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Samsung Galaxy S 5 (above, $600)
LG G3 ($580)
Apple iPhone 6 ($650)

It’s been a banner year for smart phones, with bigger, better, smarter models raising the bar to new heights. Given the number of compelling new arrivals, we have to declare a three-way tie.

The Samsung Galaxy S 5, the LG G3, and the Apple iPhone 6 all aced our tests and rose to the top of our Ratings, thanks in part to large, excellent displays, very good cameras, and an array of useful features. Each has attributes that might appeal to different users.

The Galaxy S 5, for example, can survive a 30-minute dunk in about 3 feet of water and laugh off wind-swept debris.

Both the Samsung and the LG G3 can run multiple apps on one screen and have a first-rate virtual keyboard with five rows, a rarity. The LG also has a supersharp display.

The Apple iPhone 6 boasts a larger display than its predecessors and is a great choice if you’re invested in Apple’s content ecosystem.