Latest Mobile - 2013

New Mobile - 2013

With MWC 2013 out of the way, we've got a pretty clear picture of how the mobile landscape is shaping up, and with many of you months away from your contract upgrade, here's a selection of new phones to whet your appetite:

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4. The phone everyone 

wants to check out, and then probably buy. The most pre-registered phone ever with some retailers. And the handset that brings a hugely impressive screen in a phone that's SMALLER than its predecessor.

We loved our short time with it at its launch in New York, and while it's an incremental update that doesn't add anything that we haven't seen on other phones in terms of features, the overall packaging is hugely impressive.

We can't wait to get this beauty in our labs for more in-depth testing, as the internet, media, camera and more all offer so much to play with. Let's hope that battery holds up, eh?

Nokia Lumia 720

The Lumia 720 doesn't have the high end features we've come to expect from the more expensive Lumias but it does have a decent spec sheet for something that's bound to be available on next-to-nothing contracts.

When it comes to making affordable smartphones, Nokia is still the daddy here - and while it doesn't seem like the 720 has a place between the 620 and 820, at least choice is still on the table for users.

LG Optimus L7 2

The LG Optimus L7 2 is a surprisingly capable budget smartphone which offers up plenty of features for not a lot of cash - although the naming of it will confuse potential buyers aplenty.

We were impressed with its 8MP camera, stylish design and smooth operation, although web surfing could do with a bit of a boost.

Out of the three new L-Series 2 handsets the LG Optimus L7 2 is our favourite and we reckon it will offer consumers pretty decent value for money when it lands later this year.

Nokia Lumia 520

We rather like the Lumia 520 - Nokia clearly has a market in mind for the device and has given it a price point to match, and it sits happily at the bottom of the smartphone pile, for a low-end price of around £200 at the moment.

It's not a handset for those who really want a decent Windows Phone, but rather it's one for those who want a budget smartphone that has a half-decent OS.

For that type of purchaser, the cheap and cheerful nature of the 520 will surely appeal.

Samsung Galaxy Young

The Samsung Galaxy Young is a phone that you can imagine the younger teenager who wants a modern smartphone asking for at their birthday. It won't cost that much money to pick up without a contract, and with the ability to set data limits on the phone, parents will be happy that they won't be hit with whopping bills.

It's an uninspiring phone for the spec-hungry fan, but it copies theSamsung Galaxy S3 styling and for that reason alone we can see a few skirt hems being tugged as children give their parents the big eyes when looking for a new phone

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2

IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application!

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 is one of the better phones we saw at MWC 2013, simply because it was a different proposition to the rest of the identikit Samsung Galaxy family.

We didn't get to dunk it underwater, which is still a favourite test of all mobile phone reviewers, but we're pretty confident it can stand the heat. Also literally.

If you're in the market for a tough, attractive next-gen smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 could certainly be worth checking out.

Sony Xperia SP

Although not blessed with the looks or specs of the Xperia Z, the Sony Xperia SP is a phone that still deserves a raised eyebrow of appreciation thanks to the combination of spec list and likely price.

The body is smooth and feels quality in the hand, and with an impressive screen, Android 4.1 and an 8MP camera, alongside NFC and 4G, this spec list wouldn't look too out of place on a new flagship phone from another firm right now – and with a lower price, that's an ace notion.

ZTE Grand S

Taking a look at the specs the ZTE Grand S looks to be a blockbuster of a phone and one which could easily trump the big boys of the mobile market, with a full HD 5-inch display, 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 13MP camera, 4Gconnectivity and Android Jelly Bean

The reality however is not so great, with a sluggish interface and disappointing screen quality seriously wounding the Grand S..

Perhaps ZTE will be able to iron out the kinks before the handset hit shelves, but we're not holding our breath. The Grand S will need a pretty special price tag if it's going to succeed.

Huawei Ascend Mate

The line between smartphone and tablet continues to blur and the Huawei Ascend Mate does nothing to help the situation.

Huawei wants you to ditch your tablet in favour of the Ascend Mate, which in its eyes can double as both a slate and a phone.

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