Motorola StarTAC
It is January 1996, and if you aren’t currently staring at the Motorola StarTAC with a mixture of lust and financial dread, you’ve clearly settled for a life of carrying a plastic brick in a holster. The StarTAC isn't just a phone; it is a declaration that the "mobile" part of mobile telephony has f…
Philips Fizz
The Philips Fizz is a bit of an odd duck in the mobile pond, but it’s one that deserves a closer look if you’re tired of the usual Ericsson and Nokia dominance. Announced in 1996, its biggest claim to fame is its incredible slimness, just 17mm thick. In an era where most mobiles look like they were …
Ericsson GA628
If the Nokia 9000 is a tailored suit, the Ericsson GA628 is a colourful shell suit for the masses. Launched in 1996 as a mid-range GSM contender, the GA628 is a sturdy, no-nonsense "brick" phone that has decided to inject a bit of fun into the grey world of telecommunications. Its big claim to fame …
Nokia 9000
Released in August 1996 for a jaw-dropping £1,000 in the UK, the Nokia 9000 Communicator isn't so much a mobile phone as it is a brick that happens to have a PhD in computer science. At 397 grams, it weighs nearly as much as a full can of Coke, and carrying it in your pocket is a bold fashion choice…
Nokia 8110
Released in the tail end of 1996, the Nokia 8110, affectionately dubbed the "Banana Phone" for its prominent curvature, is Nokia’s first real attempt at a premium, design-led handset. While the rest of the market is obsessed with making things smaller, Nokia has gone for "ergonomic," which is Finnis…
Nokia 3110
If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a mobile screen and wondering which of the twenty identical buttons you’re supposed to press to find your mum’s number, the Nokia 3110 is here to save your sanity. Launched in early 1997, this isn't just another black box; it’s the debut of the ‘Navi-Key’. …
Siemens S10
Hold the front page: color has finally arrived on the mobile phone, and it’s brought to you by the Germans. The Siemens S10, launched in 1997, is technically a landmark achievement as the world's first mobile with a color display. Now, before you start imagining high-definition photos, let’s manage …
Nokia 6110
If you thought the 5110 was the business, the Nokia 6110 is here to remind you that you’re actually a professional, and professionals need infrared ports. Launched in 1998, this is the first handset to run on Nokia’s new DCT3 platform, powered by a 13 MHz ARM7 processor that makes the menu system fl…
Nokia 5110
If the Nokia 5110 hasn't already taken over your office or your local pub, just give it a week. Released in 1998, this is the phone that has turned the mobile from a boring business tool into a legitimate fashion accessory. The secret? "Xpress-on" covers. For the first time, you can pop off the fron…
Motorola cd930
Motorola is back in the game with the cd930, a dual-band GSM beast that is built like a brick outhouse and features a display that actually knows what it's doing. Released in 1998, this phone is a godsend for anyone on the Orange network, as it comfortably handles both 900 and 1800 MHz bands, ensuri…
Nokia 3210
The year is 1999, and if you don't have a Nokia 3210, you are officially a social pariah. This isn't just a phone, it’s a cultural phenomenon that has finally killed off the protruding antenna, tucking it away inside the chassis for a sleek, "bar of soap" design that fits perfectly in a pair of Levi…
Panasonic GD90
If you ever wanted a phone that felt like it might actually float away if you didn't hold onto it tightly enough, the Panasonic GD90 is your huckleberry. Released in 1999, it is an exercise in Japanese minimalism that makes even the Nokia 8210 look a bit chunky. At 88g, it’s remarkably light, but th…
Motorola Timeport
If you’re the sort of person who spends more time in the departures lounge at Heathrow than in your own living room, the Motorola Timeport is the silver-clad savior you’ve been waiting for. Released in 1999, this is the first true "World Phone," meaning it’s a tri-band GSM beast that can handle 900,…
Ericsson T28s
Ericsson has finally stopped building tanks and started building jewelry. The T28s, released in late 1999, is a jaw-dropping piece of Swedish engineering that is only 15mm thick and weighs a mere 83g. Its party piece is the active flip, you press a tiny button on the side and the mouthpiece snaps op…
Nokia 7110
Welcome to the future, or at least the version of it where we all have a "WAP" browser in our pockets. The Nokia 7110, launched in late 1999, is the world’s first phone to bring the internet to the palm of your hand. It’s been dubbed the "Matrix Phone," and while the one Neo used was actually an 811…
Nokia 8210
Fashion has officially collided with technology, and the result is the Nokia 8210. Launched at Paris Fashion Week in 1999, this phone is so small it makes a pack of 20 Benson & Hedges look bulky. At a featherlight 79g, it’s currently the smallest and lightest Nokia on the market, designed specifical…
Siemens C35i
Siemens is tired of being the runner-up, and with the C35i, they’ve finally produced a handset that can look a Nokia in the eye without blinking. Launched in early 2000 as a direct rival to the 3310, the C35i is a compact, dual-band GSM worker that brings high-end features like WAP to the masses for…
Nokia 3310
It is September 2000, and if you aren't currently trying to beat your mate's high score on Snake II, you’ve clearly missed the cultural memo of the millennium. The Nokia 3310 has arrived to replace the already legendary 3210, and while it looks like a slightly smoother, more rounded version of its p…
Nokia 6210
f the 3310 is for the kids in the playground, the Nokia 6210 is for the people who actually pay the mortgage. Released in mid-2000 as the successor to the venerable 6110, this is the pinnacle of the "classic" Nokia design before things started getting weird with cameras and color screens. It is rema…
Nokia 3330
Nokia has pulled a classic "S" move here, taking the 3310—the phone that effectively conquered the planet—and giving it a modest internal facelift. Released in early 2001, the 3330 is identical to the 3310 on the outside, save for the "Pebble" grey cover it usually ships with, but the real changes a…
Ericsson T68
It is late 2001, and Ericsson has just dropped a bomb on the industry that makes every other monochrome "brick" look like a Victorian relic. The T68 is the first widely available handset in the UK to feature a 256-colour STN display, and while 101 x 80 pixels sounds modest, seeing a tiny digital ima…
