The world is slowly progressing towards the the Phablet age, that is a synergy of the PC, laptop, tablet and phone, all wrapped to make a handy communication tool that will just squeeze into a large pocket or a big sized hand. When Samsung launched the first phablet, the Galaxy Note, critics raved about what demand might a huge phone create but were quieted by the record breaking sales posted by the company.  The trend has picked up with more entrants. Here’s our top five pick.

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (With Jelly Bean Upgrade):



This was a great phablet with the Android 4.0 ICS, but Android 4.1 JellyBean has made it better. The phone has 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen with 1280 x 720 pixels resolution, 1.6 GHz quad-core processor and a 2GB RAM. It comes in 16GB, 32GB 64GB internal memory which can be further expanded by another 64GB. With a smooth finish and a Stylus S pen, the Note 2 is one of the best phablets in the market.

2. LG Optimus Vu II:



The LG Optimus Vu II is especially recognised for it’s big screen size. With a 5-inch IPS LCD and display size of 1024x768 pixels, this phablet has one of the best screens available in the market. The Optimus Vu II is packed with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor powered by 2GB RAM, it has Android 4.0.4 ICS OS. The in built memory for the phone is 64GB which is further expandable via SD card to another 32GB.

3. Micromax Canvas A110:



This can be termed as a budget phablet with great features including a 5-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen IPS display with 480 x 854 pixels resolution, powered by 1GHz dual-core CPU with 512 RAM it has Android 4.0.4 ICS OS . The phablets differentiating feature is of course the dual sim. The phone comes with a 4GB internal memory that can be extended up to 32GB.

4. Spice Stellar Horizon MI 500:



This phablet is in competition in the low price range models for its slim design, leather-like rear panel and other aesthetic features. It has a 5 inch capacitive multi-touch screen but average contrast quality despite the 480×800 pixel display. The Stellar Horizon MI 500 has a 1GHz dual-core CPU and 512MB of RAM running Android 4.0 ICS OS. Internal storage capacity is 2GB expandable to 32GB and it is a dual sim.

5. Karbonn A30:



A dual SIM handset running on Android 4.0 ICS OS and a screen size of 5.9- inches the A30 is one of the biggest smartphone displays. It is powered by a 1Ghz dual core processor and 512MB, it promises improved gaming performance and a better web browsing experience. It has 2GB internal memory that can be expanded up to 32GB.

2013 is the year of phablets with many companies announcing launches in the coming months. Wait and watch out for better features.