From the makers of the ONETOUCH Pop 7 Tablet, allow me to introduce you to the ONETOUCH Idol 2 S Smartphone. This sleek and easy-to-use mobile phone boasts a 5-inch HD IPS display with a nearly edge-to-edge design to maximize the surface area. It is only 7.5 millimetres thin and weighs a mere 126 grams, making the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 2 S the perfect fit for the palm of your hand. In fact, this is probably my favourite feature. For me, it is crucial to have a phone that has a large quality screen that doesn't compromise the size and weight of the phone. The Idol 2 S certainly does fit like a glove. 

What I look for next is performance. Can I surf the net, stream my favourite shows and post on various social media channels with ease? Can it run multiple apps at the same time? The Idol 2 S has a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor and, during the past five weeks that I have been using it, I have found it be able to do everything that I need it to do. I even tried out the Bell TV app via Bell's 4G LTE network and thoroughly enjoyed being able to watch my favourite programmes. 

The ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 2 S phone operates on Android Jelly Bean 4.3 and has all the standard Android apps pre-installed. You can easily download additional apps via the Google Play Store but what makes this phone a little different than my current Android phone is the Quick Settings Menu. With a simple downward swipe, I can quickly access Wi-Fi, Hotspot, Bluetooth, brightness and rotation settings as well as access GPS, alarm, airplane mode, flashlight and more.

Why, it's the new LG G3 smart phone! If the fingerprint resistant exterior in a metallic black finish hasn't caught your eye yet, then you will surely marvel over the 5.5" Quad Display, the first of its kind in Canada. What's the big deal over the display? Well, my friends, it is the quintessence of life-like resolution that is four times the resolution of HD. You can pick your jaw up off the floor now.

The new LG G3 phone is also the first phone with laser auto focus that works with the 13 megapixel Optical Image Stabilization camera to give you incredible image quality and precision. This is a big feature for me since, like most moms, we often have our cell phones readily available to snap photos of the kids and then plaster them all over Facebook. Er, I mean, print out hard copies and gather them ever so neatly in a scrapbook. Of course.

The Quick Circle Window Folio Case is the perfect accessory because the circular window lets you access certain apps. You can take a picture, pull up the music player, and receive or place a call without ever having to open the case cover. Once it is open, you still have access to the Rear Key panel on the back. And have you seen the circular camera feature? You can easily customize the analog watch face to suit your style. Doesn't it look so... sophisticated?

As a busy mother, teacher and blogger, I value being able to capture the little moments on camera and being able to share them on Instagram, forward them to distant relatives or watch instant replays on the large, nearly bezel-free Quad HD display. With the LG G3 smart phone, I can do that and so much more, such as taking the perfect selfie with the illumination feature. It's kind of like having special studio lighting in your pocket. And don't get me started on the "beautify" slider which helps to "smooth" out your skin and magically erase blemishes. Not that I have any. (Clearly, I'm lying.) You can also take a picture simply by saying "cheese" or using the gesture-activated timer. But beyond the amazing camera, there's something to be said for the ability to stay connected and to have all that you need to keep up with life right at your fingertips.