Yuhnke Commentary: Which smartphone is best on each cell phone network?

PHOENIX - The holidays are a busy time of year in the world of smartphones as carriers launch several new models in anticipation of the shopping frenzy.  

This means, it’s a great time to buy but it can also be confusing with so many new options. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite smartphones on each of the cell phone providers.

AT&T Wireless

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket

Despite a bunch of new Android-based smartphones on AT&T, the iPhone is still tough to beat. None the less, I really like the new Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket on AT&T. It’s a little pricey at $249.99 but this thing is a monster. It has a dual-core 1.5 GHZ processor. That’s one of the fastest available right now.  It also has a giant 4.5” screen. This is one of AT&T’s new LTE phones as well which means it can take advantage of the newest network upgrades on AT&T’s network. Add an 8 megapixel camera capable of shooting HD video and you have one sweet Android smartphone.

Sprint

Samsung Galazy S II Epic 4G Touch

With the iPhone 4S being so fresh I think many Sprint users who have been waiting for the Apple smartphone to arrive will be jumping all over it this year. If you’re not interested in an “i” device, check out the Samsung Galazy S II Epic 4G Touch (I know, the longest name in the world!) Like it’s sister phone that I picked for AT&T wireless, this thing is a monster when it comes to specs. The processor in the Sprint version is a touch slower, it’s a dual-core 1.2 GHZ. Also, despite being a 4G phone, you won’t be able to suck down any 4G speeds in the Phoenix area since we never got a network upgrade. It does still have the same amazing 4.5” screen and a great 8 megapixel camera. You will save $50 on Sprint, the Galaxy is priced at $199.99

T-Mobile

HTC Amaze 4G

The lone national carrier to still be left out of the iPhone party is still hanging in there with some great smartphone options. The aforementioned Galaxy S II is available on T-Mobile and is a great option but my pick is the HTC Amaze 4G. It has a screaming dual-core 1.5 GHZ processor and a 4.3” screen. I like the camera features on the Amaze.Sure, many smartphones have an 8 megapixel camera but it also has software that includes features such as zero lag shooting, HDR photos, sweep panoramas and "SmartShot" for taking great group photos. It takes more than great hardware to take great pictures and I am happy to see T-Mobile taking some extra steps to make the camera experience on the Amaze a step above the rest.

Verizon Wireless

Motorola DROID RAZR or Samsung Galaxy Nexus (available soon?)

Verizon is a tricky one this year. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest, you’ll have to decide if you want to grab what’s on store shelves right now or wait a week for what might be on store shelves. The Motorola DROID RAZR, which I just reviewed in full this week , is an amazingly thin smartphone with some serious power inside. It’s pricey at $299.99 but clearly one of the best on the market. It’s a top pick. The problem is, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is due to go on sale in a matter of days. The Nexus name is part of an annual smartphone launch that is developed hand in hand with Google. Some consider it the yearly benchmark for Andriod smartphones. The latest edition, the Galaxy Nexus, was announced by Verizon in October but has yet to be released. A date has not been announced but industry analysts expect it to be launched sometime before the end of the year. If you can wait a week, this may be the phone to get. It’s also expected to be priced at $299.99.