Another Year, Another Smartphone

2013 might go down in history as the bridge year between high-end handheld electronics and wearable gadgets that offer enhanced flexibility and access, but for now, the best electronics for communication, collaboration, and convenience are the handheld computers that we've learned to lean on. Below are some of the top smartphone options on the market.

Apple iPhone 5s and 5c
This A7 64-bit device is touted as one of the most powerful smartphones in the world. The iPhone 5s has a 4-inch display, an 8mp camera, and the ability to record 720p video at 120fps. It's also the only phone to incorporate a biometric thumb scanner for unlocking purposes. With a contract, the 16GB version will run you $199, and it goes up $100 every 16GB added. If you want a new iPhone that costs less and is not as high tech, then the iPhone 5c is what you're looking for. The specs aren't as high as the 5s, but with the same 4 inch display, and multiple colors to choose from, it offers a solid alternative at $99.

Google Nexus 5
Google's Nexus line has launched the new LG Nexus 5. Running on Android 4.4 with a 1080p 5 inch display, this smartphone comes with an 8mp camera, LTE, and a Micro SIM slot for expandable memory. It's only available with a contract from Sprint and T-Mobile, and priced at $49.99 with Sprint, and $41.99 with T-Mobile. If you want to purchase this phone unlocked with the ability to use it on AT&T, Straight Talk, or any other GSM network, then Google will sell you one for $349.

LG G2
Sure, LG made the Google Nexus 5, but their own flagship device is making waves in the smartphone industry as well. The G2 features a 5.2-inch display and a 2.4 ghz quad-core snapdragon 800 processor, making its specifications comparable with some of the top devices on the market. With a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and a long-lasting 3,000 mAH battery, the G2 provides users with the longevity and image capture capabilities that they've come to expect in a high-end device. The G2 comes equipped with Android 4.2.2, Jellybean but is now one of the devices that is supported with a free 4.4.2 Kit Kat upgrade. The kicker is that you can get the G2 for as little as $49 with a two-year service agreement, making it, by far, the best value for superior handheld computing.

Samsung Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S4 is Samsung's follow up to its bestselling Galaxy S3 with a slightly larger display at 1080p, a larger 13mp camera, and a built in IR blaster, which turns the phone into a remote control for just about any television on the market. With the Galaxy S4, no more asking the bartender to change the TV to your game, you can just do it yourself. With an AT&T and Sprint contract, the S4 is $99, and the Verizon model cost $199.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Last but certainly not least is the Galaxy Note 3; with whopping 5.7 inch 1080p display, it is one of the largest. Accompanied with all the bells and whistles of other Samsung smartphones like a quad core processor, a 13mp camera, and a Micro SD slot allowing for 64GB, the Galaxy Note also allows you to shoot 4K video, and has the option of using a stylus or S pen. The S pen allows for your inner artist to run wild and delivers a creative experience not available on any other smartphone.

At present, smartphones are the best mobile computing options on the market. With larger displays and components that are up to ten times what was in your average PC only four years ago, productivity and entertainment is literally at the tip of your finger almost anywhere you go. For more information about what kind of technology can work best for you and your organization, give Heart of Texas Network Consultants a call at (254) 848-7100. We consult many small and mid-size organizations in the Central Texas area on how to make technology work best for business.