Nokia 8310
If the 8210 was for the fashionistas, the 8310 is for the fashionistas who’ve just been promoted to middle management. Launched in late 2001, it’s Nokia’s first Series 40 phone to feature GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), which is a fancy way of saying the internet is now "always on" and you don'…
Sony Ericsson T68i
Following the marriage of Sony and Ericsson, the T68i arrived in early 2002 as the first fruit of their union, though it’s essentially a refined, re-badged version of the original T68. The sleek, "Arctic Blue" finish is a significant aesthetic upgrade over the original’s gold-and-grey look, making i…
Samsung T100
It is April 2002, and if you walk into any high-street mobile shop in the UK, you’re likely to see a crowd of people huddled around a small, silver, egg-shaped device. That device is the Samsung SGH-T100, and it is currently making every Nokia on the shelf look like it belongs in a black-and-white f…
Nokia 6310i
While everyone else is chasing colour screens and cameras that take photos resembling a bag of flour, Nokia has quietly released the 6310i, a phone so fundamentally perfect that some people will still be using it in 2026. Launched in early 2002, it is the refined "i" version of the 6310, and it is t…
Nokia 7650
It is June 2002, and Nokia has just released a device that feels like it fell off the back of a spaceship. The 7650 is a landmark for three reasons: it’s the first Nokia with a built-in camera, the first with a colour screen, and the first to run the Symbian OS (Series 60), making it a "smartphone" …
Orange SPV
The Orange SPV (Sound, Pictures, Video) is a bit of a historical moment: it’s the world’s first Windows-powered smartphone. Produced by HTC but branded by Orange, it launched in late 2002 as a direct challenge to Nokia’s Symbian dominance. It looks and feels more like a PDA than a phone, featuring a…
Nokia 3510i
While the 7650 is for the tech elite, the 3510i is the phone that’s bringing colour and "the internet" to the rest of us. Launched in late 2002, it’s a brilliant mid-range worker that replaces the monochrome 3510. It’s got a 4,096-colour display that makes the menus look vibrant, even if the 96 x 65…
BlackBerry 6210
The 'Quark' has arrived, and for the professionals of the City, life will never be the same. Released in 2003, the BlackBerry 6210 is a pivotal moment in telecommunications history; it is the first BlackBerry that actually functions as a phone without requiring you to plug in a clunky external heads…
Sony Ericsson T610
If the Samsung T100 was the flashy newcomer, the Sony Ericsson T610 is the sophisticated graduate who’s just walked in and taken over the room. Released in the UK in mid-2003, the T610 is the phone that finally validated the marriage of Sony and Ericsson. After a few "getting to know you" handsets l…
Samsung E700
It is late 2003, and Samsung has officially decided that the external antenna is a fashion crime that must be abolished. The E700 is a design-led masterpiece that has turned the heads of every mobile user in Britain, finally providing a clamshell that doesn't look like a walkie-talkie from a 1970s p…
Nokia 1100
It is late 2003, and while the tech-elite are preening over their colour screens and camera lenses that take photos of what appear to be smudged ghosts, Nokia has quietly released the 1100. If you walked into a Carphone Warehouse today, you might overlook it in favour of the shiny Samsung flips, but…
Nokia 6600
The 'Fat Phone' has arrived in the UK, and it’s here to tell you that your PDA is obsolete. Launched in October 2003, the Nokia 6600 is a significant technical milestone; it is the most advanced Series 60 device Nokia has ever produced. It’s a chunky, soap-bar shaped beast that feels substantial in …
Motorola V300
If the Samsung E700 is a sleek sports car, the Motorola V300 is a reliable, rubberised family hatchback with surprisingly good speakers. Launched in late 2003 as a mid-range contender on the T-Mobile and Orange networks, the V300 is Motorola’s attempt to bring high-end clamshell features to the aver…
Nokia N-Gage
It is October 2003, and Nokia has decided to declare war on Nintendo. If you’ve stepped into a Carphone Warehouse lately, you’ve likely seen the N-Gage taking pride of place in a plastic display case, looking less like a mobile phone and more like a high-tech Cornish pasty. For the princely sum of £…
Nokia 6230
It is early 2004, and Nokia has just delivered the 6230—a phone so comprehensively capable that it feels like the engineers in Espoo were trying to win a bet. While the 6310i was the king of the boardroom, the 6230 is the emperor of the high street, the office, and the gym all at once. It is a class…
Sony Ericsson K700i
It is mid-2004, and Sony Ericsson has decided to follow up the world-beating T610 with a phone that feels like a piece of high-end hifi equipment you can carry in your pocket. The K700i is the 'Dual Front' pioneer; one side is clearly a mobile phone, but flip it over, and it looks exactly like a dig…
Motorola Razr V3
The year is 2004, and every other mobile phone on the planet has just been made to look like a piece of farm machinery. The Motorola Razr V3 has arrived, and it is quite possibly the most beautiful object ever fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminium. Measuring just 13.9mm thick when closed, it is so…
Samsung D500
The year 2004 is coming to a close, and Samsung has just dropped the D500, a phone that has effectively ended the debate over who makes the best sliding mechanism in the business. Before this, sliders were often seen as a bit of a gimmick, but the D500 is a 'semi-automatic' marvel; give it a gentle …
Sony Ericsson K750i
It is the spring of 2005, and Sony Ericsson has just released a handset that has effectively made the mid-range point-and-shoot camera obsolete. The K750i is the definitive 'Clara' (its internal codename), and it is a technical masterpiece that has the UK mobile press foaming at the mouth. It’s a du…
Nokia 1110
It is mid-2005, and while the rest of the world is obsessing over megapixels and 3G video calls that nobody actually wants to make, Nokia has released the 1110—a phone that looks like it was designed for a minimalist cult or a very stylish toddler. This is the entry-level king, the 'phone for people…
Sony Ericsson W800i
