Aaron Baker expert rankings and profile

Aaron Baker is the Editor-in-Chief of PhoneDog.com. A ten-year veteran in the wireless industry, he has worked for the four nationwide wireless carriers in various capacities, along with a now-defunct MVNO known as Helio. A resident of Dallas, Aaron has attended numerous trade shows, served on technology judging panels, and has contributed to news stations, along with publications like Wired.com and Singapore's "Asian Journeys" magazine.

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HTC One

Samsung Galaxy S 4

LG Optimus G Pro

Samsung Galaxy Note II

Apple iPhone 5

Why I made my choices

HTC's One stays on top for another week due to fantastic specifications, along with great hardware and availability on multiple carriers. The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is in second place due to a great feature set - both on the hardware side and on the software side with goodies such as Air View and Air Gesture. In third place, the LG Optimus G Pro thanks to great specs, and in fourth place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II because of its availability on multiple carriers. Rounding out the list in fifth place, the Apple iPhone 5. It's back, and iOS 7 promises to make it better than ever.

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Aaron's ranking archives

Week of Jun, 9

Why I made my choices...

The HTC One continues its reign in the first place spot due to a fantastic feature set and an absolutely stunning build quality (and be sure to check out the black color!). In second place, Samsung's Galaxy S 4. It wins by leaps and bounds in the software department but still suffers from some lag that, until fixed, puts it firmly in the second place spot. Coming in third place, the LG Optimus G Pro due to solid specifications, though the AT&T-only restriction may alienate those seeking LG's newest flagship. In fourth place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Rounding out the list, the Apple iPhone 5. It's old, but the multi-carrier availability and fluidity makes a top five contender, even to this day.

Week of Jun, 2

Why I made my choices...

My top five for the week have changed - both on the front end and on the back end. Once the industry heavyweight to beat, I've moved the Samsung Galaxy S 4 to second place due to the lag I experienced during my 30 day challenge series. It's a great device with a lot to offer - availability on multiple carriers and great software goodies, just to name a couple - but the lag is brutal. HTC One takes the first place spot for the week. In third, the LG Optimus G Pro and in fourth, its closest (yet older) competitor, the Galaxy Note II. Rounding out the list, the Apple iPhone 5. It's long in the tooth, but it provides a nice option for many users.

Week of May, 26

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S 4 stays in the first place spot on my personal list for another week in a row, though the HTC One is getting DANGEROUSLY close to replacing it. The Galaxy S 4 features TouchWiz - which I prefer in leaps and bounds over any other Android UX out there (including stock Android). It brings to the table some great software goodies, an impressive specifications list, and availability on multiple US carriers. Where the HTC One wins is build quality and internal storage - 32 GB and metal make for a beautiful combination. Combined with the fact that it's fast, you have a winning combination. In third place, the LG Optimus G Pro due to some great features - though availability is restricted to AT&T in the States. Coming in in fourth place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, and in fifth place, the current Windows Phone 8 champion, the Nokia Lumia 928. Nokia on Verizon looks good, and it'll help the struggling vendor tremendously, assuming all marketing and training plans go well.

Week of May, 19

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S 4 stays on the top for the week, though the HTC One is getting mighty close. The Galaxy S 4 offers a great blend of features and performance, and is available on multiple carriers, making it a great option all around. The HTC One is a close second, with a gorgeous metal shell. It's not available on Verizon (yet), but the features make for a great option on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. In third place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, as it offers great availability for larger smartphone lovers. In a close fourth, AT&T's exclusive Optimus G Pro. Rounding out the list, the new Nokia Lumia 928 on Verizon Wireless. The smartphone season continues to heat up, so keep it locked here and cast your vote!

Week of May, 12

Why I made my choices...

In first place, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 due to a near-perfect feature set for my every day needs. I appreciate the improvements over the Galaxy S III, and the 5-inch display makes it large enough to consume media, but not too large (read: Galaxy Note II/Optimus G Pro territory). In second place for this week, the HTC One due to 32 GB of internal storage space (something I realized that's nice to have as my 16 GB Galaxy S 4 reached full capacity while on vacation) - not to mention a fantastic feature set. In third place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II. It offers a wealth of hardware and software features, though it is a bit large for many. If you can put up with it, the 3,100 mAh battery is great for day-to-day use. In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA - it offers a 5-inch 1080p HD display for those Verizon customers that can't get the HTC One. Rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920.

Week of May, 5

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 takes the first place spot again on my list. I love the software features, and the 2,600 mAh battery offers a nice balance between the Note II's 3,100 mAh (but giant) battery and the Galaxy S III's relatively poor battery life. It results in a phone with good battery life, nice software features (with most of the Note II's features attached), and a size that fits comfortably in the pocket. I also love the 1080p HD display. In second place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, as it offers the S Pen, which is fantastic for signing contracts and the like. In third place, the HTC One due to gorgeous build quality and the fact that an awesome HTC device is (finally!) available on multiple US carriers. In fourth place, the Samsung Galaxy S III - the iPhone 4S of the Android world. It offers some nice features at a (now) reduced rate. And last but not least, the Nokia Lumia 920 due to some nice features for the Windows Phone 8 fans.

