Best cell phone: Overview
What is the best cell phone in the United States? Our verdict on the best cell phone for the US is constantly updated.
Sometimes choosing between two phones is easy. Just look at the specs and it becomes woefully clear that some phones (even those positioned directly against one another) aren't created equal.
But most the time it's not as easy as just reading numbers. A phone is something you'll use everyday for two years (if you're lucky). It needs to be durable, adequately future-proof, and feel right in your hand. So where do you find this information?
Where do I begin?
Our pre-release list of new mobile phones is a great spot to start, but if you're craving more, we're happy to oblige. Because here we have our continually-updated comparison of the top 20 best cell phones you can get in the US.
While we've provided you with a ranking as well as a brief overview of every phone and why we love it, feel free to check out our incredibly extensive mobile phone reviews for a more in-depth look to decide for yourself which cell phone is best.
If you've been wondering which is the best cell phone, we've got answers for you. Click on to read our rankings of the best cell phones in the US.
Number 20: LG Thrill 4G
If you like 3D, you'll love the LG Thrill 4G (known as the LG Optimus 3D outside of the States).
It's not perfect. It's a little chunky for our tastes (11.9 mm thick) and heavy (168g), but it's hard to feel like it's anything but incredible after seeing what's encased. Inside you'll find a 1GHz dual-core processor and the technology that feeds out a surprisingly crisp glasses-free 3D 4.3-inch display.
That's right, glasses-free 3D display. On your phone.
Sure, it's a novelty, but it's far from a gimmick. LG has gone the distance here, including dual 5 MP HD cameras that are capable of capturing videos in Stereoscopic 3D.
Even better, it's not too expensive. It costs $299.99 off contract, but its only $49.99 on two-year contract.
Quick verdict
If you must have one, the LG Thrill 4G is the one we recommend. It's fast, it's functional as a day-to-day phone, and it's cheap. But don't hesitate to check out the HTC Evo 3D if you're still not sold.
Number 19: Samsung Infuse 4G
Above all, the Samsung Infuse feels big and fast. At 4.5-inches it'll feel too large in some hands, but it's so thin you might just be surprised.
How thin? At 8.8mm it's thin enough for AT&T to bill it as its thinnest 4G phone (though the Motorola Droid Razr [7.1mm] is thinner on Verizon, and the Huawei P1 S is destined to snatch up both titles).
The Samsung Infuse 4G's main selling point might be its agreeable size, but it's also packing a fantastic camera and equally impressive video capabilities.
And while AT&T's 4G might be more marketing than actual bandwidth, the Infuse 4G is AT&T's first 4G phone boasting Category 14 bandwidth, which means there's plenty of speed to make it feel like it's almost, you know, actual 4G.
That LTE skimping also means the Infuse 4G doesn't burn through its battery too quickly. In fact, we found the Infuse 4G had a surprisingly long life, even with the large, bright display.
Quick verdict
It might not be one of Samsung's flagship phones, but the Samsung Infuse 4G is packing enough goodies to be one of our favorite phones.
Number 18: Motorola Droid Bionic
We're fans of Motorola's unnamed, heavily tweaked user interface. It's sleek and cool, and on no phone does it shine as brightly as on the Droid Bionic, which zips along quickly with its dual-core processor.
But that's not the only zippy thing about the phone - it's also able to access true 4G LTE offered by Verizon. These speeds are fast and we were able to routinely notch download speeds in excess of 20 Mbps and upload numbers around 11 Mbps.
That, of course, will burn right through your battery, and while the 1,735 mAh Lithium Ion battery puts up a good fight, it's still no match for battery sucking LTE. When you aren't using LTE, we found the phone lasted at least through the day, which is more than we can say for quite a few others.
Quick Verdict:
While it's not as inspiring as the Razr, and its battery suffers much more than the Razr Maxx, we still can't help but love the utilitarian phone of the bunch. And, at $150 on contract, the price is right.
Number 17: HTC Wildfire S
The Wildfire S might only be a slightly updated Wildfire, but it's the only chance we have at the popular handset in the States.
It's not too fast, and ultimately not too powerful; but what it lacks in sheer horsepower, it makes up for in form factor. The tiny 3.2-inch screen makes it feel small in the hand, but it's well-constructed and far from a toy.
If you're stuck on T-Mobile with a small budget, you could do a whole lot worse.
Quick Verdict
The HTC Wildfire S is free on a two-year contract with T-Mobile. While you'll sacrifice a lot of bells and whistles to get this form factor, if you're looking for a compact phone on T-Mo, you won't find much better than the Wildfire S.
Number 16: Google Nexus S 4G
The Google Nexus S 4G doesn't look good on paper. With 512 MB of dedicated RAM and 1GHz processor, it's outperformed by a wide variety of phones on our list.
