Best Smartphones For 2012: Five Smartphones To Put At The Top Of Your Shopping List

Smartphones and tablets are bound to be some of the hottest holiday gifts around in the United States. In lieu of that, we here at Latinos Post would like to elicit five smartphones that should be at the top of everybody's shopping list. Here they are:

Samsung Galaxy S3 - The Samsung Galaxy S3 has been the most popular Android smartphone of this year. Sleek and desirable, the smartphone features a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and an 8-megapixel camera. Depending on which carrier and Black Friday deal you buy it through, the price can vary from $99.99 to $199.99. Either way, it's the only smartphone that's given the iPhone a run for its money, and is powerful enough to last for a while. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 - Another Samsung device, the Galaxy Note 2 is a great compromise between a phone and a tablet. Dubbed a 'phablet,' the Galaxy Note 2 features a 5.55-inch HD Super AMOLED display, a 1.6GHZ quad-core processor, and Android 4.1.1. Jelly Bean. Oh, and don't forget the S Pen stylus, which allows users to draw and take notes with precision on the device.

The device can be bought through AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular for $299.99 with a two-year contract. T-Mobile has been selling the smartphone at a higher price, but as of now, the T-Mobile site lists the Galaxy Note 2 at $199.99

Apple iPhone 5 - There isn't much to say about the iPhone 5 that hasn't been said except that it's bigger. The phone is as reliable as ever, except now it's got a 4-inch screen instead of a 3.5-inch display. It features a Retina display and LTE support where appropriate. One of the most popular, and appealing gifts out there. Costs $199.99 with a two-year contract through AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.

HTC Droid DNA - A Verizon exclusive, but one of the most technically advanced, dazzling smartphones out there. The Droid DNA has a 1080p display pushing out 440 pixels per inch (ppi) and a quad-core processor - great for those who love video. Combine that with HTC's reputation and you've got a great recipe for success. The only major complaints in reviews so far has to do with its battery life. 

The Droid DNA is LTE capable and comes at a $199.99 price tag. 

LG Nexus 4 - The latest in Google-branded smartphones. The LG Nexus 4 features everything you'd want except LTE. For those who prefer the latest Android version over LTE, there's no question this is the phone for them.

The LG Nexus 4 is currently sold out, but can be bought starting at $299.99 for an unlocked GSM version. T-Mobile customers can pick one up for $199.99 with a two-year contract. 

There are plenty of capable and cheaper smartphones on the market, but if you want to give your loved one something that will last, these five are the way to go.