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Phones and Tablets

The Trick to Getting a Really Good Cell Phone for Less

Lucas Visser

1) Great Sound: HTC One M8

The front-facing speakers and 32 gigabytes of storage make this a strong option for music fans. Also, HTC will replace it for free if you crack the screen, dunk it in water, or want to switch carriers in the first year. A slick aluminum body and long battery life round out a nifty product.

Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile

Cost: from $350

Features: 5-inch full-HD Screen, ultrapixel camera and 32 gigabytes of storage

2) Movie Making: LG G3

The G3 has a big screen, but it sits in a nearly borderless, compact shell. With double the pixels of many competitors, the phone delivers vibrant images, and the camera features laser autofocus and a floating lens to reduce shake.

Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile

Cost: from $350

Features: 5.5-inch -HD display, 13-megapixel camera and 32 gigabytes of storage

3) Versatility: Moto X

The Moto X has a snappy processor, a roomy screen, and nimble Android software. Best extra: touch-free control, which wakes the screen when you approach and silences the ringer when you wave your hand over the phone.

Carriers: AT&T, Verizon

Cost: from $360

Features: 5.2-inchfull-HD display, 13-megapixel camera and 16 gigabytes of storage

And if you must have an iPhone ...

While the iPhone 6 gets the glory, the iPhone 5s is still fab—and it's $500. It doesn't have a 5.5-inch screen or Apple Pay, but you do get the fingerprint scan and all the Apple apps.

Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile

For more of Money's technology reviews, go to money.com/tech.