Top 10 most anticipated smartphones

Which will be the hottest smartphone in the near future?

Smartphones, smartphones, smartphones. Everybody wants one, or so it would seem, but which one? New models are coming out all the time and, just when you think you've settled on one to buy, there's suddenly a much better one with all the same features plus the kitchen sink just around the corner.

We've all got used to the top-end smartphones having multi-touch screens, Wi-Fi and 3G network support, built-in GPS and multi-megapixel cameras, but what's coming down the pipeline?

Our US cousins are already getting 4G (WiMax) phones, while higher resolution screens and cameras are in the offing, plus slicker user interfaces, better keyboards and even the first devices that could be called a smartphone using Intel Atom chips.

This Top 10 is a bit different from our earlier list of the cream of the current smartphones, as some of the handsets listed here are just rumours at the moment, while at least one is as yet just a concept device. But that doesn't stop us wishing, does it?

10. iPhone 5
We're not sure if we are looking forward to an 'iPhone 5' so much as an 'iPhone 4.1'. Apple made a number of big upgrades with iPhone 4 and its accompanying iOS update but, as with any major update, you are also going to get some major bugs and shortcomings.

The most obvious issue is of course the antenna. Apple has not admitted to a mistake in the design of the phone, but is offering a free bumper case. Customers seem to have greeted the whole 'antennagate' saga with a yawn and sales aren't expected to take much of a hit, but many will be waiting until Apple can actually build a handset that works when you hold it.

The network will also be a major factor in the next iPhone model. There have been rumblings that new carriers will offer the iPhone by the end of this year and, with the transition to new '4G' networks looming, the iPhone experience of the future could hinge on Apple's picking the right networks to get onboard with.

9. Samsung Epic 4G
If the word on the street can be believed, Samsung is about to join HTC in offering a smartphone with next-generation wireless support in its upcoming Epic 4G handset.

Sadly, we won't be seeing it on this side of the Atlantic as, like the HTC Evo, it uses WiMax for its high-speed 4G network connection.

While other smartphone vendors move towards 'Super LCD' displays, Samsung has stuck with a 4in Super Amoled display, like the one found on Google's Nexus One.

Underneath the screen, Samsung has slipped in a Cortex A8 chip running at 1GHz, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash that can record 720p video, and the ability to create mobile hotspots to share 4G connectivity.

The device runs Google's Android operating system, and is also Digital Living Network Alliance compliant for media streaming.

With its combination of 4G connectivity, hardware keyboard, sleek design and the Android operating system, the Epic 4G could tempt many buyers.