The 25 Best Smartphones of 2012

The last 12 months on the mobile scene has been an exciting and overwhelming period. We've witnessed Apple launch the new iPhone to universal acclaim, Microsoft come back stronger than ever with its Windows Phone 8 platform, and Google maintain its majority of the mobile market share based off the record-breaking sales of Samsung’s highly anticipated handheld and buzz surrounding its new flagship series. Manufacturers like HTC introduced us to game-changing software and cutting-edge designs that have yet to be rivaled, where as Motorola and Nokia have gone on to set the mold for hardware and battery efficiency moving forward.

And here we thought last year’s smartphone line-up was an elite pack. With so many incredible handsets to choose from, only one can be crowned the best smartphone of 2012. Curious to see where your handheld landed on our list? Browse through our year end list and see.

Carrier: AT&T

The Atrix II brought nothing new to the table, but the high-def model managed to break through the walls of mobile mediocrity. Taking cues from the RAZR series, the Atrix HD ports over Motorola's energy-saving Smart Actions software and comes draped in Kevlar coating to ensure ensure it survives drops and dings. Qualcomm’s dual-core chip handles the processing duties with ease and the HD display generates sharp output. Now the pressure's on Moto to give Ma Bell something bigger heading into 2013.

Carrier: Boost Mobile

Yes, this phone came out last year, but Boost Mobile welcomed Samsung’s last-gen smartphone to the market this past September, and drew some the best reviews of any handset in the prepaid market. A powerful dual-core processor combined with a rich 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and solid call quality make it the best phone you can get from Boost Mobile.

Carrier: AT&T and T-Mobile

When Samsung’s smartphone-tablet hybrid hit the scene earlier this year, the company spent big bucks on a Super Bowl campaign pushing it as the “next big thing." Many reviewers weren't sold on it, but we acknowledged the Note as a “notable prelude to the tabletphone market.” That was based on its biggest attractions: the first-ever 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED Display, long-lasting battery life, and high-tech stylus. Samsung would go on to show the so-called "phabelt's" true potential with its ginormous follow-up several months later.

Carrier: Verizon

To this day, the original Droid Incredible stands as one of the greatest Android phones ever assembled. Then HTC’s premier series fell harder than Kreayshawn's album sales after its successor failed to impress tech experts and Big Red subscribers alike. But with the addition of new software, upgraded LTE service, and the company’s phenomenal camera, the Incredible 4G LTE was able to redeem the franchise.

Carrier: Verizon

Since the original Droid hit Verizon’s network years back, one of the prevailing faults was the poor ergonomics of its physical keyboards. The Droid 4 finally delivered the full QWERTY experience messaging fiends have sought: A keyboard with exceptional tactile feedback, backlit keys, and a soft-touch finish. Oh yeah, it’s also the first Droid to support LTE service and have great battery life. If this is the last we see of the Droid series (and physical keyboards), it’s been a pleasure.

Carrier: T-Mobile

The Blaze 4G made a name for itself earlier in the year for its impressive performance. Qualcomm's 1.5GHz dual-core processor handled multitasking better than most premium smartphones at the time, delivering smooth results on the navigation and multimedia end. A vibrant Super AMOLED screen and improved data speeds made it a top choice for T-Mobile subscribers seeking a robust low-cost handset.

Carrier: Sprint

When HTC confirmed the latest member of its renowned EVO franchise would flaunt some features from the One series, a more modern design, and Sprint’s upcoming LTE service subscribers were stoked. However, battery issues and lack of 4G brought them back down to reality. But considering its minor shortcomings, the EVO 4G LTE did introduce us to a monstrous spec sheet headlined by its striking 4.7-inch Super LCD screen, as well as HTC’s amazing camera technology which made it the carrier’s best shooter phone to this day.

Carrier: AT&T

Sony’s newest Xperia model might have gained more notoriety for being 007’s personal smartphone than anything else, but that doesn’t make it any less of a good handset. Aside from having one of the most powerful cameras out with a 13MP shooter, which, by the way, captures great shots, the TL also features a gorgeous and highly responsive 4.6-inch (720p) LCD display that dishes great visuals. A swift 1.5GHz dual-core chip and laudable battery life add to the phone's value.

