The best iPhone 5 alternatives
We list the excellent smartphones that can go toe-to-toe with the iPhone 5.
Apple's latest iPhone 5 is certainly off to a big start, with preorders already backed up for weeks. If you're the type who'd rather not wait so long for a new smartphone, though, or who avoids Apple products like the plague, there are plenty of other options out there. In fact, many competing devices offer just as much speed, a bigger screen, and a wider selection of features than Apple's newest creation.
We've gathered a roster of outstanding mobile products that have the right stuff to tangle with the iPhone 5 blow for blow, and in some areas come out on top. No matter which wireless carrier you happen to subscribe to, there's a stellar phone here for you.
Samsung Galaxy S3 (multiple carriers)
Available on all five major U.S. wireless providers, Samsung's Galaxy S3 is hard to escape, and that's a good thing. It's jam-packed with premium parts and features, plus it has an excellent camera. Read the full review.
HTC One X (AT&T)
The HTC One X brings a large 4.7-inch screen, a fast processor, lovely design, and 4G LTE to the table. It also boasts a great camera, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and HTC's Sense 4 interface. Read the full review.
HTC Evo 4G LTE (Sprint)
Sprint is finally beginning to roll out its 4G LTE data network, and what better device to take advantage of it than the HTC Evo 4G LTE. Not only does this hot-rod smartphone sport a massive 4.7-inch display and a powerful dual-core processor to back it up, the Evo's camera snaps quality pictures quickly. Heck, the phone even flaunts its own kickstand. Read the full review.
HTC One S (T-Mobile)
The HTC One S is one of the best phones you can get on T-Mobile. It manages to squeeze Android 4.0, 4G data, and a beautiful 4.3-inch AMOLED screen into one svelte package. Read the full review.
Droid Razr Maxx HD (Verizon)
First the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx set new longevity records, turning in the longest battery life we've ever seen on a smartphone. Now Motorola is poised to offer a worthy successor, the Droid Razr Maxx HD. This new device features a bigger, sharper HD-resolution screen, a modern Snapdragon S4 processor, and Verizon 4G LTE, plus the same 3,300mAh-capacity battery that propelled the Maxx to greatness. Read the full review.
Upcoming Windows Phone 8 devices
Microsoft may have come late to the smartphone party, but don't count the company out just yet. Its Windows Phone 8 mobile software platform is set to debut by the holiday season and with it a fresh crop of devices. There's the Nokia Lumia 920, which will use advanced PureView technology to create stunning photos. HTC will offer two WP8 handsets in November as well, its flagship Windows Phone 8X and midrange Windows Phone 8S. Both gadgets will be molded from quality polycarbonate with vivid colors. Read our First Take on the 8X.
Want to see more? Check out our always-current list of the best phones available now.