Guest Post: Top Smartphones of 2011

Guest post by Chris Pentago. Find Chris on Twitter and Google+.

With every passing year, mobile phones become more advanced. With the current smartphone craze, a newer and more powerful device is always right around the corner. As the year begins to wind down, we take a look at the best new mobile phones available.

Motorola Droid RAZR

The Droid RAZR represents a merging of two of the most iconic brands in the history of mobile phones. Many will recall Motorola's 2004 RAZR, the thinnest phone of its era. The Droid RAZR follows in its footsteps, measuring an incredibly thin 7.1 millimeters.The Droid RAZR runs Android 3.0 Gingerbread and is powered by the latest hardware. It has specs that tech fans drool over. The device features a 4.3 Super AMOLED Advanced display and dual-core processor. The phone also has a front-facing camera for video chat, and can shoot HD video. On top of all of this, Motorola coated the Droid RAZR with Kevlar and a splash guard, making the Droid RAZR resistant to spills.

Samsung Galaxy S2

 The international version of the Galaxy S2 has been available for some time overseas, but it just recently made its way to US carriers. The specs vary between carrier, but the theme remains the same: A massive screen that's around 4.5 inches, a dual-core processor, front and back cameras, and a thin build that's extremely sleek. The phone runs Android 3.0 with Samsung's TouchWiz skin and custom widgets, making the experience of using the device just a bit more friendly for the casual crowd. For anyone who's not on Verizon and can't get the Droid RAZR, the Galaxy S2 is their best bet for a thin phone with a beautiful screen and slim build.

Google and Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Google and Samsung have teamed up once more for the latest Nexus device from Google. The Galaxy Nexus sports the features everyone would expect, such as a dual-core processor and front-facing and rear-facing cameras. A few things set it apart from the rest, though. For starters, it has a 4.6" Super AMOLED screen capable of displaying HD video. It has what Google calls a contour display, meaning the screen is slightly curved allowing for easier use. Perhaps most importantly, it is the first device to run what Google calls Ice Cream Sandwich, otherwise known as Android 4.0. Android 4.0 features an overhauled user experience that is faster and sleeker, and requires no physical buttons on the device. Because of this, the Galaxy Nexus is going to be on the cutting edge of both hardware and software.

Apple iPhone 4S


The latest iPhone continues to help set the standard when it comes to ease of use, speed and form factor. The device builds on the beautiful design standards established by the iPhone 4 but throws a faster, dual-core processor into the mix along with a much improved camera. The iPhone 4S also includes Apple's proprietary voice recognition software, Siri. Siri lets users operate the device with their voices instead of fingers. Those looking for a reliable and simple smartphone experience can't go wrong with the iPhone 4S.

There are new mobile phones being released constantly. None will last forever before the next great thing comes out, however, these devices are among those with specs that will last for the long haul. All of these devices are available now or will be by the end of November, making them a great pick for the holiday season. Which one would you pick? Tell us in the comments below.