TechSpot's Smartphone Buying Guide: Q4 2011 Update

Smartphone manufacturers are bringing out the big guns as we move into the final months of the year. While much of the attention will undoubtedly center on Apple's new iPhone 4S, Android fans are spoilt for choice this holiday season and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) is expected to arrive any time now.

We also have high hopes for Microsoft's renewed mobile platform, but are still waiting for the latest Mango-powered hardware to hit U.S. shores. In particular, Nokia's first Windows Phone devices. Notably absent from this update is HP's webOS platform, which is officially on life support since August. RIM's BlackBerry devices have also failed to impress lately, so you will note the company is represented by a single model, the BlackBerry Bold 9930.

Without further ado, check out our selection of the hottest devices currently out there. Each phone is listed alongside its feature highlights, specs and prices, broken down in three categories depending on its time of release. We've added metascores from our Product Finder engine besides each phone to further aid you in making well-informed decisions on your next purchase. Read more at TechSpot.