Week of Apr, 28

Why I made my choices...

After months, a new contender is at the top of my list! The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is at the top of the list due to an improved build, fantastic feature set, and availability on top carriers. While some may write the software features off as 'gimmicks,' they make the overall experience better in many ways. In second place, the Galaxy Note II due to a large battery and large display - perfect for the road warrior that sends a lot of email. In third place, the HTC One due to a beautiful build quality and availability on many carriers (though I'd love to see it on Verizon). Coming in in fourth place, the Samsung Galaxy S III due to a great feature set at a (now) very affordable price. Rounding out the list, the HTC DROID DNA for those Verizon customers that can't pick up the HTC One - yet.

Week of Apr, 21

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II remains in the first place spot on my list thanks to a fantastic feature set and availability across multiple US carriers. The S Pen features are fantastic and the hardware specifications are top-notch, despite the fact that the phone was released in 2012. In a very close second place, the HTC One due to an incredible build quality and fantastic specifications - not to mention availability (untouched) on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. In third place, the Samsung Galaxy S III due to great software and availability across multiple carriers (though it's getting ready to be displaced by the Galaxy S 4). In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA for those Verizon users that can't get their hands on the HTC One just yet. The 5-inch 1080p HD display is great, though the phone doesn't offer HTC Sense 5 (and the included goodies like HTC BlinkFeed and HTC Zoe). Rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920 due to a nice feature set for Windows Phone 8. With the Galaxy S 4 right around the corner, it's going to be a hot battle between the HTC One and Samsung's latest flagship. You'll want to keep an eye on the rankings!

Week of Apr, 14

Why I made my choices...

For another week, the Samsung Galaxy Note II takes the first place spot on my list. It provides a fantastic blend of features and performance that no other phone has been able to match just yet. In today's smartphone market, one has to pick and choose features that mean the most to them, and the Note II packs the greatest number of features, combined with a wide availability across multiple carriers. In second place, the HTC One due to a beautiful form factor and fantastic specifications. The battery life could be better and Verizon customers are missing out, but it has a lot to like. In third place, the Samsung Galaxy S III, and in fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA (for those on Verizon seeking a great HTC device). Rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920 due to great hardware and solid specifications.

Week of Apr, 7

Why I made my choices...

My list remains mostly unchanged for this week. The Samsung Galaxy Note II is currently my favorite device on the market thanks to a combination of features and availability on multiple carriers. Coming in a (very) close second, the HTC One has the most beautiful build quality I've worked with in some time - particularly considering it's an Android phone. The specs are fantastic, and it's coming soon to the States. In third place, the Galaxy S III, as it offers a great spec list and is a bit more portable for those that don't want a giant phone. In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA thanks to a gorgeous 1080p display, and rounding out the list in fifth, the Nokia Lumia 920. Galaxy S 4 is right around the corner, so expect a wild few weeks ahead!

Week of Mar, 31

Why I made my choices...

For this week, it's all about Samsung and HTC (again). The Samsung Galaxy Note II holds the first place spot for me, thanks to a near-perfect combination of great specifications, availability on multiple carriers, and the S Pen. The HTC One is the most gorgeous phone I've worked with in some time, and the specs are great. It's coming to AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile soon in the States. In third place, the aging (believe it or not) Samsung Galaxy S III, as it offers a great spec list, fantastic software overlay on top of Android, and multi-carrier availability. In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA due to a nice spec list and a beautiful 1080p HD display (though it's currently out of stock on Verizon's website). Rounding out the list, the HTC One X+. I wish it offered 2 GB of RAM instead of 1, but I dig the 64 GB of internal storage. We're weeks away from the release of the Samsung Galaxy S 4, where I expect this list to change. Stay tuned!

Week of Mar, 24

Why I made my choices...

Despite the launch of the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy Note II holds the top spot for a combination of great hardware and software, not to mention availability on multiple carriers (including Verizon). The software value that comes from the S Pen and the countless multitasking abilities make it great for multiple demographics. In a close second place, the HTC One. It's the most gorgeous Android handset ever created, with metal and glass all around. The specs are great as well, and HTC Sense 5 is an improvement over past versions. In third place, the Samsung Galaxy S III due to great specs and availability on multiple carriers. In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA due to a 5-inch 1080p display that's a great sweet spot for many, and rounding out the list, the HTC One X+ due to 64 GB of internal storage. We're just wrapping up Q1 in the mobile industry, and there's a lot happening already. You'll want to stay tuned for the Samsung Galaxy S 4, LG Optimus G Pro, and more!

