Updated: Best Android phone - which should you buy?

Our verdict on the best Android phones - constantly updated

There's one key way in which Android is massively different from its Apple-branded smartphone competition - the number of phones out there running Google's hot mobile OS.

Samsung makes loads of them. Sony Ericsson makes a few. Then you've got Android-powered phones from Acer, LG, Huawei and many others, while HTC releases more in a month than all the rest added together manage in a year.

The many variations in screen size, processor power, software features and design makes finding the best Android phone for you extremely tough.

Do you physically and emotionally need a QWERTY keyboard? Are you the sort of oddball who prefers the rough pressing needed to make resistive touchscreens work? Do you actually like Orange widgets?

Note: At any point of time if you need to see the review of any of the products here then use the search in the top right corner of the page or go to bottom of the page and see the related post gadget.

To help find the best Android phone for you, we've rounded up the ten best Android handsets out there today, rating the phones on hardware performance, OS upgrade potential and, of course, how shiny and nice they are to have and boast about to work colleagues.

So here they are - the ten best Android phones money can buy today. For many, many different reasons.

10. Samsung Galaxy Apollo i5800

A solid mid-range Android 2.1 performer. The main selling point of this cheaper Samsung Galaxy is its superbly responsive touchscreen - you can almost type on it by shaking out flakes of dandruff onto the screen it's that sensitive to the touch.

Samsung's always generous with its video codec support, meaning the Apollo plays most ripped internet AVIs with ease, plus the Samsung-developed Lock screen music player control is a godsend for music fans.

Sadly there's only a 3.2 megapixel camera inside which isn't ideal - but there is a welcome macro mode. So you can take nice photos of moths and bees and send them in to John Craven.

Our quick verdict:

A capable processor, good screen, relatively new version of Android - and it's out there for under £20 a month on contracts.

9. Motorola Milestone 2

The Milestone was a so-so phone in some people's eyes, but a few hardware tweaks and the addition of Android 2.2 has recharged it for the sequel. The Motoblur interface might be a bit bloated for some, but the processor is able and speedy and the media experience is top end for a phone of this calibre. Fans of a QWERTY will like the responsive keys, but the larger-fingered among us might struggle a bit.

Our quick verdict:

One of the best QWERTY devices out there, the Milestone 2 combines a top end Android experience in a surprisingly svelte package.

8. HTC Legend

The HTC Legend has a slightly underpowered by today's standards 600MHz processor and its users are still very impatiently waiting for HTC to upgrade the thing to Android 2.2 - but if you want a phone that's more stylish than the crowd this is the one.

HTC's Sense user interface is on here and as slick and professional as ever, plus there's a decent 5 megapixel camera along with your usual 3G 7.2Mbps max download speeds and GPS.

But it's all about the beautiful, aluminium body. If you want an Android phone you can proudly put on the pub table next to your friends' flashy iPhones, this is it.

Our quick verdict:

Starting to show its age internally, but remains HTC's finest design moment on the outside. If HTC gets Android 2.2 on this soon, the Legend will still be worth proudly owning in 2011.

7. Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro

We have to put at least one QWERTY phone in here, and as the HTC Desire Z isn't out at time of writing it'll have to be the charming little Mini Pro.

At first fiddle the Mini Pro seems like it'll be way too small to function as your everyday smartphone.

The 2.5" screen puts it right at the bottom of the Android tech spec comparison tables - but the QWERTY keyboard means you tend to use the phone in landscape mode, making everything appear more roomy.

Plus half the screen isn't taken up by a software keyboard when typing. The processor handles this tiny display perfectly, resulting in a minuscule phone that's perfectly usable and surprisingly fast in operation – and Sony Ericsson's Android customisations are the model of usability.

Our quick verdict:

Not for those of you with dirty great sausage fingers, but a great little smartphone for dainty-fingered phone fans who long for the ease of typing on a QWERTY. Currently only on Android 1.6 - but is scheduled to get 2.1 before the end of the year.

6. HTC Desire Z

The HTC Desire Z brings the screen size of the Desire, drops the processor and whacks in a QWERTY keyboard, and roars in at number six on our list. The solid build quality (hinge aside) and the next generation Sense UI make it a real fan favourite already, and the contract prices aren't too bad either for a top-end phone.

Our quick verdict:

If you're into a QWERTY, then this could be your favourite phone, with customisable buttons and speedy operation.

