Speed is your thing, and you'll accept nothing less than the best. Well, my friends, this flock of fantastic 4G smartphones is for you!
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Thought Leadership, Speed Desk and How-To. 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 led 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).
You know who's not messing around? HTC. A super phone striving for best-in-class, the HTC Rezound features a gorgeous full HD display, a great 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with tons of controls, a front-facing VGA camera for video chats, support for 1080p HD video. It also comes with the HTC Beats by Dr. Dre headphones for extra jazzed audio, and Verizon's blazing 4G LTE speeds.
The Droid Razr is the latest leader in the Droid world, and no wonder. It's a speed demon in both the CPU and data departments, with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and support
for Verizon's 4G/LTE network. It also throws in plenty of multimedia goodies, like an 8-
megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture, HDMI capabilities, a Flash-enabled Web
browser, and more. If you want a pure powerhouse of a phone, the Droid Razr is certainly
one to put on the wish list.
Samsung Galaxy S II/Skyrocket (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile)
The Samsung Galaxy S II makes a great gift for anyone. It packs tons of features and
power for the demanding user and also offers a sleek design and ease of use for smartphone newbies. Plus, it's available from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, where it's known as the Samsung Epic 4G, so you have your choice of carrier as well. AT&T is serving up a second version of this phone, the 4.5-inch Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, which is one of the carrier's first two 4G LTE handsets.
Think of the HTC Amaze 4G as the upgrade to the HTC Sensation 4G, an excellent phone in its own right. Now add an even smarter camera and the fastest speeds T-Mobile can give (HSPA+ 42).
The 3D display is pretty cool (especially since you won't need those dorky glasses), but there are so many other reasons to pick up the HTC Evo 3D as a holiday gift. The Android device offers a dual-core processor, a solid design, and good battery life among other things, and is sure to please any smartphone fanatic.
If you're holiday shopping for a workaholic, the Motorola Photon 4G is a good pick. The dual-core smartphone has the power to keep up with multiple tasks, but it's also got a great display and built-in kickstand, so they can kick back and watch videos or listen to music and relax every once in a while
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G isn't your typical smartphone. It features dedicated
gaming controls and comes preloaded with a number of games, such as Madden NFL 11 and The Sims 3. A smartphone and a gaming handheld? It's like two gifts in one!