Seriously, the year is already over?!?! Really?!?! 2016 was a, well, an interesting year, to say the least. From the Note 7 debacle, to the “wtf was that” called the LG G5, the overall dip in consumer spending as a whole, and Microsoft unable to give away phones, we scoured and identified the Top devices of 2016; the best little nuggets, shall we say, and composed this list ranking them.
For all you newbies and faithful alike, I break this down into two categories, well three this year, but more on that later, described as follows: (i) top premier smartphone – smartphones over $399 (ii) top budget smartphone – smartphones at or under $399. Bear with me as these are my honest opinions based on devices reviewed throughout the year. Hopefully you agree, but if not, just sit back and enjoy.
TOP PREMIER SMARTPHONES
1) Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge – You have to tip your hat to a company that learns from its mistakes. The Galaxy line took some hits in 2015 due to poor battery life, lack of sd card expansion, and overly aggressive RAM management. Call all problems corrected. And just as a caveat, I’m not a big Samsung fan, but even I was amazed by the glory that were these two devices.
2) iPhone 7 and 7 Plus – Another bland offering from Apple this year, but what it lacks in that certain “Je ne sais quoi” is surely offset by the continuation of great software optimization, introduction of dust and water resistance (IP-67 certification), outstanding camera, and improved battery. Again, the design matriculates along the boring scale, so something still to improve on, Tim Cook.
3) Google Pixel and Pixel XL – Didn’t like it and still don’t like it (for my own personal usage) but it still stands as one of the elite devices of 2016 for it’s impeccable camera in all lighting, great software and hardware synergy, and amazing screen. If it was, say, $360 cheaper, it could arguably be the best device of the year, in my opinion.
4) LG V20 – LG may not be winning in overall popularity among consumers, but year-on-year, they keep cranking out gems. The V20 does not deviate from that. The secondary screen continues, and the battery life would make anyone pleased, so another great one from the South Korean maker.
5) OnePlus 3T – Yes, OnePlus devices have finally peaked above the budget threshold. It was always a matter of time, but the company continues churning out the best “bang-for-your-buck” phones. A whopping 6GB of RAM, impressive all-day battery life, all inclusive cellular connectivity, dual-sim capable, and sleek design are propelling Carl Pei’s baby to the head of the class in the industry. For someone who still likes rooting and rom-ing, OnePlus is your ticket to paradise, so pack your bags, we leave tonight.
6) Motorola-Lenovo Moto Z Phones- Modularity done right is a truly splendid thing, and this was done right (take notes G5). Motorola-Lenovo continues its grasp of fantastic designs and innovations, and I’m excited for what they will showcase in 2017.
7) Xiaomi Mi Mix – Bezzle-less? Yup, bezzle-less display! Truly, I don’t know if anything else needs to be said.
8) HTC 10 – So HTC dropped the “One” moniker and the front facing speakers, but kept the smooth, aluminum unibody figure, while improving both software and hardware performance. Still, something was missing from this one, as I could never call it a true “flagship” device, nor worthy of daily driver material. But the once left for dead company finds itself resurfacing towards relevance….continue that climb young one!
9) HP Elite x3 – Everyone who knows me, or reads my articles, knows I have a certain soft spot in my heart for Windows devices. Enter the HP Elite x3, a device that got right what the Lumia 950 got wrong. The hefty $649 price tag keeps this from being an easy recommend, but from performance to style, this was a hot device.
10) Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe – When the heck did Asus phones get above $300? Well, this was a year of exceptions, and the Zenfone did not escape those nasty clutches! I loved testing this devices, as the pillars making a great device were present, but the only pillar I could not accept, the $659.99 price tag. Much like I stated about the Pixel phones, a steep price reduction would put this in “must buy” territory.
BEST BUDGET SMARTPHONES
1) ZTE Axon 7 – I was over the moon in love with this device and still am (review still coming in a 6-months after format). Great battery with quick charge capabilities, phenomenal audio experience, great screen quality, fantastic call quality, and outlandish RAM capacity makes this my past, current and future daily driver for awhile. At the consumer-friendly $379.00 off-contract, you are getting a flagship-like experience for budget-like bucks.
