The best phones yet to be released in some countries early this year include the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4. The iPhone 5S will reportedly be unveiled soon, and the Xperia Z is arriving in more countries, including the U.S. All these phones have been gathering positive initial reviews from tech experts. How would a non-techie user know which one to buy?

Many phone users upgrading for the first time in a long time could be in for a lot of confusion. Some handset buyers know the specific features they're looking for. Others are just interested in the best phone out there today. However, the best handset for one user may be a pain for another. The HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are both prized Android phones. The Xperia Z is also an Android phone in neat Sony skin. The iPhone 5S hasn't even been announced yet, but many iOS users are already determined to get it.

There are two main questions new phone shoppers could ask themselves: What kind of phone user are you -- light, moderate, or heavy? Why are you buying a new handset? The first question could be easy. The second question requires a bit more thought. Below are some possible answers.

A. I want a newer, better Android device. This eliminates the iOS iPhone 5S from the choices. Light users could go for the intuitive Xperia Z with lots of camera shooting options.

B. I just want to play some fun games to kill time, and I don't want to buy another device just for entertainment. Any late-2012 or 2013 phone will do, but note that the Apple app store has the widest selection of tested game apps. If you're likely to go heavy in media consumption, perhaps you'd do better with the Galaxy S4.

C. My phone has conked out. You are most likely a (very) late adopter and perhaps a light user. Apple and Samsung handsets have a good record in durability. They refresh their products quite often, but you won't care if your phone would seem dated in a year or less, anyway.

D. I'd like to be as tech-savvy as my friends and family. You are likely to become (if you aren't already) a heavy user. Go Android, where you can have greater control over your phone. If "jailbreaking" makes you feel excited, go for an Apple handset. (Be warned though, if the iPhone 5S does not come with iOS7, the most popular jailbreakers might not bother to help you.)

E. I want a really good camera phone. The HTC One, which features an ultrapixel camera, is a promising handset. It can reportedly challenge all other phones in low light conditions. It also features an exciting Zoe Gallery that innovates how you use your photo gallery.

In asking which handset is the best, gadget shoppers must first be able to answer the two questions above. If you answer, "I just don't want to be left behind in mobile technology," you are likely to get confused over so many choices. This year has only just begun and more phones are coming with the latest innovations.

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