"Which smartphone should I buy?" is the question that gets asked of tech journalists the most. The answer is usually dependent on how much do you want to spend - but these days, the standard is so high that the answer can also be "any of them", because they're all so damn good.
Aside from the occasional howler, modern smartphones offer style, performance and some truly amazing features. So, what does Digital Spy suggest you might want to consider? Well, below are our favourite phones on sale right now. This list is in no order whatsoever, so don't read into the fact that Apple is the first one.
Apple iPhone
For some people, the debate will come down to which of Apple's phones you get. The truth is, the iPhone 6 is right for most people. The iPhone 6 Plus is good if you want something that's perfect for games and all those things you do online, but look too cramped on a normal screen.
If you miss the smaller phone, then the iPhone 5S is still for sale, and despite being a bit old, it's a fantastic handset - and, some people would say, Apple's best design for the phone.
Killer features: Simply put, every app is on iOS, and often first. It's simple to use, fast and looks beautiful. Apple also does very good photography, even though the specs for its cameras are modest. Oh, and slow motion video, with smooth editing - now that's a blast!
Top Tip: Try and get a 64GB or 128GB model, or space will get tight quickly.
What to Read Next
Read our full iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus reviews
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Again, there's no order to this list - right? But the Note 4 is Samsung's best phone. The Galaxy S6 comes very close, but the reality is that the larger size of the Note gives you a lot more to work with.
The screen is beautiful, video playback looks breathtaking and games are astounding. Little features like the brilliant camera and the pen input are nice too, but less of an initial selling point. It's also got a beast of a battery, which is nice in this day and age.
Killer features: The size of this phone is awesome, but it's also incredibly fast. You get some nice health features too, which actually work without extra equipment.
Top Tip: Get a nice big microSD card to store music and video, and use the phone storage just for apps.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review
LG G3
The G4 is out soon, but don't let that put you off the G3. This little phone was a revelation when it launched, and if you pick one up now, it will still put a smile on your face.
LG's trick is making a phone that has features no one else has. So, buttons on the back are great, and the knock code to unlock the phone with a tapped pattern is amazing. Plus, it's not an Apple or a Samsung, so people will ask you what it is and be impressed when you tell them. The G3 is the phone that took LG to the next level, and it will take you to a new level of phone enjoyment too.
Killer features: Support for high-resolution audio means your music can sound amazing, plus you can get it in a fetching gold colour. GOLD!
Top Tip: LG's circle view cases are really smashing, so pick one up when you get the phone.
Read our full LG G3 review
Nokia Lumia 830
Windows Phone is a great platform, but the phones are all basically Nokia/Microsoft now with most other companies having given up. That's not a bad thing, although more choice is always better.
The 830 is just a great phone to use, though. It's very cool looking, is beautifully made and takes lovely photos. Windows might seem like the worst choice for phones, but if you're not very impressed we'll eat the Digital Spy office sombrero - and that's a promise.
Apps can be something of a problem - Microsoft is working on this, and in the future portability between Windows computers and phones is possible. And WhatsApp works, so that's most important.
Killer features: Wireless charging is built-in, and you can pick from a selection of cool colours. You can also get loads of downloadable extra features for the camera, which takes it from "good" to "amazing".
Top Tip: Get a wireless charger. It will change your life.
Read our full Lumia 830 review
HTC Desire Eye
Rather than recommend the HTC One M8 or M9, we think that the Eye has so much to offer that it's the phone of choice from HTC. Here's the thing - it's made of this lovely plastic that makes you want to hold and caress it. No-one has ever made plastic as nice as HTC has made this plastic. You can get it in loads of colours, and it's a great Android phone.
The front camera is the same as the back camera too, so photos from both look pretty good - although they can't match the other phones on this list for quality. A smashing little phone, this, but get it in white and orange for the most pleasing style.
Killer features: High-resolution selfie camera is ideal for what we, as old people, assume the young people want. It has a microSD slot too to keep loads of music and videos, which is great.
Top Tip: Get a selfie stick, then use it to beat people who use selfie sticks.
Read our full HTC Desire Eye review
Samsung Galaxy S6
How do you decide which to get, is it the S6 or the Edge? Don't worry too much. The Edge doesn't add a lot of features, but it's beautiful. If you want to save some money, go with the S6.
This phone, though, is amazing. The fingerprint scanner works now (glares at Note 4 and the S5), and the camera is nothing short of superb. It also has built-in wireless charging, so you can keep it powered up without plugging in, but you'll need to splurge for a charging stand or mat as an extra. This is the phone that shows Samsung listened to its customers, and the result is amazing.
Killer features: The screen is just amazing, and you can add Gear VR to make the phone into a virtual reality device, which is utterly brilliant.
Top Tip: Get a cover, because glass everywhere makes for a sad owner if the phone gets dropped.
Read our Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge reviews, and see our S6 vs S6 Edge article
Sony Xperia Z3
Here's the thing about the Xperia phones - like the LG G3, they offer something different. In this case they are waterproof and have some of the best screens you can get on a smartphone. The Z3 also has lossless music support and features one of the best low-light cameras you can get on a phone. It's also a really lovely looking phone.
One of the most impressive features though is the ability to pair with your PS4 and use the screen on your phone to play games on the toilet. And as good as any game is on Android or iPhone, it's not going to beat a session of Destiny while you're on the throne.
Killer features: You can get drunk and drop it in the toilet and save all the really good photos of you getting drunk in dingy nightclubs.
Top Tip: Remember to keep the port covers closed, or the toilet thing will end badly as waterproofing is not then guaranteed.
Read our full Sony Xperia Z3 review
Conclusion
So there you have it, pick the one on this list you like the sound of most, read the full review for each if you need more help deciding, and there you have it, your next phone picked with less effort than making toast for breakfast.
Risk-takers might even just write the names on some cards and lob them down the stairs to decide which phone they buy - but you know what, that sort of pick and mix attitude will still get you a phone you'll love.
Conclusion of the conclusion: They're all good. Phones are really good now. Yay, phones.