Carrier: Sprint

Once summer came around, every smartphone manufacturer not named BlackBerry called it quits on the physical QWERTY keyboard. So if Motorola's latest Sprint model stands as the apparatus' last hurrah, then we’d hate to bury it. The Photon Q reminded us how much more simple and comforting it was to message on a real row of backlit keys, that provide exceptional tactile feedback. Moto's decision to carry over some of the RAZR Maxx’s standout attributes including its updated skin and features (Smart Actions, of course) played in favor of the handset’s reputable mobile efficiency.

Carrier: Sprint

Even though Google’s former flagship phone took top Android honors on last year’s list, an updated release on the Now Network this past spring earned it a spot on our 2012 roundup. Sprint’s version is a carbon copy of its Verizon sibling, gifting the same tenacious CPU, gorgeous 4.6-inch Super AMOLED screen, and NFC capabilities. The same crowd lucked out by scoring Google Wallet support as well. A recent Jelly Bean update keeps the last-gen Nexus fresh amongst today's Android elite.

Carrier: Verizon

When Motorola announced a new trio of RAZR phones and dropped its mid-level offering before the HD models, heavy disappointment followed. Then we tested the device and were completely stunned by its premium benchmarks. Strong multitasking thanks to a dominant 1.5GHZ dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, along with impressive battery life and the promise of Jelly Bean (available now) convinced us the Droid M was officially official. Best $50 mobile on the market.

Carier: AT&T

After garnering universal acclaim for its cutting-edge design with the Lumia 900, Nokia focused its strengths on the internals when making its Windows Phone 8 handset. In other words, hardware and software. Imagery and videos look crisp on the 4.5-inch PureMotion HD+ screen, plus the manufacturer’s 8.7MP PureView camera works photographic magic when snapping photos in low-lit environments. But it's the addition of niche features in the form of wireless charging and exclusive apps (Nokia Music, Drive+, City Lens) that solidify its rep as the most powerful WP8 device out.

Carrier: AT&T and Sprint

With so much hype surrounding the Nexus 4, LG’s second high-end smartphone has yet to receive its just due. It’s a shame, too, because the Optimus G serves as a near extension of its brethren that’s just as strong and productive on the performance tip. A quad-core CPU keeps the handset breezing through the Ice Cream Sandwich overlay and web browser at lag-free rates. And for mobile photogs: expect superior photo quality from its potent shooter, especially with the 13MP shooter found on the Sprint version.

Carrier: Verizon

Oh man, was the Verizon faithful in an uproar when Motorola announced it’s second-gen Droid RAZR less than two month after the release of the original. But for those who saved their upgrade, they not only took in the same hallmarks of its predecessor, but also experienced the manufacturer's new groundbreaking energy-saving technology. The RAZR Maxx pushed battery life on a smartphone to new heights thanks in part to its massive 3300 mAh cell and Smart Actions software. Promised talk times of 21.5 hours and 15.8 hours on standby were close to accurate. Adding improved LTE and processing speeds into the equation only compelled you more to drop three Benjamins.

Carrier: T-Mobile

Our first taste of the One series came with the One S. And needless to say, it had us scrapping the plate and begging for more after testing the company’s cutting-edge camera software. Under the lead of its ImageSense chip, users could perform a number of awesome photo-taking actions such as snapping images and videos simultaneously at four-frames-per-second without worrying about the phone’s dual-core tripping up. Improved Beats audio, Sense 4.0, and its attractive unibody design have it currently sitting in T-Mobile’s Top five.

Carrier: AT&T

Even the most pessimistic WP7 cynic had nothing negative to say about Nokia’s premium smartphone. The Lumia 900 superseded expectations on the performance end by offering a lag-free experience highlighted by Microsoft's OS and—believe it—a 1.4GHz single-core CPU. Launching the phone at $100 only exposed more AT&T users to Microsoft’s promising mobile platform.

Carrier: AT&T

HTC played it smart heading into the holidays by repackaging its most dominant Android phone with larger memory capacity (64GB), quad-core processing (1.7GHz CPU), and updated software (Jelly Bean and Sense 4+). Tweaking the camera software and settling for the same eye-catching 4.7-inch Super LCD 2 panel found on the first-gen model was also a clever move. Those who missed out on the One X for more than half the year got their money’s worth in the Plus.

Carrier: Verizon

Seeing how both phones share the same spec sheet (minus the huge battery on the Maxx HD), both of Motorola’s high-def RAZRs can share the same spot. The 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD panel generates a higher pixel density (331 ppi) than the iPhone 5 and GS III, in addition to better viewing angles and bright clarity. Lager storage capacity and NFC support proved Motorola was going bigger this time out, but the inclusion of a built-in 3,300mAh battery in the Maxx HD cemented it.

Carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

The moment we discovered HTC was given the green light from Microsoft to build a WP8 device from the ground up, we knew something special was on the horizon. Especially since the software giant placed numerous hardware restrictions on mobile manufacturers with its previous WP7 offerings. The collaborative effort gave birth to one of the year’s best mobiles and the WP8 handset: the 8X. From its cutting-edge design to its superior performance, the 8X made us believers in the WP8 platform, proving that it's a force to be reckoned with heading into 2013.

Carrier: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon

For the follow-up to the Galaxy Note, Samsung, for the most part, amended nearly every imperfection the original handset had. Jelly Bean right out the box, monstrous quad-core processing, and a bigger 5.5-inch screen that delivers amazing viewing angles are just some of the Galaxy Note II's noteable features. The other half came from some of the phone’s tablet-esque features such as the Popup Video option and its refined S-Pen technology, which conveyed near-accurate precision and allowed users to scroll through web pages by pointing the accessory millimeters away from the screen. Some called Samsung crazy for releasing two massive smartphones in the same year, but as you can see, the payoff was huge.

Carrier: Verizon

The lingering disappoint expressed over the Droid Incredible series had everyone second-guessing whether HTC could produce Verizon’s next flagship phone. Boasting the same dynamic software as the One series, a dominant quad-core, and the first-full HD display on a mobile—the DNA made all the doubters all think again. Its marveling 5-inch FHD Super LCD 3 screen crossed that fine line between the smartphone and tablet spectrum without being miscast as a tablet-smartphone hybrid, plus its jaw-dropping 440ppi output puts all other smartphones to shame. Remarkable benchmarks and a dope 2.1MP front-facing shooter shouldn't be ignored. Yes, “The Beast” is that serious.

Carrier: AT&T, Sprint. T-Mobile, and Verizon

The best-selling Android phone ever mesmerized us most by setting the standard for mobile wireless capability heading into the future. Samsung's top-of-the-line device may have produced great processing speeds, vibrant visuals, top-notch calling, and dope multimedia features. But its tour de force remained its NFC-enabled attributes, which included the infamous tap-to-share option promoted in Samsung's awesome TV ads. Again, the GS III was (and still is) an all-around performer that continues to deliver on all ends. Just ask the 30 million owners.

Carrier: T-Mobile and Unlocked

Many were skeptical when Google announced that its next smartphone would be manufactured by LG. Even more eyebrows were raised when we learned about the lack of LTE service. However, the promise of the Nexus 4 becoming the first Jelly Bean-powered smartphone on the market drew our attention, along with the overseas hype surrounding the manufacturer’s other premium handset, the Optimus G. But the phone proved it was deeper than just its refined OS. In fact, the new Nexus offers the most responsive and refined Android mobile experience yet. A glorified 4.7-inch True HD IPS+, prompt execution, and a great camera can attest to that. But the one of the best features has nothing to do with its spec sheet. For those looking to buy an unlocked smartphone, you won't find a better deal than the Nexus 4, which can be purchased (when in stock) without a carrier for only $300. You won't find a better smartphone deal that this.

Carrier: AT&T

Mashable proclaimed it to be “maybe the best Android phone ever.” Every other major publication (including us) acknowledged it as the top Android handset throughout the majority of the year. HTC's flagship property was nearly flawless in execution thanks to its remarkable benchmarks and game-changing camera software. With the best Android UI, Sense 4, and one of the best looking displays ever, the One X put the competition on notice and forced them to step up their mobile game. End of discussion.

Carrier: AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon

To some (like Samsung), the iPhone 5 was nothing more than a series of nips and tucks to the iPhone 4S, but to us, it was a refinement that addressed nearly every major issue people had with Apple's smartphone. The Retina Display was made taller, the body thinned, it received a new, faster processor, and it was made lighter. The new matte-finished aluminum casing makes the phone less susceptible to cracks and dings, while the camera improvements make shooting in low-light situations much more rewarding. And then there's iOS 6.

Sure, the Maps fiasco was a horrible blemish for Apple, but now that Google Maps has returned to the iPhone, the phone regains its title of having the best apps of any smartphone platform. It may not be the craziest spec sheet out of all the smartphones, but when it comes to all-around user experience, the iPhone is still the best of the bunch. The 5 million people who bought one during the first weekend can attest to that.