Consumer Reports may have lost some of its luster in recent years thanks to the onslaught of smartphone rankings across the web. Still, when Consumer Reports talks, people listen and that’s why we’re taking note of their new choice for “top-rated smart phone.” According to the report published yesterday, the Galaxy S 4 dethroned the LG Optimus G which sat in the top spot for several months.

The S4 has an excellent 5-inch, high-definition (1080p) touch-screen display, as well as oodles of gesture- and sensor-based tools for accessing and sharing content you create and capture on your phone. The display is sensitive enough to use with gloves on—handy during cold weather.

A true multi-tasker, the S4 lets you run two apps simultaneously in a split-screen view. For instance, you can watch a video while checking e-mail, or you can use Google Maps and Messaging simultaneously. We did find that battery life and voice quality varied slightly between cell carriers, as with the LG Optimus G.

The news comes on the heels of reports that Samsung will blow past the 10 million mark for sales in 30 days besting Galaxy S III sales.

Anyone disagree with the Galaxy S 4 ranking? What would you place at the top of this list?

Consumer Reports