The year is 2005, and Sony has finally done what we all knew was coming: they’ve put the 'Walkman' logo on a phone. The W800i is the vibrant, orange-and-cream sibling to the K750i, and it is the first mobile device that truly prioritises music over calls. It is technically identical to the K750i und…
Nokia N70
It is late 2005, and Nokia has just launched the 'Nseries' with the N70, a handset designed to remind everyone that if they want a real smartphone, they have to come to Finland. It is the spiritual successor to the 6680 and currently the smallest 3G smartphone on the market, packing the power of a d…
Samsung D600
The king is dead; long live the king. The Samsung D600 arrived in late 2005 to replace the already legendary D500, and it has done so by taking everything that was good about its predecessor and turning the technical volume up to eleven. If you thought the slide on the D500 was smooth, the D600 feel…
Motorola L7
It is the start of 2006, and Motorola has decided that if you liked the Razr but found the whole 'flipping' thing a bit too much like hard work, you should probably buy the SLVR L7. Following on from the L6, the L7 is the premium 'candybar' expression of Motorola’s obsession with thinness, and it is…
LG Chocolate
Welcome to May 2006, and LG has just changed the mobile design rules forever with the KG800, better known as the 'Chocolate.' This is the first device in their 'Black Label' series, and it is less of a telephone and more of a piece of minimalist art. When you take it out of the box—which, in a strok…
Sony Ericsson K800i
It is the summer of 2006, and Sony Ericsson has just dropped the hammer on the mobile world. The K800i isn't just a phone; it is the first to carry the 'Cyber-shot' branding, and in the UK, it has instantly become the 'coolest' bit of kit you can own. It’s a chunky, masculine, dual-front candybar fi…
Nokia 6300
Welcome to the beginning of 2007, where Nokia has just released a phone so fundamentally right that it has effectively become the 'uniform' for the British middle class. The Nokia 6300 is not a technical 'Godzilla' like the N95; instead, it is a masterclass in understated, premium industrial design.…
Sony Ericsson W880i
Welcome to early 2007, and Sony Ericsson has just released a phone that is so thin it could arguably be used as a bookmark. The W880i is the ultimate 'thin' Walkman, measuring just 9.4mm thick and finished in a stunning brushed stainless steel. It is a masterclass in 'slim-tech,' weighing only 71g, …
Nokia N95
Welcome to March 2007, and Nokia has just released the 'Computer 2.0.' The N95 is the absolute zenith of the pre-touchscreen era, a device so packed with technology that it feels like the engineers in Finland were simply trying to see if they could break the laws of physics. It is a 'dual-slider'; s…
BlackBerry Curve 8300
It is May 2007, and Research In Motion (RIM) has just performed a brilliant piece of corporate alchemy. They have taken the stern, grey-suited DNA of the BlackBerry and injected it with a dose of consumer-friendly fun. The result is the BlackBerry Curve 8300, and it is currently the most desirable o…
Samsung G600
While the iPhone is hogging the headlines, Samsung has quietly released a technical powerhouse for the person who still wants a 'proper' phone with a 'proper' camera. The G600, launched in mid-2007, is a 5-megapixel slider that is arguably the most balanced handset Samsung has ever built. It’s finis…
LG Viewty
It is October 2007, and LG has just released a handset that feels like it was designed to be the ultimate 'iPhone killer' for people who actually care about their camera. The KU990, better known as the 'Viewty,' is a sleek, black-and-silver slab of technical ambition that puts high-end photography a…
Apple iPhone
The date is November 9, 2007, and the queue outside the Apple Store on Regent Street has been growing for days. The iPhone has finally landed in the UK, exclusive to O2, and it has just made every other handset in the world look like a steam-powered tractor. It’s a slab of glass and aluminium with o…
BlackBerry Bold 9000
Welcome to the summer of 2008, and while Apple is chasing the teenagers with the iPhone 3G, Research In Motion (RIM) has just released the 'Rolls Royce' of smartphones. The BlackBerry Bold 9000 is the most premium, powerful, and technically accomplished device the Canadians have ever built. In the U…
Samsung i900
Welcome to mid-2008, and Samsung has just released the 'Omnia' (Latin for 'everything'), a handset designed to be the ultimate Swiss Army knife for the Windows Mobile era. The i900 is a sleek, brushed-metal slab that aims to take the iPhone’s touch-centric crown and add all the technical features Ap…
Apple iPhone 3G
It is July 11, 2008, and the atmosphere in the UK is electric. If you thought the frenzy for the original iPhone was intense, you haven't seen anything yet. The iPhone 3G has arrived, and Apple has addressed almost every technical grievance the British public had with the first model. While the orig…
HTC Dream
It is late 2008, and the mobile world has just felt its first major tremor of the Android revolution. The HTC Dream (launched in the UK as the T-Mobile G1) is a fascinating, slightly clunky pioneer that represents the world’s first commercial implementation of Google’s Android OS. For the British te…
LG Cookie
It is late 2008, and LG has just released a phone that is doing for touchscreens what the Nokia 3310 did for buttons: making them affordable for absolutely everyone. The KP500, better known as the 'Cookie,' is a technical marvel of cost-cutting and clever design. While the tech-elite are spending £5…
Nokia 5800
Welcome to the end of 2008, and Nokia has finally entered the touchscreen arena with a handset that the UK press has immediately dubbed the 'Tube.' The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is a critical moment for the Finnish giant; it is their first mass-market touch device and the first to run the touch-optimis…
Samsung Jet
Welcome to the summer of 2009, and Samsung has just released a phone that is trying to prove you don't need a smartphone OS to have a smartphone experience. The S8000, better known as the 'Jet,' is a technical powerhouse that runs on a proprietary Samsung OS but features a processor faster than the …
Apple iPhone 3GS
It is June 2009, and Apple has just released the 'S', which stands for 'Speed.' While the external chassis is identical to the 3G, the technical internals of the iPhone 3GS represent a massive leap forward that has made every other smartphone in the UK feel like it's running in slow motion. The 3GS …
HTC Hero
