We're only a third of the way through September, but this month has already delivered more updates and upgrades in the smartphone realm than the entire summer preceding it. There's a new Moto X, two new iPhones, a new Sony flagship, and a smartphone with a screen that rolls off the edge. If you're in China, Huawei will even sell you a high-end sandwich of sapphire, ceramic, and aluminum, which it calls its Ascend P7 Sapphire edition.
While everyone is naturally curious about what this year's premium phones will look and feel like, when it comes time to spend our money, many of us will look to midrange devices instead. That's where Motorola's refreshed Moto G, HTC's Desire 820, and Microsoft's pair of new Lumia phones will do battle. And, lest we forget about the gutsy outsider that refuses to go down, there's also a new BlackBerry coming soon, featuring the weirdest form factor we've ever seen from the Canadian company.
It's been quite a flurry of activity and we'd like to know how you feel about it all. Which company has done the most to revive your desire for a new handset? Is it Samsung with its upgraded design and materials, or perhaps Sony with its most refined smartphones yet and the promise to play PlayStation 4 games directly on your phone? Cast your vote in the poll below!
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
Apple moves up in size class with a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch version of its latest flagship phone.
BlackBerry Passport
You've never seen a smartphone quite like the Passport. If innovation is measured by how new and different a device is, the Passport wins this year's prize easily.
HTC Desire 820
An 8-megapixel front-facing camera betrays this phone's intended purpose as a selfie taker. BoomSound speakers, a 64-bit processor, and a generous 5.5-inch screen combine with a reasonable price to make the 820 an interesting option for entertainment lovers.
Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire
A 5-inch sapphire display on the front and a ceramic-reinforced back are wrapped around an aluminum frame. This phone will be available in a limited edition in China, though if there's greater demand for its combination of premium materials and consumer-friendly price, it could broaden its horizons.
Lumia 830
Combining the two strengths of what was once Nokia's phone division — camera optics and high-end design — the Lumia 830 aims to be a more affordable alternative to the best Windows Phones.
Moto X (2014)
Everything's bigger, better, and more premium with the new Moto X. Our choice for the best Android smartphone currently on the market.
Moto G (2014)
The successor to Motorola's best selling smartphone.
Galaxy Note Edge
What was once a far-off concept and a mere prototype at a trade show is about to turn into a retail reality. Samsung's flexible display technology has been deployed in the Edge to add an extra dimension, which will be used to display things like notifications and camera controls.
Xperia Z3
Sony's new flagship phone retains much of its predecessor's specs and design, but smoothes down the edges and delivers more refined ergonomics as a result.
Xperia Z3 Compact
Same size as the earlier Z1 Compact, but with a bigger screen and a softer, more ergonomic design. Sony's no-compromise spec for this handset makes it as appealing as the senior Z3.
Galaxy Alpha
Samsung realized that chamfered metal edges are actually pretty awesome, and its first phone to feature this improved design is easily its most attractive one to date.
Poll
Who has the most exciting new smartphone this month?
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