Picking the right smartphone

iPhone 5

Pro: Apple’s App Store and elegant design

Gallery

Holiday Tech Guide 2012: Video Games: From old players like Microsoft’s Halo to the all-new Dishonored, here’s a look at this season’s video games.

Video

What’s this year’s mystery gadget?

Con: Requires a new Apple cord (comes with phone; an extra cord costs $20)

Best for: Apple fans, those who like to keep it simple

Retail price: Starts at $199

Apple’s latest smartphone is its thinnest and lightest ever but is, in some ways, playing catch-up with the rest of the industry. Apple increased the screen size on the phone to be better for Web browsing and video — following its competition, but kept it to a thumb-friendly four inches.

While Apple may be moving a little late in pumping up its display, the iPhone 5 is nearly unbeatable when it comes to quality. Its aluminum and glass construction is simply lovely. Its screen, while smaller than competitors, is crisp and bright. And there’s no arguing with the caliber and variety of apps that come with the phone.

It does have its weaknesses. For example, Apple customers who have become accustomed to keeping a spare cord around for all their iDevices will be sad to hear that this phone has a new dock connector and requires its own cord, or an adapter. The aluminum casing is also prone to scuffs and scratches, so users will probably want to buy a protective case, too.

The iPhone won’t be the best choice for everyone, and is certainly most useful for people who already have Apple products. But it’s also a strong candidate for a first smartphone and worth an upgrade if you have one coming to you. For simplicity, quality and portability, the iPhone 5 is an easy choice.

(Google) Nexus 4

Pro: Fast and trendy Con: No LTE support

Best for: T-Mobile’s top customers

Retail price: $299.99 and up

Google’s Nexus 4 is the latest smartphone the company has put out from its Google-branded line, meaning that it will be on the fast track for Google updates. Its screen is a generous 4.7 inches with a high-quality display that’s very nice for video. And even though it has a plastic body that doesn’t feel as polished as an iPhone, it still has a high-quality feel.

The quality in this phone, really, is in the software. It makes the most of Google’s latest version of its Android operating system. It’s very easy to customize, letting users change the home screen to feature the apps and updates that matter most to them at a glance. It charges wirelessly on a charging pad. And typing is a breeze on the phone, which lets you slide your finger from key to key instead of the hunt-and-peck-and-tap method necessary on so many on-screen keyboards.

It’s a bit bulkier than competing phones, though the heft may be more comfortable for those who don’t like their phones too light. It is a bit big to fit in cozier pockets, however.

Of course, it’s not a perfect phone. The biggest flaw with the Nexus 4 is that it won’t run on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE networks and therefore won’t appeal to the techies who like to be on the cutting edge. It’s also available on T-Mobile, though you can buy a (somewhat pricey) $299 version that will also run on AT&T.

Samsung Galaxy S III

Pro: Beautiful screen

Con: Can be a bit too big

Best for: Video nuts