds ever experienced on a smartphone: est. 150Mpbs. Internals include a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, Android Jelly Bean, and an intuitively bright 4.7-inch (720 x 1280) panel sensitive enough to recognize commands with gloves on. This could be the device that gives Huawei the domestic mobile push it’s been seeking the past several years.
Sony Xperia Z Tablet
Release date/Price: March 1; $500 - $600
Riding high on the phenomenal response of the Xperia Z smartphone at CES 2013, Sony chooses the perfect stage to flaunt its upcoming dust- and waterproof (IP55 and IP57 certifications) flagship tablet. The “world’s slimmest and lightest” 10-inch tablet at the moment measures at 6.9mm and weights only 496g. Performance is spot-on thanks to its responsive 1920x1200 HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine, 1.5GHz quad-core processor, and 2GB of RAM under the hood. Though we're most intrigued with the device coming PlayStation certified, especially after Sony’s recent announcements of making the PS4 heavy on mobile engagement.
ZTE Grand Memo
Release date/Price: Q2 (TBA)
Another mobile manufacturer caught in the phone-tablet craze, ZTE has a lot riding on the Grand Memo as it looks to take on Samsung’s own hybrid and leave a footprint in the U.S. smartphone market. And with a massive 5.7-inch HD display, a 0.33-inch profile, and a huge 3,200 mAh battery, it surely has the potential to do so. The 1.5GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, 13MP rear camera, and Dolby Digital technology won't hurt, either.
Asus PadFone Infinity
Release date/Price: TBA; est. $1,300
While Asus's smartphones have failed to take off in the States, its tablets have been commercial successes. Now the Taiwanese electronics brand hopes to give global consumers the best of both worlds by showcasing its new 5-inch LTE handset that, when docked into the "Infinity Station," transforms into a 10.1-inch tablet. The device comes stacked with high-end specs including a 441-ppi Super IPS LCD screen, 1.7GHz quad-core, 13 MP rear camera, and a gorgeous aluminum body. Now all the company has to do is drop a few Benjamins from the MSRP.
Nokia Lumia 720
Release date/Price: TBA
Nokia doesn't believe low-priced phones shouldn't rock great hardware. The company's new mid-level WIndows Phone 9 device, the Lumia 720, transfers over some of the same tech found in the high-end Lumia 920 such as enhanced sunlight readability, super sensitive touch, and wireless charging. On top of that, it’s set to be the slimmest of all Lumia models at a scant 9mm and carries a gorgeous 4.3-inch panel. However, it’s the phone’s high-quality cameras that steal the spotlight, with the rear shooter boasting a 6.7MP lens with Carl Zeiss optics, a new f1.9 aperture, while the 1.3MP front-facing camera has a new digital lens for enchanced self portraits. Buget ballin'!
