Best Cell Phones
Check out the best cell phones, as rated by Digital Trends expert reviewers.
It often feels like nothing moves as fast as the mobile phone industry. A new release one day is an old phone the next and history soon after. Cell phones continue to wildly evolve, taking on drastic new forms, shapes and sizes every few months, often with new services and features. Unfortunately, most of us can only afford to buy a new phone once every two years, making our choice all the more important. Below is an up-to-date list of our favorite phones available in the United States. This list covers devices on all of the major US wireless carriers and phones from every major operating system. If it’s one of our favorite devices, it’s here.
Our Best Cell Phones list is continually updated as we review new products that enter the market.
HTC One X
If you're on AT&T;, there is no doubt that this is now the phone to have, and at just $200, it's a lot more affordable than the $300 price we've been seeing for top-notch Android devices.
Pros Fantastic, thin design, Comfortable to...
Cons Sense 4.0 UI is puzzling, Non-removabl...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: 
Specifications
Screen Size 4.7"
Features 4G
Camera 8 megapixel camera with auto focus
Operating System Android
Carrier AT&TSamsung Galaxy Nexus
The Galaxy Nexus is one of those few phones that is truly different from what came before it.
Pros New Android Ice Cream Sandwich rocks, ...
Cons Battery life isn’t great, Many apps do...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Screen Size 4.65
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
Carrier VerizonSamsung Galaxy S II (AT&T)
We highly recommend the Galaxy S II. More powerful phones will come out, but this will remain a great option for some time. At $200 with a two-year contract, we can't complain.
Pros Super AMOLED Plus screen is colorful a...
Cons Plastic construction, AT&T;'s “4G” data...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: Specifications
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier AT&T
Touchscreen YesHTC One S
This is probably the best HTC phone we've used to date. While it still has too many apps pre-loaded and HTC's interface is a bit quirky, the manufacturer has clearly learned from its mistakes.
Pros Fantastic, thin design, Comfortable to...
Cons Sense 4.0 UI is puzzling, Weak front c...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier T-MobileMotorola Droid Razr Maxx
With double the battery life of the Razr and a much improved camera, the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is one of the best smartphones on the market.
Pros Improved design, Fantastic battery lif...
Cons Design is logo heavy, Power and volume...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: Specifications
Video capture 1080p HD
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier VerizonApple iPhone 4S
While we have a hard time recommending an upgrade for current iPhone 4 users, the new additions prevent the iPhone from becoming antiquated in a quickly churning smartphone market.
Pros Ultra-capable camera, Siri voice assis...
Cons Still nowhere near 4G LTE speeds, No e...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: Specifications
Screen Size 3.5" - 4"
Carrier AT&T
Features Front-Facing Camera
Operating System iOS
Touchscreen YesMotorola Droid 4
If you want a phone that can tap into Verizon's 4G LTE network and you prefer a physical keyboard, then you can't go wrong with the Motorola Droid 4.
Pros Amazing slide-out keyboard with number...
Cons Poor screen quality, Camera takes wash...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: 
Specifications
Video capture 1080p HD
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier VerizonMotorola Atrix 2
The Motorola Atrix 2 is a great phone at a price considerably less than its competitors. At $100 with a two-year contract, the Atrix 2 a great buy for anyone on AT&T;'s network.
Pros Dual-core processor, High quality scre...
Cons Poor volume toggle, NinjaBlur UI is ug...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier AT&T
Touchscreen YesMotorola Droid Razr
If you like it's looks and size, the Motorola Droid Razr is a great option for those on the hunt for a powerful, fully-featured smartphone...
Pros Thin design, Good battery life, Bright...
Cons Design is logo heavy, Power and volume...
Our Rating:
Reader Rating: 
Specifications
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier VerizonHTC Amaze 4G
While we're not sure it's actually worth $60 more than any other dual-core phone, the HTC Amaze 4G holds its own and excels when it comes to taking pictures and video.
Pros Potent processor and hardware, Great c...
Cons Strange design, Mediocre battery life,...
Our Rating:
Specifications
Screen Size 4" - 4.5"
Features 4G
Operating System Android
Carrier T-Mobile
Bluetooth Yes
Best Verizon Phones 
Best Sprint Phones 
Best T-Mobile Phones 
Best AT&T Phones 
Best Android Phones 
