Two weeks after Apple made available two next-generation iPhone models in retail outlets in the U.S., the company's iPhone 5S was named by Business Insider as the best smartphone in a list of 15 mobile devices for October 2013.

In naming the newly released iPhone 5S as the best smartphone, the Web site pointed to the gadget providing the perfect balance of great design, useful features and app and content selection. While it conceded the 5S looks identical to the iPhone 5 released in 2012, it has a better camera and fingerprint sensor to unlock the device without a passcode.

The iPhone 5S has a price tag beginning at $199 on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint and $99 down plus $22 monthly for 24 months on T-Mobile.

In runner-up position is HTC One Google Edition. Priced at $599 unlocked from Google, the device is considered the best Android smartphone, featuring the great design that also runs HTC software but with a clean version of Android minus unnecessary extras.

In third spot is the HTC One, which sells for $199.00 on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint and $49.99 down plus $21 monthly for 24 months on T-Mobile. Business Insider noted that this model has the best features on any Android smartphone and uses an all-metal design for casing. The Web site said it is the first Android phone to match Apple's iPhone in design and build quality.

Rounding up the next 12 devices on the list are:

  • Motorola Moto X - For its ability to quickly check notifications from a locked screen

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition - Strips out all software extras from Samsung and offers a clean version of Android
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 - Flagship device of Samsung, but full of noisy and complex features owners would probably not use

  • iPhone 5C - Same specs as 5S, but in plastic case and five colour options
  • Google Nexus 4 - The current flagship phone of Google
  • Samsung Galaxy Note III - Big screen, but thinner and lighter than 2012 model
  • LG G2 - Gorgeous display and most current version of Android, but power and volume buttons are on the back
  • LG Optimus G Pro - LG's flagship phablet
  • Nokia Lumia 925 - Best Windows phone available
  • Nokia Lumia 1020 - For techies whose top priority is the best camera
  • BlackBerry Q10 - For phone users who want old-school look and feel
  • BlackBerry Z10 - A good phone despite not being a hit with consumers
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