5 Phones that Don’t Quite Make the Top Ten

Lists of the top ten mobile phones are generally populated by the same models at the moment.  We see the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Sony Xperia Z, the IPhone 5, the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Nokia Lumia 920, the Google Nexus 4, and so on.  These phones all cost a bomb and sometimes you need something a bit below the top premium price bracket, or simply want something different. 

 

Here we’ll look at 5 phones that don’t quite make the top ten mobile phones list but are still nonetheless very good; providing you with the opportunity to get your hands on something a bit different but still able to do the job.

 

The ones that didn’t make the top 10 mobile phones list

 

The Samsung Galaxy S2

 

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is the former world number 1 phone and it is still well into the top 20. It’s a really superb phone and costs a very reasonable price these days.  Every time a new successor is brought into the market, the former glories of the older models become less significant and they drop down the pecking order. 

 

However the Samsung Galaxy S2 was a great phone when it came out and it’s still a great phone now. The design of the Samsung Galaxy series is now iconic.  It has Jelly Bean updates, it has a dual core 1.2GHz processor, a Super AMOLED screen, a really good media player and frankly, it just works beautifully.  The capacity to record video in 1080p is a real bonus and it comes sporting a camera that is capable of taking really good social media and general photos.  It’s below the top 10 mobile phones in terms of the camera but it’s still extremely good. 

 

A phone that has sold millions and millions of handsets cannot be bad and although the technology from the premium end of the market is trickling down very fast into the medium and budget ends of the market, this device is still relevant and still a superb choice.  Look out for models on Ebay and other auction sites as they are extremely cheap these days.

 

The Sony Xperia T

 

When it comes to the top 10 mobile phones list, the Sony Xperia T just falls short.  This phone from the Japanese manufacturer is reminiscent of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S.  The Sony Xperia Z has taken over the mantle from the Xperia S.  And so this phone is on its way out.  It was the phone in the hand of James Bond in Skyfall and this will at least leave a legacy to remember. 

 

It’s a beautifully designed phone, has a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, comes packed with Android 4.0 Ice cream sandwich and sports a 4.6 inch display.  The display has the same technology that the Sony Bravia TV’s have and so is very good.  On top of this you’ll have a 13 megapixel camera which is a real plus feature.  It remains an extremely good phone with smooth operation and a very friendly user interface.  Unlike the Sony Xperia Z it’s not waterproof but then you can’t have everything.  It’s a good choice and comes in much more affordable than the Sony Xperia Z.

 

The HTC One X+

 

The One X+ is very similar to the One X, however it added storage capacity and made the battery so much better.  For some the battery is still considered a bit of an issue but for most it will get through a day.  With the emergence of the HTC One, perhaps the best mobile phone ever made for the public, the HTC One X+ has lost its relevance in the marketplace. 

 

Apart from the camera and the looks, it is actually pretty close to the HTC One and so could be a decent option if you’re looking for a cheaper HTC.  The operating system is certainly sleek with a Sense 4+ plus user interface placed over it. It is a powerful offering.  The keyboard is very good, meaning you don’t have to grab a better one on the Google Play store.  With 64 GB storage and availability in red and black, it’s a pretty good offering. 

 

Personally I love lots of things about this phone but the HTC One is my choice instead of this phone.  If you don’t need all the additions on the newest HTC, then this phone will still be a very good option.

 

The Blackberry Z10

 

Blackberry reemerged in the market with this phone and a new operating system. The operating system is not perfect and there are some issues to be resolved. Those that are not die-hard Blackberry fans will probably want to wait for the next releases of Blackberry in order to get a more complete operating system experience.  Nevertheless, the look of the phone is very nice, if very reminiscent of the Apple IPhone black, but the quality of finish on the phone is superb.  The user interface is nice.  You have the expandable memory and for those who love Blackberry, it’s a Blackberry. 

 

The features available on the phone are very good… so this phone, although lacking real innovation and cutting edge features to make it truly stand out, is a good option.  Plus of course, Blackberry offers the most secure systems.

 

The LG Optimus 4X HD

 

This phone was in the top 3 phones back when Samsung Galaxy S3 was top of the pile.  It has fantastic specifications and is a beautiful device.  LG certainly have turned around their image in the industry over recent months and the last year especially with the partnership with the LG Google Nexus 4.  The phone is sleek, it’s fantastic for media and the battery is powerful enough to get you all through the day.  If you find a deal on this phone then snap it up.  It’s packed full of features and packed full of power. 

 

All things being equal, you’re better off probably with the Galaxy S3 and HTC One, S4 and HTC One X.  The One S is probably your choice at this price point because it looks just so good.  The Google Nexus 4 is a lot cheaper than this phone and is loved by many...  The LG is not in the top 10 of mobile phones but it’s pretty close.

 

So there you have it, some phones you might not have thought about but still packing a punch; and all available at price points below the top phones in the industry.  Grab a bargain, or even a second hand phone.

 

Sam Jones friend was not sure where to look to find deals on the top ten mobile phones.  Sites such as uSwitch allowed him to compare deals and providers side by side and save a lot of money.