Fall tech preview: Smartphones
Fall is coming, and with it there will be a slew of new mobile devices launching in time for the holidays. From big-name players to less-popular phones that are still worth paying attention to, CNET rounds up the handsets that will hit the store shelves soon. Who knows, one of these devices may just be your next smartphone.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
Price: iPhone 6 starting at $199 on-contract, $649 off-contract. iPhone 6 Plus starting at $299 on-contract, $749 off-contract.
Availability: September 19
The outlook: Apple's stylish marquee handset now comes in two sizes: the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. While both handsets share the same features like a 64-bit A8 chip processor and an 8-megapixel camera, only the latter has a sharper 1080p display and optical image stabilization for its camera.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Price: Expected to be $300 on-contract and $600 off-contract.
Availability: Global launch in October.
The outlook: Sporting a heart-rate monitor like the GS5, the workhorse Galaxy Note 4 fulfills all your smartphone productivity needs with its 5.7-inch, 1,440p display and comfy new S Pen.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
The next Google Nexus phone
Price: Expected to be $349 (16GB) and $399 (32GB) unlocked.
Availability: October
The outlook: Often celebrated for its high-end specs and low-end price, the Google Nexus isn't just for Android diehards anymore. Whether the next one will be made by LG or Motorola, it's most likely going to be a standout smartphone.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Sony Xperia Z3
Price: Fall 2014.
Availability: October
The outlook: For the first time since Sony took full control of its mobile arm in 2012, the company will finally bring a high-end flagship to the US with carrier support from T-Mobile and without (hopefully) any delays. The device to have this honor is the Xperia Z3, a stylish waterproof handset that can display your PS4 games on its 1080p screen.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
The new Motorola Moto X
Price: $99 on-contract and $500 unlocked.
Availability: LateSeptember
The outlook: As a sequel to Motorola's first quirky and customizable Moto X, the second-gen Moto X has even more style options that now include leather backings on top of the previously seen wood panel and plastic shells. It also has a bigger 5.2-inch 1080p screen and a 13-megapixel camera.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Sharp Aquos Crystal
Price: $20 on-contract with Sprint; $149 with Boost Mobile and Virgin; $239 unlocked.
Availability: TBD
The outlook: Sharp may not be on the tip of your tongue when you think of handset makers, but it certainly made waves recently when it announced its beautiful Aquos Crystal handset, a unique-looking device with a barely-there bezel. The phone also has a quad-core processor, Android 4.4.2, and an 8MP camera.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Price: TBD
Availability: Global launch in September
The outlook: Though no US availability dates or pricing have been announced, the Galaxy Alpha is one of two high-end handsets from Samsung (along with the GS5) that's attracting a lot of attention. This is mostly due to its stylish metal frame -- a rarity among Samsung devices, which usually sport plastic bodies.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
The second-gen Motorola Moto G
Price: Starting at $179.99 unlocked with 4G.
Availability: Now
The outlook: The Moto G series is a more trimmed-down version of Moto's X family of phones. Extremely affordable and coming with a few customizable options of its own as well, the upcoming G has a bigger 5-inch screen compared to its predecessor, an 8-megapixel camera, and a quad-core processor.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Price: TBD
Availability: "Later this year" on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
The outlook: Aside from the similar specs it shares with the Galaxy Note 4, the Galaxy Edge has something very special going for it. Namely, its screen's right side, which curves off the edge of the phone and contains its own functional tools and controls. It can also display your favorite apps, notifications, stock quotes and tweets.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
Price: Expected to be $99 with carrier contract; currently available globally and unlocked for ~$647.30.
Availability: TBD
The outlook: Shrinking its popular GS5 flagship down to a more manageable size, Samsung introduced its GS5 Mini in July. Though it isn't available in the US yet, it's expected to hit our shores just like the mini Galaxy phones that came before it. The device features a 720p display, an 8-megapixel camera, and a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.
BlackBerry Passport
Price: TBD
Availability: September
The outlook: BlackBerry may not be the big mobile contender it used to be, but with its renewed focus on professionals, government agencies, and corporations, its new Passport handset may just work. The squarish shape is a bit wonky, but keyboard and BlackBerry enthusiasts are sure to dig its design.
See all the most anticipated products in our Fall Tech Preview.