Top 5 high-end Android smartphones
Smartphones are getting faster, bigger and better. That is, if your handset in question is running the Android OS. Unlike Apple with its three phone models or Windows Phone devices with its hardware limitations, Android phones can vary greatly in form factor and hardware specs.
While it can be quite confusing for consumers, manufacturers try to keep it simple for consumers through the pricing of their models; anything above the S$700 (US$561) can be to be a typically considered high-end device.
Here's a list of five high-end smartphones you should get now if you can't wait for the newer handsets that will be launching during the upcoming Mobile World Congress. Rest assured though, these handsets will be getting the Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) update, which means new owners won't be left behind.
CNET Asia rating: 8.7 stars
The good: Speedy; Beats Audio technology; good battery life and camera.
The bad: Hefty; speakers are a bit soft; bundled earphones not tangle-free.
The bottom line: The HTC Sensation XE provides a pleasing aural experience when used with the bundled earphones. Coupled with the faster 1.5GHz processor and subtle design accents, it makes for an overall excellent smartphone.
First take:
The Prada phone by LG 3.0 is the third handset from the Korean's chaebol's collaboration with the Italian fashion house. Targeted at the fashion conscious, the handset comes designed with Prada's signature Saffiano pattern. Besides its pretty looks, the smartphone comes packing formidable specs like an 8-megapixel camera and a dual-core 1GHz processor.
CNET Asia rating: 8.4 stars
The good: Kevlar back feels unique; super-slim 7.1mm profile (at the thinnest point); good battery life; useful apps and features.
The bad: Below-average camera; software doesn't feel ready for retail.
The bottom line: The Motorola Razr is a worthy recipient of the Razr namesake, but the smartphone needs a software update to fix some issues before you can fully appreciate it.
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: 7.7 stars
The good: Faster performance, can now shoot panoramic images; pseudo 3D capture; good battery performance; improved software tweaks; screenshot function.
The bad: No front-facing camera; no qHD display; text input still not as good as default Gingerbread keyboard.
The bottom line: The Xperia arc S is a worthy update to the original handset and a good buy for those new to Android. Owners of the arc may want to give this a miss though and wait for the next version.
About the author
Aloysius Low is a Senior Writer at CNET Asia and covers all things mobile. A former World of Warcraft addict, he now dabbles in social media to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. As a lover of all things furry, he's also the unfortunate slave/minion of two adorable cats.
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