The Best Android Phones

Big, small, stock, or skinned, if you're in the market for a new smartphone, chances are there's an Android option to fit your fancy. And unlike Apple's rigid yearly release cycle, Google's hardware partners release a seemingly endless stream of new devices year-round. But therein lies the problem: With so many options out there, how do you settle on the right one? Lucky for you, we test and review nearly every smartphone available on all the major U.S. carriers. Read on for our top picks for Android phones.

There's a lot to like when it comes to Google's Android OS. So much, in fact, that reports from research firm Strategy Analytics indicate that Android holds 79 percent of the global market. That's an impressive figure, but when you consider Android's endless customizability and the vast array of hardware choices, it shouldn't be all that surprising.

Not all Android is created equal, though. Device manufacturers like HTC and Samsung have been applying their own visions to Android for some time now. If the words TouchWiz or Sense make you shudder, then Nexus or Google Play Edition devices are what you're after.

Every manufacturer tries to set its smartphones apart with some whiz-bang feature or eye-popping specs. But do you really need a 1080p display or 20-megapixel camera? And what should you make of the ever-growing phablet?


Settling on Android as your mobile OS of choice is only half the battle. We've rounded up what we believe are the top picks on every carrier to help you decide where to go next. And be sure to check back for updates, because there's always a new latest-and-greatest device lurking just around the corner.