Week of Mar, 17

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II stays on the top of my list due to fantastic features. I dig the S Pen functionality, and the specifications are second to none on the market. In a close second place, the HTC One due to gorgeous build quality and great specifications. Ranking in third place, the Samsung Galaxy S III, as it offers similar specs to the Galaxy Note II but in a smaller form factor. In fourth place, the HTC DROID DNA due to great specifications and a 5-inch 1080p HD display. Rounding out the list, the HTC One X+ due to the 64 GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S 4 is right around the corner and other devices are rumored, so stay tuned!

Week of Mar, 10

Why I made my choices...

Though the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S IV are right around the corner, my current top picks remain the same as last week. The Samsung Galaxy Note II offers an exceptional blend of features and performance, with something for everyone to like. The specs will please tech heads, while features like the S Pen and exceptional battery life will please those regularly on the road (*raises hand*). In second place, the Samsung Galaxy S III for similar features and equal availability across multiple US carriers. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to the gorgeous 5-inch 1080p HD display. In fourth place, the HTC One X+ for 64 GB of internal storage (though I wish it had 2 GB of RAM), and rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920. I fully expect this list to change as new phones hit the market. It's going to be an exciting year!

Week of Mar, 3

Why I made my choices...

My list remains mostly unchanged this week, though I keep flipping the fifth place Windows Phone back and forth depending on my preferences that week. In first place, the Samsung Galaxy Note II reins supreme, though I'm closely watching the HTC One. In second place, the Samsung Galaxy S III for a similar feature set in a smaller package. Third place goes to the HTC DROID DNA due to the 5-inch 1080p HD display, fourth goes to the HTC One X+ thanks to the generous 64 GB of internal storage, and the Nokia Lumia 920 rounds out the list for features and build quality. Admittedly, it's a relatively boring week on the OSR - we're seeing a number of device announcements and are in a holding pattern for launch. Stay tuned, as I expect the March-May season to be crazy!

Week of Feb, 24

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II takes the cake for yet another week, as it offers the best blend of features and performance for me on the market. I use the S Pen on a regular basis for signing contracts and jotting down notes, and the battery life is absolutely fantastic. In second place, the Samsung Galaxy S III. TouchWiz is my favorite implementation of Android on the market right now, and Galaxy S III offers similar features to the Note II if the size is too much to handle. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to a nice 5-inch 1080p HD display (though the HTC One is right around the corner). In fourth place, the HTC One X+, and in fifth place, the HTC Windows Phone 8X due to its incredible design.

As it does every year at this time, mobile is exploding with new announcements, so I expect this list to change in the near future. Expect the HTC One, Huawei Ascend P2, and more to be added to the full list as the as the weeks go on!

Week of Feb, 17

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II stays on the top of my list for yet another week in a row, as it offers a fantastic blend of features and software. The Samsung Galaxy S III retains the second place spot due to a similar feature set, but smaller form factor (for those that think the Note II is too large). The third place award goes to the HTC DROID DNA, and the fourth place spot belongs to the HTC One X+. Rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920 for build quality and features. I'm eager to see HTC's announcements from the press conference next week, along with the announcements from Mobile World Congress. Let the phone silly season begin!

Week of Feb, 10

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II continues to be the best blend of everything on the market. It offers exceptional power, software, and availability across multiple US carriers. The Samsung Galaxy S III is a bit dated, but offers a similar feature set, and equivalent availability (and is smaller for those concerned about the size of the Note II). The HTC DROID DNA takes third place due to a killer 1080p HD display and 2 GB of RAM, and the One X+ takes fourth thanks to 64 GB of internal storage. Rounding out my list, the Nokia Lumia 920. As much as I'd like to have the BlackBerry Z10 on this list somewhere, so far, I've been relatively unimpressed with the user interface and gestures that come with BlackBerry 10. I expect a ton of new device announcements over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Week of Feb, 3

Why I made my choices...

My list stays mostly the same for this week. The Samsung Galaxy Note II stays in first place, due to a fantastic feature set. It's incredibly large, but it offers features that multiple demographics will appreciate (battery life, quad-core processing power and a large HD display). Samsung's Galaxy S III is second behind its big brother, and despite it lacking the quad-core CPU in the States, it merges fantastic hardware with fantastic software. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to its 5-inch 1080p HD display and beautiful build quality. In fourth place, the HTC One X+ thanks to the 64 GB of internal storage. Rounding out my list is the HTC Windows Phone 8X. Spec by spec, it's not quite as robust as the Lumia 920, but I'm a fan of the thin build quality. We're getting close to Mobile World Congress 2013, so expect new phones soon!