5. Orange San Francisco

This one defies all logic. You can currently pick up the Orange San Francisco for £99 on a SIM-free basis, which means it costs around one quarter the price of most of today's top-spec Android phones like the HTC Desire.

But what you get here is no cost-cutting budget phone. The San Fran has a high-res 3.5" capacitive touchscreen, features Android 2.1, does a relatively good job of copying the high-end sleek designs of HTC and quite simply works way, way better than anything else at this entry level price point.

Our quick verdict:

Get one as a spare, or just to use at home on Wi-Fi. A stunning amount of kit for an impulse-level purchase price.

4. Samsung Galaxy S

A bit like owning a fancy imported sports car, this. The screen on the Galaxy S is the finest out there today, high-res and dazzlingly sharp and bright.

The problems come from Samsung's fiddlings with Android itself. While many of the TouchWiz user interface tweaks on the Galaxy S are welcome, they come at a price - the phone can be a little glitchy in operation, with quite a few annoying bugs and mini lock-ups.

Plus Samsung is still endlessly pushing back the deployment of Android 2.2 which, for a high-end flagship phone in this day and age, is only making its owners angrier by the day.

Our quick verdict:

A lot of phone for the money, but the lack of camera flash, a few OS glitches and Samsung's notoriously relaxed attitude to pushing out software updates just stop this from being the perfect handset.

3. Google Nexus S

The first Android 2.3 phone is also one of the first with NFC capabilities and a curved Super AMOLED screen from Samsung. The build quality might feel a little suspect at first, but is robust enough and sits in the hand well, and that screen is just superb for the internet and media.

Our quick verdict:

A 'no frills' handset that delivers on the specs - a quick price drop makes this very affordable and practical for the developer and early adopter alike.

2. HTC Desire HD

We haven't been as excited about a new phone in a while as we have with the HTC Desire HD - the original Desire was so close to perfection in our eyes when it came out that we couldn't wait to see its successor.

It's got a superb interface, super-fast operation and the new widgets and interaction HTC has unveiled with the new version of its Sense UI is fantastic.

However, battery life is a little suspect and video playback has a few bugs - also, that massive screen really polarised opinion when we showed it off to other people.

Our quick verdict:

The HTC Desire HD is a cracking device that ticks nearly every category; however the battery issue is arguably worse than on the original Desire. Coupled with a couple of other niggles, it's enough to keep it from the top spot.

1. HTC Desire

The HTC Desire has been on sale for over six months now, and remains the most impressive and technically adept phone on the market.

This is for two reasons - HTC released a superb piece of hardware that obliterated the competition at the time, and has also managed to get Android 2.2 onto nearly every version of the phone out there.

While users of other, newer phones fuss about with internet petitions in order to get their OSs upgraded to 2.2, the older Desire is already cutting-edge.

A great screen, flawless in operation and powerful enough to stay relevant until the end of even the longest mobile phone contract.

Our quick verdict:

The forthcoming Desire HD may offer a bigger screen and the Desire Z a physical keyboard, but the standard old Desire is still a stunning performer today. You won't be ashamed to own one of these even at the end of your next 24 month contract.

On the next two pages, we look at the best Android phones for specific uses – best for media, best for productivity, best for battery life, and more.

Best Android phone for portability: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro

The X10 Mini was a great, tiny phone - then came the X10 Mini Pro. Equally small, but with a QWERTY keyboard sliding out from underneath. The core Android experience may be the slightly ageing Android 1.6 meaning a few apps won't work here, but Sony Ericsson's user interface makes great use of the tiny 2.5" screen - and an Android 2.1 update is on the way soon.

Best Android phone for nerds: Google Nexus One

If you're seriously into Android, you simply have to own Google's own-brand Nexus One. The hardware is much the same as that of the HTC Desire, plus an extra noise-cancelling mic to help improve audio quality. But it's not about that - you need the Nexus One as it offers the unbranded vanilla Android experience. The first phone to bring its users Android 2.2, Nexus One owners will always be one step ahead of the masses.

Best Android phone for media and photography: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

The mammoth Xperia X10 Android phone has had a few problems with software glitches, poor battery life and is still powered by Android 1.6 - but there's no better Android phone out there today for photo use. The 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus takes great shots, with video emerging equally sharp and smooth. If you have a bag or pocket big enough to house it, the X10's a great media phone.

Best pay as you go Android phone: T-Mobile Pulse

The T-Mobile Pulse has been around since 2009, and for good reason. The Huawei-made handset features a capacitive touchscreen, which is unheard of at this super-budget end of the market, plus T-Mobile has recently upgraded the phone's OS to Android 2.1. And you can currently get this from T-Mobile for £99. An ideal spare/replacement for the accident prone smartphone fan.

