Although the growth of the high-end segment has declined of late, there have been some truly remarkable devices launched over the course of the year. Here are the five best smartphones of 2014:

New Moto X

The new Moto X is larger, wider and more feature-filled when compared to last year’s version. While the first-generation Moto X was highly regarded for its in-hand feel and comfort, this year’s models eschews ergonomics for a larger screen, a trend that is becoming more and more common among high-end devices of late. That doesn’t mean that the new Moto X is too unwieldy to use one-handed; far from it. The thin bezels and curved edges mean that the device fits in your hand better than others that also feature large screens. Also, the aluminium frame around the device adds to its premium nature and highlights the overall design.

While offering a near-stock UI, Motorola has baked in enough custom features that serves to differentiate the Moto X from devices running vanilla Android. The Active Display feature is so intuitive that it should be offered as standard across all devices. With this feature, the device lights up whenever a notification arrives, allowing you to quickly look at it without having to unlock the screen. Active Display combined with an always-on listening mode – which sees a dedicated digital signal processor actively listening for the hotword – are the two best features to be included in a device of late. While the first-gen Moto X had this feature through a middle-man service, Android 5.0 natively allows this functionality, which gives quicker access to voice-enabled actions.

The Moto X from 2013 did not feature the latest hardware available at the time, but this time around Motorola has included the latest available specs with the new Moto X. Under the hood, there’s a 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 SoC, 2 GB RAM, 13 MP camera, 2 MP front shooter and Wi-Fi ac connectivity along with a 2,300 mAh battery. The battery life was a major concern in last year’s handset, and while the 2014 Moto X does not fare much better in this segment, at least there is the ability to charge the device quickly due to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which is leveraged through a unique charger.

The 16GB version of the smartphone is available for $499, and can be customized heavily through Moto Maker. Should you wish to do so, you can get a leather or wooden back variant for $25 more. The sheer number of customization options combined with the exclusive features like Active Display make the new Moto X one of the best devices available today.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Galaxy Note 4 is unlike any Samsung (KRX:005935) flagship smartphone thus far in that it actually looks like a premium handset. Samsung has finally decided to use metal in the construction of their devices, and in the case of the Galaxy Note 4, this is in the form of a metal frame that runs around the sides of the device, adding rigidity to the structure as whole while providing aesthetic value.

Another first is the 16MP camera sensor, which now comes with OIS, a feature that has been long-requested by loyal fans. The imaging sensor is from Sony (NYSE:SNE), and comes with Samsung’s customizations on the software side of things. The 5.7-inch QuadHD AMOLED screen is outstanding, and is one of the best displays on a Samsung handset yet.

TouchWiz, long criticized as one of the worst manufacturer skins, has also received a facelift. However, Samsung has not cut down on the gimmicky features, and in fact found new “health-oriented” utilities that will allow you to track your daily activities better. The result is that a device with a quad-core 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 SoC (octa-core Exynos 5422 in some markets) stutters during the loading animations. Turning off animations entirely makes things better, but if there is a single drawback to the Galaxy Note 4, it is the software. Samsung needs to re-evaluate its stance of software design and focus on things that matter to users instead of just bundling every single utility it has made over the course of the last five years into its devices.

That being said, there are a few features that stand out, and serve to distinguish the Galaxy Note series from other phablets out there. The most useful is Multi Window mode, which as the name suggests allows you to run two utilities side by side simultaneously. There’s also a similar mode for video as well that allows you to run two videos side by side, but that once again falls into the realm of gimmicks. The stylus has also been tweaked to offer better sensitivity, and comes a lot of features that boost its functionality. For instance, Photo Note is a utility that scans images and lets you make changes to them using the stylus.

Overall, the Galaxy Note 4 is a move in the right direction for Samsung. The device is easily the best-looking Samsung flagship we’ve seen, and the stellar hardware means that you will not be encountering any lag (barring those caused by TouchWiz, of course). With carrier subsidies in effect, the device comes down to $199, although the off-contract pricing of $800 is not astronomical considering the features you’ll be getting. There’s also the Galaxy Gifts promotion, through which you stand to get over $300 worth of digital services for free from Samsung.

