Now that Google's Android has become the world's most popular mobile operating system, the challenge becomes separating yourself from the pack. Most of the world's smartphone manufacturers make some kind of Android-based device, meaning differentiation is key. With so many choices available, how do customers make the right decision?
Much of the globe has settled on Samsung's Galaxy S series as the Android standard bearer, with both the Galaxy S3 and S2 selling millions of units. Still, competitors like HTC, LG, and Motorola have fielded some capable contenders. Which one takes the cake?
To help out, CNET compiled its list of the top 5 Android devices. On top, perhaps unsurprisingly, is Samsung's Galaxy S3. The Galaxy S3 scored the same overall rating as the HTC Droid DNA and Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, but it scored a critical Editor's Choice award. The smartphone's 4G LTE capabilities, 8-megapixel camera, and dual-core processor make it a strong entry, and exclusive Samsung features round it out. It's upgradable to the latest version of Android Jelly Bean, but was docked for a less-than-great screen and Siri rival that didn't quite pan out.
The Galaxy Note 2 did similarly well, earning the moniker of the "ultimate anti-iPhone." The Note 2 was praised for a quad-core processor and large screen perfect for playing games, watching videos, reading, and surfing the web. Its size, of course, has a downside in that it can make the device hard to deal with, but for users wishing for a little more real estate, it's the ideal choice.
Breaking away from Samsung products, we got the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, which was praised for a beautiful screen, "unbeatable battery life," and fast processing speeds to go with its 4G networking capabilities. The Droid Razr Maxx's biggest letdown is the fact that its camera isn't very good, leading to low quality photos. That may not mean much to some users, but in a world where everyone's a photographer, it could be a potential deal breaker.
The HTC Droid DNA also has a quad-core processor with 4G LTE and a 5-inch screen, and it's powered by a battery that gives the phone a long life. As with the Note 2, it's large size makes it a bit finicky to deal with for those not into the whole phablet craze. Not only that, but a lack of SD card functionality and removable battery brought it down. Still that's probably not a deal breaker for the average phone customer.
Rounding out the top five is the only phone to receive a lower score than the previous four, and it's the LG Nexus 4 from T-Mobile. It's got Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box and a quad-core processor, but it doesn't have 4G LTE capabilities and a surprisingly low call volume.
Overall, these phones are all pretty good, depending on what your own personal needs are. With the Galaxy S4 event scheduled for March 14, though, the title of top Android phone might be changing hands.
