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The smartphones we're falling for in fall
Fall is a big time for notable smartphone launches. CNET rounds up the few handsets that have us waiting in anticipation for the leaves to change.
Lynn La
Phones in the fall pipeline
The third quarter of the year is a busy time at CNET, partly because smartphone manufacturers choose this season to debut some of their top-notch devices. As such, we invite you to take a peek at what's coming to the market this fall 2013.
LG G2
Price: $199.99 with carrier agreement; $603.99 on T-Mobile
Availability: September 13 in AT&T stores; September 12 on Verizon; September 25 in T-Mobile stores; pre-orders for Sprint begin October 11.
The outlook: As LG's most powerful phone yet, the G2 flagship boasts a lighting-fast Snapdragon 800 processor, a 5.2-inch 1080p display, and a 13-megapixel camera. As if that weren't enough, LG also moved its main hardware buttons to the back, claiming it as a more ergonomic setup.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Price: $299 on AT&T with carrier agreement; $703 on T-Mobile
Availability: October on AT&T and U.S. Cellular; preorders open now on Verizon and Sprint; October 2 on T-Mobile.
The outlook: Not only does Samsung's newest iteration of its successful "phablet" pack a slimmer, more stylish look, it also has a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, and a larger 5.7-inch full HD Super AMOLED display.
Sony Xperia Z1
Price: TBD
Availability: Expected to launch in September
The outlook: We had a chance to check out the Xperia Z1, aka Sony's followup to its chic and waterproof handset, and we were impressed. Compared with its predecessor, it now sports a 20.7-megapixel rear-facing shooter and the Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor assures that it will be ultra-speedy.
iPhone 5S
Price: $199, $299, and $399 for 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, with 2-year contract respectively. Unlocked models start at $649.
Availability: September 20, 2013
The outlook: The Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the new iPhone 5S is the most exciting thing about Apple's latest flagship phone. Beyond bumps in internal specs (It has a 64-bit chip! The camera adds burst mode!) everything else is exactly as expected, new champagne gold shade and all.
iPhone 5C
Price: $99, $199 for 16GB, 32GB models, with 2-year contract respectively. Unlocked models start at $549.
Availability: September 20, 2013
The outlook: Well, the iPhone 5C certainly is colorful! Five eye-searing shades tinting the polycarbonate plastic body poises this cheaper iPhone 5 replacement to take on other $100 at-checkout rivals like the HTC One Mini, Nokia Lumia 520, and Motorola Droid Mini.
The next Nexus
Price: TBD
Availability: TBD
The outlook: Compared with other highly anticipated phones, we know nearly nothing about the next Nexus. Though reported FCC filings have popped up, as well as a rumor that it will be a close relative of the G2, all anyone else can bet on is that it will probably run Android 4.4 KitKat and that it will be totally drool-worthy.
Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Price: TBD
Availability: Expected to launch globally in Q3.
The outlook: With the Xperia Z Ultra, Sony is dipping its toes into the supersize smartphone arena and so far, we like what we see. The device's full HD 6.44-inch screen is packaged in a sleek metallic frame, and it's equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 800 processor. And don't worry about taking it to the beach: the Z Ultra is also waterproof.
Nokia Lumia 925 on AT&T
Price: $99.99 with carrier agreement.
Availability: September 13 on AT&T.
The outlook: We know, we know, the Lumia 925 was already released on T-Mobile in July. But Nokia's metal-encased handset, which features a camera that takes great pictures in low-light conditions, is hitting AT&T this fall in an exclusive black version, and that's something to perk up our ears for.