The realm of smartphones changes mighty quickly, and in case you blink, you’re guaranteed to miss the most recent and most delectable devices. That’s where we are available, to give timely roundups of everything your pals expect you to understand, at the side of the insight which you crave. To bring you up to the mark, in our December buyer’s guide , in the beginning blush you’ve thought we were doing an outline of one of the best Android phones available on the market. That’s due to our 16 highly-esteemed handsets, a whopping 13 of them had Google’s operating system on the core. As you will see, the landscape has changed somewhat, and these new contenders which have pop out swinging.
We’ve broken down this buyer’s guide by mobile carrier, each including an appropriate handset money should buy, our favourite QWERTY alternative, and the foremost well-rounded budget phone available (with $79 because the absolute ceiling). For smaller US providers, we’re providing a single selection, though we’re confident it is a good one. You’ll definitely be presented with some difficult choices, but that’s merely a testament to the abundance of stellar phones that aggressively compete in your dollar. With that said, let’s dive in — it’s roundup time.
Verizon
The Droid Charge from Samsung is hands-down the foremost desirable VIP pass to Verizon’s LTE network. Granted, the HTC Thunderbolt also will get you there, but its poor battery life and hotspot cycling issues are difficult to disregard. Meanwhile, the Charge’s pedestrian exterior belies the general satisfaction you will discover with this device — immediately apparent once its Super AMOLED Plus display involves life. At its core is a splendidly responsive Hummingbird processor, and the 1,600mAh battery promises to hold you confidently during the day (and well into the subsequent). The $299 ticket should be difficult to swallow, but it’s offset by Verizon’s inclusion of a tremendous 32GB microSD card. Topping all of it off, the Charge sports an HDMI port for quality entertainment and a camera that’s certain to thrill.
If a keyboard is what you’re after…
The Droid 2 Global is the best QWERTY handset you can see on Verizon, and we are saying that without reservation. First of all, it doesn’t have much competition — its closest rivals are the Droid Pro or an aging BlackBerry Bold . Fortunately, this Android slider provides a high-quality option with a 1.2GHz processor and support for roaming abroad. Its keyboard is spacious, and while it isn’t perfect, even people with big fingers should get along just fine. The three.7-inch, 854 x 480 display provides some appreciated space when put next to typical WVGA offerings, however its 5 megapixel shooter will leave you begging Motorola to take photography more seriously. All in all, the Droid 2 Global is a little a compromise, but when you’re willing to simply accept the trade-off, it is usually yours for $149 on contract.
The Vortex is a re-badged LG handset that’s associated with its familiar 0 Optimus One 0 heritage. Unlike its siblings, however, this phone received a make-over by Verizon, which subverted Google’s software by pre-installing Bing Maps and Bing Search onto the device. That isn’t to assert it is a bad thing, but it is a departure from the norm for this series. The Vortex features 3G Mobile Hotspot connectivity, together with Skype and VZ Navigator. You will find the telephone houses an admirable touchscreen, at the side of an incredibly solid camera. Unfortunately, Verizon seems intent to charge for its custom work in this LG, on the grounds that its Optimus counterparts on Sprint and T-Mobile are free.
AT&T
1 AT&T is now flush with stellar top-shelf offerings, including 2 Motorola’s Atrix 4G 2 , the 3 Samsung Infuse 4G 3 , and yes… 4 Apple’s iPhone 4 4 . While the selection was not at all easy, we remain enamored by this stalwart companion. For daily use, the iPhone 4 delivers probably the most balanced strategy to consumer needs by providing snappy performance combined with battery life that’s a cut above the remaining. Its Retina Display remains the ordinary for comparison, and while the screen is small, reading text on internet sites is a thoroughly pleasurable experience. A year after its introduction, the iPhone 4 still packs serious multimedia prowess — the 5 megapixel camera captures beautiful imagery, and the iPod functionality simply can not be beaten… though, 5 Music Beta 5 is definitely gunning to level that playing field.
