Top five Android smartphones

If you're thinking of jumping into the Android camp or if you're looking for an upgrade, you're spoiled for choice. There are dozens of Android phones available. Cheap Android phones, powerful Android phones, tiny phones, QWERTY phones. It can all be a little much.

The best Android phone is the one that works best for you. With that in mind.

Number five: Best cutting edge phone
HTC EVO 3D
$699

"Cutting edge" in this case means a somewhat out there concept. We were torn between the Kyocera Echo and the HTC EVO 3D. Eventually choosing the latter as the former is somewhat lacking in power and the battery life is subpar.

The HTC EVO 3D seems at first like a novelty. 3D on my mobile? I barely even want that in the theater or my living room... but when it's well implemented, glasses free and you've got access to 3D games, it's exactly like a Nintendo 3DS but without the childish implications ... and, well, games that aren't as good. If it's the best gaming experience you're after, stick around for number three on this list.

The HTC EVO 3D has HTC Sense 3.0, the latest version of HTC's own Android skin. We've said before that we're not typically fans of manufacturers screwing around with Android, but HTC does it well. Sense 3.0 has some pretty compelling 3D updates including some 3D widgets, 3D lock screens and a 3D hub for getting at 3D content on your phone and on the web.

On the HTC EVO 3D, we get two 5MP cameras for shooting 3D stills and 720p 3D videos and HDMI out for connecting to the bigger 3D screen.

Number four - Best super powerful Android phone
LG Optimus 3D
$TBD

When you turn 3D off on the LG Optimus 3D, you've still got a super powerful dual core, dual channel memory smartphone. Don't ask us why you'd pay a premium for 3D and then turn it off. You're the one that did it.

LG seems to have made a pact to not mess around with Android too much. It's as close to stock Android as you can get without actually being stock Android, and that's a good thing. The only major changes that LG makes are carrier-specific band tweaks that actually benefit the end user. Plus, in this case specifically, some pretty nifty 3D tweaks.

In benchmark tests (GLBenchmark 2.0 and SunSpider Javascript Benchmark 0.9), LG's Optimus 3D outperformed its closest competition, the Samsung Galaxy S II.

In addition to sporting a dual-core 1GHz processor, the LG Optimus 3D has a gig of dual channel RAM, split into two modules to eliminate bottlenecks.

That is to say, it's fast.

Number three - Best Android gaming phone
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
$599

We reviewed the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play in episode 17 of Android Weekly so check that out for a full-on look at the so-called PlayStation phone.

The short version: the gaming controls are awesome, the hardware isn't outdated but it's not cutting edge and the PlayStation Pocket experience needs work. That said, if you've got a few favorites games in the Android Market or if you managed to snag the older console emulators before they were culled from the Android Market, this is your best bet. The Xperia Play really shines in games that would otherwise have your digitus primus blocking your Smartphone screen.

Number two - Best QWERTY Android phone
HTC Desire Z
$499

Those holding out from the BlackBerry camp usually offer one of a few different reasons, company fealty aside. 1- My work only lets me use BlackBerry. 2- I'm waiting for the BB Storm 8 or the Torch 11000. Or 3- I NEED the keyboard.

Our answers:
1- Perhaps a job in a more open and free thinking office is in order.
2- Good luck with that.
3- If you like the concept of Android but can't imagine typing on a decidedly un-tactile screen, there are options.

The best one we've found is the HTC Desire Z. It's decently specced and has a beautiful keyboard that is easy to type on. Plus, as a BlackBerry hold-out, you'll be blown away by the Android Market. It actually has apps in it. Seriously!

Desire Z is also a well specced smartphone, QWERTY keyboard aside. Definitely worth a look.

Number one - Best all-purpose Android phone:
Nexus S
$529

This is the phone I use every day. I've tried at least 20 Android phones I can remember but this is the one for me.

It's completely stock Android. In fact, it's the current generation Google reference phone, which is to say it's the one that Google actually has its tacit seal of approval on.

We're waiting for news on the next Nexus, whatever that may be called and whoever may end up manufacturing it. Until then, it's the Nexus S as the best choice for an Android phone. It's the first to get new features and updates, it's the cleanest Android experience going and its powerful enough to plough through just about anything you can throw at it.

That's it for our top-five Android smartphones. If you agree or disagree, feel free to share your opinions in the comments below or just hurl insults at me. While I may look like I've developed a thick skin, I can assure you your jibes still hurt, so have at it.