Week of Jan, 27

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II continues to top my chart. The device may be too large for some, but the combination of features and software make this smartphone the best on the market at this time. In second place, the Samsung Galaxy S III. While the specs are a bit more outdated, the software is still top-notch and the form factor is ideal for multiple demographics. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to a fantastic feature set, 1080p HD display, and 2 GB of RAM - though the fixed 16 GB of internal storage could turn some away. The HTC One X+ takes fourth place due to 64 GB of internal storage (take that, iPhone!), and in fifth place, the Lumia 920 for a fantastic build and great specs.

CES was surprisingly light on phone announcements, but I expect to see a ton of new smartphones at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Stay tuned!

Week of Dec, 30

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II remains in first place due to a fantastic blend of features and performance - not to mention availability across multiple carriers in the US. With Android 4.1, a quad-core processor, and unique software features, it brings some excellent things to the Android table. Second is the Samsung Galaxy S III due to similar software features and availability, though it's a bit older and lacks the quad-core CPU. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to its 5-inch 1080p HD display, and in fourth place, the HTC One X+ due to 64 GB of internal storage. Rounding off the list for week 43, the Nokia Lumia 920 with some great features for $99. Stay tuned, as I expect CES to bring some surprises!

Week of Dec, 23

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II continues to lead the pack thanks to a fantastic feature set and great availability across multiple carriers. The Galaxy S III comes in second place due to close specifications and equal availability (and a smaller size for those that need it). The HTC DROID DNA brings a great feature set to Verizon with industry firsts like a 1080p HD display. In fourth place, the HTC One X+ due to great specs and 64 GB of internal storage. The Nokia Lumia 920 comes in fifth due to a great feature set and great price point ($99.99). CES is right around the corner, so I expect this list to change in the coming weeks. Stay tuned - mobile is about to get busy again!

Week of Dec, 16

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II takes first place for another week thanks to a fantastic combination of features and availability across all carriers. The Samsung Galaxy S III offers a similar blend of features and availability for those that don't want the size that comes with the Note II. In third and fourth place, two HTC powerhouses - the HTC One X+ and HTC DROID DNA respectively, due to features like 64 GB of internal storage and a mind-boggling 1080p HD display (also listed respectively). In fifth place, the HTC Windows Phone 8X due to design and powerful specs. There are a ton of great choices this holiday season, but at this point, all eyes are on CES 2013. Stay tuned!

Week of Dec, 9

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II continues to win the top spot on my list, as it offers the best blend of features and performance. Coming in second, the Samsung Galaxy S III due to similar features (though missing the S Pen). In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to its 1080p HD display and fantastic feature set. In fourth, the HTC One X+, as it offers 64 GB of internal storage - perfect for those that consume media. And rounding out the list, the Google Nexus 4 for those that prefer stock Android (and Jelly Bean at that).

Week of Dec, 2

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is the ultimate smartphone on the market at this time, garnering the first place position on my list. Despite being on the large side, the Note II packs some killer features including a quad-core processor, Android 4.1, and an S Pen. In second place, the Samsung Galaxy S III, as it offers similar features and is also available on the nationwide carriers. In third place, the HTC DROID DNA due to an incredible 5' 1080p HD display, and in fourth place, the HTC One X+ due to 64 GB of internal storage for a great price. Rounding out the list, the Nokia Lumia 920, as it's the best Windows Phone 8 package on the market at the moment. No matter how you look at it, there are a number of great smartphones to choose from this holiday season.

Week of Nov, 25

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II stays on the top again due to a perfect combination of hardware and software features, and the S Pen brings tablet-like functionality down to a smartphone size. The Galaxy S III variants come in second and third, as they offer a great blend of features for those that don't want the large size of the Note II. HTC's DROID DNA offers a killer hardware list, complete with a 1080p HD display (the first smartphone to have it). And rounding out the list, the HTC Windows Phone 8X due to features, form factor, and Windows Phone 8. As the holiday season progresses, I expect these choices to get harder and harder to make. Stay tuned!

Week of Nov, 18

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note takes my first place spot yet again, as it offers an exceptional blend of features (hardware and software) along with near-flawless performance. Android 4.1 works well with TouchWiz, and the large display is great for content creation (yet still pocketable). The Galaxy S III variants hold the second and third place spots for me, though with Android 4.1 rolling out to the US versions, I've flipped the US variant into the second place spot. HTC's One X+ earns the fourth place spot (though admittedly, this will go to the HTC DROID DNA soon), and the HTC Windows Phone 8X rounds out the list. There are a ton of great smartphones available this holiday season, yet these bring that extra bit of 'pizazz' that distinguishes them from the competition.

Week of Nov, 11

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy Note II remains in my first place slot for another week, as it offers a fantastic combination of specifications on multiple carriers in the US. It's going to be too large for many consumers, but things like 4G LTE, quad-core processing power, and a giant 3,100 mAh battery will appeal to a variety of purchasing groups. Samsung's Galaxy S III devices come in second and third for similar reasons, and in fourth place, the HTC EVO 4G LTE - arguably the best HTC device from the 'One' generation (though it doesn't carry the name). Rounding out my list is the LG Optimus G on AT&T, due to the quad-core processor and HD display.