If a keyboard is what you’re after…
6 
6 Sure, the 7 LG Quantum 7 is unlikely to win a Hamilton in any beauty contest, but encased within its rubbery exterior you will find a QWERTY keyboard that’s really quite decent. Once in hand, your impression of its frumpy appearance will quickly melt away, because of its curvy lines and soft-touch shell. The WP7 slider includes a 1GHz Snapdragon, 16GB of internal storage, and a three.5-inch, 800 x 480 display that’s sufficiently bright and clear. The Quantum’s 5 megapixel camera incorporates a dedicated 2-stage shutter button, though its lens is well outmatched by more sophisticated offerings. Grab this handset for $49 on contract, and also you just might realize that beauty truly is within the eye of the beholder.
8 In case your primary objective is to attain the foremost phone for the smallest amount of coin, the 9 Samsung Focus 9 is unequivocally the appropriate find on AT&T. For a minor outlay of money, you may be treated to a great Super AMOLED display, a speedy Snapdragon processor, and a 5 megapixel camera that’s quite splendid. Yes, its 8GB on-board storage is small, but you may expand the general capacity with a 0 “certified” 0 microSD card. Voice quality is very good at the Focus, due to the phone’s top-notch earpiece and ambient noise filtering. Most of these virtues are packed right into a 10mm slim device, and you will have trouble finding an appropriate alternative at twice the cost.
Sprint
1 Sprint knew well before releasing the 2 Nexus S 4G 2 that it had a winner on its hands. What else could you predict when snappy WiMAX gets added to 1 of the right Android phones for sale? While the 5 megapixel camera doesn’t reach the pinnacle echelons of shooters, it’ll satisfy most needs with aplomb. What’s more, the telephone includes NFC support, that is good insurance for the long run. Perhaps most significantly, however, the Nexus S 4G delivers a stock Android 2.3 experience that enthusiasts will adore and everybody else will appreciate without realizing why.
If a keyboard is what you’re after…
3 
3 For those that love big, spacious keyboards, the 4 Samsung Epic 4G 4 is an absolute triumph. Its five-row QWERTY is revealed by a sliding mechanism that’s sturdy and assured, letting you compose long messages while proof-reading on that lovely 4-inch, 800 x 480 Super AMOLED display. Naturally, the handset blazes thanks a 1GHz Hummingbird processor paired with Sprint’s WiMAX network, and the camera is an absolute delight. Unlike the unique GSM Galaxy S phones, the Epic 4G includes an LED flash that’s got you covered in low-light situations. Although its 720p video capture isn’t perfect, it’s still quite pleasing, and we actually appreciate Samsung’s inclusion of a VGA cam up front. There is a lot to like with this one, and it could be yours for $149 on contract.
5 The 6 LG Optimus S 6 is an amazing little bit of engineering and, unless you’re shooting for the high-end, this could absolutely be your next phone at the Now Network. The handset is eminently capable, featuring zippy performance, a pleasant touchscreen, and a realistic camera that’s controlled from a 2-stage shutter button. While we’d like to see an LED flash, it is easy to realize the inclusion of a compass, accelerometer, GPS navigation, and mobile hotspot capabilities. In case you are unsure whether Android is simply a passing fad, Sprint invites you to take the OS for a two-year test drive — and it’s footing the bill.
T-Mobile
0 7 The 8 G2x 8 currently sits atop a slightly high pedestal over at T-Mobile. That’s because it’s brought NVIDIA’s 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 along for the ride — where it meets a vivid 4-inch IPS display, a great 8 megapixel shooter, and a 1.3 megapixel cam in front — all encased within an elegantly thin 10mm profile. What’s more, this multimedia powerhouse beautifully captures video at 1080p for display over HDMI. The G2x ships with a stock version of Android 2.2, and while it isn’t Gingerbread, we’re big fans of vanilla Froyo around these parts.
If a keyboard is what you’re after…
9 
1 9 Previously holding T-Mobile’s pole position, the 0 G2 0 continues because the best QWERTY phone at the network. When you get past its unique “z-hinge” feature, you’re presented with certainly one of HTC’s finest keyboards so far. While the 800MHz processor is being lapped by the contest, it’ll easily keep pace with most typical users because of stock Android underpinnings. Photography lovers will appreciate the dedicated 2-stage shutter button, which commands a 5 megapixel camera and LED flash. The three.7-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen includes a Super LCD display, and while its visibility fades in direct sunlight, its beautiful in additional suitable conditions. The G2 remains one of the crucial desirable phones available, and will be yours for $149 on contract.
