Best 5 cell phones

(Updated October 1, 2012 11:30 AM PDT)

Jessica Dolcourt
Senior Editor

You carry your phone almost everywhere, which means that finding the right one is key. As a starting point, here are the top five phones right now in any category. Follow the links at the left to drill deeper into our favorite smartphones and cell phones by type. These lists change frequently, so check back!

Apple iPhone 5 (AT&T;, Sprint, Verizon)

Best iPhone ever

The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe.

Starts at $199.00 Verizon | AT&T | Sprint

4 stars

Excellent

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Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) (T-Mobile, AT&T;, Sprint, Verizon, U.S. Cellular)

A complete package

Pumped with high-performing hardware and creative software features, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is an excellent, top-end phone that's neck and neck with the HTC One X.

Price: $49.99 - $139.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) (T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, U.S. Cellular)

HTC One X (AT&T;)

Best music phone

Quad-core processing isn't everything, and AT&T;'s new $199.99 HTC One X proves it. This advanced Android has style, speed, blazing 4G, and power galore.

Price: $99.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review