Week of Nov, 4

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II tops my chart yet again as it offers an incredible balance of features - both on the software (Jelly Bean) and hardware (quad-core processor) side. It's coming to five US carriers, giving it the best availability yet. The Galaxy S III series comes in second and third, as they're great for those that don't want the added heft of the Note II. The HTC One X comes in fourth for great features, and the LG Optimus G comes in fifth due to the quad-core processor.

Week of Oct, 28

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy Note II tops my list due to the fantastic specifications (quad-core CPU, large display, and big battery) and software. The Galaxy S III series comes in second and third due to specifications as well - and is a great choice for those that find the Note II to be too large. The HTC One X is a fantastic device with a great specifications list, and the Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD wins for its giant battery.

Week of Oct, 21

Why I made my choices...

This is one of the more challenging weeks when it comes to voting, as there are a ton of great devices available on the market (or coming to the market). Samsung's Galaxy Note II wins the coveted first place award due to a fantastic blend of specifications, fluidity, and software bonuses. The Galaxy S III (global and US variants) are second and third - perfect for those that want a majority of the Note II's features but don't want the added bulk. In fourth place, the HTC One X due to solid software and a good price, and in fifth place, the Motorola DROID RAZR HD. The iPhone 5 is not on the list this week - while it offers fantastic fluidity, the issues with the keyboard and display responsiveness make it hard to recommend at this time.

Week of Oct, 14

Why I made my choices...

For the first time in weeks, the first place device on my list is not the Samsung Galaxy S III. It's the recently launched Galaxy Note II, and while the device is certainly too large for some, the 1.6 GHz quad-core Exynos CPU combined with a 3,100 mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean make it the most powerful Android device in the world. Size aside, the inclusion of 4G LTE on the US variants will make it near-perfect when it comes to features. The Galaxy S III duo comes in second and third - while the features aren't quite as robust as the Note II, this is the perfect device for many, and the availability across five major carriers makes it a great option. In fourth place, the HTC One X with a nice combination of features and usability. And last - but certainly not least - is the Apple iPhone 5, with near-perfect fluidity and a great ecosystem with iTunes.

Week of Oct, 7

Why I made my choices...

For yet another week, Samsung's Galaxy S III series continues to set the bar for a near-perfect combination of fluidity, performance, and availability across multiple carriers. Apple's iPhone 5 beats it slightly in the fluidity department, but the specs and lack of availability on T-Mobile keep it in third place. The HTC One X comes in fourth due to specs and performance, and the Motorola DROID RAZR M takes fifth place. iOS continues to excel in many areas - fluidity being one - but for the first time, the performance of Android 4.0 and up (combined with TouchWiz) brings a comparable (albeit slightly reduced) level of fluidity to an alternate platform. Now that they're in close range, other things can be compared - and in the specs department, Android wins for now.

Week of Sep, 30

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy S III stays on top for me for yet another week, due to an awesome balance of fluidity, features, and availability across every national wireless carrier in the US. The Apple iPhone 5 comes in third - while the fluidity continues to be quite good, Android has caught up, and the device is experiencing a few launch bugs. In fourth, the HTC One X due to a great price point on AT&T and fantastic features, and in last place, the HTC One S. The features are great, it's quite portable, and it's a solid Android contender on T-Mobile. The fall season will bring a ton of new Windows Phone devices, along with the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Stay tuned, as I expect this list to change.

Week of Sep, 23

Why I made my choices...

Despite the launch of the Apple iPhone 5 - one of the most talked about products in recent years - Samsung's Galaxy S III remains on top for me. Apple has taken great steps forward in the latest iteration of iPhone, including bringing 4G LTE to a device that's 18 percent thinner and 20 percent thinner. But despite fantastic fluidity, the Galaxy S III still offers more from a software feature standpoint. The HTC EVO 4G LTE comes in fourth due to great specs and a fantastic build quality, and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (global) offers stock Jelly Bean. Stay tuned for more, as the season is expected to get crazy!

Week of Sep, 16

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III stays on top due to the great fluidity for an Android device, along with the features - though the global version gets higher marks for the slightly smoother quad-core Exynos processor (having used both, it's slightly faster). HTC's EVO 4G LTE is my favorite HTC One series device (though it's under the EVO brand) due to the design and specifications. While I don't care for the HTC One X's design personally, I can appreciate the unibody design, and it offers some great features for a great $99.99 price tag. Rounding out my list is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (global), due to it being the first Android device to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It's a bit long in the tooth from a specs perspective, but for $349.99 unlocked through Google Play, it's a near-unbeatable deal.

Week of Sep, 9

Why I made my choices...

