The smartphones of spring

We shine a light on some of the most interesting handsets springing up soon around the world.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

March 24, 2014 2:57 p.m. PT

1 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

A new season of smartphones

Spring is a major season for new smartphones to poke into the light. Some of these phones we've seen at January's CES conference, others made their debut at Mobile World Congress the following month, and at least one will save its big unveiling for its own spotlight event.

2 of 7 Sara Tew/CNET

Next-gen HTC One

Price: TBA

Availability: TBA

The outlook: Larger with a new interface design and twin camera lens, the much-awaited successor to the HTC One is widely expected to maintain the same stunning design philosophy that has earned the HTC One (pictured) rave reviews. We'll know a lot more when HTC officially unveils the device March 25 in New York City. CNET will be there, taking it all in.

3 of 7 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Samsung Galaxy S5

Price: Varies by carrier, typically $199 on contract, $650 off contract

Availability: April 11

The outlook: Samsung's Galaxy S5 came out of MWC swinging, with strong internal specs that include a 16-megapixel camera, 2.5GHZ quad-core chipset, and Android 4.4 KitKat. While Samsung seems to get the major features right, the phone's design is only a minor variation on the Galaxy that came before.

4 of 7 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Sony Xperia Z2

Price: TBA

Availability: TBA

The outlook: Sony's Xperia Z2 challenges rivals with its edgy aesthetic, 20.7-megapixel camera with 4K video, and top-notch specs. We'll be keeping a close eye on this global contender, though we're not holding our breaths that it'll launch with a US carrier, if it does so at all.

5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

LG G Pro 2

Price: TBA

Availability: On sale now in Korea; other markets TBA

The outlook: Although we've already gotten the chance to review LG's impressive update to the original, there's no word yet when the G Pro 2 will land in markets outside of Korea. Last year's G Pro sold with AT&T for $199 on contract, so keep your eyes trained there for more on the fast, 5.9-inch Android smartphone with the 13-megapixel camera and rear-facing controls.

6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Asus PadFone X

Price: TBA

Availability: TBA

The outlook: Promised for AT&T back at CES, the Asus PadFone X is a compelling offering, especially with its 5-inch 1080p HD display, quad-core chipset, and 9-inch "tablet" dock. Unfortunately, the phone-plus-tablet could languish from its current lack of pricing and a release date as the hype of more high-profile handsets drown it out.

7 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nokia X family

Price: 89, 99, 109 euros

Availability: China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Russia, Poland, Brazil, Mexico

The outlook: Announced at Mobile World Congress, the Nokia X, X+, and XL phones are an unexpected amalgam of operating systems designed to give users the best of all worlds: inexpensive, easy-to-use handsets that can play Android games and access select Microsoft services. Nokia's sturdy designs are certainly a draw, but the jury is out on how well the company succeeded in its OS mashup.