2 1 The 2 Nokia Astound 2 represents a unprecedented opportunity for budget-oriented consumers. Wrapped inside this beautiful handset, you will find an eye fixed-catching AMOLED display that stays bright and colourful when outdoors. Turn the telephone around and you may find a stellar Extended Depth of Field camera that’s paired with a dual-LED flash. While the main focus-free nature of this lens means you’ll struggle with macro shots, EDoF actually enhances the already smooth 720p video capture. Surprisingly, the Astound also features NFC, that’s uncommon at any price. Users might want to stay up for a software update to enable the functionality, however, since it’s disabled by default. In case you are trying to turn heads without breaking the bank, the Nokia Astound will certainly fulfill its promise.
US Cellular
3 3 US Cellular is a regional provider that openly prides itself on treating customers fairly. It is also started taking the Android platform very seriously, and the 4 Samsung Mesmerize 4 is the clear front-runner of the pack. Users will discover a brilliant Super AMOLED display, a nimble Hummingbird processor, and a camera that’s thoroughly competent for still pictures and 720p video. While 384MB of RAM is a bit of tight, we’re rather pleased by the inclusion of an LED flash in this CDMA variant. Conveniently, everything about this phone falls right into place.
Cricket, MetroPCS, and Virgin Mobile
4 5 On the risk of sounding repetitive, we actually just like the 6 LG Optimus One 6 entry-level candybars. Actually, you’ve already seen it (twice) as our budget pick for Sprint and Verizon. While locating a very good handset on regional and MVNO carriers is usually a mixed bag, LG hit it out of the park with this one. Put simply, it is a well-built, fully-featured phone that’s reasonably speedy and doesn’t bite off greater than it may well chew. Users are treated to a slightly nice display, integrated WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, AGPS, a compass, and an accelerometer. The camera pleases, or even though we’d like to see an LED flash playing accompaniment, you’re certain to capture some really attractive photos given sufficient lighting.
Cincinnati Bell
5 7 Cincinnati Bell is a newcomer to the list, however the carrier’s AWS service is quite popular in its home territory that’s bunched around southeast Indiana, southwest Ohio, and northerly Kentucky. Its subscribers have several smartphones to make a choice from, including the 8 Dell Streak 5 8 and 9 Venue Pro 9 , several BlackBerry handsets, and a smattering of Androids from Motorola, Huawei and Alcatel. For us, though — and this goes for Cincinnati Bell customers — the 0 Samsung Vibrant 0 is the certainly the telephone to shop for. We expect its Super AMOLED display is completely alluring, and we’re quite pleased by the photography skills during this Galaxy S handset. Unfortunately there isn’t any LED flash, but we’ll keep driving this point home until manufacturers be mindful. Meanwhile, as Engadget editors rail against such oversights, we are hoping you are going to be cruising such as this snappy Hummingbird processor, and capturing happy memories in 720p glory.
Any carrier
When you’ve got poor impulse control…
6 1 In case you are willing (and able) to put a dent into your budget, we highly recommend the 2 Samsung Galaxy S II 2 — you get one of the hottest handsets availcapable ofday, such as a smug sense of knowing that it’s better than everyone else’s. Within the same breath, the Galaxy S II brings an incremental yet monumental breakthrough for smartphones with a bleeding-edge dual-core processor that’s thrilling to command and a WVGA display that’s conveniently jaw-dropping. In the event you can exercise a bit patience, you will probably be rewarded with subsidized models that we’re expecting to debut within the US because the AT&T Attain, Verizon Function and Sprint Within (plus the rumored 4.5-inch super-sized ” 3 Hercules 3 ” for T-Mobile).
If you would like instant gratification…
7 4 There are many fantastic cellphones obtainable, but glitz and glamour aside, we’re convinced the 5 Nexus S 5 is the foremost well-rounded smartphone avaiable for purchase today. Sure, its display is not the most pimpin’ and there is nothing dual-core about it, but its proven track record of receiving timely updates can’t be underestimated. With availability on T-Mobile, Sprint, and 6 AT&T 6 bands, there’s great opportunity to exploit the Nexus S in your network of choice. Moreover, we firmly believe that Android shines most brightly when it’s freed from superfluous skins and manufacturer 7 meddling 7 .
Myriam Joire and Darren Murph contributed to this report.
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