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New Android Phones Released in September 2013
September has been a very exciting month for mobile technology enthusiasts, and for Android as well. Hot off the heels of our IFA 2013 coverage, we had a quick stopover in Beijing where we got to spend some quality hands on time with Oppo‘s latest flagship, the OPPO N1. We also had the privilege to spend significant time with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and LG G2. Of course, with an iPhone 5s and 5C droptest, we’ve had our plates full. And while this list might be a bit short, you can be sure that all the devices listed below are the very latest and greatest in the world of Android. Let’s see what the best and new Android phones released in September were, shall we?
#1 – LG G2
The LG G2 is a notable addition in the Android space. It’s powered by a quad-core 2.26GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Adreno 330 GPU. It also has an incredible 13-megapixel camera.
The LG G2 has a super thin bezel, allowing the G2 to have a beautiful edge to edge display. Interestingly enough, the volume rocker and power button are actually placed on the back of the device, directly under the camera. This new Android phone is leagues ahead of phones from earlier this year, and it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.
| Display | 5.2-inch IPS LCD, Full HD (1920 x 1080), 424 ppi, 2.65mm bezel |
|---|---|
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974, quad-core Krait 400 @ 2.26GHz, Adreno 330 GPU |
RAM | 2GB, Graphic RAM |
Storage | 16GB/32GB |
Battery | 3000 mAh non-removable |
Cameras | 13 MP rear, OIS, autofocus, LED flash, sapphire glass, 2.1 MP front |
Networks | LTE, LTE-A, HSDPA, GSM |
Connectivity | NFC, A-GPS, GLONASS, microUSB, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE |
OS | Android 4.2.2, Optimus UI |
Dimensions | 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm, 140g |
Colors | Black/White |
Buy Now on Amazon $649(unlocked) | Verizon $199 – $599
#2 – Sony Xperia Z1
Powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 20.7-megapixel camera, Sony is setting a much higher bar with the Xperia Z1.
It features a dazzling 5-inch Full HD display (1920 x 1080 resolution) with TRILUMINOS and X-Reality technology. And with a 3,000 mAh battery, you can get a lot of great media consumption out of this guy. And let’s not forget that it’s IP-57 certified, which is to say that it’s near waterproof (to a point) as well as dust-proof. Clumsy types, take note.
For U.S. residents, it’ll be hard to find the Z1. At the time of this writing, it’s only available in the U.K., but you find it on eBay for $750+.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
Display | 5-inch Full HD display (1920 x 1080 resolution) with TRILUMINOS and X-Reality technology |
Processor | 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with Adreno 330 graphics |
RAM | 2GB of RAM |
Storage | 16GB |
Battery | 3,000 mAh |
Cameras | 20.7-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with G Lens (27mm wide angle and F2.0 aperture), BIONZ for mobile and a suite of camera apps (Info-eye, AR Effect, Timeshift Burst, Social Live) |
OS | Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Sony features on top |
Dimensions | 144 x 74 x 8.5mm, 170 grams |
For more on the Xperia Z1, click here.
Buy Now on Amazon $799(unlocked)
#3 – Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Powered by a quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 5.7-inch Full HD display, the Galaxy Note 3 is the hottest new Android phone on the market.
It also features a 3,200 mAh battery, a 13-megapixel camera strapped on the back, and it comes in 32GB and 64 GB options. There’s also a microSD card to expand that storage, if needed.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
Network | 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz, 3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz, 4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets (Dependent on market), region locked |
Processor | LTE 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor |
3G 1.9 GHz Octa Core Processor ( A15 1.9 GHz + A7 1.3 GHz) | |
Display | 5.7inch (144.3mm) Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) |
OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) |
Camera | Rear 13MP BSI Sensor, Auto Focus, 'Smart Stabilization', LED Flash(High CRI), and Zero Shutter Lag, Front 2 Mega-pixel BSI sensor with Smart Stabilization, |
Recording | Recording: UHD 30fps, Smooth motion (FHD 60fps), Slow motion (HD 120fps) |
Video | Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, HEVC, Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p), UHD (*may differ by market) |
Audio | Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(*), WAV(*) |
(*) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support | |
Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80), IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0, GPS / GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE) |
Sensor | Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB, Proximity, Barometer, Temperature & Humidity, Hall Sensor |
Memory | 32/ 64 GB User memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB), 3GB RAM |
Dimension | 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, 168g |
Battery | Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh |
For more on the Galaxy Note 3, click here.
Buy Now on Amazon $768(Unlocked) Verizon $299 – $699
#4 – Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Powered by a quad-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, the Xperia Z Ultra is one of the more impressive new Android phones on the street. It has 16GB of internal storage and microSD support.
Sony’s Xperia Z Ultra features a massive 6.44-inch Triluminos Full HD LCD display, capable of 1,920 x 1,080, rated at 344ppi. The device isn’t available in the US, but it is currently available for pre-order, and it can be found on Amazon through third-party sellers. A quick search on eBay nets quite a few results, with the phone going as low as $650.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
Processor | 2.2Ghz Snapdragon 800 Adreno 330 GPU |
RAM | 2GB |
Dimensions | 179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5 mm 212g |
Display | 6.44-inch Triluminos LCD, Full HD (1920x1080), 344 PPI |
Battery | 3000mAh (non-removable) |
Storage | 16GB, microSD support |
Water Resistance | Yes (IP58 rating) |
Camera | 8 MP rear, autofocus, LED flash, 2MP front |
Software | Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Sony features on top |
For more on the Xperia Z Ultra, click here.
Buy Now on Amazon $634(Unlocked)
#5 – Sony Xperia M
Powered by a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and 1GB of RAM, the Sony Xperia M is a decent budget phone. It also has 4GB of internal storage. There’s also a microSD slot to expand that storage further.
It has a decent 4-inch (854 x 480) TFT display and an impressive 1,750 mAh battery. At a mere $249, the Xperia M is a bargain hard to pass up.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 124 x 62 x 9.3 mm, 115 grams |
Display | 4-inch (854 x 480) TFT display, 245ppi |
Processor | Snapdragon S4 Plus dual-core CPU @ 1GHZ, Adreno 305 GPU |
RAM | 1GB |
Storage | 4GB, microSD support |
Camera | 5-megapixel rear camera, autofocus, LED flash, VGA front camera |
Battery | 1,750 mAh |
Android version | 4.1 Jelly Bean with Sony features |
For more on the Sony Xperia M, click here.
Buy Now on Amazon $243 | Sony Store $249
Final Thoughts
September was an exciting month with Sony & Samsung’s flagship “phablets” launching. Speaking of phablets, HTCis planning to dive in to the phablet sphere with the launch of the HTCOne Max in October. Some more anticipated October launches include the OPPO N1, and we should see the Nexus 5 become official.
Which new Android phone are you most excited about?