Buying a smartphone? Be a wise geek

Those looking for a new smartphone this festive season will find themselves flooded with choices -- whether it is form-factor, mobile operating system or the price range.

While Apple's new iPhone 5, Samsung's new Note II, Sony's flagship Xperia devices already crowd the retail shelves, some more top-range smartphone launches from Nokia, Samsung and HTC, among others, will add more options for buyers in the weeks leading up to the holiday shopping season.

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Last week iPhone 5 made its debut in Indian markets and soon Microsoft's new Windows Phone 8 operating system can be experienced on the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820, Samsung Ativ S and HTC's Windows Phone 8X and Windows Phone 8S.

These devices, designed specifically for Windows Phone 8, are expected to be available in stores and online in November.

Google too announced on its blog the launch of a new LG Nexus 4 handset that will start shipping November 13.

How does one pick the right smartphone out of the confusing array? Here's what you need to keep in mind. 

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