Top 10 Best Android Phones

In the market for a new Android phone? These are the best Android phone options, and each one is a total gem.

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1. HTC One (M8)

The original HTC One from 2013 won a ton of awards, but the new-for-2014 HTC One (M8) is even better. Boasting an even sturdier construction, and improved user interface, and the same great commitment to elegant design, HTC’s new version of the One is a great smartphone.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Exceptional battery conservation

Great reviews for design and interface

Metal unibody design makes phone feel ultra-premium

Bigger display than original One

Includes microSD card slot

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Cons:

Camera has gotten poor reviews, despite improvements from original model

Some reviewers found the previous model to be slightly more sleek

Devices partners with Fitbit in a major way, but this won’t matter to you if you don’t like the Fitbit

Three color options are all kind of similar

“Dot View” case functionality is cool, but rather limited

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2. Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung has packed a ton of great features into the Galaxy S5, including a power-saving mode, IP67 waterproofing, and a great camera. While it may be a bit expensive, this Samsung phone will appeal to those who are looking for a premium smartphone experience.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

IP67 water and dust resistance rating

16MP rear camera

Ergonomic design

Pairs with Galaxy Gear watches or fitness bands

Built-in heart rate monitor and biometric sensor for mobile payments

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Cons:

Front camera is 2MP, compared to 5MP on the HTC One M8

Some reviewers feel phone is all flash, with not enough substance

Screen is big, but perhaps not big enough for phablet fans

A few new features aside, not a huge step up from the Galaxy S4

May feel cheaper than all-metal unibody phones

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3. Sony Xperia Z2

Sony makes some of the most premium Android smartphones on the planet, and the Xperia Z2 stands out for its impressive camera and waterproofing. This phone ships with the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat software.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Impressive battery life for so many battery-draining features

Tons of feature

Dazzling display

Waterproof

Screen size larger than the previous model

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Cons:

Cost may make this phone prohibitively expensive

Has some issues recording in 4K

Can run a bit slowly at times

Screen is prone to scratching

Waterproofing limited to 1.5 meters

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4. LG G2

The LG G2 has gotten plenty of rave reviews from tech insiders. What sets the G2 apart from other Android smartphones is its outstanding camera and stunning display. This phone is a solid option for almost everyone.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Responsive camera (13MP)

Great display

Powerful processor

Slide Aside makes it easy to use multiple apps

Slender design

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Cons:

Rear-key controls are divisive

Lacks microSD slot

UI slightly unintuitive

Phone design makes it hard for people with small hands to use

A magnet for smudges and fingerprint smears

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5. Google Nexus 5

Google’s Nexus 5 strikes the right balance between power and design, giving users a phone that is lightning-fast and quite thin. Boasting a 2.26GHz Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 800 processor, the Nexus 5 rarely feels sluggish.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Conduct Google searches by voice command, right from the home screen

Available in multiple colors

Slim and lightweight

Full HD display

User-friendly

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Cons:

Some user reviews complain about poor battery life

8MP rear camera seems wimpy compared to competitors

Does not have dual SIM cards

Screen somewhat dim

Camera’s auto settings are lackluster

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6. Motorola Moto G

The Motorola Moto G is attractive, relatively feature-rich, and a good option for Android shoppers on a tight budget. It also boasts an ergonomic design, and runs Android KitKat.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Great balance of price and features

Attractive interface

Comfortable in your hand

Customizable cover

Screen is bigger and better than the iPhone 5S, but at a much cheaper price

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Cons:

No expandable memory

Limited storage

Camera is only so-so

Has water-repellent coating, but is not waterproof

Good battery life, but only if you keep the screen dimmed

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7. HTC Inspire 4G

Not everyone wants a top-of-the-line Android phone, and this HTC phone will appeal to people looking for a touchscreen phone that won’t break the bank. Even though this is an older phone, the Inspire still has HTC’s signature attention to design. This phone is a workhorse with a proven track record.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Great for budget-conscious

Screen made from durable Corning Gorilla Glass

Face detection

6 hours of talk time, over 350 hours on standby

Has tethering capabilities

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Cons:

Camera and display seem a bit dated

Runs Android OS v2.2 (Froyo), only upgradable to v2.3 (Gingerbread)

Limited color options

Battery is a bit wimpy

Not ideal for those who want the latest and greatest

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8. Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, pictured above with a Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, is a top-selling smartphone. If you’re the kind of person who likes using a stylus with your Android phone, this is definitely the phone to buy.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Large 5.7-inch display

13MP camera

Supports microSD expansion

Multi-window feature great for multitasking

Supports a number of features that are specific to S-Pen

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Cons:

Will not appeal to stylus haters

Lack of metal parts makes this feel cheap to some

Charging cable failure a known issue

Some people feel the Samsung features like My Magazine are just bloatware

Some user reviews complain about overheating

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9. LG G Flex

The G Flex is a phone you’ll either love or hate. Some critics have panned the phone’s display and gimmicky curved design, while others have gone wild for the ergonomic lines of this phone and its array of cool features. One thing both sides can agree on? This phone doesn’t look like anything else out there.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Uniquely curved design fits in your hand or against your cheek

“Self-healing” coating prevents scratches from ruining the case

Screen is large

Curved display reduces glare

Great for taking selfies

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Cons:

Display seems grainy to some

Quite expensive for what you’re getting

Awkward key placement

Web browser feels slow

Ho-hum video capabilities

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10. Sony Xperia L

The Xperia L is budget-friendly Android phone that doubles as a stellar camera. You can have a premium camera experience at a bargain basement price.

Buy it here.

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Pros:
Beautiful screen for its price
Excellent rear camera
Perfect for someone who loves the new Xperia phones, but has a tight budget
Solid battery life
Feels nice in your hand

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Cons:
Typing on the keyboard can be frustrating
Front camera specs could be a bit beefier
Easy to hit the wrong buttons by accident
Lacks processing power
Battery-boosting STAMINA function may be overhyped, according to some reviewers

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Considering getting someone an electronics gift? Check out our Gifts section for tons of great gift recommendations, or visit our ultimate guides to the best gifts for women and best gifts for men.

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