The Only Smartphones Worth Buying Right Now [RANKED]

The Samsung Ativ Odyssey is the company's first in the U.S. to run Microsoft's newest mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8. It's not the best Windows Phone available, but it certainly won't crush your wallet.

Click here for our review of the Samsung Ativ Odyssey >

Price: $49.99 with a two-year contract from Verizon

Nokia's Lumia 920 is one of the first two phone to run Windows Phone 8. Most consider it to be the flagship Windows Phone. 

The Lumia 920 is a capable device, but be warned that it's extremely thick and heavy compared to other top-tier phones out there.

Click here for our full review of the Lumia 920 >

Price: $99.99 with a two-year contract from AT&T

As much as critics blasted Samsung's Galaxy Note II for being too large, you have to give the company credit for creating a new product category that tens of millions of people have bought.

The Galaxy Note II is a large Android phone with a 5.5-inch display and a stylus for doodling or writing notes. If you want a giant screen on your phone, this is probably your best choice.

Click here for our full review of the Galaxy Note II > 

Price: $299.99 with a two-year contract from Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. The T-Mobile version costs $199.99 with a two-year contract.

HTC's One X was one of the best smartphones to launch in 2012. HTC released an updated version called the One X+ last fall that had a faster processor and a few other advanced features. 

The One X+ is a fantastic phone, but keep in mind that HTC's new flagship, the HTC One, will launch in just a few weeks. The One X+'s price will likely go down quite a bit at that time.

Click here for our full review of the HTC One X >

Price: $199.99 with a two-year contract on AT&T

If you're interested in Microsoft's Windows Phones, HTC's Windows Phone 8x is the best one you can buy. It has just about all the great benefits as Nokia's Lumia 920, but in a thinner and lighter package. Plus it's just a gorgeous device.

Click here for our full review of the Windows Phone 8x >

Price: Starts at $49.99 on AT&T or $99.99 on Verizon

On paper, LG's new Optimus G is one of the most powerful smartphones you can buy today. It's not the prettiest phone, but it's a good option if you want a lot of horsepower. 

Click here for our full review of the Optimus G >

Price: $99.99 with a two-year contract from AT&T or $49.99 on Sprint

Verizon and HTC worked together to launch the Droid DNA late last year. It has a brilliant 5-inch display that can play full 1080p HD video. 

Since the HTC One won't be coming to Verizon, the Droid DNA is your best bet on the carrier if you like HTC products.

Click here for our full review of the Droid DNA >

Price: $199.99 with a two-year contract from Verizon

After a few months of stock shortages, Google's flagship smartphone, the Nexus 4, is now readily available. Google commissioned LG to make the device, and it really is an impressive phone.

Getting the Nexus 4 ensures you'll always have the latest Android updates and features first, so you don't have to worry about the manufacturer or carrier to update your phone.

Click here for our full review of the Nexus 4 >

Price: Google sells the unlocked model starting at $299. You can get it from T-Mobile for $199.99 with a two-year contract.

All things considered, the Galaxy S III is still the best Android phone you can buy. Bottom line: If you want a phone with a large, brilliant display, consider this your first option.

A quick warning: Samsung is about to announce its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S IV, at an event in New York on March 14. If you can hold off buying a new phone until then, you should wait.

Click here for our full Samsung Galaxy S III review >

Price: Starts at $199.99 with a two-year contract, but price varies by carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular)

For most people, the iPhone 5 is the best smartphone you can buy. It has an interface that's more accessible and easier to use than Android phones, plus you're guaranteed to get the best apps and content.

Click here for our iPhone 5 review >  

Price: Starts at $199 with a two-year contract (Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T)

The new BlackBerry Z10 should launch this month on T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. The touchscreen-only phone runs BlackBerry's new mobile operating system called BlackBerry 10. 

Click here for our review of the BlackBerry Z10 >

HTC recently announced the new HTC One, its flagship Android phone. Instead of using plastic, HTC made its new phone out of aluminum, just like the iPhone. 

It also has a special new interface called Blink Feed that pulls in content from social networks and news sources and displays it all on your home screen.

The HTC One should launch by late March on AT&T and a few other carriers.

Samsung will announce its new flagship Galaxy S IV phone at a big event in New York on March 14. 

Little is known about the phone beyond its internal hardware specs, so we're really looking forward to checking out the design and software features. 

This will likely be the biggest smartphone launch of the year so far, so stay tuned to SAI on March 14 for all the details.

Click here to see the incredible evolution of app design >