LG dLite (T-Mobile)
By our estimation CNET has reviewed somewhere in the neighborhood of 175 cell phones so far in 2010. Over the year, we've kept track of our favorites and are pleased to present them here.
These handsets received a score of at least 3.5 stars or 7.7 on the CNET scale. Keep in mind that this list does not include smartphones, but check back in a few days for the year's top handsets in that category.
Rating: Excellent (8.0 or 4 stars)
The bottom line: With its decent midrange feature set and eye-catching design, the LG dLite is a wonderfully girly phone that would appeal to the young, or just the young at heart.
LG Lotus Elite (Sprint)
Rating: Excellent (8.0 or 4 stars)
The bottom line: The LG Lotus Elite's stylish design, healthy feature set, and excellent performance make it a great messaging-phone choice for Sprint customers.
Casio G'zOne Brigade (Verizon Wireless)
Rating: Excellent (8.0 or 4 stars)
The bottom line: The Casio G'zOne Brigade makes an excellent messaging phone for industrial workers or for those who simply need a rugged handset.
Samsung Reality (Verizon Wireles)
Rating: Very good (7.7 or 3.5 stars)
The bottom line: On its own, the Samsung Reality is a great midrange multimedia phone, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Samsung Rogue from 2009, which has a better design and better features.
LG Vu Plus (AT&T)
Rating: Very good (7.7 or 3.5 stars)
The bottom line: Despite a few design issues, the LG Vu Plus is a full-featured messaging phone with the bonus of live mobile television.
Pantech Ease (AT&T)
Rating: Very good (7.7 or 3.5 stars)
The bottom line: Though we have a few quibbles with it, the Pantech Ease is overall a smart hybrid that will please both grandparents and grandchildren alike.