The
best Android phones get higher above the rest with up-to-date software and admirable
hardware design. Whether you desire a slim model like the HTC Incredible, or a
hulking slab like the Motorola Droid X, there's a vast device for you all the most
important carriers. Most new-fangled Android phones have eschewed the hardware
keyboard in support of a roomier virtual keypad, the exemption being Verizon's
Droid 2, which has both.
Samsung
Galaxy Nexus
Reviewed MARCH 2012
Samsung
Galaxy Nexus is light-years prior to other Android stars.
Features:
Beautiful and speedy Android operating system, large, bright screen, fast and
responsive
Weakness:
Mediocre camera performance, spotty 4G signal strength, short battery life
Motorola
Droid Razr Maxx
Reviewed MARCH 2012
Droid
Razr Maxx offers a worthwhile boost in battery life
Features:
Long battery life, bright, vibrant
display, sturdy construction, fast 4G speeds
Weakness:
Text can appear jagged on screen, may be too large for some users
Motorola
Droid Razr
Reviewed
MARCH 2012
Droid
Razr is extra thin, but so is its battery life.
Features:
Extremely thin, durable, scratch-resistant design, lots of screen space, fast
4G speeds, and good call quality
Weakness:
Poor battery life, lower screen quality than competitors
T-Mobile
G2x
Reviewed
FEBRUARY 2012
Speedy
T-Mobile G2x catches the flagship title
Features:
Speedy dual-core processor, android operating system, vibrant, responsive
screen, excellent multimedia features, high-resolution video recording
Weakness:
Not the highest-quality screen available, doesn't have fastest version of 4G
Pantech
Crossover
Reviewed
FEBRUARY 2012
Affordable
Android slider sports physical QWERTY keyboard
Features:
Roomy QWERTY keyboard, great battery
life, decent camera
Weakness:
Mixed call quality, slow data speeds, small display
LG
Phoenix
Reviewed
FEBRUARY 2012
The
LG Phoenix is an excellent entry-level Android smartphone, but it's got stiff
competition
Features:
Lightweight and easy to hold, excellent
battery life, world phone
Weakness:
Browser unable to play Flash videos, weak camera that lacks a dedicated button,
bloated with non-removable AT&T apps
LG
Thrive
Reviewed
DECEMBER 2011
AT&T's
first prepaid Android Smartphone is simple to use and reliable
Features: Easy user interface, world phone, long battery
life, small and lightweight
Weakness:
Lack of a dedicated camera button, weak camera, unable to play Flash videos in
browser, built-in AT&T apps are not removable
Samsung
Droid Charge
Reviewed
NOVEMBER 2011
Verizon's
large and in-charge 4G Smartphone
Features: Fast 4G web browsing and media streaming, call
quality, vibrant, high-contrast display, high-quality photo and video output
Weakness:
Short battery life, older hardware compared to recent smart phones
LG
Optimus V
Reviewed
AUGUST 2011
Virgin
Mobile's Android Smartphone delivers great performance for its price
Features: Price, clear call quality, fast processor,
responsive interface
Weakness:
Cramped screen, browser has no Flash support, can't use as mobile hotspot
Samsung
Galaxy Indulge
Reviewed
JULY 2011
Speedy
4G phone quickly runs out of juice
Features:
4G LTE connection, fast processor, roomy
QWERTY keyboard
Weakness:
Short battery life, dim display, camera shutter lag
HTC
Thunder Bolt
Reviewed
MAY 2011
HTC
Thunder Bolt's lightning-fast speed zaps battery life
Features:
Fast web browsing, large touch screen with
wide viewing angle, high-quality camera, kickstand for video viewing
Weakness: Poor battery life when using 4G, occasional bugs
Motorola
Atrix 4G
Reviewed
MAY 2011
The
versatile Motorola Atrix 4G is fast, but not 4G fast
Features:
Responsive interface, large, colorful display,
can double as a net book
Weakness:
Slow 4G speeds, lags when used with accessory dock
T-Mobile
G2
Reviewed
MARCH 2011
T-Mobile's
G2 is a worthy Android heir
Features:
Roomy QWERTY keyboard, fast, easy-to-navigate
menus, clear call quality
Weakness:
Slider hinge doesn't lock in place, poor
speakerphone quality