In pictures: Top smartphones for fall
The latest models coming to Canada
It’s an interesting season for smartphones. Everyone is launching something new – spiffy hardware, mobile operating systems, or both. Here's a peek at what to expect in Canada over the next few months, starting with Nokia, which has two new Windows Phone 8 models arriving in November. The flagship Lumia 920 has a 4.5-inch, high-definition-plus-WXGA display, a touchscreen that can be operated while wearing gloves, plus near-field communication (NFC) and wireless charging. But its main claim to fame is the image-stabilized 8.7-megapixel camera that, though it doesn’t quite live up to its now-infamous simulated demonstration video, gives excellent results. Expect it in the fourth quarter, likely November, with price and carriers to be announced.
The Nokia Lumia 820 is the 920’s little brother, with a 4.3-inch screen. Like its sibling, it offers NFC and has a clip-on back that allows it to charge wirelessly. It’s coming in the fourth quarter, likely November, with price and carriers TBA.
Motorola is tossing its hat into the Android ring with the new RAZR HD LTE, which not only has a 4.7-inch Gorilla Glass screen, it promises all-day battery life. Coming soon to Rogers, price TBA.Thomas Burke
ATIV is Samsung’s new branding for its Windows devices, and the Windows Phone 8 model is the ATIV S. With its 4.8-inch, high definition Super AMOLED display, it boasts the biggest screen in our roundup. It also offers NFC. It will be available after Windows Phone 8 hits the market later this year. Carriers and pricing are to be announced.
Samsung’s current flagship Android model is the Galaxy S III. It, too, has a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED screen, NFC and an 8-megapixel camera. It starts at $599.99 for the 16-gigabyte model, without contract, at Rogers, $650 at Telus and $649.95 at Bell.
The Sony Xperia Ion is yet another Android offering, exclusive to Rogers. Its 4.6-inch high definition display is driven by Sony's Bravia engine. It has the highest-resolution camera of the bunch, at 12.1 megapixels, and records full 1080p HD video. An optional dock allows it to interact with your TV. The no-contract price is $549.99.
HTC has hung its star on the Windows Phone 8 operating system. Its colourful flagship model, the 8X, boasts a 4.3-inch high definition screen protected by Gorilla Glass 2, and it plays tunes using Beats Audio. It will be available in November from Bell and Rogers. Pricing is TBA.
HTC also announced the slightly smaller 8S with a 4-inch screen with Gorilla Glass. It, too, will be available in November. Carriers are TBA.
Apple’s iPhone 5 features a 4-inch Retina display and is thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S, but taller. There are 3 models: 16 gigabyte, 32 GB and 64 GB. Available from Bell, Rogers and Telus starting at $699 (no contract) for the 16 GB model.
LG’s new Optimus G is arriving in Canada in November. Running Android Ice Cream Sandwich (a Jelly Bean upgrade will arrive in the second quarter of next year), it has a quad core processor and a 4.7-inch WXGA display.
RIM has been doling out bits of information about its BlackBerry 10 devices, which are expected in January. The BlackBerry Peek feature (above) will let you take a quick look at another app (say, incoming messages) with a simple thumb swipe, without leaving the app you’re in, or pop into that app by continuing the gesture. More information will come as the launch approaches.