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The top 5 smartphones of MWC 2011

Reviews of five mobile phones that stood out

As Mobile World Congress 2011 draws to a close, it's time to take stock of the plethora of smartphones and tablet PCs we saw for the first time. Tomorrow, we'll bring you the best tablet PCs of MWC 2011, but here, in no particular order, are smartphones that stood out at MWC 2011. Sadly, they didn't include a Facebook phone or an iPhone nano - but when and if such things exist, you'll read it here first.

HTC Incredible S

Why's it here? Because the original HTC Incredible all but lived up to its name, proving to be a massive success Stateside. The major upgrade this time is an Apple-style aluminium unibody. What's not to like?

Is it any good? The HTC Incredible S has a tough-feeling unibody aluminium construction and ran fine in the brief tests we ran at MWC - it's just a shame it currently comes with Android 2.2 rather than a later version. Watch this space for a full review of the HTC Incredible S in due course.

HTC Incredible S review

Samsung Galaxy S 4G

Why's it here? Samsung gives good mobile, and we've been hearing about an inexpensive but superfast upcoming 4G smartphone from South Korea's finest for a long time.

Is it any good? We're impressed with the Galaxy S 4G. It doesn't have the features or horsepower of its brother the Galaxy S II (of which more below), but to get to a bargain price point you can't have the best of everything. And this is a pretty good compromise of price, build and performance.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G review

HTC Desire S

Why's it here? The HTC Desire was the one true rival to the Apple iPhone, back in the day. It still causes great controversy with our readers that its descendent (the HTC Desire HD) no longer ranks in our Top 5 Smartphones chart. So the next-generation HTC Desire S had our tech-hungry newshounds salivating.

Is it any good? The early signs are it's a winner. The HTC Desire S feels good in the hand, has a sharp-looking display and ran fluidly in early tests. We also like the camera upgrade. For more see our sister title PC World US's video hands-on with the HTC Desire S.

HTC Desire S review

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

Why's it here? It's the PlayStation Phone stupid! Well, it isn't actually. Although it sort of is. It's a Google Android 2.3 phone with gaming controls, and along with the putative 'Facebook phone', it's what the world has been waiting for. Well, some of the world.

Is it any good? The Google Android 2.3-powered Sony Ericsson Xperia Play isn't the prettiest phone, but the gaming controls and graphics impress. If you like to game, and you like to phone, it may be for you.

VIDEO: first look at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play review

HTC Wildfire S

Why's it here? To prove that the HTC and Google Android combination can do cheap and cheerful. And beautiful.

Is it any good? The little HTC Wildfire S's attractive design makes up for what it lacks in specifications. And it's cheap. Kerching.

HTC Wildfire S review

See also: Group test: what's the best smartphone?

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