It is mid-2009, and the 'Hero' has arrived to prove that Android isn't just a geeky experiment, it’s a genuine contender for the smartphone throne. Following the clunky G1 and the slightly anonymous Magic, the HTC Hero is the first Android device to feature 'HTC Sense,' a technical and aesthetic ove…
BlackBerry Curve 8520
Welcome to August 2009, and RIM has just released the phone that is about to become the unofficial uniform of every teenager in Britain. The BlackBerry Curve 8520, better known simply as the 'Gemini,' is a technical masterclass in 'accessible' engineering. It has ditched the premium chrome and leath…
Palm Pre
It is the start of 2010 in the UK, and the O2 shops have finally taken delivery of the 'Great Lost Hope' of the smartphone world. The Palm Pre is a technical and aesthetic departure from everything else on the market, designed by a team led by Jon Rubinstein (the man who essentially fathered the iPo…
HTC Desire
Welcome to the spring of 2010, where the HTC Desire has just landed in the UK and been immediately crowned the 'King of Android.' If the Galaxy S is a flashy sports car, the Desire is a finely tailored Savile Row suit, sophisticated, understated, and incredibly well-built. It is effectively a twin o…
Samsung Galaxy S
It is the summer of 2010, and Samsung has finally stopped playing second fiddle to the European and American giants. The I9000, better known as the Galaxy S, is the opening salvo in a campaign for global Android dominance. In the UK, it has arrived as the first legitimate challenger to the iPhone 4’…
Apple iPhone 4
Welcome to June 2010, and Steve Jobs has just unveiled the 'Retina Display,' effectively ending the resolution wars with a single technical knockout. The iPhone 4 is a radical departure from the 'soap-bar' curves of the 3GS, opting instead for a 'glass and steel sandwich' design that is just 9.3mm t…
BlackBerry Torch 9800
Welcome to the end of 2010, and RIM has finally attempted to bridge the gap between the 'Type-and-Click' old world and the 'Touch-and-Swipe' new world. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is the first slider in the brand's history, combining a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen with a full, slide-out QWERTY key…
Nokia N8
It is October 2010, and Nokia has just released its 'last stand' for the Symbian empire. The Nokia N8 is a technical masterpiece trapped in a software time capsule. In an era of plastic slabs, the N8 is a refreshing outlier, milled from a single block of anodised aluminium with glass-reinforced plas…
Samsung Galaxy S2
It is May 2011, and the Samsung Galaxy S II has just landed in the UK like a dual-core cruise missile aimed directly at Apple’s head. This is the phone that has finally turned the 'iPhone Killer' from a tired marketing cliché into a cold, technical reality. It is impossibly thin (8.49mm) and so ligh…
BlackBerry Bold 9900
It is August 2011, and RIM has finally delivered the 'Ultimate Bold.' The 9900 (or Bold Touch) is the pinnacle of the classic BlackBerry form factor, a device that feels like a piece of high-end executive stationery. In the UK, it has arrived as the sophisticated answer to the plastic-heavy Android …
Apple iPhone 4S
Welcome to October 2011, and the atmosphere around the iPhone 4S is a strange mix of technical awe and somber reflection following the passing of Steve Jobs. While many in the UK were disappointed that the design remains identical to the iPhone 4, the internal overhaul is so significant that it has …
Samsung Note
It is late 2011, and Samsung has just performed a daring technical experiment that has the UK tech press alternating between awe and ridicule. They’ve released the Galaxy Note, a device with a 5.3-inch screen that is so massive it has necessitated the creation of a new word: the 'Phablet.' In the ai…
Nokia Lumia 800
Welcome to November 2011, and the 'Shotgun Marriage' between Nokia and Microsoft has finally produced its first offspring. The Nokia Lumia 800 is the most important phone in the Finnish giant's history, a 'do or die' device designed to rescue them from the 'burning platform' of Symbian. In the UK, i…
Samsung Galaxy S3
It is May 2012, and Samsung has just unveiled a phone that claims to be 'designed for humans and inspired by nature.' The Galaxy S III is a massive, curvaceous departure from the blocky aesthetics of the S II, finished in 'Marble White' or 'Pebble Blue' with a glossy, 'hyperglaze' polycarbonate fini…
Apple iPhone 5
Welcome to September 2012, and Apple has finally done the unthinkable: they’ve changed the screen size. The iPhone 5 has arrived, and it is a tall, slender masterpiece of precision engineering that makes every other phone on the market look like a plastic toy. Gone is the 'glass sandwich' of the 4S,…
Samsung Note 2
It is late 2012, and Samsung has just doubled down on the 'Phablet' experiment with the Galaxy Note II (N7100). If the original Note was a curious prototype, the Note II is a polished, high-performance workstation that has converted the UK tech press from skeptics to believers. It is a 183g behemoth…
Nokia Lumia 920
It is late 2012, and Nokia has just released a handset that feels like it was milled from a solid block of the future. The Lumia 920 is the flagship for Windows Phone 8, and it is a technical heavyweight in every sense of the word. At 185g, it is noticeably 'chunky,' but that mass is the result of p…
Google Nexus 4
It is November 2012, and Google has just disrupted the UK mobile market with a technical masterclass in value. The Nexus 4, manufactured by LG, has arrived with a price tag that seems like a clerical error: £239 for a flagship-spec device. It is a stunning 139g slab of glass, featuring a unique 'dig…
HTC One M7
It is March 2013, and HTC has just released a phone that is being hailed as the most beautiful Android device ever made. The HTC One (retroactively known as the M7) has ditched the plastic-and-glass norms for a 'Zero-Gap' unibody aluminium chassis that takes 200 minutes of CNC machining to produce. …
Nokia Lumia 520
Welcome to the spring of 2013, where Nokia has just achieved a minor miracle in the UK budget market. The Lumia 520 is a colorful, pocketable entry into the Windows Phone 8 world that has become an overnight sensation. It is a compact, 124g handset with a removable polycarbonate back available in vi…
Samsung Galaxy S4
It is April 2013, and Samsung has just unveiled the 'Life Companion.' The Galaxy S4 has arrived in the UK to a level of fanfare that feels more like a stadium concert than a product launch. After the astronomical success of the S III, Samsung hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel; instead, they’ve take…