My rankings remain mostly the same this week. Samsung's Galaxy S III (global) retains the number one spot due to a fantastic processor and best-in-class fluidity that comes quite close to iOS. Close behind is the Samsung Galaxy S III US version, which switches out the quad-core processor for 4G LTE and 2 GB of RAM. The Galaxy Nexus offers Jelly Bean, making it a great choice for Android lovers, and the HTC One X offers a great feature set for $99.99. Rounding out the list is the Apple iPhone 4S, which despite its age, offers the best fluidity on the market. Expect this list to change as the fall smartphone season kicks into high gear, but for now, these are the best on the market.

Week of Sep, 2

Why I made my choices...

My list remains relatively unchanged this week. Samsung's Galaxy S III continues to offer the best overall bang for the buck, both in the performance and software department. The Galaxy Nexus comes in third place due to it having Jelly Bean, and the HTC One X's $99 price point and killer spec list puts it in fourth place. The iPhone 4S rounds out the list due to a great media ecosystem and next-to-perfect fluidity.

Week of Aug, 26

Why I made my choices...

The Samsung Galaxy S III duo stays on the top this week (with the global version getting a bump to first due to the faster quad-core Exynos processor), as the device is the first Android phone to offer a fantastic blend of power, software, and durability - not to mention availability across multiple carriers. The Galaxy Nexus and Jelly Bean holds the third place title, while the HTC One X takes fourth due to a great feature set and reduced price point. And last but not least, the iPhone 4S for the media ecosystem and best-in-class fluidity, though it's quickly becoming outdated.

Week of Aug, 19

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III series remains at the top for me due to a great package of features, specs, and availability across all major carriers (though the international build gets a slight nod due to the processor). The Galaxy Nexus is in third due to Jelly Bean and the improvements it brings; the HTC One X holds onto the fourth place slot due to a price drop on AT&T and excellent specs. And finally, the iPhone 4S is in fifth place due to a great media ecosystem. Stay tuned for a wild few months in mobile, though. Everything will change!

Week of Aug, 12

Why I made my choices...

My list remains unchanged this week. The Galaxy S III continues to be the most well-rounded device on the market (with a slight edge to the global version due to the processor), but the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a close third due to the improvement in fluidity that comes from the Jelly Bean update. Despite my personal distaste for the design of the HTC One X (I much prefer the EVO 4G LTE and One S), the great specs and recent price drop to $99 bring it to fourth place. And rounding out the list, Apple's iPhone 4S due to a best-in-class media experience and incredible fluidity that still can't be touched by Android (though Galaxy S III comes close).

Week of Aug, 5

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III variants continue to take the first and second place spot for me, as they're the best Android smartphones on today's market. The HTC One X comes in a close third, and while I don't care for the look (personally), the combination of features and a $99 price tag make for a great buy. Samsung's Galaxy Nexus comes in fourth place due to it having Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and the Apple iPhone 4S rounds out the list. Despite it being a bit long in the tooth, it still offers the best media ecosystem out there.

Week of Jul, 29

Why I made my choices...

Some minor changes to my list this week. Samsung's Galaxy S III series continues to take the top spots (with the global winning ever-so-slightly thanks to a faster processor), but HTC's One X moves into third place due to fantastic specs and a recent price drop to $99.99 on AT&T. The EVO 4G LTE is the best HTC device of 2012, though the $199 price point puts it slightly behind the One X. And rounding out the list this week, the iPhone 4S due to fluidity and ease of use (though admittedly, it's getting a bit long in the tooth).

Week of Jul, 22

Why I made my choices...

My list remains mostly the same. Samsung's Galaxy S III series continues to offer the best overall bang for the buck, with fantastic specs and availability across all US carriers (though the global one is slightly faster in day to day use). Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) has brought the global Samsung Galaxy Nexus back into the fray. In fourth place, the iPhone 4S, with its fantastic multimedia ecosystem and the fact that there's still no Android device that matches the fluidity (yes, even the Galaxy S III - though it comes close). Rounding out the list is the HTC EVO 4G LTE, one of HTC's 2012 flagship devices and the best spec'd unit in the HTC bunch.

Week of Jul, 15

Why I made my choices...

My list remains the same this week; Samsung's Galaxy S III series continues to win top marks due to speed, ease of use, and availability across all four nationwide carriers. The Galaxy Nexus comes in third thanks to Jelly Bean and the improvements it brings, while the iPhone 4S and EVO 4G LTE round out the list. Whether its Android or iOS, there are some great options on the market for prospective buyers.

Week of Jul, 8

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III series stay on the top for me this week, though the global one getting a few extra marks for slight speed improvements over the Snapdragon-powered US variant. Samsung's Galaxy Nexus jumps ahead of the iPhone 4S solely due to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and the speed improvements it brings. Stock Android still looks like a nerdy science project as far as I'm concerned, though the fluidity improvements place it mostly on par with the 4S. Apple's iconic device continues to be the smartphone I'd recommend to most consumers without a doubt, as the fluidity/media ecosystem/ease of use combination it brings to the table is unmatched by anything else on the market. And finally, the HTC EVO 4G LTE, the flagship HTC device of 2012, thanks to a big battery and fast processor.

