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10 best smartphones

From the new Apple offering to devices with superior cameras and shopping capabilities, here is the most impressive technology on the market

Max Wallis
Thursday 16 October 2014 12:48 BST

With Amazon having just entered the smartphone race this autumn with their Fire phone, the mobile landscape is beginning to shift.

Consumers may find themselves confused by the range of megapixels, screen sizes and processor speeds now available.

From the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, #bendgate issues aside, to the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and the new Nokia, there's plenty here for anyone who is about to purchase a new phone.

From the budget Moto G and ZTE Blade L2 to the deluxe HTC One M8, here are the 10 best phones for you to consider this October

Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys

 

Verdict

For those already tied into the iOS system, the iPhone is a good upgrade. But for once things aren't so simple, with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha definitely edging closer. For anyone looking to buy their kids a phone the Moto G or the ZTE Blade L2 are suitable choices. For the high-end among you, the HTC One M8 is making waves.

Buy now

1. ZTE Blade L2, £89.99

2. Sony Xperia Z3, From £469.99

3. Nokia 930, Free on plans from £30.50/month

4. Amazon Fire, Free, only on contract

5. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, From £539

6. Moto G, £90

7. HTC One M8, £549.99

8. LG G3, £479.95

9. Samsung Galaxy Alpha, From £449.99

10. Nexus 5, £299

Contract information

The prices might seem steep but there are ways to get around that. Expect to be tied into a 24 month contract on the latest phones. The best contracts range from Vodafone's RED XL or XXL plans, which throw in 6 months of Netflix for free along with either six months of Sky Sports or Spotify. Below we've chosen a range of contracts to show you what's available - but it's worth asking your phone provider about what deals they can offer.

iPhone 6

Here's a good option for any power user, data-wise. You have 20GB of data for a monthly cost of £53.99 and an upfront cost of £49.99. You can even use your inclusive minutes and texts (unlimited) in the entirety of the EU - so ideal for anyone travelling. Note, though, as with all these phones, if you pay extra upfront for the device you'll end up with a cheaper rate overall.

Samsung Galaxy Alpha

For £35.50 per month and an upfront cost of £29.99 you get 4GB of data to use per month. This is Vodafone's RED contract, so you get all the perks of that too. You even get unlimited texts and calls.

Moto G

The phone's base price can be as little as £90 in some places, but you'll probably still want some kind of contract system so that you're not always having to top up. O2's Sim Only plans are great, allowing you to be very flexible about how many minutes, texts or data you need to buy. Check out the range here.

LG G3

Try this one with O2 for anyone who tends to be near Wi-Fi so doesn't need as much free data: 500 texts, 500MB data and unlimited minutes for £18 per month, without any upfront cost.

HTC One M8

This one is a steal: unlimited data, 500 minutes and unlimited texts for just £34.99 a month with T-Mobile (part of EE). No upfront cost.

Nokia 930

Vodafone's 4G Red XXL plan looks great for this phone, so you can surf the web, watch movies and upload pictures without having to worry about the data. £54.50 per month but no upfront cost.

Amazon Fire

Amazon's latest is available exclusively through O2 for 20GB for £48 per month. The handset itself is free.

Nexus 5

You're probably best going with Vodafone's 4GB deal here - £31.50/month.

ZTE Blade L2

O2's Sim Only plans are great, allowing you to be very flexible about how many minutes, texts or data you need to buy. Check out the range here.

Sony Xperia Z3

For £43 per month you get 5GB of data and unlimited texts and minutes on O2. This should be enough for anyone who mainly watches videos while on Wi-Fi, rather than on the bus.

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