The Apple iPhone tends to take the top spot in most of my biannual lists, with Samsung making an appearance every once in a while. With continued innovation in the Android space and much of the same from Apple, the advancements in technology outweighed simplicity this time.It is not easy to pick the top phone when so many great options exist. While you may not agree with my particular order, it's likely you have most of these in your top 5 too. I was fairly certain of my top pick this year, especially after handling each one of them, but I still posted aTwitter pollthat confirmed my top two phones.1. Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 PlusI actually had the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 at the top of mylast listin December 2016, but after two recalls it was removed from consideration.
TheSamsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plustakes first place this time for many reasons.Samsung's Infinity Display looks fantastic andminimizes the top and bottom bezel while removing anything on the sides which roll downfrom the front to the back. We see ample RAMand internal storage with the ability to add inexpensive microSD cards, new Bixby assitant and a hardware button dedicated toits use, improved front facing camera, Samsung Pay payment technology, wireless and fast charging, IP68 dust and water resistance, a USB Type-C standard port, andtraditional 3.5mm headset jack. There is nothing missing from the Galaxy S8 and it deserves the top spot. The S8 is priced at $750 and the S8 Plus at$850. Pre-orders include a free Samsung GearVR and controller too.My Galaxy S8 Plus review will be posted in a couple of weeks. I'm picking this as the top device based on my limited time with the S8 at the launch event and my extended time with the S7 and S7 Edge.
2. Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus Whenever I need to make sure I have a phone that does it all and gets me through a long day, I regularly pop my SIM into the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. The water resistance, improved cameras, more RAM, a larger capacity battery, a faster processor, and stereo speakers are all compelling features. However, the iPhone 7 ends up in second because it has no fast charging technology, internal storage is locked to whatever capacity you purchase, there is no standard headphone jack, there is no wireless charging, Apple Pay has limitations, and the phones are quite large for the display sizes .The Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are also the most expensive smartphone available today, when compared to similar flagships. CNET also has reviews of the iPhone 7 Plus(8.8 rating) and iPhone 7(8.7 rating).
3. LG G6LG was the first to get its flagship out to customers with the new 18:9 aspect ratio and after using one for more than a monthI considered it as a possible number one contender. It is priced the lowest of these top three at just $650 with a microSD card slot, incredible performing dual rear cameras, shock resistance, minimal bezels and a pocketable form factor, wireless charging, and dust and water resistance .The LG G6 has a rather thick uniform body and doesn't have anything that particularly makes it stand out from the crowd. The LG UX is OK and is not too intrusive, but LG doesn't have a great track record with regular software updates and there is still something for LG to prove in 2017. But the LG G6 is a wonderful device to show that LG is able to compete with .
4. Google's Pixel and Pixel XL ,It's hard for me to pick a phone for the top three that six months after release still has a back order from four to five weeks. The GooglePixel and Pixel XL are outstanding devices and for about a month I owned a Google Pixel XL.Image: CNET the Pixel has a 5 inch display while the Pixel XL has a 5.5 inch display. Both are powered by a Qualcomm 821 processor. Other key specs include 4GB of RAM, 32 or 128GB of internal storage, 12.3 megapixel camera and 8 megapixel front facing camera, and Android 7.1 Nougat.There is no water resistance or wireless charging capability, internal storage is locked to either 32GB or 128GB, and the bezels of the phone are quite large when you compare it to the new LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8.Just like the iPhone, you will get updates to the Android software first on a Google Pixel or Pixel XL so if having the latest version of the software is important to you then you can't beat a Pixel.The camera helps you take wonderful photos that's a plus. However, there are too many other compromises with the hardware that I was notwilling to make. The Google Pixel is priced at$649 and $749. The Google Pixel XL is pricedat $769 and $869. CNET also has a review of theGoogle Pixel(8.8 rating).
5. Moto Z/Z Force DroidIt's been a while since I've been impressed by a Motorola phone, but the moto Z and Moto Z Force Droid look great, feel great, and perform well. These phones incorporate a modular design that actually makes sense and works well.The Moto Z is available as a GSM unlocked phone for $699 with the Moto Z Force Droid aVerizon exclusive, available for $720 (32GB) and $770 (64GB).The Z Force Droid edition adds a shatterproof display, which is something we don't see often today. Both phones have high resolution displays, leading internal specifications, a water repellent nano-coating, and battery life that lasts longer than an iPhone 7 Plus.Motorola has done a good job updating these latest Moto Z phones with the operating system and monthly Android security updates. You can also use the Moto Z Force Droid in a Google Daydream headset for a VR experience. TheMoto Mods snap on and off easily and are very functional. Motorola has spent time and money fostering the Moto Mods development and we are starting to see projects on Indiegogo and elsewhere.
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