Best smartphones of 2010 (photos)

We've shown you our list of top cell phones of 2010, and now it's time to take a look at our top smartphones.

It's been a big year for the category. Not only did we see a slew of new devices, but 2010 also brought the launch of some major redesigns of mobile operating systems, so there was plenty of action.

Like our top cell phones, the following smartphones received a score of at least 3.5 stars or 7.7 on the CNET scale. Read on to see which models made the cut, and be sure to check back for our list of worst smartphones of 2010.

Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)

Rating: Excellent (8.7 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: The Samsung Epic 4G is a multimedia powerhouse with features the other Galaxy S phones don't have. Unfortunately, it comes with a big price tag.

Rating: Excellent (8.7 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: The HTC Evo 4G is easily Sprint's best smartphone and one of today's top Android devices. It also shows the promise of 4G, which will grow as Sprint's WiMax network expands, but until there's broader 4G coverage, it's hard to agree with the mandatory premium data add-on fee.

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Rating: Excellent (8.7 or 4 stars; Editors' Choice)

The bottom line: With its polished design and user interface and blazingly fast speeds, the HTC Droid Incredible takes pole position as Verizon's top smartphone and is now the Android device to beat.

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Rating: Excellent (8.6 or 4 stars)

The bottom line:  With the iPhone 4, Apple again shows that it is a powerful player in the smartphone wars. It won't be for everyone, the call quality and reception vary if you don't use a case, and AT&T's network remains a sticking point, but the handset's striking design, loaded feature set, and generally agreeable performance make it the best iPhone yet.

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Rating: Excellent (8.3 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: Some minor issues aside, the T-Mobile G2 is one of the carrier's top Android smartphones, offering an excellent QWERTY keyboard, speed, and plenty of features.

Rating: Excellent (8.3 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: The Motorola Droid X makes another fine addition to Verizon's Android family, bringing with it a rich multimedia experience and more connectivity features.

Rating: Excellent (8.3 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: Though video chat isn't ready for prime time, there's plenty to love about the T-Mobile MyTouch 4G, including its speed, sleek and sturdy design, and great call quality.

Rating: Excellent (8.0 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: Anyone looking for an alternative to the iPhone, but who wants better multimedia features and a more organized user interface than Android offers, should check out the Samsung Focus with Windows Phone 7, which has all that plus solid performance and a sleek design.

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Rating: Excellent (8.0 or 4 stars)

The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl 3G is a great little global smartphone if you can deal with the unusual keyboard.

Rating: 7.7 (Very Good or 3.5 stars)

The bottom line: The LG Optimus T is one of the best entry-level smartphones you can buy, with a feature set that is on par with devices more than twice its price.

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