LG G2
Welcome to the end of 2013, and LG has just pulled a technical rabbit out of a hat. The LG G2 is a phone that challenges every ergonomic assumption we’ve made since 1992. By moving the power and volume buttons from the sides to the back of the device, directly under the camera lens where your index …
Apple iPhone 5S
It is September 2013, and Apple has just released the 'S' that stands for 'Sensors.' While it looks virtually identical to the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5s is a technical revolution masquerading as a minor update. It’s finished in a new 'Space Grey' and a surprisingly classy 'Champagne' gold that has ins…
Apple iPhone 5C
Welcome to September 2013, where Apple has just proven that 'plastic' doesn't have to mean 'cheap.' The iPhone 5c is the vibrant, colourful alternative to the serious 5s, aimed squarely at the younger UK market. It features a seamless, hard-coated polycarbonate unibody with a reinforced steel frame …
Sony Xperia Z1
It is September 2013, and Sony has just unleashed the 'Honami', the Xperia Z1. This is the device that finally unites Sony’s disparate technical empires of Bravia, Walkman, and Cyber-shot into a single, water-resistant glass slab. In the UK, it has arrived as the sophisticated, waterproof alternativ…
Motorola Moto G
It is November 2013, and Motorola (now a Google company) has just done the unthinkable: they have released a budget phone that doesn't feel like a compromise. The Moto G has arrived in the UK for a staggering £135, and it is single-handedly rewriting the rules for what an entry-level smartphone can …
HTC One M8
It is March 2014, and HTC has just released a phone that is being hailed as the most beautiful Android device ever made. The HTC One M8 has ditched the plastic-and-glass norms for a 'Zero-Gap' unibody aluminium chassis that takes 200 minutes of CNC machining to produce. In the UK, it is the darling …
Samsung Galaxy S5
It is April 2014, and Samsung has decided to lean into utility rather than just pure luxury. The Galaxy S5 has arrived in the UK as the 'pragmatic' flagship, a 145g device that prioritises features you can actually use over the flashy metal of its rivals. It’s still an all-plastic affair, but the sl…
OnePlus One
It is April 2014, and a tiny startup called OnePlus has just released a 'Flagship Killer' that is shaking the foundations of the mobile industry. The OnePlus One is a technical middle finger to the £600 price tags of Samsung and Apple. In the UK, it is the ultimate 'insider's' phone, initially avail…
LG G3
Welcome to mid-2014, and LG has just stolen a march on the entire industry with the LG G3. This is a technical showpiece that packs a massive 5.5-inch display into a body that feels no larger than a standard 5-inch phone, thanks to microscopic bezels and rear-mounted buttons. It’s finished in a 'Met…
Apple iPhone 6
Welcome to September 2014, and the 'Big' change has finally arrived. Apple has finally released a 4.7-inch flagship, the iPhone 6, moving away from the sharp edges of the 5s to a '2.5D' curved-glass and anodised aluminium unibody that is just 6.9mm thick. In the UK, this is a cultural moment; Apple …
Apple iPhone 6 Plus
It is September 2014, and Apple has finally entered the 'Phablet' arena with the iPhone 6 Plus. This is a massive 172g statement of intent, featuring a 5.5-inch screen that dwarfs every previous iPhone. It marks a total redesign, moving to a 7.1mm thin, rounded aluminium unibody that feels incredibl…
Samsung Galaxy S6
It is April 2015, and Samsung has completely reinvented itself. The Galaxy S6 is the 'Project Zero' reboot, ditching the plastic and removable batteries of the past for a stunning 'glass and metal' unibody. It features a solid aerospace-grade aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass 4 on both sides, creati…
Samsung S6 Edge
It is April 2015, and Samsung has just shattered the smartphone design mould with the Galaxy S6 Edge. This isn't just a phone; it's a technical statement that has reclaimed Samsung's status as a design leader. The headline feature is the world's first dual-curved display, where the glass literally w…
Samsung Note 5
It is August 2015, and Samsung has completed its technical metamorphosis. The Galaxy Note 5 has arrived, shedding the faux-leather and plastic of the past for a stunning 'glass and metal' unibody that mirrors the design language of the S6. At 171g, it is thinner and more compact than the Note 4, fea…
Apple iPhone 6S
Welcome to September 2015, and Apple has just released the 'S' that adds a whole new dimension to the smartphone experience. While the iPhone 6s looks identical to its predecessor, it is built from much stronger 7000 Series aluminium, a technical response to the previous year's 'Bentgate', and featu…
Google Nexus 6P
It is October 2015, and Google has finally delivered the 'Premium' Nexus the world has been waiting for. Manufactured by Huawei, the Nexus 6P is a technical high-water mark for the line, featuring a full-metal unibody made of aeronautical-grade aluminium. It is a large, sophisticated 178g device wit…
Samsung Galaxy S7
It is March 2016, and Samsung has delivered the most balanced and technically complete smartphone on the market. The Galaxy S7 is the refined sibling of the S7 Edge, built for the user who wants world-class power without the curved-screen ergonomics. At 152g, it is a dense, premium combination of gl…
Samsung S7 Edge
It is March 2016, and Samsung has reached the pinnacle of its craft. The Galaxy S7 Edge is the refinement of everything that made the S6 Edge beautiful, while technically correcting every single one of its flaws. It is a 157g masterpiece of curved glass and metal that features a larger 5.5-inch scre…
Apple iPhone SE
Welcome to March 2016, where Apple has performed a daring technical 'rollback.' The iPhone SE is the ultimate gift for the small-phone purist, a device that fits the legendary 4-inch chassis of the iPhone 5s with the bleeding-edge internals of the iPhone 6s. At just 113g, it is a pocket-friendly pow…
Apple iPhone 7
It is September 2016, and Apple has just made the most controversial technical decision in the history of the smartphone: they have removed the 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone 7 is a refined evolution of the 6s design, featuring new 'Solid State' Home buttons and a high-gloss 'Jet Black' finish tha…