But when it released donning its Gingerbread coating and novel contoured display, it was undeniably the hotness. But even now, it's still a perfectly reasonable option, and might just look more compelling than ever to some phone enthusiasts.
That's in part because it's cheaper than ever (Free on contract - a whopping $399 saving).
The Super AMOLED screen still looks as good as it did on day one, and we're big fans of the 'Pure Google' experience. When Google finally rereleases Ice Cream Sandwich, it'll be an even more compelling option. Plus, it's available on Sprint and AT&T - a rare combination.
Quick verdict
While its specs are looking increasingly underwhelming, there's just about no way you'll find a cheaper, better built phone, that's sporting ICS.
Number 15: Samsung Captivate Glide
The Samsung Captivate Glide is mostly just the Galaxy S2 with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and we're definitely not complaining about that. Especially since the keyboard on the Glide feels great.
It's also sporting a loveably long list of enviable features, not least of which is the high-end 8MP rear camera.
If you must have a QWERTY phone, and can't wait for the Droid 4, the Captivate Glide is not a bad choice (in fact, it might be the best choice).
Quick verdict:
If you can wade through all the AT&T bloatware, you'll end up with the snazziest keyboard phone this side of the Droid 4.
Samsung Captivate Glide review
Number 14: Motorola Atrix 2
The Motorola Atrix 2 is more like a Motorola Atrix S, in that it's more an evolution than a sequel. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to see here.
The Atrix 2 is a dual-core phone with a slightly larger screen (4.3-inches compared to the predecessor's 4-inch) and a load of accessories that make it worthy of our desires.
It's light and portable, has a long-lasting battery, and a low price. While it's not the flashiest phone we've seen, it'll still turn heads once it's plugged into its horizontal cradle.
Quick verdict:
If you dig the Motorola experience and flashy accessories (let's be honest, we all do), the Atrix 2 is an attractive option.
Number 13: HTC Vivid
A good LTE phone on AT&T's network is hard to find. While the phones are slowly being rolled out, we have to say the HTC Vivid has secured a spot in our hearts as "AT&T's second best LTE phone."
It's not a slouch on specs, with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4.5-inch qHD, 8MP rear facing camera, 16GB of internal memory, and luscious Sense 3.0.
Predictably, battery life isn't great, and the phone is just a little too boring (not to mention heavy) to warrant a higher spot on the list.
Quick verdict
The price reflects our concerns, and for $99.99 on two year contract, it's absolutely as cheap a ticket as you'll find for AT&T's budding LTE network. If price is no object, we'd recommend the LG Nitro HD (we're getting there), but either way, there's no denying the HTC Vivid is more than adequate.
Number 12: Blackberry Curve 9350/60/70
The Blackberry Curve 9360 might not be anything like the leagues of gorgeous touchscreen phones on the list, but once you've used one, you just can't write it off. There's no denying it's earned a place on the list.
With a crisp screen, a great size, and more features than we've come to expect from the Curve line, we found ourselves happy with the slim phone and full QWERTY keyboard.
The Blackberry Curve 9300 series is also on every major carrier, and better yet, costs a measly $29.99 on contract.
Quick verdict
Huge touchscreens might be the way of the future, but the Blackberry Curve 9300 series proves if you do something right you don't have to follow the pack. If you're looking for a budget phone with a lot of heart, you could do much worse than the 9360.
Number 11: Apple iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 was a polarizing and inspiring phone. The phone had an industrial design with a sturdy construction and no plastic in sight.
Unfortunately, in what seemed like hours, someone had found that holding the phone in a certain way negatively affected reception - and "Antennagate" was born.
Things have only gotten better for US iPhone owners in the last year. Antennagate has ended, the iPhone has found its way onto multiple carriers (finally), released in a new color (white), and received the incredible iOS 5 update, which has completely revitalized the operating system.
Throughout it all, the iPhone 4 has remained a viable - if not excellent - option for people looking for a new phone, music player, or the ultimate app device.
The iPhone 4's gorgeous Retina Display is still one of the best looking displays on any handheld. The pixels are so small it's almost impossible to even differentiate them on the screen.
While it's not on Sprint, and it's Siri-less, there are still ample reasons to invest in Apple's ecosystem.
Quick Verdict
If you want an iPhone but aren't willing to shell out for a 4S, the iPhone 4 is still a plenty compelling device. The fact that it looks and feels exactly the same as the 4S also means if you only buy phones for looks, you'll still have a year to feel outdated (not that we condone this kind of behavior).
The fact that you can choose between two service providers (Sprint only stocks the 4S), two colors, and walk out of the store with an 8GB iPhone 4 for $99 makes most other "deals" seem weak in comparison.
Number 10: Motorola Droid Razr
At 7.1mm thick at its thinnest point, the Droid Razr is the slimmest smartphone in the world (until the Huawei P1 S releases, anyway). And sure, while nobody's really sweating an extra .5 mm here and there, the Razr really didn't sacrifice anything to fit the mind-melting form factor.
