2015 is nearly at an end, and it has been another significant year for the mobile marketplace. So without further ado here is a rundown of the 12 best smartphones released during the calendar year.
Twelve Best Smartphones Of 2015
1. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
One of the most attractive consumer products released during 2015, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge continues to cement the reputation of the Korean manufacturer and its curved screen technology. Featuring an ultra-fast processor and a fantastic camera, the Galaxy S6 received outstanding critical acclaim. Features arguably the best screen in the business, along with battery life that continues to impress. Excellent value for money and an extremely powerful performer.
2. iPhone 6s
It is simply unthinkable to complete the best smartphones of any calendar year without including the prolific iPhone series. The iPhone 6s perhaps won’t go down as the most mind-blowing handset that Apple has ever released, and nor has it been the most successful. But the introduction of a new force-sensitive touchscreen, dubbed 3D Touch, was a major innovation, and the iPhone remains the slickest, coolest, best designed and most iconic smartphone available on the market.
3. Google Nexus 5X
In all honesty, every smartphone manufacturer has work to do to catch up with the duopoly of Apple and Samsung. But perhaps the best of the rest in 2015 was the Google Nexus 5X. This nifty smartphone performer provided nearly the same performance level as the Nexus 6P, at an extremely affordable price point. It features an extremely nifty fingerprint sensor, a strong camera, and excellent software support via Android Marshmallow. Definitely worth considering for those who wish to veer away from the usual Apple and Samsung offerings.
4. Lenovo K3 Note
Lenovo is making huge strides in the smartphone marketplace, with India a particularly important niche for the corporation. With numerous models selling well for the company in 2015, none was more successful than the K3 Note. With the specifications and performance to compare favorably with smartphones that cost up to twice as much as this unit, it is a fantastic device for anyone on a budget requiring the basics to be done particularly well. This is also a very speedy performer that seemingly punches well above its weight.
5. Xiaomi Mi 4
The Xiaomi Mi 4 burst on to the scene at the beginning of 2015, with a combination of relatively high-end hardware and particularly competitive pricing. This is another example of an extremely competent and ably performing smartphone that is also available at a competitive price point. Both the camera included in this smartphone and the battery life of the device particularly impressed critics, and although the Xiaomi Mi 4 Is yet to become anything approaching a household name in the Western world, it certainly has potential for the future.
6. Moto X Play
The Moto X Play is surely one of the most reliable, dependable and sturdy smartphones available on the market. There is nothing particularly attractive about this device, with the Moto X Play featuring a rather rudimentary design. But the fact that it is manufactured by Motorola ensures that the build quality and components included in the handsets are of the highest quality. This is definitely one of the best value smartphones available on the market, and offers an extremely decent Android experience for the price.
7. Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Arguably the highest specification mobile available in the world, the Galaxy Note series has now established itself as an extremely successful device for Samsung. Notable for its stylish aluminum and glass body, the Galaxy Note 5 also delivers a heavyweight performance. This combination of power and beauty has ensured that it now has a reputation equal to that of the flagship Galaxy S series. Perhaps a particular highlight of the Galaxy Note 5 is the stylus included with the device, which can be used in order to aid productivity and creativity.
8. Gionee Marathon M5
The Gionee Marathon M5 deserves inclusion in this list owing to the fantastic battery life that it delivers. With a 6020mAh cell included, this blows away the performance of such a perennial favorite as the iPhone range, and makes almost any activity feasible over a 24-hour period. This is a device that truly earns its Marathon name, and is well worth seeking out for those smartphone users who require something convenient without the frills of other smartphones available on the market.
9. Google Nexus 6P
This device garnered a significant amount of attention for Google during 2015, becoming unquestionably the most successful smartphone released by the software giant. Its attractive metal build and fantastically detailed screen combine to create a striking effect. Its camera is also lauded, and it even offers users the opportunity to shoot in 4K.
10. Sony Xperia Z5
The Xperia Z5 is another solid addition to the Sony smartphone range, although the feeling persists that the Japanese corporation has yet to make much of an impression on the marketplace. A decent camera coupled with the addition of a fingerprint scanner meant that this was a decent offering from Sony, but it didn’t quite offer enough to compete in what is an extremely ruthless marketplace, particularly in its inability to deliver quad HD.
11. LG G4
LG really impressed with the G3 in 2014, but the LG G4 was something of a disappointment. Although the hardware was pretty strong in this smartphone, the build quality of the device was criticized, and overall it didn’t feel like a huge step forward from last year’s release. Wireless charging was also disappointingly dropped. Having said that, this is still a very strong smartphone, available at a very affordable price.
12. HTC One M9
Finally, HTC has yet to achieve the market share that its excellent devices deserve, and this year’s One M9 was no exception to this rule. This smartphone has arguably the best design and build of any Android smartphone, and some powerful hardware ensures that this is an excellent performer. However, it perhaps pales in comparison slightly to the Galaxy S6, and again does not feel like a big enough upgrade over last year’s release.
