31 December,2014 04:46 AM IST | | Hassan M Kamal
Preparing a list of the best gadgets is never easy, more so in a year like 2014, which saw almost every smartphone maker releasing at least one major product. the guide presents a list of some of the year’s top offerings, to suit every budget
Mumbai Guide, 2014 recap, hottest gadgets of 2014, 2014 gadgets, Apple iPhone 6 plus, Blackberry Passport, Sony Z3 Compact, Motorola Moto X2, Nokia Lumia 830, One Plus One, Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen, Asus Zenfone5, Moto E, Nokia Lumia 530, Nokia Lumia 638,
1. Apple iPhone 6 plus
Rs 61k onwards
The most expensive of the lot, but also rich in features, if you've got the moolah, don't think of anything but the iPhone 6Plus. With a massive 5.5-inch screen and several useful sensors, it takes the iPhone experience to a whole new level.
2. Blackberry Passport
Rs 45,777 onwards
Designed for total comfort, this executive phone is easily the most innovative product of 2014. Its square design makes the Passport your perfect gateway to getting work done fast while on the move.
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3. Sony Z3 Compact
Rs 41,199 onwards
Made for the style conscious, the Z3 Compact is the only phone in 2014, that beats the iPhone6 and 6Plus, hands down, in looks. But that's not all, inside the hood, it also carries enough firework to keep you in the lead.
4. Motorola Moto X2
Rs 29,999 onwards
The only smartphone to have matched performance with style and innovation within Rs 30k, the Moto X2 offers a pure Android experience along with Motorola's best tools. You will love every bit of it, and we guarantee.
5. Nokia Lumia 830
Rs 24,996 onwards
Moving away from the boxy design of Lumias, Nokia seems to have gotten everything right with the 830. This is the best Lumia phone at the moment. And unlike the other ones, it not only feels but also acts as a premium device.
6. One Plus One
Rs 21,999
Despite all the hurdles, they have been facing in India, the One Plus One, remains a hot item. And why not, the specs are way above expectations, and the pricing is unimaginable. Backing it all up, is its customised user-interface.
7. Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen
Rs 12,999 onwards
The only bang-for-your-buck phone released in 2014, Moto G 2nd Generation is the best choice in the 10-15k range. An upgrade on the popular Moto G, this one gets a bigger screen and more power under the hood. It's a phone you can buy with your eyes shut.
8. Asus Zenfone5
Rs 9,999 onwards
Asus seems to have finally gotten things right with the Asus Zenfone5 - be it in terms of specs, design or pricing. Despite the fact that it's priced within 10K, the Zenfone5 gets a premium look, and just the size you want.
9. Moto E
Rs 6,999 onwards
Some people never fail to impress, and Motorola is one of them. The Moto E, is the best Android budget smartphone around. Its dual sim, is 3G-enabled, offers superb battery back-up and comes without any hang-ups. It will also get the Android Lollypop update.
10. Nokia Lumia 530
Rs 5,384 onwards
The last of the 5xx range Lumia phones made by Nokia, the 530 is one of the cheapest Windows phone around. Though the RAM is limited at just 512MB, the 530 still packs enough firepower to get you through. This 3G-enabled, dual sim 530, is your cheapest Windows phone.
Year-end surprise of 2014
Nokia Lumia 638: The Nokia Lumia 638, is like the step-son of Microsoft devices, one which has got a strong backbone, but no support from its new parents Microsoft. Launched without any fanfare a few days ago, the Lumia 638 is 4G-LTE ready, and priced within 10K.
Other Innovative products of 2014
1. Yota Phone Rs 23,499
With two screens, the Yota phone offers you the comfort of an ebook reader as well as the best of Android in a single phone.
2. Gionee Elife E7 Mini Rs 17676
Loaded with a movable camera, the Gionee Elife phone is made to take selfies, and some powerful gaming too.
Smart wearables
Moto 360
Despite all the chatter, 2014 was a very dull year for the wearable segment. The only light amidst the darkness was the Moto 360, which impressed us with its design and introduced us to things that a smart wearable can do. It was better than any of the gadgets that we've seen so far.
