HTC One

1. HTC One

best in class

Well, here's something of a shock if you're a Samsung fan – after nearly two years of dominance, the Korean brand has fallen from the top spot.

It's nothing to do with the quality of the S4 – an outstanding phone in anyone's book – but more the fact HTC has managed to bring out a smartphone that's worthy of any user's consideration.

The supreme aluminium chassis, the Full HD screen and the simplified version of Sense 5.0 sitting on top of Android Jelly Bean means it's a pleasure to use and recommend this handset.

The new innovations are also pleasingly more than just marketing gimmicks; Zoe functionality allows the creation of delightful video highlight reels, and the Ultrapixel camera means you've got a much wider range of shots available thanks to being stunning in low light.

The only reason this isn't a five star phone is the slightly off-key battery, which can leak juice if you're power-creating videos or watching reams of video, but for day to day use it will be acceptable for most. We've also got high hopes a recent software update could have solved this little conundrum as well, meaning you could see another five star phone enter the fray shortly.

Quick Verdict

With power, poise and beauty all combined in this innovative phone, HTC has proved it can more than still cut it with the big boys when it comes to bringing out a lust-worthy flagship smartphone - and it's also proved that it still knows how to beat Samsung into second place in the phone world too.