Mobile World Congress remains the world’s biggest dedicated mobile technology event, and this year’s show more than 70,000 people converged in Barcelona, Spain, to find out what’s next in smartphones, tablets and more.
From upstart operating systems and the world’s thinnest slate, to a whole new way to make your own apps, these are the eight best mobile products from Mobile World Congress 2013.
Best smartphone: LG Optimus G Pro
These days, high-end features like a quad-core processor and 1080p screen are just table stakes in the Android superphone game. That’s why with the Optimus G Pro, LG focused on delivering uniquely compelling software that makes work more efficient and play more fun.
With LG’s updated QSlide technology, users can run important apps in small windows on the 5.5-inch full HD screen, allowing them to multitask in a way never before available on a phone. Dual Recording, which allows you to capture video using both the front HD camera and back 13-MP shooter at the same time, takes family video to a whole new level. Then there’s QTranslate, which provides real-time offline translation of words viewed through the camera lens. Add in a whopping 3,140mAh battery and you have an Android phone ready to take on the world.
Best budget smartphone: Nokia Lumia 520
With the Lumia 520, Nokia has proved its dedication to bringing high-end features to lower price points, making the Windows Phone 8 experience available to an entirely new set of users worldwide. The 520 sports a 5-MP camera that supports Nokia’s fun lens apps and offers super-sensitive touch technology for controlling the display even when you’re wearing gloves. The phone cuts a few corners compared to the powerful Lumia 920, with a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and no LTE support, but these compromises bring the price down to just around $180 unsubsidized. Overall, the Lumia 520 looks like a fantastic deal.
Best large tablet: Sony Xperia Tablet Z
At just 0.3 inches thick, Sony’s Xperia Tablet Z may be the “world’s thinnest tablet,” but that isn’t the only reason it takes home the prize for Best Large Tablet of Mobile World Congress 2013. This 10-incher packs a gorgeous 1920 x 1080-pixel display with a 20 percent greater color gamut than Apple’s iPad, thanks to Sony’s Bravia Engine technology. And with a powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, the Xperia Z has enough muscle to take on the toughest tasks.
Oh, and did we mention the whole thing goes underwater? That’s right, the Xperia Z can take a dip in up to 6 inches of water for 30 minutes. Rounding out this tablet’s top-tier features are an integrated IR blaster and Sony’s SideView app, which allows you to see what’s on TV and change the channel.
Best small tablet: Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Read More: nbcnews.com
