What’s Best: Android Smartphones Of 2013 [Specs And More]

December 28, 2013December 2, 2018 Aseem Girkar 0 Comments 2013, Android, best, Galaxy S4, HTC One, LG G2, Moto X, nexus 5, Note 3, Smartphones, Xperia Z1

If someone ask for the technologies which received a phenomenal achievements in the past years, then i’ll surely recommend Android OS as one of them. The Google’s Android has emerged as a giants and this year it seems to have extended its global market share beyond the 80% mark. However, the sale of cheap low-end smartphones are touted as the biggest role in Android’s gain in emerging markets, but this year was a huge success for the high-end Android smartphones too. This year not only there was improvements in hardware and features of Android smartphones, but also there were more number of Android smartphones introduced as compared to the previous year.

With the success of Android smartphones in 2013, there were some best Android smartphones which emerged in 2013 as a best of Google’s mobile experience. Here’s the list of best Android smartphones of 2013 with respect to specs and features whose experience are equal to what you get for your money.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung Galaxy S4 which became the fastest-selling Android phone of all time very quickly, is one of the best of 2013 because of its amazing display, slim design and many other notable improved features to its predecessor Galaxy S3. Some of the new notable improved features introduced with the device includes the Air Gestures, Air View, Watch On, Knox, S Translator, Group Play, Optical Reader and Samsung Hub. Galaxy S4, the next big thing of Samsung comes with good video, gaming, camera performance along with the speaker-quality. As far as specs are concerned, the Galaxy S4 is powered by Exynos 5 Octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080p video-recording (1920 x 1080 pixels), 2MP front-facing camera, 13MP rear-facing camera, 16/32GB internal memory along with microSD slot (expandable up to 64GB) and 2600 mAh battery. Connectivity features includes Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Wi-Fi and comes with dual-SIM variant.

Though the phone arrived with Android 4.2. as as OS, the Galaxy S4 gets the taste of Android 4.3 Jelly bean too. And if the reports are true, the Samsung Galaxy S4 will soon receive the Android 4.4 KitKat update as early as January 2014. The phone is quiet handy and ease with amazing features and long battery life. However, its cheap feel and feature spam problem makes us look for something else as the best Android smartphone of the year.

2. HTC One

The HTC One is one of the beautiful smartphone of 2013. The HTC One is also the most premium feeling Android phone along with the beautiful HD display and the best audio quality among all the smartphones. This 4.7-inch touch screen android smartphone looks gorgeous with the resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels which equates to 468 ppi which seems to be ahead of iPhone 5’s 326 ppi and all the other smartphones right here. powered by 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor and 2GB of RAM, the HTC One rips through the apps at a lightning space. The HTC One display features include Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor and Scratch-resistant glass. Other features includes new Sense 5 with BlinkFeed, Sense TV and Zoe camera.

The HTC One has 4MP as rear-facing camera and 2.1 Mp front-facing camera. Other specs include 32/64 GB internal memory (no card slot), Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity and supports USB 2.0. The HTC One has already received Android 4.3 update and soon will receive the Android KitKat too. Due to poor camera quality and lackluster specs compared to other leading smartphones, the HTC One is the best but not the best of the best Android smartphones.

3. LG G2

Though LG is not popular when it comes to smoothest run of smartphones, but the LG G2 is one of the best android smartphone of 2013 which drives a focus towards them. LG G2 appears quiet similar to their domestic rivals flagship, the Galaxy S4 and provides more Android experience then the Galaxy S4, but slightly less customized UI than S4. Powered by Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, the LG G2 features a 5.2-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolutions (423ppi), 2GB of RAM, 13MP rear-facing camera, 2.1MP front-facing camera, 32GB internal memory, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity and USB2.0 support. With the exception in placement of the power and volume button (placed rear-mounted), many users have expressed their dislike towards it.

Well, that’s seems to be obvious while calling and adjusting the volume at the same time, the buttons mounted on side are more preferable. The camera seems to be low as compared to the Galaxy S4. LG G2 got the best of all in its display which is just outstanding. The LCD display of the G2 is more detailed and accurate than OLED screen. Also, the audio-system of the smartphone is just impressive with clear and high-quality music. This phone incorporates the feature which suits well for the customers, but certainly lacks camera quality.

4. Motorola’s Moto X

Though Motorola is in business for a quiet long time, but they haven’t been aggressive when it comes to rivals like Samsung. If you go through the specs, the Moto X don’t offer the specs that will beat the flagship phones of the rivals but the device offers great quality when you get your hands on it. The Motorola Moto X features 4.7-inch 72op AMOLED display, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, 10MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 16GB internal memory, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity and USB 2.0 support. The Moto X lacks external memory slot.

This Android phone comes with various option for customising the exterior design, includes choice of 252 different colour combinations. Also, the Moto X by some carriers has already received the latest trending Android 4.4 KitKat. The device is packed with a 2,200mAh battery which seems to outlast many other flagship rivals. Although the Motorola’s Moto X doesn’t impresses when it comes to specs, but you cannot ignore its smart experience which is just amazing.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The Samsung Note 3 refining the predecessor Note 2 takes a new format this time. The Samsung Note 3 arrived with more power featuring the first device ever to feature 3GB of RAM and thus, providing a smooth experience. As far as specs are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a 5.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display which means a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution (386ppi), a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 13MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 32GB internal memory, a microSD slot (expandable up to 64GB)., Bluetooth 4.0, NFC Connectivity and USB 3.0 support. The Note 3 comes with the Samsung stylus i.e S Pen, making the phone more productive.

Though the Note 3 comes with an impressive specs and experience, but doesn’t impress when it comes to cost which is £599. However, sometimes the money doesn’t matter when it comes to quality and taste. The Note 3 did got the support of the Samsung’s smartwatch SmartGear as it was the first Samsung device to receive the Android 4.3 update.

6. Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony Xperia Z1 is the Sony’s flagship on the second half of 2013 and extends the Sony Xperia Z excellence by providing the powerful smartphone with waterproofing, slick design and many other features. As far as specs are concerned, the Xperia Z1 features a 5-inch 1080p display, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, the notable feature is the 20.7MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 16GB internal memory, expandable up to 64GB with external microSD slots, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity and USB 2.0 support.

The Sony Xperia Z1 is a class on its own with a long battery life and accommodation of 20.7MP rear-facing camera, certainly provides the best camera experience. The Sony Xperia Z1 hits all the high points on specs and experience, and beats the rivals Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and the LG G2. If you are alright with the large display size, then its the best what you can get from Sony i.e great internal hardware, slickness, speed and waterproof protection. The Sony Xperia Z1 do stand at top in terms of experience and specs when it comes to bests of Android smartphones.

7. Google Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 is an affordable device which packs the top-shelf specs. Made in collaboration with Google and LG, the Nexus 5 runs on the newest Android 4.4 KitKat. The Google’s flagship Nexus 5 features a 5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8MP rear-facing camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 16GB internal memory (no external memory slot), Bluetooth 4.0, NFC connectivity, USB 2.0 support.. It is also the first Nexus to put the focus on camera performance as it comes with an 8-megapixel shooter with optical image stabilization (OIS).

The Nexus 5 doesn’t impresses when it comes to design, battery which doesn’t long last and also, the camera isn’t at its best. However, the Nexus 5 delivers some great hardware at a reasonable price package, along with power and display which is just at the top of the list and with the latest Android software on you hands, its certainly the best Android device when it comes to Android upgrades, you will surely be at front of getting update.

Leave your suggestions below for the best Android smartphones on 2013. Stay tuned for more updates