Introduction

Google's Android dominates the market in sheer numbers while Apple's iOS fights in the premium market and is winning the profit margin game. And then there's Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile, trying to find its place under the sun. We've handpicked the best phablets from each of these platforms to put them head to head, focusing on the devices rather than the platforms they represent.

There will be several rounds, each focusing on a certain specific aspect - the screen, the battery life, performance, audio and the camera.

The Apple iPhone has defined the must-have smartphone experience for years, even when Androids win on features. If anything, the iPhone 6s Plus is more like an Android than ever before with a focus on higher numbers (12MP camera with 2160p video) and some advanced UI tricks (3D Touch).

Apple iPhone 6s Plus

All-metal unibody

3D touch

Fingerprint reader

Bespoke chipset with great performance

Finely tuned 12MP/2160p camera with OIS Expensive (especially if you want storage)

Smaller, lower resolution screen (5.5" 1080p)

Thick bezels

No wireless charging

Mono audio recording in videos

No dual-SIM option

No RAW or manual shooting

The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL is the latest in the legendary PureView camera line with its hybrid sensor (4:3 and 16:9), ZEISS lens and full manual controls. Very much a Windows phone, the Lumia 950 XL promises access to Continuum for a desktop-like experience on a bigger screen and a unified app store.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL

Continuum (desktop-like interface)

Iris scanner

20MP camera with ZEISS lens, tri-LED flash

Removable battery

microSD card slot

Excellent loudspeaker

Dual-SIM option Limited app selection

No fingerprint reader

No mobile payment solution

Polycarbonate body doesn't feel premium

Battery life is not great (especially for dual-SIM)

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is the latest device in one of the best-selling Android lineups, but many feel it was a step back from the power-user inclination the series was known for. You've heard it all before - sealed battery, no microSD slot, also this one took its sweet time coming to Europe.

Still, the Samsung-made screen and chipset are bleeding edge and as with all Galaxy flagships, the Note5 has more features per cubic centimeter than anything else out there.

Samsung Galaxy Note5