2) ZTE ZMAX Pro – Get the crown out because ZTE cemented itself as most improved manufacturer of the year banging out two elite phones at pauper prices. The ZTE ZMAX Pro, much like the Axon 7, shares a pleasurably unique user experience with little-to-no sacrifices. Being T-Mobile and MetroPCS exclusives knock down its rating from a potential top placing, but we can hope for the unlocked version, making this a must by for 2017.
3) Alcatel OneTouch Idol 4s – If a girl, or guy for you ladies, can cook, clean, hold you close, buy you presents, and care for you on those down days; they are a keeper. The same can be said about the Idol 4s, as the attractive build, nice user interface, decent battery, came packaged with a Incipio case, screen protector, JBL Headphones, and VR headset for the low price of $399.00. Idol 4s, will you marry me? For all you Windows junkies, she has a cute sister too (Idol 4s Windows).
4) Huawei Honor 5x – Building off their Nexus 6p inspired success in the Western Hemisphere, Huawei launched the Honor 5x budget device at CES earlier this year, and what a launch it was. Nice processing power, dual-sim capable, impressive call clarity, and a fingerprint sensor on a sub-$200 device made this an early recommend. Even today, at retailer discounted prices, I still feel this is one of the better phones of the year.
5) Xiaomi Mi Note 2 – Xiaomi seemingly will be one of the best manufacturers we may never hear about in the US. Churning out another wonderful device in the Mi Note line was a foregone conclusion for one of the top sellers in China, and during my testing, I was suprised by the zippy iPhone-esque clone. Again, its radios are tuned for Asia and Eastern Europe, but for a Wi-Fi only device, you could do no wrong getting this.
6) Nextbit Robin – The startup company hoped on making waves in 2016, but instead, sales indicate merely a belly-flopping thud. Currently going for as low as $179.99, a device sporting a now, only 2-generation old capable processor, front facing speakers, fingerprint sensor, and acclimating cloud storage, this falls in the great budget finds of the year.
7) Huawei Honor 8 – The Honor 8 was the Kat Dennings of phones. It had the most amazing curves, glorious backside and magnificent display jammed into a nice little frame. But the user experience was more like Cait Jenner, as it was marred by poor (and that is being polite) battery life and and a quirky EMotion user interface. That being said, if you value style, and a stunning one at that, over substance, the Honor 8 is for you. And currently going for $299.99 with extras, it’s priced for us all.
8) Motorola-Lenovo Moto G4 and G4 Play – These probably would have fallen in the upper-tier of phones…six years ago, but for 2016, the sub-1080p display and lower-end processors were overcome by the immaculate battery life and zippier than expected performance. Factor in a price tag under $200, and you just found the recipe for a happy entry-level device or a great backup device.
9) LeEco Le Pro 3 – I wanted to use a Pepe Le Pew pun but I shall refrain. This newcomer in the US market has been turning heads with its first, yet quality offering. The launcher and its layout prove problematic for Android experts, but slapping on a new launcher, you have something fabulous all for under $279.99
10) LG K7 – Debuting in January, my initial thoughts were this was merely replacement or interim phone material, but after my testing period, the Snapdragon 210-enabled device performed well above its specs. Accompanied by LG’s stylistic and durable design for under $100.00….I smell a winner!
My father used to tell me, find the humor in a bad situation. So folks, I bring you the new category for this year…
MOST ENTERTAINING SMARTPHONES…FOR THE WRONG REASONS
1) Samsung Galaxy Fireball f/k/a Galaxy Note 7 – Was it going to start a fire or not? Was it going to singe the hairs on your crotch or legs? “Probably” was the answer for both these questions, and because of that, it was the most entertaining device of the year. You may go for your nightly slumber only to wakeup and run screaming for the exits. But you must admit, any phone requiring you keep a fire extinguisher and some burn compound handy makes for good times.
2) LG G5 – WTF?!?! I know what LG was attempting, finally making the long awaited modular devices a reality, but this turned into a hot mess from jump. If the G5 was a person, she would be that one girl who shows up at a party with a combed over weave, purple top with lime green skirt, and some knock off Jordan’s….like I said, a HOT MESS!
Well everyone, that concludes the top smartphones of 2o16. Tell me what you think in the comments section, whether you agree or disagree. Thanks and stay tuned for more!
JA3Tech 