OnePlus One

If there is one device that can be categorized as the best of 2014, it would be the OnePlus One. Nothing comes close to the device in the sheer number of features it offers for the price. Sure, novel utilities like double tap to wake, ambient display and camera software tweaks are missing, but when it comes to the basics, the OnePlus One smartphone gets everything right. Though the device features a 5.5-inch 1080p display, non-existent bezels and a clever design – which sees the display slightly raised from the rest of the device – lends to a form factor that allows you to use the device one-handed.

The OnePlus One has hardware that is often found in devices twice as costly: there’s that 5.5-inch full-HD display, 3GB RAM, 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 SoC, 13 MP camera at the back with a Sony MIX214 sensor (the same that’s used in devices like the LG G3), 5 MP front shooter, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connectivity and a 3,100 mAh battery.

The device features a custom CyanogenMod skin, and the differences from stock Android are immediately noticeable. The theme engine, which allows you to modify all facets of the UI, is a great feature to have for users looking to customize the handset to their liking, and the settings feature the most comprehensive list of options we’ve seen on an Android device. Another point of differentiation is the quick rollout of updates, with the OnePlus community constantly listening to consumer feedback and providing quick fixes for commonly found issues.

Talking about issues, the only major drawback with the device is availability, although getting hold of an invite has gotten relatively easier over the last few months. Retailing at $349 for the 64GB Sandstone back version, and just $299 for the 16GB variant, there are few devices that match up to their billing. The OnePlus One is one of the few devices that manages to do so successfully.

iPhone 6 Plus

After years of making snide comments about phablets, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has decided to join the game with the iPhone 6 Plus. The device is not being called a phablet, but a handset that allows you to do more. The more is in reference to the screen size, which at 5.5 inches is larger than most Android flagship devices out there today. The resolution has been increased to 1080p, and the hardware has also gotten a boost.

Powering the iPhone 6 Plus is the Apple A8 SoC, which has a dual-core version of a Cyclone architecture CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz along with a PowerVR GX6450 GPU. Other specs do not matter much, connectivity as the software is tuned to run on whatever hardware is current-gen. With the iPhone, it has always been about the experience, and this time around it is no different. The iPhone 6 Plus comes with a new design that is being heralded as the best ever, is thinner and has a more premium look to it, and runs iOS 8 out of the box. That is one of the things it is meant to do well: get going out of the box without having to fiddle around with a bunch of settings (or as Android users like to call it, customization).

Of note is the 8 MP camera at the back that now comes with OIS, which is in fact one of the reasons to go with the iPhone 6 Plus instead of its smaller sibling, the iPhone 6. The device is available in memory variations of 16, 64 and 128GB, with each increment costing $100 (on-contract) more. The cost of the device varies based on the territory, but the entry-level handset is in the vicinity of $800.

One of the major talking points during the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus smartphone was the introduction of NFC, which allows customers to pay for services using their mobile devices using a digital payment system called Apple Pay. Currently available in the US but facing backlash from a variety of retailers including CVS and Walmart (who are in the process of introducing their own digital payments service called CurrentC), Apple is looking to launch the service in additional countries. If you’re looking to go with iOS, the iPhone 6 Plus is the handset to get.

Lumia 930

The Lumia 930 is the last flagship device to bear the iconic Nokia (NYSE:NOK) name, at least for this decade. Now that the Finnish manufacturer’s acquisition to Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is finalized, the Redmond giant’s logo will be used on future Lumia models, like the Lumia 535 that was announced last week. For now, Microsoft seems to be content targeting the entry-level and mid-tier segments with its latest device launches, as evidenced by the announcement of the Lumia 730, Lumia 830 and now the Lumia 535.