Week of Jul, 1

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III series continues to be on the top for me, as they provide the best blend of features and power - not to mention their availability on four major US carriers. Apple's iPhone 4S stays in third place due to ease of use and the media ecosystem, while the HTC EVO 4G LTE is HTC's current flagship and offers some great features like a 2,000 mAh battery and Android 4.0. Rounding out the list is the HTC One S - another great device from HTC and a member of the one line. With a 4.3-inch display, it's the perfect size for many.

Week of Jun, 24

Why I made my choices...

Having actively used both for work, I can attest to the international Galaxy S III's slight speed edge against the US variant. Still, both come ahead of the Apple iPhone 4S, as they finally provide a healthy balance of ease-of-use, fluidity, and features - something that Android desperately needs in the race against iOS. Apple's iPhone 4S comes in third, followed by the HTC EVO 4G LTE by a very close margin. It's a great device that's hindered by a network that's seriously struggling at the moment. And rounding out the top five list is the HTC One X, which offers a nice blend of features for AT&T users (though I much prefer the design of the HTC One S).

Week of Jun, 17

Why I made my choices...

Samsung's Galaxy S III stays at the top for this week due to an incredible software and hardware package that finally brings Android to the same fluidity tier that the iPhone has been on for some time. The iPhone 4S stays in second due to a great media ecosystem, while the EVO 4G LTE slips into third place due to its status as 'best' device out of the One series. HTC's One X comes in fourth, and the One S rounds out the list.

Week of Jun, 10

Why I made my choices...

After weeks of being on the top of my list, Apple's iPhone 4S takes a backseat to the Samsung Galaxy S III. With a powerful feature set, Ice Cream Sandwich, and a killer user interface with some great add-on software features, the Galaxy S III is the best smartphone on the market today, and finally offers the much-needed ease of use that Android needs. HTC's One X comes in just behind the iPhone 4S - despite being much-improved over previous HTC devices, it still lacks some polish around the software edges. HTC's One S is the perfect size and offers some great features, and the Galaxy S II Skyrocket is an all-around nice device with AT&T 4G LTE.

Week of Jun, 3

Why I made my choices...

Like anything else in life, trying to find a smartphone that offers the best of all worlds is a challenge. One has great battery life, while one has an awesome display, while one has a great processor, while one isn't available on the carrier that you prefer...the list goes on and on. The iPhone 4S stays at the top of my list for this week, as I firmly believe it offers the best balance of features for the greatest number of potential buyers. Samsung's Galaxy S III is an incredible device, and I can't wait to have a more permanent one in the office (London just wasn't enough). HTC's EVO 4G LTE is by far my favorite out of HTC's new lineup of devices, but Sprint's 3G speeds continue to be awful, keeping me from carrying it as a personal device. I'll always have a special place in my heart for the Galaxy S II on AT&T, thanks to its Exynos processor (the only carrier-branded one in the States), and the Skyrocket for 4G LTE connectivity. This week alone, I've carried the Skyrocket and Galaxy Note (a close 6th on my list) as my personal devices, and I'm considering picking up a Galaxy S II on AT&T just to keep around. Out of the hundreds of Android devices I've reviewed since its launch, it continues to be one of the best.

Week of May, 27

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S stays on top for me this week due to fluidity and ease of use (along with the media ecosystem), though HTC's One series isn't far behind. I prefer the design of the One S in my personal life, though I find a lot to like in the One X (can't beat that HD display). Samsung's Galaxy Note gets points for cool features like S Pen, and the Galaxy S II rounds out my list due to an exceptionally fluid performance. Gotta love that Exynos processor!

Week of May, 20

Why I made my choices...

On this week's list, iPhone 4S remains at the top due to ease of use and the media ecosystem, along with a fluidity that Android hasn't been able to replicate yet. HTC's One S is a very close second due to a near-perfect size and awesome build quality, though I'll admit that EVO 4G LTE would be in second if it were available. In third place, HTC's One X, which while I don't care for the design personally, can appreciate the speed and features (especially the awesome camera). The Nokia Lumia 900 continues to be an awesome Windows Phone at a great price, and the Samsung Galaxy S II rounds out my list for one reason: it still has one of the best experiences I've ever seen on Android (thanks to the Exynos processor). Too bad the battery isn't bigger.

Week of May, 13

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S stays at the top due to ease of use and the media ecosystem, but HTC's One S comes in a close second thanks to a near-perfect size and a great spec sheet. The Samsung Galaxy Note offers a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED HD display and S Pen for easy input. HTC's One X offers a great feature set for those that want a larger display, and the Lumia 900 is a great Windows Phone that's available for a great price.

