CNET Asia's Top 10 phones
Samsung's Galaxy Note continues to lead the way for Android handsets, while it's no surprise that the Apple iPhone 4S remains in our Top 10. It also looks like consumers feel that there's value to be had in the Windows Phone OS--but only for higher quality devices, such as the Lumia 800. The Lumia 710 has dropped out of our list.
With the launch of the HTC One X earlier this month, the company's new flagship device is likely to fight a furious battle for Android overlordship. Of course, it may not have long to grab the crown and hold onto it, as the next Galaxy smartphone will be announced next week in London. It looks like the months ahead will be quite interesting.
Note: Results are based on readership as well as data collected from the major mobile operators in Singapore including: M1, SingTel and StarHub.
CNET Asia rating: 8.7 stars
The good: Fast performance; high-resolution screen; stellar battery performance; snappy camera; will have Ice Cream Sandwich update.
The bad: Might not be suitable for people with small hands (for one handed typing).
The bottom line: It could either be the largest smartphone or the smallest tablet you can own, but the Galaxy Note is a great gadget to have, especially with its top-notch performance and high-resolution display.
CNET Asia rating: 8.7 stars
The good: Features a faster processor and an upgraded camera; iOS 5 and Siri; good call quality; good data speeds.
The bad: No large screen.
The bottom line: The iPhone 4S isn't the king of cell phones, but it's part of the royal family nonetheless. Even without 4G and a giant screen, this phone's smart(ass) voice assistant, Siri, the benefits of iOS 5, and its spectacular camera make it a top choice for anyone ready to upgrade.
CNET Asia rating: 8.7 stars
The good: Speedy performance; gorgeous 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display; lightweight; good camera; TouchWiz interface is easy to use.
The bad: Social Hub doesn't work well with Twitter; short battery life; flimsy back cover.
The bottom line: The Galaxy S II is quite possibly one of the best Android smartphones released in 2011, though it is not without flaws. That said, it is a handset that improves on its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S, by leaps and bounds.
CNET Asia rating: 6 stars
The good: Attractive design; fast camera; Nokia Drive for free turn-by-turn navigation.
The bad: Camera quality not great; lacks Internet sharing (for now); non-removable battery.
The bottom line: Nokia's first Windows Phone is not drastically different from its competitors' offerings, but gets a slight edge thanks to an attractive design.
CNET Asia rating: 8 stars
The good: Slim; good QWERTY keyboard; excellent battery life; decent camera and display.
The bad: Voice search needs some polishing; limited number of offerings in App World; BB 7 OS not enough of an improvement from BB 6.
The bottom line: The BlackBerry Bold is perhaps the best offering from RIM so far, which makes it a great smartphone for business types and hardcore fans. However, its feature set is not enough to convince other users to make the leap.
First Take:
The Samsung Galaxy Ace is a basic Android device that is available from operators cheaply. It makes an excellent choice for those who want a full smartphone experience but are on a budget. Let's see what it offers.
CNET Asia rating: 8 stars
The good: High-resolution 342ppi screen; attractive design; 12-megapixel camera gives great photos; 32GB internal storage.
The bad: No microSD slot; battery not removable; poor battery life; Android 4.0 not available at launch.
The bottom line: With excellent features and a great camera, Sony Mobile's first device in its Xperia NXT series is almost the ultimate Android smartphone--if not for the disappointing battery life.
First Take:
The Samsung Galaxy W, with its candybar form factor, was announced last August along with three other models. As part of the W range (aka Wonder), the Galaxy W features performance mixed with a good design. Let's find out more...
First Take:
The Asha 300 has a capacitive touchscreen and numeric keyboard. It comes with 3.5G connectivity and is available in two colors, red and gray. On the back is a 5-megapixel camera which is capable of capturing video in VGA resolution. It has an estimated price of 85 euros.
CNET Asia rating: 8.7 stars
The good: Tons of new and very welcome features with Ice Cream Sandwich; design is sharp; screen is gorgeous; internal performance is fantastic.
The bad: Ice Cream Sandwich has eliminated some of Android's learning curve in some aspects, just to re-create it in others; some static on calls; like other Samsung Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Nexus feels rather fragile.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a big step forward for Android, but it's not the giant leap you may have been expecting. As impressive as it is, Ice Cream Sandwich can be messy, and without it, the Galaxy Nexus is just another Android device.
Latest comments
Samsung Galaxy S III :D
Oh WOW a serious APPLE FANBOY. Oh My God.....Apple is the best..!!!??? yeah right...whatever!
Hello.
We also base it on readership data.
Dude, take it easy, it's not what's the best phone, it's what's best selling amongst the largest network operators in SG.
QWERTY phones here? http://asia.cnet.com/top-5-qwerty-phones-62212623.htm
Can someone please bring a QWERTY phone... I'm sick of touchscreens.
Check this review websites and how the Google executive chariman is pretending ? : 1) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401676,00.asp 2) http://ces.cnet.com/8301-33363_1-57357181/horseradish-eric-schmidt-android-is-fragmented/?sysrc=email_nds10028288_3185523214_2500124182
USELESS & INACCURATE REVIEW !!! Wondering who is the one wrote this review behind the "CNET Asia Staffs" is either blind or having blurry vision or spastic or maybe you are a egoistic teenager. This review is trully bias and reflecting of your state of mind (connotation) that you owned and liked Samsung Galaxy Note ! 1) Any brand/models NOT having Galaxy Note size is classified bad in "The Bad:" section. 2) Galaxy Note is Chunky Phone that don't fit in most people pants and shirt pocket. 3) I have also have used Galaxy Notes, the on-screen user experience is so Jerky, it feels so fake. You did not mentioned this in your review 4) Snappy Camera for Galaxy Note ? Not so I have tested to take photo in a typical restaurant/foodcourt lighting. It was not snappy experience at all. The photo quality, camera speed is becoming slower, and rendering blueish colour when use under fluorescence lamps is really similar to Samsung Omnia2 but only hyped the amount of megapixels that's all. It is the cheapest way to fool end users by Samsung's hypes. You did not mentioned that ? 5) I have also have used iPhone 4S camera is really standing tall and really extraordinary compare to any camera phones in the market. Even tested under low lighting outdoor indoor conditions and fluorescence lamps. The focusing, colour rendering & pixel noise is just simply really the Best, it just appeared like how it appears with our eye retina. It is comparable to any top end of Canon Ixus digital compact camera ! You did not mentioned this ? 6) As long a manufacturer like Samsung Mobile is lacking investment in R&D to develop better device it will be remains no significant improvement and ability to sell the product at lower cost and maximum profit for Samsung bosses ! Don't Be Gullible ! 7) As long Samsung is running Android, they troll with these issues; ** http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401676,00.asp ** http://ces.cnet.com/8301-33363_1-57357181/horseradish-eric-schmidt-android-is-fragmented/?sysrc=email_nds10028288_3185523214_2500124182
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