What this means is that for this year, the Lumia 930 smartphone is your only real choice if you’re looking to get a Windows Phone in the high-end segment. There is the 6-inch Lumia 1520 that was announced last November, but considering we’re already more than 12 months into the life cycle of the device, it is not being recommended. Also, the form factor of the Lumia 1520 does not make it a comfortable device to use on a day-to-day basis.

Ever since the Lumia 1520 was announced, fans of Windows Phone have been clamoring for a device with similar hardware in a 5-inch form factor, and the answer is the Lumia 930. The device comes in color variations of white, black, green and orange, and carriers on Nokia’s ethos that is clearly visible in all Lumia handsets. The build quality is excellent, there is a camera shutter key on the right side, and the camera itself, a 20 MP PureView sensor, is one of the best imaging sensors you can get in a handset.

Furthermore, Nokia’s exclusive utilities like HERE navigation services (which Microsoft is now licensing for the Lumia series) are a standout in this category thanks to features like offline turn-by-turn routing. Then there are the host of camera-centric utilities, as well as the music and video services. But the best feature of all has to be Cortana. It may not be as accurate as Google Now, but it is the most fun to use among all voice-based assistants available today.

The list of features that can be handled by Cortana is increasing on a weekly basis, and the assistant excels at getting the basics right, which can be said of the platform itself as a whole. With Windows Phone, you may not get Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) services, but Microsoft is starting to add enough functionality that you don’t have to.

The post Five Best Smartphones of 2014 appeared first on VR World.

Classrooms at schools of all types are filling up across the nation this week, as students once again return for another year of classes.

As students prepare for another year of learning, retailers  slashing prices on the tools and toys that students will need to get through another school year.

To help guide your back to school purchases, VR World and Bright Side of News contributors have put together a back to school guide for 2014 to help you buy the top tablets, smartphones, dorm room TVs, premium notebooks, low cost notebooks, and gaming systems for your 2014 back to school shopping.

Top Five Back to School 2014 Smartphones

1) LG G3

With a quad-HD screen boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1440, the LG G3 is one of the best smartphones available for purchase today. The design of the LG G3 speaks volumes about the shift LG has witnessed in the way it handles product design. Although the G3 does not feature a metallic back, the brushed metal finish and the curved edges exude a sense of class that Samsung has thus far failed to achieve with its Galaxy S line of devices. Although the G3 features a 5.5-inch screen, the narrow bezels and the curved back design means that it is comfortable to hold and use one-handed.

A more interesting change from other mainstream handsets is the placement of the volume and power buttons, which are at the back of the G3. LG started this trend with the G2 last year, stating that the placement of buttons at the back of a device was “intuitive” and was more comfortable for users in the long run. As is often the case with such decisions, the placement of the buttons is subject to individual taste. There are many who like it and make the switch, and then there are users who cannot get accustomed to the change. What is clear is that it makes the device easier to use one-handed, as you don’t have to reach all the way to the side to switch on the device. It is likely that most users will not even bother using the power button to switch on the device thanks to LG’s Knock Code, which allows you to unlock the device by tapping on the display. The latest version of Knock Code allows you to set your own unlock combinations for switching on the screen.

Under the hood, the LG G3 features a Snapdragon 801 SoC, which has an Adreno 330 GPU and a quad-core arrangement of Krait 400 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz. In terms of memory, LG is offering two variants of the device, one with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage and the other with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage. The 13 MP camera sensor at the back features a laser focusing system that allows the G3 to focus faster than other devices in this segment, and comes with the ability to record 4K videos. In terms of connectivity, the G3 boasts LTE Category 4 (150 Mbit downstream, 50 Mbit upstream), Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, IR blaster and microUSB 2.0. The 3000 mAh battery is the only area of concern in an otherwise great smartphone. If you’re looking for the absolute best in terms of hardware, this is the device to get.

