The Motorola phones usually will have 2db better signal than all others. The Motorola phones typically have a less than stellar camera. Most online professional reviews also agree. The current best battery in any phone is the Razr Maxx (HD). I've found the Razr phones to be laggy compared to my Samsung S3.
The Iphone 5 on Verizon can not do voice and data at the same time. This was an Apple decision. The fail rate for the Iphone 5 is slightly better than other high end phones. They still require resets and replacements. The camera on the Iphone 5 is normally rated high. If your invested in the Apple ecosystem the Iphone is probably for you. I'm not a fan of Itunes. I can usually tell when I'm talking with an Iphone person. The AT&T Iphone is the worst of all. The Motorola absolutely destroys the Iphone in call quality. I have yet to find an Iphone person admit their phone is the problem.
HTC just came out with the "One". Not available on Verizon. The One is highly rated. Given previous HTC phones upgrade track record and the quality I'd pass on HTC.
I've found LG phones internal memory system to be a mess. I recently played with an LG with a Quad Core processor and 2gb of ram. It was laggy. It also couldn't stream from my Seagate wifi hard drive.
Avoid Pantech.
The Samsung S4 just came out. I have the Vzw Samsung S3. I use NFC (Near Field Communication). I also use Wifi direct for large data transfer between devices. The S3/S4 also has AllCast for turning your TV into a mirror of the cellphone screen. I've heard Apple TV works better than AllCast. The S3 also has a great camera. The Samsung S3/S4 also has an easy mode. The screen is great for watching Youtube/movies. Call quality is also better than the Iphone.