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Released alongside the standard model in September 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus is the first iPhone to feature a dual-camera system, a technical leap that has redefined mobile photography. At 188g, it is a substantial, premium device that carries the same IP67 water resistance and 'Solid State' Home butt…
Google Pixel
Welcome to October 2016, and the 'Nexus' era is officially over. Google has just unveiled the Pixel, the first phone 'Made by Google' from the inside out. In the UK, it has arrived as a direct technical challenger to the iPhone, moving away from the 'budget-friendly' roots of the Nexus line to a pre…
OnePlus 3T
Released in November 2016 as a mid-cycle 'Turbo' boost to the OnePlus 3, the OnePlus 3T is the definitive expression of the 'Flagship Killer' philosophy. It retains the stunning, razor-thin aluminium unibody and 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display of its predecessor but upgrades the internals to stay ahea…
Huawei P10
It is March 2017, and Huawei has arrived with a handset that is as much a fashion statement as it is a technical powerhouse. The Huawei P10 is a slim, 145g masterpiece of metal and glass, featuring a 'Hyper Diamond-Cut' finish that catches the light beautifully and resists fingerprints. In the UK, i…
Samsung Galaxy S8
It is April 2017, and Samsung has just deleted the bezels. The Galaxy S8 is a breathtaking technical departure that has redefined what a smartphone should look like. By removing the physical Home button and moving the fingerprint sensor to the back, Samsung has created the 'Infinity Display', a 5.8-…
Samsung S8+
Released alongside its smaller sibling in April 2017, the Galaxy S8+ is the definitive 'Phablet' for the bezel-less generation. It takes the revolutionary Infinity Display concept and scales it up to a massive 6.2 inches, yet because of the ultra-narrow aspect ratio, it remains surprisingly usable i…
Nokia 3310 (2017)
.jpg)
Welcome to May 2017, where the most talked-about phone in the UK isn't a flagship, but a reboot of a legend. The Nokia 3310 (2017) is a technical exercise in nostalgia and simplicity, designed by HMD Global to recapture the magic of the original brick. At just 79g, it is a lightweight, rounded, and …
Apple iPhone 8
It is September 2017, and Apple has released the 'perfect' evolution of the classic iPhone design. The iPhone 8 moves back to a glass-backed chassis to enable a new technical capability: wireless charging. While it retains the 4.7-inch form factor and the physical Touch ID button, the internals are …
Apple iPhone X
Welcome to November 2017, and Apple has just changed the world again. The iPhone X (pronounced 'Ten') is a total technical reset, celebrating a decade of iPhone by deleting everything we thought we knew. The Home button is gone, the bezels are gone, and in their place is the 'Super Retina' display a…
Samsung Galaxy S9
Welcome to March 2018, and Samsung has decided to 'Reimagine' the camera. The Galaxy S9 is a refined, technically sophisticated evolution of the bezel-less design, fixing the ergonomic gripes of the S8 by moving the fingerprint sensor to a more sensible location below the camera. At 163g, it is a sl…
Huawei P20 Pro
It is April 2018, and Huawei has just sent a technical shockwave through the mobile industry. The P20 Pro is a 180g masterclass in innovation, featuring a world-first: a triple-lens camera system designed in partnership with Leica. Finished in a stunning, colour-shifting 'Twilight' gradient that has…
Apple iPhone XS
It is September 2018, and Apple has refined the 'future' with the iPhone XS. While it looks identical to the revolutionary iPhone X, it is a technical powerhouse that introduces the world’s first 7nm smartphone chip: the A12 Bionic. At 177g, finished in surgical-grade stainless steel with a new, stu…
Apple iPhone XR
It is October 2018, and Apple has just released the 'people's' flagship. The iPhone XR is a technical triumph of balance, bringing the cutting-edge features of the iPhone X to a more accessible price point. At 194g, it features an aerospace-grade aluminium frame and a glass back available in six vib…
Google Pixel 3
It is October 2018, and Google has released the most technically advanced 'small' phone on the market. The Pixel 3 is a 148g masterpiece of software-hardware integration, featuring a unique etched-glass back that feels like silk and provides a secure grip without the greasiness of standard glass. In…
OnePlus 6T
Welcome to November 2018, and OnePlus has just brought a 'hidden' technology to the UK high street. The OnePlus 6T is a 185g evolution of the speed-focused philosophy, featuring a new 'Teardrop' notch and a significantly larger battery. It is the first phone to be widely available in the UK with an …
Samsung Galaxy S10
It is March 2019, and Samsung has just celebrated a decade of the 'S' series with a technical tour de force. The Galaxy S10 is the first phone to feature the 'Infinity-O' display, using a high-precision laser to cut a 'hole-punch' for the camera directly into the screen, avoiding the need for a notc…
Huawei P30 Pro
It is March 2019, and Huawei has just redefined the physical limits of a smartphone camera. The P30 Pro is a 192g technical marvel that has effectively replaced the need for a DSLR for many UK travelers. Finished in stunning 'Breathing Crystal' or 'Amber Sunrise' glass, it is a sleek, curved device …
Google Pixel 3a
It is May 2019, and Google has just performed a technical 'heist' on the mid-range market. The Pixel 3a is a 147g masterpiece of essentialism, stripping away the expensive glass and wireless charging of the flagship Pixel 3 in favour of a lightweight polycarbonate unibody and a significantly lower p…
Samsung Galaxy Fold
Welcome to September 2019, and the future has finally arrived, and it folds. The Samsung Galaxy Fold is the most daring technical experiment in mobile history, a 263g pioneer that transitions from a slim 4.6-inch handset to a massive 7.3-inch tablet. After a brief delay to reinforce the hinge and di…
Apple iPhone 11
It is September 2019, and Apple has just released the successor to the XR that has instantly become the 'default' iPhone for the UK market. The iPhone 11 is a technical exercise in 'value-plus,' bringing the most important features of the Pro models to a colorful, 194g glass-and-aluminum chassis. Av…
Apple iPhone 11 Pro