2) HTC One M8

Design is one of the key areas of interest with the One M8. HTC has won numerous awards with the aluminum design of the One M7 last year, and with this year’s flagship, the vendor focused more on tweaking the design than overhauling it. The result is that the One M8 features a curvier design, is taller but not much wider thanks to narrower bezels, and features an aluminium back that has 90% metal. The device is taller as it has to accommodate a larger 5.0-inch LCD3 full-HD display, which is backed by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3.

HTC has not sacrificed anything when it comes to internal hardware, and as a result the One M8 holds its own against other flagships of 2014, like the Galaxy S5 and the LG G3. Under the hood, the device features a Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AB) SoC, which has a slightly lower clocked 2.3 GHz CPU instead of the 2.5 GHz variant found on the G3. The difference is barely noticeable, and is essentially negated considering the One M8 has a full-HD screen whereas the G3 comes with a quad-HD screen. The One M8 also has 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory, microSD card slot to extend memory to 128 GB, Wi-Fi ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, LTE Category 4 connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, USB OTG and microUSB 2.0.

The One M7 saw a paradigm shift in the way HTC tackled imaging sensors, with the Taiwanese vendor choosing to go with a larger sensor instead of one with a higher megapixel count. This time around, HTC has doubled the number of camera sensors in what is called Duo Camera layout. The second camera is used to add a layer of depth, which allows you to change focus to photos and videos. While Google and other vendors have started offering a software-based version of this feature, HTC has decided to go with the hardware route. At the front, the One M8 comes with a traditional 5 MP shooter.

HTC has continued its focus on design even in the software realm, with Sense 6 boasting numerous enhancements and feature additions. The user interface is more modern, and is a far sight better than what other vendors like Samsung and LG offer. Running on a base of Android 4.4.2 KitKat, manufacturer-level additions by HTC like BlinkFeed and Zoe are actually useful without feeling gimmicky. Also, the One M8 features on-screen navigation buttons, becoming the first HTC device to do so.

With the recent launch of the device for Windows Phone, you can now choose between the Android variant and the Windows Phone version. Not since the Palm Treo has this choice been available to consumers. Both versions of the device feature the same hardware as well as most exclusive HTC utilities (Zoe isn’t available for Windows phone yet), and if we were to pick one, we’d go for the Windows Phone version, just because the design of the handset ties in well with the tile-based interface of Windows Phone.

3) Motorola Moto X

If running the latest hardware isn’t as vital as ergonomics, the Moto X is the ideal device for you. Easily the smallest device in this list, the Moto X comes with a 720p 4.7-inch screen that makes the handset very comfortable to use one-handed day in, day out. The internal hardware in the Moto X is more similar to that of the Nexus 4, and may seem outdated by today’s standards, but the device functions with nary a stutter thanks to the way it is set up by Motorola. Instead of throwing in the fastest hardware available, Motorola decided to optimize the hardware so that it just works.

Therefore, while Motorola could have added a full-HD display to the Moto X, it chose not to, as that would mean considerable battery drain and undue strain on the GPU. For a device with a screen size matching that of the Moto X, the decision has paid off as the AMOLED screen is one of the best things about the handset.

Specs include a modified Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8960) that offers a dual-core 1.7 GHz CPU, Adreno 320 GPU and two additional cores – one for contextual computing and the other for natural language processing. These cores allow you to access Moto X exclusive features like Active Display, Quick Capture and Touchless Control, which allow you to issue voice commands even when the screen is off. The voice command feature and the ability to customize the device to your heart’s content via Moto Maker differentiate the Moto X from every other device available in the market today.

If a spec list is what you want, that’s what you shall receive: 2 GB RAM, 16/32/64 GB internal memory, 10 MP camera, 2 MP shooter at the front, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, LTE Category 3 connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 2200 mAh battery. Although the battery size may not inspire much confidence, the Moto X easily lasts a full day on a single charge. Still interested in the LG G3? Fine, but we suggest buying an external power bank just in case (that quad-HD screen needs a lot of juice).

As for the Moto X, a successor dubbed the Moto X+1 is scheduled to be unveiled next week, but that doesn’t meant that the original device is any less alluring. If anything, it’ll drive the price of the Moto X down, which is a good thing.

