5 Editors' Choice Smartphones: 3 iPhones, a Phone for Photogs, HTC One

Is it time to renew your AT&T or Verizon contract? Or time to just upgrade to the latest and greatest* iteration of the iPhone? Whether you're in the market for an Apple, Android, or Windows phone, this roundup of exclusively Editors' Choice smartphones is all about savings.
^{* Remains to be seen}

1. Nokia Lumia 521 Prepaid Windows Phone 8 for T-Mobile
   Store: HSN
   Price: $79.95 via coupon code "135235" with free shipping
   Lowest By: $36
   Expires: September 30

   Is It Worth It?: While the Nokia's Lumia 521 boasts "a better camera and more software features than you might expect for its [original] $150 off-contract price tag," a lack of LTE support, a mere 4" 800x400 IPS LCD screen, and no camera flash on its 5MP camera setup remind us its a budget smartphone through and through. However, that said, CNET does call it "one of the best bargain smartphones on any platform." What's more, HSN is offering this contract-free device for its lowest price ever.

2. Samsung Galaxy S3 16GB Android Smartphone for AT&T bundled with a $40 Walmart Gift Card
   Store: Walmart
   Price: 97 cents with free shipping
   Lowest By: $102
   

   Is It Worth It?: It may be a generation old, but the Galaxy S3 (in Blue, pictured, and White) is a beloved Android phone, which CNET says competes neck-and-neck with the HTC One X. Its feature include a 4.8" 720x1280 touchscreen SuperAMOLED display, 1.4GHz Cortex-A9 processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB memory, 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.9-megapixel front camera, 1080p video recording, microSD / microSDHC, accelerometer, compass, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, and Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS.

   Want the new Samsung Galaxy S4 instead? The 16GB model is also available on AT&T at Walmart for $138 and comes with the same bundled $40 gift card.

3. HTC One 32GB 4G Android Smartphone for Verizon Wireless
   Store: Best Buy
   Price: $49.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $100

   Is It Worth It?: The "HTC One gets what Samsung doesn't" and features impressive design and hardware, including Beats speakers and a screen that is "tack-sharp" with fantastic colors and deep blacks that look "great from any angle." Available in Blue (pictured) or Silver, the HTC One features a 4.7" 1080p touchscreen LCD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 32GB internal memory, 2GB RAM, HTC UltraPixel rear-facing camera, 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, 1080p video recording, 4G connectivity, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, and Android 4.1 OS (Jelly Bean).

4. No-Contract Apple iPhone 4 8GB Smartphone
   Store: Virgin Mobile
   Price: $199.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $75

   Is It Worth It?: Not a fan of Android smartphones or contracts? Then look no further than the unlocked, contract-free iPhone 4. While it may be three generations old (and lack Siri), it's a great option for those who want a prepaid iPhone. It features an Apple A4 processor, 326-ppi (pixel per inch) Retina 3.5" display running at 960x640, gyroscope, front- and rear-facing cameras, 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, 720p video capture at 30fps, 802.11n wireless networking, and dual microphones.

5. Apple iPhone 5c 16GB Smartphone for Sprint Preorders
   Store: Sprint
   Price: Free with free shipping
   Lowest By: $99

   Is It Worth It?: While Walmart was the first to discount the new iPhone 5c/s models, Sprint has done consumers one better. You can get your hands on the latest "cheaper, gently tweaked, more colorful" iPhone 5 iteration for as little as $0. The pictured iPhone 5c comes in five colors, features an Apple A6 processor, 4" 1136x640 Retina display, 8-megapixel iSight camera, 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, 1080p video capture, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, and dual microphones.

   The iPhone 5s will also be available from Sprint, though not for preorder. Each capacity is available in Gold, Silver, or Grey. The 16GB Apple iPhone 5s will set you back $99.99; 32GB $199.99, or the 64GB version for $299.99.

   Please note that these prices are only available to new customers who sign up for a 2-year contract and port their numbers to Sprint.