Welcome to September 2019, and Apple has officially gone 'Pro.' The iPhone 11 Pro is the first iPhone to feature a triple-camera array, housed in a surgical-grade stainless steel frame with a unique matte 'Midnight Green' glass back. At 188g, it is a dense, purposeful piece of industrial design that…
Samsung Galaxy S20
It is March 2020, and Samsung has skipped a decade of naming to land on the Galaxy S20. This is a 163g technical powerhouse that has prioritised two things above all else: high-refresh-rate displays and 5G connectivity. Finished in a sleek, glass-and-metal chassis with a much smaller camera 'hole-pu…
Apple iPhone SE 2
It is April 2020, and Apple has just released the ultimate 'pandemic-era' smartphone. The iPhone SE (2nd Generation) is a technical masterclass in recycling, taking the beloved 4.7-inch chassis of the iPhone 8 and stuffing it with the world-beating brain of the iPhone 11 Pro. At 148g, it is a compac…
Google Pixel 4a
It is August 2020, and Google has released the definitive 'essential' smartphone for a world in flux. The Pixel 4a is a 143g masterclass in pragmatism, stripping away the gimmicks of the Pixel 4, like Soli radar and face unlock, in favour of a reliable rear fingerprint sensor and a headphone jack. I…
Apple iPhone 12
Welcome to October 2020, and the edges are flat once again. The iPhone 12 is a total technical redesign that draws inspiration from the legendary iPhone 4 while pushing the brand into the 5G era. At 162g, it is thinner, smaller, and lighter than the iPhone 11, yet it features a larger-feeling screen…
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Released alongside its sibling in October 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro is a 187g technical showcase for Apple’s professional ambitions. Finished in surgical-grade stainless steel with a sophisticated 'Pacific Blue' matte glass back, it feels like a precision instrument. In the UK, it has arrived as the d…
Samsung Galaxy S21
Welcome to January 2021, and Samsung has performed a daring 'reset' on its flagship line. The Galaxy S21 is a 169g technical powerhouse that introduces the 'Contour Cut' camera design, where the metal frame flows seamlessly into the camera housing. While it moves to a high-quality 'Glasstic' (polyca…
Samsung Z Flip 3
It is August 2021, and the foldable phone has finally gone mainstream. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a 183g technical marvel that has solved the durability and price concerns of its predecessors. In the UK, it has become a genuine cultural phenomenon, appealing to fashion-forward users and tech pur…
Apple iPhone 13
It is September 2021, and Apple has delivered the most 'complete' iPhone in years. The iPhone 13 is a 174g evolution of the flat-edge design, featuring a smaller 'notch' and a diagonal camera layout that has instantly become an icon on the UK high street. While it looks familiar, the technical upgra…
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
It is September 2021, and Apple has finally delivered the 'Pro' feature the UK tech scene has been begging for: 120Hz. The iPhone 13 Pro is a 204g powerhouse finished in surgical-grade stainless steel with a new 'Sierra Blue' matte glass back. While it shares the A15 Bionic chip with the standard 13…
Google Pixel 6
Welcome to October 2021, and Google has just 'reset' the Android world. The Pixel 6 is a radical 207g departure from the past, featuring a bold 'Camera Bar' design that spans the width of its glass-and-alloy chassis. In the UK, it has arrived as the debut for 'Google Tensor', the first custom-design…
Samsung S22 Ultra
It is February 2022, and the Galaxy Note has been reborn inside the 'S' series. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a 228g technical behemoth that has officially merged the two legendary lines, featuring a built-in S Pen for the first time in an S-series flagship. Finished in a sophisticated matte 'Burg…
Google Pixel 6a
It is July 2022, and Google has refined the 'affordable flagship' formula to near perfection. The Pixel 6a is a compact, 178g powerhouse that brings the bold 'Camera Bar' aesthetic and the custom Tensor silicon to a more accessible £399 price point. In the UK, it has arrived as the definitive mid-ra…
Apple iPhone 14
It is September 2022, and Apple has released a flagship that prioritises internal refinement and life-saving technology over outward aesthetic changes. The iPhone 14 retains the proven flat-edge design and 172g weight of its predecessor, but it has undergone a total internal structural redesign to i…
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Welcome to September 2022, and the 'Notch' is officially a thing of the past. The iPhone 14 Pro is a 206g technical powerhouse that introduces the 'Dynamic Island', a revolutionary integration of hardware and software that turns the camera cutout into a fluid, interactive notification hub. Finished …
Samsung S23 Ultra
It is February 2023, and Samsung has unleashed the ultimate technical 'spec-beast.' The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a 234g masterpiece of refinement that focuses on one massive headline: a 200-megapixel camera. While it retains the iconic 'Note' silhouette with the integrated S Pen, it has moved to a more s…
Google Pixel 7a
Welcome to May 2023, and Google has just made its 'standard' flagship look like an expensive luxury. The Pixel 7a is a 193g technical marvel that has all but deleted the gap between the 'a-series' and the premium Pixel 7. Finished in a 3D thermoformed composite back with a tactile alloy frame, it ha…
Nothing Phone (2)
.jpg)
It is July 2023, and London-based Nothing has just matured into a serious flagship contender. The Nothing Phone (2) is a 201g technical step-up that retains the iconic transparent aesthetic while refining every edge. In the UK, it has arrived as a 'sophisticated rebel,' featuring a subtly curved gla…
Samsung Z Flip 5
It is August 2023, and Samsung has just fixed the only major complaint about the foldable form factor. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a 187g technical triumph that introduces the 'Flex Window', a massive 3.4-inch cover screen that covers almost the entire front of the device when folded. In the UK, …
Apple iPhone 15
Welcome to September 2023, and the 'standard' iPhone has finally inherited the future. The iPhone 14-style notch is gone, replaced by the 'Dynamic Island' across the entire range. At 171g, the iPhone 15 features a new technical first: colour-infused back glass with a stunning matte finish and a cont…