Week of May, 6

Why I made my choices...

The Apple iPhone 4S holds on to the top spot due to ease of use, consistent performance, and the media ecosystem, but I'm really liking HTC's One S. The size is perfect, and build quality is fantastic. If only the battery were a bit larger. The Galaxy Note gets points for the S Pen and unique size, and the Lumia 900 is my current favorite Windows Phone. Rounding out the list is Samsung's Galaxy S II Skyrocket. While I'd prefer an Exynos processor, the 4G LTE is nice to have.

Week of Apr, 29

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S stays at the top of my list due to the media ecosystem and the fact that it provides an all-around decent user experience. HTC's One S is my second favorite smartphone. I love the form factor (it's the perfect size), and the Lumia 900 tops my chart as my favorite Windows Phone to date. Samsung's Galaxy Note continues to be one that stays in my briefcase thanks to the S Pen and large display, and Samsung's Galaxy S II Skyrocket provides a decent 4G LTE device with TouchWiz 4.0 and a nice spec list.

Week of Apr, 22

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S remains on the top of my list due to the near-perfect fluidity (which is VERY important to me) and media ecosystem, though I've been spending quite a bit of time with the Nokia Lumia 900 as part of my 30-day challenge and have been very impressed. I'm also finding myself enjoying the HTC One series, though I find the One S to be a bit more pocketable and easy to use with one hand. The Galaxy Note continues to be an amazing smartphone due to the S Pen and unique 5.3-inch display, and the Galaxy S II Skyrocket is a great LTE-enabled device for those desiring something a bit smaller.

Week of Apr, 15

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S continues to be my top device, thanks to the mainstream appeal, media ecosystem that's second to none, and overall fluidity. That said, Samsung's Galaxy Note is a close second. Despite the large size, the device is actually quite functional, and in my testing, I found myself using some of the more unique features like the S Pen. The HTC One X is a fantastic Android handset for many, with an excellent display and fantastic build quality. Nokia's Lumia 900 (which I'm currently using), is my favorite Windows Phone handset at the moment, thanks to exceptional build quality and a reasonable $99 price point. And finally, HTC's One S is in fifth place because it offers most of the features of the One X in a more size-friendly package.

Week of Apr, 8

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S remains on top due to the media ecosystem and overall ease of use, but the Galaxy Note is a close second due to the S Pen functionality, 4G LTE, and 2,500 mAh battery. Samsung's Galaxy S II Skyrocket is perfect for those wanting a smaller Note, the DROID RAZR MAXX is the king in the battery life department with a 3,300 mAh pack, and Samsung's Epic 4G Touch rounds out my list due to a zippy dual-core Exynos processor.

Week of Apr, 1

Why I made my choices...

Little has changed for me this week. The Apple iPhone 4S continues to be the best smartphone for the greatest number of people due to its best-in-class media ecosystem and overall ease of use. The Galaxy Note comes in at a close second thanks to 4G LTE connectivity and its 2,500 mAh battery (and who couldn't find something to like in that gigantic 5.3-inch display?. The Galaxy S II Skyrocket is one of AT&T's best all-around LTE phones, the DROID RAZR MAXX brings a great battery to the table, and the Galaxy S II wins points for its dual-core Exynos processor (read: buttery smooth performance).

Week of Mar, 25

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S stays at the top of my list, primarily for the consistency and fluidity that iOS delivers. Like any mobile OS, Android does many things well, but fluidity isn't its specialty. That said, the Galaxy Note and AT&T variant of the Galaxy S II come in second and third respectively for their combination of features and performance. Epic 4G Touch lands in fourth place due to a great processor, and the HTC Vivid is fifth this week because it's one of the first devices to receive Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) in the United States. And who doesn't love ice cream sandwiches?

Week of Mar, 18

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy Note stay in their same spots this week, but I've really been craving Android 4.0, so the Galaxy Nexus takes third place (despite terrible battery life with the stock battery). Galaxy S II comes in fourth due to a great processor, and the DROID RAZR MAXX takes fifth place thanks to a huge battery that virtually guarantees a day of hard use.

Week of Mar, 11

Why I made my choices...

Apple's iPhone 4S retains its position at the top due to fluidity and overall ease of use, though Samsung's Galaxy Note comes in at a close second due to a killer HD display and 4G LTE connectivity. Other notables include the Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Epic 4G Touch (gotta love that Exynos), and the DROID RAZR MAXX for battery life.

Week of Mar, 4

Why I made my choices...

You'll find that the Apple iPhone 4S remains at the top of my list because it offers the best all-around specifications for me. But after carrying it for almost 30 days, the Samsung Galaxy Note comes in as a close second, niche device as it may be. Samsung's Galaxy S II series continues to receive high marks (especially AT&T's Exynos-powered variant), and the DROID RAZR MAXX rounds out the list due to excellent battery life.