Whether you're looking for a palm-spanning multimedia powerhouse or just a compact, competent smart phone, there's an Android handset for you. But not every Android phone is created equal. A good place to start is to look at the version of Android a phone is running. Anything running version 1.6, 1.5 or -- we shudder to think of it -- older won't be able to run many of the latest, shiniest apps, like Google Maps Navigation. And it'll only get more frustrating in the future.
Versions 2.0 and 2.1 add smoother menus and better keyboards, while version 2.2 enables phones to share their 3G connection as a Wi-Fi hotspot (depending on your network) and (finally!) browse Flash websites. Some makers put their own software skin on top of Android. When this works, it can give Android a welcome dash of style. When it doesn't, it can be a hi-tech car crash, so try before you buy.
Also, spare a thought for the processor at the heart of the phone. The speedier the chip, the faster everything will work, from flicking through contacts to surfing the Web. A 500MHz processor should be able to handle the basics of calling, texting and undemanding apps, but 800MHz is a safer bet if you don't enjoy hanging around waiting for apps to open. Look out for 1GHz phones for the speediest service and real multi-tasking muscle.
The next step is to take a tape measure to your pocket to see how much space you've got for today's super-sized screens. Rampant display inflation means that 89mm (3.5 inches) is now nothing special, 94mm (3.7 inches) is the norm, and there's a bevy of fabric-bulging 109mm (4.3-inch) screens. Bigger screens are easier to navigate, great for viewing websites and superb for perusing videos, but they'll also munch through battery power more quickly.
As important as size is, a screen's resolution and touch technology are also key. Think twice before buying any phone with less than a 320x480-pixel resolution -- squinting at the screen eliminates virtually all of Android's cool factor. The sharpest phones max out at around 480x850 pixels, which is less than the iPhone 4's resolution but more than crisp enough for viewing photos and videos.
Cheaper Android phones tend to have resistive touchscreens. Manufacturers may gush about how you can use the screen with gloves on, but don't be fooled. Capacitive screens are faster, more responsive and offer true multi-touch capabilities. If you're lucky enough to find one of the few handsets with an OLED display, you'll enjoy brighter, richer colours than most LCD screens can provide.
Whether you'll want a slide-out Qwerty keyboard depends on how much texting and emailing you're likely to do, but consider this: the amazingly fast Swype for Android app can match most cramped physical keyboards for speed and looks approximately 1,000 times less geeky.
Finally, think about extra features. Do you want high-definition video recording or are you happy with a VGA resolution? Do you really need 8-megapixel photos, or will 5 or 3 megapixels do? Also, accelerometers and a digital compass are used by a surprising number of cutting-edge augmented-reality apps and games.
Now check out five of the best Android phones reviewed here at CNET UK. You'll never look enviously at a boring old iPhone again.
Motorola Milestone
The first smart phone to run Android 2.0, the fast and powerful Milestone packs tonnes of features into a hefty body with a stunning screen and slide-out Qwerty keyboard. While it lacks the style of the iPhone or Palm Pre, it's a great choice for users seeking a heavy-duty handset Read more£450 check prices
Reviewed on 18 December 2009
Google Nexus One
If you prize flexibility and freedom over style and smoothness, then Google's first handset, the Nexus One, may very well be the iPhone killer you've been looking for. A whopping, responsive touchscreen, speedy Snapdragon processor and the improved Android 2.1 operating system are among the abundant delights on offer Read more£320 check prices
Reviewed on 19 January 2010
HTC Desire
The Desire is an Android smart phone that fills our hearts with lust. It packs in every feature under the sun, along with a slick user interface, plenty of processing power and a whopping touchscreen that's a beauty to behold. If the iPhone isn't your cup of tea, you should check this handset out Read more£400 check prices
Reviewed on 29 March 2010
HTC Legend
The Legend takes everything that was great about its predecessor, the Hero, and makes it even better. The tweaked Sense user interface is slicker than ever, the handset's a feast for the eyes and it's a speed demon too. If you're seeking an alternative to the iPhone, check it out Read more£380 check prices
Reviewed on 8 March 2010
Samsung Galaxy S
The Galaxy S rocks a huge Super AMOLED screen and the Google Android operating system, but it looks like an iPhone 3GS both inside and out. Check out our review to find out if the Galaxy S is a smart phone with brains or just another iPhone wannabe Read more£450 check prices
Reviewed on 28 June 2010
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