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Released in September 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro is a 187g technical showcase that has fundamentally changed the iPhone’s structural identity. It is the first iPhone to feature an aerospace-grade titanium unibody, making it the lightest Pro model ever while increasing structural rigidity. Finished in a…
OnePlus 12
It is January 2024, and OnePlus has marked its tenth anniversary with a device that returns the brand to its 'flagship killer' roots, but with a luxury finish. The OnePlus 12 is a 220g technical powerhouse that has abandoned the compromises of the previous few years, reintroducing wireless charging …
Samsung S24 Ultra
It is January 2024, and Samsung has officially entered the era of the 'AI Phone.' The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a 232g technical titan that has traded its signature curved edges for a completely flat 6.8-inch display and a new, ultra-durable Titanium frame. In the UK, it has arrived as the smartest device…
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
It is March 2024, and Xiaomi has arrived in the UK with a device that feels less like a smartphone and more like a professional Leica camera that happens to make calls. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a 220g technical masterpiece, featuring a circular camera 'island' that dominates the rear of its vegan leat…
Sony Xperia 1 VI
It is May 2024, and Sony has performed a radical technical pivot. The Xperia 1 VI is a 192g powerhouse that has finally moved away from its signature 21:9 'cinema' aspect ratio to a more mainstream 19.5:9 format. Finished in a unique micro-textured glass and a ridged metal frame for superior grip, i…
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
Welcome to June 2024, and Motorola has just reclaimed the foldable throne. The Razr 50 Ultra is a 189g technical marvel that features the largest and most functional cover screen in the industry. Finished in a soft-touch vegan leather with a simplified, durable hinge, it has arrived in the UK as the…
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Welcome to August 2024, and Google has finally brought its 'Pro' hardware into a size that everyone can enjoy. The Pixel 9 Pro is a 199g masterpiece of industrial design, featuring a new flat-sided satin-finish frame and a redesigned 'floating' camera bar. In the UK, it has arrived as the primary ve…
Apple iPhone 16
Welcome to September 2024, and the standard iPhone has just undergone its most significant functional transformation in years. The iPhone 16 is a 170g technical marvel that finally breaks the 'pro-only' barrier, inheriting the Action Button and a brand-new 'Camera Control' sensor. Finished in vibran…
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
It is September 2024, and Apple has pushed the limits of the 'Pro' moniker with a 199g titanium powerhouse that is larger, faster, and more intelligent. The iPhone 16 Pro features a bigger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with the thinnest bezels ever seen on an Apple product. Finished in a new 'De…
Samsung S25 Ultra
Welcome to February 2025, and Samsung has finally rounded the corners. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a 218g technical evolution that has traded the sharp, boxy edges of its predecessor for a more ergonomic titanium frame with softened corners. In the UK, it has arrived as the ultimate 'AI First' smartphon…
Apple iPhone 16e
Welcome to February 2025, and Apple has just redefined the 'entry-level' flagship. The iPhone 16e is a 165g technical marvel that brings the modern, bezel-less aesthetic of the main line to a more accessible price point, effectively replacing the old SE formula. In the UK, it has arrived as the ulti…
Nothing Phone (3)
.jpg)
It is July 2025, and London's tech prodigy has finally bridged the gap between 'indie darling' and 'industry leader.' The Nothing Phone (3) is a 205g technical masterclass that introduces the 'Glyph OS', a deeper integration of the rear lighting system with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s neural engine. In…
Apple iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e represents a strategic masterstroke for Apple, successfully merging a classic, dependable design with the cutting-edge power of the A19 chip. At first glance, the device feels familiar, retaining the 6.1-inch form factor and the reliable notch design that many users still prefer for i…
Apple iPhone 17
With the release of the standard iPhone 17, Apple has effectively erased the line that once separated its "base" models from the professional tier. The defining upgrade this year is the inclusion of the 6.3-inch ProMotion display. By finally bringing 120Hz refresh rates to the standard lineup, Apple…
Apple iPhone Air
The iPhone 17 Air is perhaps the most audacious design experiment Apple has attempted since the original iPhone. Measuring just 5.6mm in thickness, it challenges the very notion of what a modern smartphone should look like. Wrapped in a specialized titanium alloy, the Air feels impossibly light, yet…
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro remains the definitive choice for those who demand a compact device without sacrificing a single ounce of technological capability. Housed in a refined Grade 5 Titanium chassis, the 6.3-inch Pro is a masterpiece of density. The headline feature for the Pro this year is the A19 Pro …
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
For those who want the absolute pinnacle of what is possible in a smartphone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands alone. Featuring a massive 6.9-inch display—the largest ever seen on an iPhone—it offers an immersive canvas for gaming, movie watching, and productivity. The sheer size of the device allows fo…
Google Pixel 10
It is August 2025, and Google has reached its 'Zen' moment with the Pixel 10. This is a 199g landmark device that marks the debut of the 'Tensor G5', the first Google-designed chip manufactured using TSMC’s state-of-the-art 3nm process. In the UK, it has arrived as the definitive vehicle for 'Androi…
Samsung S26 Ultra
It is January 2026, and Samsung has just released the 'Ultimate' smartphone. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a 215g technical titan that has undergone its most radical redesign in five years, featuring a 'Seamless Titanium' unibody where the frame and camera housing are carved from a single piece of metal. …
Motorola Razr 70
Google Pixel 10 Pro
