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Make or Model
Connectivity
The types of network or technology a smartphone can use to make calls or data transfers.
Operating System
Network Provider
Compatible network providers for a given smartphone.
Features
The options and/or functions of a smartphone.
Camera Options
These are the features that come with the smartphone’s camera.
Screen
These are the features of the smartphone's screen or display.
Company
Display Size
The measurement of the smartphone’s display or screen area.
Megapixels
The image resolution, which is measured in megapixels, of a smartphone's rear camera.
  • Smart Rating
  • Internal Storage (MB)
  • Keypad Options
  • Max Standby Time
  • Price (without contract)
  • Talk Time
  • Price (with contract)
  • Display Features
  • Screen Size
  • Rear Camera Quality
  • Features
  • Camera Options
  • What to Avoid

How to buy Smartphones

Smartphones have advanced so far that many double as a mobile computers. In addition to having a myriad of built-in features, most smartphones allow users to customize their devices, adding apps and other features. To choose the best smartphone for you, consider its technical specifications.

  • Camera quality: Luckily for bloggers and compulsive Facebook uploaders, smartphone cameras now rival the quality of digital cameras. To to take photos anywhere, choose a camera with a flash and zoom. The top smartphone cameras approach 12 megapixels in resolution.

  • Battery Life/Talk Time: Some smartphones use batteries more efficiently than others, so to minimize charging, choose one that has a long battery life.

  • Screen size: If you view webpages or check email often, a larger screen size can help you see small print or details. However, keep in mind that larger screens often use up more battery life.

  • Keypad Type: Decide whether you prefer typing on a full virtual keypad or a physical one. Some smartphones offer both.

Compare smartphones using the basic criteria above and, with the additional filters on VentureBeat’s comparison, narrow down the best smartphones for you.
With 571 smartphones to choose from, we can help find the best one for you.

How to Find Smartphones

Smart Rating
The Smart Rating is a single rating that evaluates the smartphone's specifications and features as well as ratings from the following sources: CNET, PC Mag, Wired.com, and PC World.No rating means that the smartphone was not rated by the expert sources.
Range
MinAverageMax
Internal Storage (MB)
The smartphone’s internal memory, which is measured in megabytes (MB).Storage space on the average smartphone can range from 2 MB to 16MB or more. If you store a lot of photos, music or other media on your phone, choose a phone with a lot of internal storage. On many phones, storage can be enhanced using memory cards.
Keypad Options
Some smartphones offer touchscreen capabilities, while others have a physical keyboard instead. There are even some smartphones out there that offer both.
Touchscreen Keypads offer full typing ability on a virtual keyboard on-screen. Some smartphones even offer predictive text technology and other features such as Swype, which allows users to slide a finger over a string of letters to type, as opposed to pressing individual keys. Some smartphones offer physical half- or full-qwerty keypads for a more conventional typing experience.
Max Standby Time
A measurement of the phone’s battery life while it is on standby (when it is on but not in use).
Price (without contract)
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the phone itself. This does not include additional carrier charges.A phone’s price off-contract is usually significantly higher than the subsidized, new contract price. However, these “unlocked” smartphones may offer you more choice in carriers and networks.
Talk Time
The length of time the phone can be used before its battery needs to be recharged.This measure of battery life can also be used to indicate how long the battery will last during resource-heavy use like playing games, transferring data or browsing the web.
Price (with contract)
The total price of the smartphone on activation or renewal of a mobile phone plan. Most carriers will subsidize all or part of a smartphone's cost upon a new two-year contract commitment. A new contract can save you a lot of money on a phone itself, but note that these contracts have hefty termination fees that can overshadow the initial savings.
Display Features
These are the features of the smartphone's screen or display.
  • Additional Display Support can connect your smartphone to an external display.
  • Ambient Light Sensor can automatically adjust the brightness of the screen depending on light conditions around the user.
  • Touchscreen allows users to type and use the phone by tapping the screen instead of a keypad or buttons.
  • Proximity Sensor disables the touchscreen when you hold the phone to your face during a call.
  • Scratch Resistant Glass helps protect the screen.
Screen Size
The measurement of the smartphone’s display or screen area. For users who constantly surf the web, check e-mail and watch movies on their phones, a large screen with high resolution can enhance the viewing experience and make reading easier. The drawback of a large display is higher battery drain; most phones with large displays use more energy to power the screen. LED or AMOLED screens tend to consume less power, so consider these types if battery life is a concern.
Rear Camera Quality
The image resolution, which is measured in megapixels, of a smartphone's rear camera.Remember that a large megapixel count doesn’t mean a smartphone camera can rival the quality of a DSLR camera. Consider image resolution as well as features like zoom and flash.
Features
The options and/or functions of a smartphone.
  • DLNA – Digital Living Network Alliance can connect the phone to an HDTV or other DLNA-enabled display or device wirelessly. Ideal for sharing media and pictures with a TV.
  • FM Receiver – ability to receive an FM signal so user can listen to radio networks.
  • FM Transmitter – ability to broadcast an FM signal. This allows the user to share music in the car or in the house.
  • GPS Navigation – ability to transmit data to and from a satellite so the phone can locate itself and function as a GPS navigation unit.
  • HD Playback – ability to play high definition video.
  • Microphone – has a second microphone for better sound quality.
Camera Options
These are the features that come with the smartphone’s camera.
  • 3D Capture – has two cameras to capture multiple perspectives
  • Autofocus – helps the camera focus on a subject without manual control
  • Front Facing Camera – allows for taking self-portraits or chatting face-to-face on video.
  • Rear Facing Camera – this is the typical smartphone camera placement, allows user to take photos like a standard camera.
  • LED Flash – illuminates the subject in low light and can double as a flashlight.
  • Video Recording – films motion and sound
  • Digital Zoom – allows more close-up shots of subjects. Keep in mind that digital zoom can degrade photo quality.

What to Watch for in Smartphones

  • Check that there isn't a new version of a phone you want coming out soon. The Galaxy S3 is a great phone, but Samsung Galaxy S4 ratings will soon be coming out. See what experts think of the new model before spending money on the old. You'll likely want the new model, or you'll be able to pick up the older one at a reduced price.

  • Check the coverage and strength of cellular networks in your area. Note that many networks offer 4G coverage in metropolitan areas only. Stick with a 3G phone if 4G is not available in your area.

  • Confirm what features and functions are included or can be added to your cellular phone plan before buying a smartphone. Some plans may charge extra for text messaging and web browsing, so compare your options to find the most reasonable plan for your needs and the phone you choose.

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