In brief
The iPhone 6 tops Business Insider's early-2015 list of the 15 best phones, followed by the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy Note 4. The article highlights the HTC One M8's design, the Moto X's near-stock Android, the OnePlus One's value and the iPhone 5s's compact size.
2015 has just begun, and major manufacturers are preparing this year's new phones. However, most next-generation flagship phones are unlikely to arrive so soon. So which phones are the best right now? Here are the 15 best phones selected by the authoritative international website Business Insider (BI):
1. iPhone 6
This may be an unsurprising choice. Unless you have a strong preference for Android or Windows Phone, the iPhone 6 is the best choice. It offers a perfect combination of design, specifications and an app platform, and its 4.7-inch screen is finally large enough.
2. iPhone 6 Plus
If you want a phone with a very large screen, the iPhone 6 Plus is the best choice (provided, of course, that you do not specifically require Android / WP). The 6 Plus is thinner, lighter and better-looking than other large-screen phones, so it does not feel like a giant phone.
3. Galaxy Note 4
This is the best phone Samsung has ever made. Its 5.7-inch screen is exceptionally sharp and detailed, making it the best phone display ever. Its metal frame gives it far greater rigidity and a much better feel in the hand than earlier Note models. If you want a phone with a very large screen, you should definitely consider the Note 4.
4. HTC One M8
The One M8 is selected as the best Android phone currently available. Its all-metal body and design are first-rate. Its dual rear cameras let you take a photo and then adjust the zoom, an appealing feature.
5. Moto X
A contender for the title of best Android phone, it offers high-quality hardware. Most importantly, it runs a near-stock version of Android, allowing it to receive the latest Android version ahead of others—even some Nexus devices.
6. OnePlus One
It combines flagship specifications, high-quality hardware and an attractive design. The One, the first product from smartphone newcomer OnePlus, is certainly on a par with flagship phones from established Android manufacturers such as HTC / Samsung, yet costs only half as much.
Others:
7. Nexus 6
8. Galaxy S5
9. Xperia Z3
10. Nexus 5
11. LG G3
12. iPhone 5s
13. Galaxy Note Edge
14. HTC One M8 (Windows Phone)
15. Nokia Lumia 830
Why does the iPhone 5s still rank 12th? Although the 5s is already a year old, it remains a very good phone. It is a particularly rare option for users who prefer a smaller screen and a compact size. It is also a good choice for anyone seeking a less expensive iPhone.