4) OnePlusOne

OnePlus created a lot of hype with the OnePlus One, and while most of the time the final device fails to live up to its expectations, the OnePlus One delivers on all fronts. Featuring a 5.5-inch full-HD display, Snapdragon 801 SoC (MSM974AC), 3 GB RAM, 16/64 GB internal storage variations, LTE Category 4 connectivity, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.0, 13 MP camera with a Sony Exmor IMX214 imaging sensor and a 5 MP front shooter along with a 3100 mAh battery, the OnePlus One is blazing fast.

The design of the device is understated, like the Nexus 5. There aren’t any manufacturer additions that are often found in high-end handsets, like the laser guided camera focusing system on the G3, or the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S5. The OnePlus One is designed to be a minimalistic device, and as such does not offer any extraneous utilities that usually tend to make things harder at the manufacturing level (ahem, Duo Camera on the One M8).

On the software side of things, OnePlus has collaborated with Cyanogen in launching a custom version of CyanogenMod for the OnePlus One, called CyanogenMod 11S. Based on Android 4.4.2, the custom ROM comes with many additional features that are not included in the stock version of Android, like a theme chooser, secure messaging and slow motion video recording.

The $299 price tag for the 16 GB version is just the icing on the cake. Since OnePlus is selling the OnePlus One at near manufacturing cost, one avenue where the manufacturer is looking to make money is through accessories like back covers. Called StyleSwap covers, these back covers serve to customize the OnePlus One even further. A bamboo variant is scheduled to launch later this month, which will be priced at $49. While everything about the OnePlus One is stellar, whether it is in terms of overall design or the internal hardware, there is one drawback that is a huge cause for concern for potential customers: availability.

Instead of launching the OnePlus One on its store, OnePlus created an invite system, which makes getting hold of the device challenging. Since its launch, it has become easier to get a hold of a OnePlus One, but the additional effort required in getting one is unnecessarily cumbersome. It is worthwhile though? Yes. While other value for money devices like the Nexus 5 suffer from a bad camera and substandard battery life, the OnePlus One has no such shortcomings. It is a high-end smartphone that is being offered at a mid-tier price.

5) Lumia 930

In a world filled with Android handsets, the Lumia 930 aims to offer users something different. Launched earlier this year in the year as the Icon, Nokia has launched and international version of the device with a handful of enhancements and addition of global LTE bands.

The design of the Lumia 930 is not as flamboyant as other Lumia designs, although the device does come in various color variations. The sides, like the Lumia 925, are backed by aluminium, with the back featuring a polycarbonate construction. With a 5-inch full-HD display, the Lumia 930 boasts the highest pixel density of any Lumia device at 441 ppi. The contrast as well as viewing angles are great, and the inclusion of Nokia’s ClearBlack technology means that the screen is readable in bright conditions.

The Lumia 930 features a 2.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 SoC that excels at powering the device, seeing as how Windows Phone devices aren’t as harsh on system resources as their Android counterparts. Other specs include 2 GB RAM, 20 MP PureView camera with OIS, dual-LED flash and a 1/2.5-inch sensor size, 1.2 MP front shooter, Wi-Fi ac, LTE Category 4, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, microUSB 2.0 and a 2420 mAh battery.

The Lumia 930 is the first handset to come with Windows Phone 8.1 out of the box, which features a significant array of new features like Action Center, Cortana, customizable tiles in addition to Nokia’s exclusive suite of utilities that include Nokia Camera, Creative Studio, Storyteller and more.

Android has Google Now, iOS has Siri, and with Windows Phone 8.1, there is now Cortana. Lauded as the most natural sounding voice assistant, Cortana uses Bing’s search results to offer recommendations, weather results, nearby location information and a wealth of other data, with Microsoft steadily adding more features to the service. One of the main factors against recommending a Lumia was the lack of content available for the ecosystem, but that isn’t the case anymore.

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