From its size to its strength and pixels, screens have become the new battleground for flagship smartphones as manufacturers come up with the best display to make more sales.

Users have observed the surge of new features, particularly among smartphone displays, as manufacturers offer bigger screens that could withstand water and dust and made keypads optional. Now, techies are waiting for more high-tech features such as the ability to bend and twist to different shapes and adjust to different light settings.

For sure, the tech firms will continue to update their models to keep up with consumer demand for more and better display features.

Given the current models available, the tech site CNET picked five, with Nokia Lumia 920 (AT&T) as the one with the best killer screen. Here is the site's top 5.

1. Nokia Lumia 920 - The Web site said that the use by the Finnish-made phone of the IPS LCD screen that provides 1,280x768-pixel resolution and pixel density of 332 pixels per inch yields a terrific display at all brightness levels. Deep blacks, rich colours, bright whites and sharp text are visible to users.

The gadget's 4.5-inch PureMotion+ HD screen, when its sensitivity is set to high, allows navigation with fingernails or even gloves if the user is in a cold climate zone. At the same time, it automatically brightens when outdoors under bright summer light, improving readability of text, but drains battery juice.

2. LG Optimus G Pro - This device has a 5.5-inch full-HD IPS screen with 1,920x1,080 pixel resolution, 400 ppi and 16.9 aspect ratio. As a whole, CNET said its screen is bright and extremely responsive despite its slightly cold, blue-grayish tint. Other pluses include its wide viewing angle that provides images clearly when indoor or outdoor, vibrant colours, sharp icons and crisp text, while making video watching a pleasant experience.

3. HTC One - The Taiwanese phone maker used the SoLux technology for the gadget's 4.7-inch screen with 1080p, in the process improving picture quality and generating 468ppi. A CNET reviewer took note of HTC One's vibrant colours, wide viewing angles and sufficient brightness as well as extremely crisp details.

4. Samsung Galaxy S4 - The HD AMOLED screen used by the South Korean tech firm prides itself of colour saturation and contrast that sharply defines edges and details. The 5-inch display with 1080p that yields a pixel density of 441ppi, makes it easy for user to read text, provides good-looking gameplay and displays terrific photos and videos. However, one downside to this new release is outdoor readability in strong sunlight is really tough.

5. Apple iPhone 5 (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint) - Its 4-inch Retina Display has 1,136x640 pixels resolution, 326 pixels per inch density. While its IPD LCD screen material helps keep the display crystal clear, readability is compromised under strong sunlight.

Meanwhile, another tech Web site, Gadget Guy, placed five of the most popular smartphone displays under the microscope to provide close ups of the letters of screens of the iPhone 5, LG Optimus G, Samsung Galaxy S4, Sony Xperia X and HTC One.

The verdict of Gadget Guy is that Sony's is the best because its lettering came out clear and smooth. Runner up was the Galaxy S4.

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