Top 10 smartphones for business – 2014 edition
Smartphones may seem ubiquitious but they haven’t reached saturation point yet in North America. In 2014 we saw more options released than ever before as manufacturers compete for the remaining market of users getting a smartphone for the first time, and those looking to upgrade their device yet again. From Apple all the way to Xperia Z3, we reviewed 10 of the year’s premium releases to help you figure out the right device. Find all of those reviews in the slides ahead.
Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
Apple Inc. responded to the popularity of larger screens on smartphones with two options for the iPhone 6, introducing the biggest version of the iPhone ever seen. But does the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus deliver for business needs? Read the full three-part review to find out.
BlackBerry Passport
At the beginning of 2013, BlackBerry tried to make a come back with its new BlackBerry 10 OS and new touch screen phones – a departure from the classic physical keyboard that users know and love. But in 2014 it was back to what made BlackBerry famous in a big way with the Passport. Find out if it’s a practical choice in our review.
Google Nexus 5
Made by LG, the Nexus 5 continues the line of stock Android phones that carry the Google brand name. This device is a bit of a pet favourite here at ITBusiness.ca as many staff members use it on a daily basis. It offers a good mix of features, customization capabilities, and at a reasonable price. But is it the right smartphone for you? Our review should clear that up.
HTC One M8
HTC was once the darling of Android smartphone manufacturers. While Samsung owns that title these days, HTC’s flagship device remains impressive. The all-metal body, fast processor, and front-facing speakers all attest to the quality of the build. There’s other features on One M8 that business users will appreciate, as you’ll learn in our review.
LG G3
LG might be the maker of the Nexus 5, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have its own branded Android device out on the market. With the G3, it’s updating its flagship phone with an overhauled and simplified user interface. It also focused on delivering a quad HD screen and excellent-quality camera. Find out if that mix is right for you in our complete review.
Moto G
The Moto G was one of the smartphones released when Motorola Mobility was still owned by Google. It received a lot of attention upon its release for being an Android device envisioned by the creator of the operating system. Although the device is now a bit aged in smartphone terms, a new LTE version delivers reliable quality and a very appealing price. Is it right for your business device? Read the review and see.
Nokia Lumia 830
The Nokia Lumia 830 is a smartphone of both firsts and lasts. It’s the last device that will be branded as Nokia after the Finnish smartphone maker was acquired in full by Microsoft. It’s the first to feature Microsoft’s voice-assistant Cortana, though some of those features won’t work yet in Canada. Positioned as an affordable flagship device, find out if Nokia’s last device is right for you in our review.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Of all Android smartphone makers, Samsung seems to have come across the winning formula: big screen, tons of features, voice assistant, and a good camera. It’s sticking with what works in the latest Note 4 iteration, making a premium device that will probably make you happy if you can afford it. The Note line also continues to offer the S-Pen, an interactive stylus. Read the full review to learn more.
Samsung Galaxy S5
Samsung’s update to its popular Galaxy S series strips down some of the third-party software applications, beefs up the power of the device, and makes the phone more resistant to dust and water while also adding a fingerprint scanner for added security. It’s one of the most purchased consumer options, but does it have the right stuff for a business device? Our review helps you decide.
Sony Xperia Z2
Sony’s sequel to its Xperia Z is known for being waterproof and having a couple of other unique features for its users – like glove mode, so you can continue to operate the touch screen throughout a Canadian winter. Overall the Xperia Z2’s feature set and specs stand up against any other Android device put on the market this year. Read our full review to find out if Sony’s device is right for you.