It still has a gorgeous Super AMOLED screen. It still has a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. It still has an 8MP camera capable of 1080p video recording.
So what did it sacrifice? Not as much as you'd think. When compared to its recently released Maxx cousin, the Razr could have had a bigger battery.
But you're not even necessarily picking form over function - the Razr might be one of the most capable and appealing phones on the market, even before you factor in its thickness.
Quick verdict
Thin is in, and the Droid Razr brings more than just looks. If you're looking for a cheap option that will perform admirably, and still look sleek for years to come, the Droid Razr might just be for you.
Number 9: Blackberry Bold 9900
The Bold 9900 might be the best messaging device ever created. Everything from the chassis to the ultra-comfortable keys all feel made for your hand, and once you've sent an email or two from the 9900, you'll curse the day touchscreens took over.
OS 7 isn't anything to write home about, but it doesn't need to be. This is a phone with function being central to its purpose.
While we'd prefer something a little cheaper and with an LTE by its name, the Bold 9900 certainly isn't a slouch. In fact, it's pushes NFC technologies quite admirably.
Quick verdict
If you must have a Blackberry (and your wallet's not on a diet), you don't have to think twice. The Curve is beyond capable, and while your phone might not get any sidelong glances, you'll still have a highly usuable phone.
Number 8: LG Nitro HD
The LG Nitro HD is the best LTE phone on AT&T's network. If your stars align in such a way that you're covered by AT&T's tiny (but flourishing) LTE network, the LG Nitro is the best way to go.
The blazing fast internet displays on a gorgeous 4.5-inch display, offering a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, at 329 pixels per inch.
LTE might be the ultimate battery leech, but the 1830 mAh battery offers at least a little fight.
Quick verdict
If you're not currently covered by AT&T's LTE network, this might not be the phone for you. AT&T's network has been growing rapidly, but unless you're specifically looking for something to tear through the internet, there's still no reason to get an LTE phone on AT&T.
But if you are, and you're not afraid to spend two hundred bucks on a phone, this is a fantastic option.
Number 7: HTC Sensation 4G
The HTC Sensation 4G is a dual-core powerhouse, slathered in Sense 3.0.
The Sensation 4G delivers all of the best HTC features - a well integrated contacts app, customization, and more - all packed in a stylish device.
While the Sensation 4G is a plenty solid and well-designed device, we can't help but feel a little spiteful that the XE, with a faster processor and an even bigger battery (not to mention Beats audio and headphones) never made its way to the States.
Though the latter doesn't truly detract from the former. The Sensation 4G is still a great phone, and Sense 3.0 is smooth and enjoyable to use with tons of slick 3D animations that never stutter.
Quick verdict
The Sensation 4G is in desperate need of a bigger, better battery, and we're not sure why the camera is quite as slow as it is, considering everything else is so fast.
But those complaints aside, the Sensation 4G is an absolute jewel. This is the phone that anyone who brags about specs should want.
Number 6: Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray
In the US, there seems to be an arms race to create the largest phone, and it's easy to forget that smaller doesn't always correlate with inferior quality. This is clearly evidenced in the ridiculously sharp Xperia Ray.
Unlike many other "small phones," The Xperia Ray is in no way a budget phone. Instead the Ray basically packed it with the innards of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. That means it's a surprising powerful phone with a crystal clear display.
It also has an 8MP camera with HD video recording capabilities, and that smaller display might explain why that thing has such a great battery life as well.
Granted, that small display (and we're talking 3.3-inches small) won't be for everyone. But anyone willing to sacrifice the extra screen real-estate will find a lot to love.
Quick verdict
The Xperia Ray is the best cell phone you can get at this form factor. Small and undeniably "cute" without being over the top; The Xperia Ray sacrifices nothing and delivers a small phone that delivers big results.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray review
Number 5
Number 5: Motorola Droid Razr Maxx
Frankly, LTE kills batteries. Fast. Often times the hit battery takes makes LTE is not worth turning on at all.
But the Razr Maxx has an enormous 3,300 mAh battery that allows you to browse on. And on. And on.
Everything that makes the Droid Razr so amazing is in the Droid Razr Maxx. The only compromise is the thickness of the device, and what you get for it is a whole lotta battery.
Unlike most LTE phones that don't even last seven hours, the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx allows you to browse on LTE for seven hours. Or talk for 21 hours. Or watch videos for 15 hours.
In other words, it's the world's first LTE phone you can use like a normal phone.
Quick verdict
If you absolutely must have an LTE phone, and you absolutely must use 4G speeds at all times, the Droid Razr Maxx is the snazziest phone you'll find.
