Best phablets on the UK market for October 2013

Phablets bridge the gap between phones and tablets. They can make calls and access the internet via a mobile network, but they also have screens that are big enough (just about) to allow you to use them like a tablet. The form factor has already overtaken sales of standard tablets and laptops in Asia and they're getting a lot more popular here too.

Galaxy Note 3

The latest Galaxy Note 3 has a bigger and better screen than its predecessor -- 5.7 inches of Super Amoled extreme vividness with full HD 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution. Its 2.3GHz quad-core processor makes it one of the most powerful handsets we've seen and it's added a few extra tricks to its smart stylus, sorry, S-Pen, which now lets you do clever stuff like writing a phone number then simply pressing on it to dial.

The 13-megapixel camera is a treat, and a big step up from the last Note's 8-megapixel snapper. Oh, and it's compatible with Samsung's new Galaxy Gear smartwatch too -- it's the high-end phablet that gives you more.

Read our Galaxy Note 3 review
Wired: Gorgeous screen, powerful processor, slim build, handy stylus
Tired: Too big for most pockets perhaps, not everyone likes the stylus
£599
9/10

Sony Xperia Z Ultra

The biggest contender in Sony's rightly praised Z range offers a huge 6.4-inch screen with a full HD resolution of 1920x1080 pixels -- the same resolution as the Note 3, but on an even bigger screen.

 

 

With a 2.2GHz quad-core processor backed by a full 2GB RAM it's right up there with the Note 3 for power and performance, though its 8-megapixel camera is a little behind the lead standard, and drops the ball a little after the Xperia Z1's fine 13-megapixel model. Perhaps it's just a smidgeon too big for some, since it struggles to fit in the average pocket, but if you love an in-yer-face screen, it's terrific.

Read our Sony Xperia Z Ultra review
Wired: Huge HD screen, powerful processor, okay camera, waterproof, dust resistant
Tired: Camera not as good as other Z models, not cheap
£619
8/10

ASUS Fonepad

There are lots of 7-inch tablets around, but the Asus Fonepad distinguishes itself by being one of the few with 3G phone and internet access, so qualifying it for phablet status. The screen offers an HD resolution of 1280x800 pixels, which isn't bad at all, even if it pales a little in comparison with the very best. The bargain-basement price shows in the occasionally tardy single-core 1.2GHz processor and the fact that the only camera is a 1.3-megapixel model on the front for video calls. 

 

Virtually unlimited internet access without the need to rely on a Wi-Fi connection is a good selling point, the outsize phone option perhaps less so, but as a do-it-all device, even if it won't quite fit in your pocket, it does a decent job, and all for a very affordable price.

Read our Asus Fonepad review
Wired: Decent screen, low price
Tired: No main camera
Price
£180
8/10

LG Optimus G2
The super-sharp 5.2-inch screen with 1080x1920-pixel resolution isn't the most distinctive thing about the G2, it's the unique placement of the volume control/power button on the back rather than the side. LG reckons this is more naturally intuitive, which it may well be, but for smartphone veterans it takes a bit of getting used to

 

The 2.3GHz quad-core processor keeps pace with the best, just about, making this a very fast device indeed, and the 13-megapixel camera turned in a very good performance. Unfortunately there's no option to expand the memory, so you're stuck with either 16GB or 32GB versions.

Read our LG Optimus G2 review
Wired: Impressive processor, sharp screen, light but strong unibody design
Tired: No expandable memory, no removable battery
£500
9/10