Best Android phone for productivity: Motorola Milestone

There's not much in the way of serious business phones in the Android sector right now, so if you're planning on doing a lot of typing and pretending you're working, the slab-like Motorola Milestone is the only option for QWERTY fans. Motorola's updated the thing to Android 2.1, plus 2.2 is on the cards for later in 2010. Until HTC's QWERTY-packing HTC Desire Z arrives, this is the best thing for text-heavy work.

Best Android phone overall: HTC Desire

It's nearly six months old, which is about a million in mobile phone years - yet the HTC Desire remains the best Android phone of all. All UK networks are in the process of upgrading it to Android 2.2, so even launch original models are right on the cutting-edge.

HTC had to swap the Desire's original 3.7" AMOLED screen for a Super LCD model due to manufacturing shortages, but it's still a dazzling phone - and Android 2.2 adds the ability to shoot video in 720p HD. It's actually getting better with age.

Best Android phone for looks: HTC Legend

An extremely subjective area, this. Some find HTC's style a little on the bland side, with its numerous variations on the curved black slab theme starting to look a little predictable.

Which is why the HTC Legend stands out. Formed from a carved chunk of shiny aluminium, the internal spec of the phone is nothing special by 2010 standards - but it looks superb.

Best Android phone for battery life: Sony Ericsson X10 Mini

The small 2.5" screen and Sony Ericsson's ultra-minimal custom user interface make the X10 Mini a winner - and when you're still using it after two full days without a charge it earns yet more respect.

Switch off the wasteful nonsenses like GPS and Bluetooth and you'll have an Android phone that manages to not let you down when you actually need to send a text.

Best Android phone for for price: Orange San Francisco

The Orange San Francisco looks like redefining the Android budget phone. Not only does it run Android 2.1, the San Francisco also features an 800x480 resolution screen - and it's capacitive, so ought to be super responsive.

Orange is selling this for £99 on a PAYG package, which means you get a big list of specs for the money.

Best Android phone for music: Acer Stream

The Acer Stream is a bit of a weird one, with Acer lumbering an otherwise decent handset with the most awful custom Android user interface we've seen. However, thanks to the great lock screen music player widget and the phone's three physical music player buttons - for play/pause, skip forward and back - it's a surprisingly decent pocket-based MP3 player. It's a mystery why more phone makers haven't stuck on specific music controls.

Best Android phone for internet: Motorola Milestone XT720

The web looks great on the 480x854 resolution 3.7" screen of the Motorola Milestone XT720, with the Android 2.1 browser enhancements making page, history and bookmark navigation super simple. Plus pinch-to-zoom multitouch support lets you whizz in and out of pages easily. There's no Flash Player in Android 2.1, mind, so it's best for those not obsessed with iPlayer.

Best Android phone for upgrades: HTC Desire

The HTC Desire wins this through sheer numerical superiority. There are so many Desires out there that HTC simply has to keep its OS up to date, or face the wrath of its army of fans. The networks are getting it together with regards Android 2.2, with the newest OS now sitting on most Desires in the UK. Nothing's been confirmed for the next version of Android, but we suspect the Desire will be one of the first phones to get it.

Best Android phone for social networking: HTC Wildfire

The HTC Wildfire isn't unusual in featuring HTC's FriendStream social networking aggregator or the weird app sharing feature HTC's given us to annoy people with requests to try out Seesmic, but it squeezes it into a cute little package that's cheap enough to be handed out to kids. The great capacitive touchscreen gives this full-size power in a tiny form.

Best Android phone for GPS: Dell Streak

Is it a phone? Is it a tablet? Whatever category it belongs in, the Dell Streak is an undeniably strong performer as a standalone satnav replacement. Obviously Google's stunning Maps Navigation tool is the software behind it, but it's the 5" screen that makes this the best choice for serious GPS users. You'll be able to see it without swerving into oncoming traffic.

Best Android phone for email: Samsung Galaxy S

Exchange support and Android's simple auto-detection setup system makes the Samsung Galaxy S a winner for syncing various email accounts. Plus the Android phone comes pre-loaded with Swype - the fantastic gesture-based alternate keyboard that makes typing on a touchscreen easier and quicker than ever.

Having a 4" screen give you room to work with, too, plus it's incredibly responsive to touch for extra-precise word entry.

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