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx review
Number 4
Number 4: Sony Ericcson Xperia Arc S
The Arc S might not have delighted many Arc owners when it launched only a few months after the Arc released, but we, on the other hand, were absolutely thrilled.
This phone has a list of impressive features a mile long. Perhaps the best of all of these features is the incredibly sharp Reality Display with Bravia Engine.
But then there's the 8.1 MP camera with Exmor R technology, the 3D panorama mode, deep Facebook integration, and the gorgeous Sony Ericsson overlay.
One of the only "flaws" of the phone is that it's not dual-core powered, but the 1.4GHz processor seems perfectly fast inside the Arc S.
Quick verdict
It's a stunningly beautiful phone with a whole lot of features you can't find anywhere else. Yes, we're living in a dual-core, LTE world now, but a good phone is a good phone, and the Xperia Arc S proves there's more to a handset than a list of specs.
Sony Ericsson Experia Arc S review
Number 3
Number 3: Samsung Galaxy Nexus
This might come as a surprise, but here in the States the Galaxy Nexus is king.
Why? It's simple - The Galaxy Nexus is the only phone in Google's favored line with LTE. It's almost hard to believe - Stateside, half the phones seem to tag on an obligatory "4G" to the end of their names, but if you want a truly fast internet with a 'pure Google' experience, the Nexus is your only choice.
Of course, the Galaxy Nexus has some fairly big problems that might make you reconsider the device. The LTE will absolutely destroy the already fickle battery, it has no SD slot, and no way to expand the memory (so you're stuck with a measly 16GB).
To add insult to injury, it's not even our favorite Samsung body.
But, don't get the wrong idea - we love this phone.
At 4.65 inches, the Galaxy Nexus is the right kind of large. The display is especially gorgeous, rocking a 720 x 1280 resolution, which gives it an ultra-sharp 361 pixels per inch.
The LTE is insanely fast, the keyboard is simply fantastic, and all of those Ice Cream Sandwich features (like facial unlock) are fun and well-suited to the device.
Quick verdict
If you're not dying to get your hands on Ice Cream Sandwich, you could justify waiting on the next batch of phones to receive the update.
But you don't have to wait - the Galaxy Nexus is a fantastic phone, with a great build quality, LTE capable, and sporting the best operating system ever offered by Google.
Number 2
Number 2: Apple iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S didn't blow us away with an all-new, revolutionary design like many had hoped. But it didn't really have to. It's still the best-built phone in the world.
And even though many were hoping for a larger display, LTE, and an entirely new design, the iPhone 4S came packing enough goodies to make it our number 2 phone.
Siri hasn't made an impact everywhere, but thanks to some deep integration with Google Maps and Yelp in the United States, she's been able to help us make reservations, reminders, and make calls when typing just wasn't an option.
While some may still call her a gimmick, she's proven to be deeply useful in small, but numerous, everyday tasks.
And did we mention the camera? The iPhone 4's already fantastic camera got an upgrade, with an 8MP sensor and better glass than ever before. The pictures that come out of this phone are bright, clear, and colorful.
There's also iOS 5, which lets you backup almost everything useful to iCloud, and Messages, which circumvent the major carriers and allow free iPhone to iPhone messaging.
Quick verdict
Luxury, and specifically Apple Luxury, doesn't come cheap. If you want to enter Apple's garden, you'll have to drop some major dollars - but we suspect if you're interested it's probably already your favorite phone on the market.
When you buy an iPhone you get the whole package. An App Store filled with the biggest apps, a tack sharp camera, the best iPod around, and a lovely personal assistant - and the iPhone 4S has the best of them all.
Number 1
Number 1: Samsung Galaxy S2
Surprise! Our best phone in the world is also our best cell phone in the States! Who'd have guessed?
Likely anyone who's ever used the mind-bogglingly awesome S2. The Samsung Galaxy S2 is really something special. Even after all this time, the phone still "just works" better than any other phones we've ever used. So what makes it so special?
Just about everything.
It's a dual-core phone (1.2GHz processor), with a gorgeous Super AMOLED Plus screen, and a media player that might even be better than the iPhone's.
It can take excellent shots (not quite as good as the iPhone 4S), and record in 1080p - which can be a little sketchy at times, with a less than great focus.
Like many other phones on this list, it doesn't have LTE - which is probably part of the reason the battery holds up. Suffice it to say, until every phone sports a Razr Maxx-sized battery, a lack of LTE isn't always a bad thing.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S2 really has it all - Flash integration, a great camera, awesome video capabilities, and clear call quality.
Even better, in the US you have more SII options than you can swing a two-year contract at. If you're not sold on the tried-and-true S2, you can get one with LTE, one with a slide-out keyboard, or one with a 5-inch screen.
Of course, you could wait and see what Samsung's got up their sleeves. Rumors of the Samsung Galaxy S3 are reaching near fever-pitch. We have a few ideas about what's coming next and we're as excited as ever.