How do I Choose the Best Android™ Phone?

Since many different companies are making use of the Android™ operating system, choosing the right Android™ phone can involve a wide variety of handsets and carriers. Choosing the best one can be as simple as considering three key factors. Since many Android™ phones are exclusive to one carrier, you might want to determine the best carrier for your area. The cost differential between earlier Android™ phones and newer ones is the second thing you may want to consider. If cost is an issue, one of the previous generation Android™ phones might be the best choice. If it isn't, the newer generation phones can offer some attractive features. Finally, you may want to consider your cellphone usage habits. For instance, some Android™ phones include hardware keyboards, while some don't. If you plan on typing or text messaging a lot, a feature such as a hardware keyboard may come in handy.

Unlike some smartphone operating systems, going with Android™ presents you with many different phone choices across most of the manufacturers and carriers. Since some phones may be carrier exclusive, choosing the best Android™ phone can go hand in hand with choosing the best carrier. After you determine the best carriers in your area, you can focus on the particular models they offer. By eliminating carriers that have poor service where you work or live, you may make your choice much easier.

There are several generations of phones available that use the Android™ operating system. Though the original G1, also known as the HTC Dream, might look dated compared to the newer units, it also may be available at a lower cost. On the other hand, a newer, more expensive Android™ phone may offer benefits, such as a larger screen, faster processor and additional functionality. It's also possible that older units may lack the technical specifications to run the newer versions of the Android™ operating system.

The way you use your cellphone can also be an important thing to consider. Certain Android™ phone models, such as the G1, may lack a dedicated headphone jack. If you listen to a lot of music, you may want to choose an Android™ phone that does have a dedicated jack for headphones. Similarly, some Android™ phones include hardware keyboards. These keyboards may make it easier to type out long notes or emails. If you do a lot of typing or text messaging on your phone, one of these models might appeal to you. For more casual use, the software touchscreen keyboard available on all Android™ phones might suit you just fine.