Best smartphones at CES 2012

We take a look at six of the best handsets set to appear at this year's CES 2012, which kicks off next week.

A number of powerful Android 4.0 -oaded quad-core smartphones, which use high-end HD displays and 12-megapixel cameras, are expected to be unveiled at the CES 2012.

Sony, Motorola and Samsung are all expected to come out with next-gen devices and NFC is expected to make waves as the new must-have technology at the show.

Sony Ericsson’s Nozomi: The Xperia Arc HD, as it is also called, features a 4.3-inch HD LCD display and a 12-megapixel camera. The Nozomi is one of the last devices that Sony will release with the Ericsson brand name behind it – expect something impressive. 

Sony’s Nyphon: The Nyphon is the first smartphone that Sony will be launching without Ericsson. The dual-core handset will sport a 4-inch display and an 8-megapixel Exmor R camera with a backlit sensor.

Though it will initially run on Android 2.3, it will probably get upgraded to the ICS soon enough. 

Nokia’s Lumia 900: Picking up where Lumia 800 left off, the Nokia Lumia 900 will sport a larger 4.3-inch display and is expected to be the company's new Tango-powered flagship smartphone.

Nokia and Microsoft have recently tasted success in the smartphone market and the partnership is deemed to be a profitable one in the coming year as well.

Motorola’s Droid 4: Continuing its Droid series, Motorola is expected to unveil the Droid 4 handset at CES. The smartphone is rumoured to offer LTE 4G connectivity and an 8-megapixel HD camera.

Though it will ship with Gingerbread, it will most likely be upgraded to ICS later this year.

LG Fantasy: LG is expected to unveil its first Intel Medfield-powered Android device at this year's CES 2012. The phone will be a mid-range Android smartphone designed to showcase what's possible with Intel's new chipset.

Samsung Galaxy S III:  The Samsung Galaxy SIII is expected to be a powerful quad-core device with a Tegra 3 processor. It is also predicted that the device will have 3D visual capablilities. It will be Android Ice Cream Sandwich-powered as well.

Having said that, current word on the street suggest that Samsung – like HTC – might be saving the Galaxy S3 for MWC 2012 in February. 

Guess we'll have to wait to see how that one plays out.