5 Best and Most Popular Android Smartphones So Far

Unlike iOS smartphone, which only includes a single iPhone, Android phones come in all different shapes, sizes, and feature sets from various manufacturers. With such a steady stream of excellent handsets, the list of best and most popular Android smartphones updates frequently, so it is necessary to make it clear that these smartphones on the list are just the best and most popular Android smartphones so far. Let’s cut the crap and go to the topic directly to see the list.

Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon)

Pumped with high-performing hardware and creative software features, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is an excellent, top-end phone that's neck and neck with the HTC One X.

Pro: The Samsung Galaxy S3 comes fully loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE/HSPA+ 42 capability, a zippy dual-core processor, and a strong 8-megapixel camera. S Beam is an excellent software enhancement, and the handset's price is right.

Con: The Galaxy S3's screen is too dim, and Samsung's Siri competitor, S Voice, disappointed.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon)

Samsung delivers a powerful, boundary-pushing device that gets a lot right. Yet its complicated features and high price raise questions about its purpose.

Pro: Oodles of screen real estate make the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 terrific for videos, games, and reading; and its improved stylus aids productivity. A blazing quad-core processor, a great camera, and strong battery life round out the advantages of this Android 4.1 phone.

Con: The huge display makes the Galaxy Note 2 unwieldy to carry, and hiccups in the S Pen stylus and apps can slow you down. The pricey Note 2 isn't a suitable tablet replacement across all categories.

HTC Droid DNA (Verizon Wireless)

With quad-core power, 4G LTE, a lovely 5-inch screen, and a stunning design, the $199.99 HTC Droid DNA is currently Verizon's best Android deal.

Pro: The beautifully designed HTC Droid DNA features a quad-core processor, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 4G LTE, a sharp 5-inch screen, an excellent camera, and long battery life.

Con: The Droid DNA's large size makes it tricky to fit in tight pockets, and it lacks both an SD card slot and a removable battery.

LG Nexus 4 (T-Mobile)

While the LG Nexus 4 wins on internal performance and user experience, anyone shopping for an unlocked phone should consider a comparable LTE handset first.

Pro: The competitively priced LG Nexus 4 delivers a pure and polished experience with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, it's powered by a snappy quad-core processor, and it's packed with new photo-editing and camera features.

Con: The Nexus 4's construction is solid but uninspiring, its call volume is too low, and it lacks 4G LTE.

Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD (Verizon)

Motorola's fast, stylish Droid Razr Maxx HD offers outstanding battery life, but its camera captures unimpressive images.

Pro: The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD (Verizon) offers fast performance, a big eye-popping screen, and luxurious design. It also has great call quality, lots of storage, 4G data speeds, and unbeatable battery life.

Con: The Droid Razr Maxx HD's major weakness is a camera that produces subpar images. The phone is filled with Verizon bloatware as well.