Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
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Google's Pixel project has long been a mainstay for Android enthusiasts, but something has changed a bit this year. It still offers the most "pure" experience you'll find among many big-name vendors, but that pure experience has taken on a bit of a different look and feel with Android 9 Pie. As the most polarizing version of Android ever, Android 9 Pie introduces some big changes to navigation and multitasking that some users are less than thrilled with, while others feel right at home with the new systems. Google has had its fair share of issues with the Pixel 3 family this year, but there's something the Pixel family has that no other Android phone can claim: regular monthly software updates. Sometimes these are just security patches, other times they aim to fix problems or introduce new features, but it's the update schedule that has had many folks sold on the idea of owning Google's own phone, regardless of the issues these updates can sometimes cause. Google also offers unlimited full-size photo and video backup through its cloud services, as well as excellent support straight within the settings menu. You can pick up the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL straight from Google, or via Project Fi and Verizon.
HTC U12+
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Unlike some devices, the HTC U12+ keeps getting better with age, as HTC has solved many of the issues folks had when the phone first launched, including fixes to those unique force-touch buttons on the side. The HTC U12+ offers a more advanced side-sensing technology than any other phone out there, offering the ability to use taps and squeezes on the sides in addition to just touching the screen with your finger. In addition to these excellent gestures, the cameras on the HTC U12+ still rank among the best out there, and the audio recording quality on videos is second to none. With the ability to not just zoom in on your subject with higher video quality, thanks to the secondary telephoto lens, but to also hone in on the audio coming from that particular spot with the amazing directional microphones on the device. It's a powerful phone with powerful features, but be sure to check out our review if you want more info!
Razer Phone 2
Gamers are certainly going to be familiar with the name Razer, and folks who are looking for the best possible mobile gaming experience don't need to look anywhere else. With an eye-watering 120hz screen up front, the frame rates from the Razer Phone 2 are going to blow your mind, delivering the smoothest gaming performance of any phone on the market, bar none. Combine this with a stellar pair of stereo front-facing speakers and a new sleeker glass build with RGB lighting, you'd got a gamer's dream all packed into one device.
Sony Xperia XZ2
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Despite Sony recently releasing the Xperia XZ3, which features a significantly improved screen and sleeker design over its predecessor, the Xperia XZ2 still packs all the same main specs and identical rear-camera setup for a fraction of the price of Sony's latest. It's also got the advantage of offering a choice of two sizes, while the Xperia XZ3 only comes in one large size. There's no doubting the Xperia XZ3 is an improvement in many ways over the XZ2, but when it comes to value it's hard to argue against the XZ2's excellent price, as the larger Xperia XZ2 can be had for around $650, while the smaller XZ2 Compact is selling for around $500 at this time of writing. Compare that with the $900 price tag of the XZ3 and you'll quickly understand why the XZ2 is such a great deal. Check out our reviews to find out more!