Here's a list of smartphones that ruled the 2013 market and won millions of users.
Smartphones are an integral part of our daily lives. Going a day without this ubiquitous device is unimaginable for most. The technology integrated into today's high-end smartphones lets users complete any major task with ease. We saw several smartphones that were launched in 2013, but not all were able to secure a prominent place in the highly competitive smartphone market. Here is a list of top 5 smartphones that sustained their dominance despite facing several technological backlashes.
#1: Apple iPhone 5S:
Apple saw a remarkable success with the launch of its flagship iPhone 5S. The latest iOS7 added to its growing popularity. The new smartphone brought a bagful of features for its fans. The finger print scanning technology in iPhone 5S was the first to be integrated in a smartphone and the latest 64-bit A7 processor added more value.
The success of the iPhone 5S along with iPhone 5C can be well gauged with the whopping sale of 900 million units in the opening weekend. Although, Apple faced some backlash for its dizzying visual effects in the iOS7 interface, the iPhone maker overcame the challenge by introducing an additional setting on the phone. But the success of the iPhone 5S is undeniable with a strong fan base opting for the upgrade and new customers showing a marked preference for the new iPhone smartphones.
Apple iPhone 5S price in the U.S. ranges from $199 to $399 on contract with major carriers and $649 to $849 with no contract.
#2: Samsung Galaxy Note III:
Samsung has ruled the smartphone market with its wide range of stylish handsets packed with unique features that any smartphone user looks for in a phone. The South Korean tech giant is ruling across all global markets with dominating sales of its Galaxy smartphones. The company's Galaxy Note III has become a sensation for users looking for a big screen smartphone packed with high-end specs and features. The smartphone offers full HD display with a powerful processor and extensive storage with an option to expand further. The phone's camera and battery are also major attractions for smartphone shoppers.
The Galaxy Note III is priced at $399.99 on contract on leading U.S. carriers and $699.99 with no contract.
#3: HTC One:
HTC has been struggling but has not lost its hold in the smartphone race. The company's flagship One smartphone offers best user experience with its custom Android features for camera, widgets, interface and more. The classy HTC One is built on a metal chassis that makes it unique. It is powered by a 1.7 GHz processor and hosts 2GB RAM, but like Apple, the One does not allow users to expand storage. HTC has addressed that issue by giving spacious 32GB and 64GB options. The phone features dual speakers on the front, ultra pixel camera with optical image stabilization and Sense 5, which offer great user experience.
Most carriers offer HTC One at a reasonable price, with as low as $50 with contract or $550 for off-contract.
#4: Google Nexus 5:
Google's flagship Nexus 5 was not available for users for a better half of the year, but after its launch alongside Android KitKat during the Thanksgiving weekend, users dived into every chance to grab the low-priced smartphone. The features on the smartphone can be compared with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S4, LG G2, Moto X and other high-end smartphones. The Nexus 5 features best internal specification for the price it charges. It has a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB RAM, 8 MP camera, optical image stabilization, Qi wireless charging support and a lot more. Like other Nexus devices, the Nexus 5 gets all Android updates sooner than other Android smartphones.
Google Nexus 5 retails for $349 for 16GB and $399 for the 32GB variant. These prices are for the unlocked version, which in comparison to other smartphones with similar features saves at least $200.
#5: Nokia Lumia 1020:
Nokia, like Apple, has secured exclusivity with its Windows Phone platform and has camera capabilities comparable to any leading smartphone in the industry. With the camera features in the Nokia Lumia 1020, the Finnish maker has won the hearts of many photographers who want an integrated DSLR-like camera in a smartphone. No doubt Nokia offers the best camera, but a lack of apps in Windows Store keeps some shoppers busy with Android and iOS options. Nokia Lumia 1020 gives the best user experience for those looking for Android, iOS alternatives. The smartphone features HERE Maps, advanced camera lenses, exclusive camera apps and other camera software. But Nokia has failed to get attention like Samsung and Apple in the smartphone arena.
Nokia 1020 is available for $199.99 on contract and is available from AT&T in the U.S. Nokia offers other Lumia smartphones, including 928, 925 and others, on leading U.S. carriers.
