Top Five Smartphones To Give as Gifts this Spring

Apple iPhone 4S

If you're going to get someone a smartphone and you don't have the first idea of what they want, you can't go far wrong with the latest model from Apple. It's hugely popular, and a decent first phone for almost anyone. The iPhone 4S has a 3.5-inch screen with very high resolution, a 1GHz dual-core processor, dual cameras, and lots of bells and whistles. The device is available from AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, and starts at $200 with a two-year contract. Read a Review

Samsung Galaxy S II

The iPhone's top rival is the Galaxy S II, which runs Google's Android OS. It is built around a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and includes an 8.0-megapixel camera, while a 2.0-megapixel front-facing camera can be used for video conferencing. It's available from three of the top U.S. carriers, but under different names. At AT&T, this smartphone is called the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Sprint calls its version the Epic 4G Touch, while T-Mobile uses the standard name. Prices vary by carrier. Read a Review

Nokia Lumia 900

The Lumia 900 is the flagship of Nokia's new Windows Phone line of smartphones. It packs a large display, as well as a range of other cutting-edge features, including 4G LTE. It has just a single-core processor, however. This model is exclusively available from AT&T in the U.S., but makes a good option for those who are big fans of Microsoft. It costs $100 with contract. Read a Review

Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX

Verizon's Droid line helped make the Android OS the success it is today. This model is very slim, but it packs the biggest battery of any smartphone, allowing it to go for many hours on a single charge. It also has a large screen, speedy processor, and 4G LTE. Read a Review

HTC Rhyme

The Rhyme is a petite plum-colored phone that was designed to appeal to women. Part of this is a collection of accessories, including a "Charm Indicator," a bubble that hangs out of a purse and glows purple when the phone rings. It runs Android on a 1GHz processor, and includes 3G, but not 4G support. It is offered by Verizon. Read a Review