The Best Android Phones of 2015
The Best Android Phones of 2015
Big, small, stock, or skinned, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, chances are there’s an Android option to fit your fancy. And unlike Apple’s rigid yearly release cycle, Google’s hardware partners release a seemingly endless stream of new devices year-round. But therein lies the problem: With so many options out there, how do you settle on the right one? Lucky for you, we test and review nearly every smartphone available on all the major U.S. carriers. Read on for what to look for when buying, as well as our top picks for Android phones.
Big or Small
Among Android’s greatest strengths is the unbelievable diversity of hardware choices. Every manufacturer tries to set its smartphones apart with some whiz-bang feature or eye-popping specs. But do you really need a Quad HD display or a 4K camera? And what should you make of the ever-growing phablet? Samsung’s Galaxy Note line introduced us to the supersized phablet, and nearly every other major manufacturer has a big-screen phone in its lineup. Those looking for more palm-friendly designs still have plenty of options, though, and even as phone screens have become larger, slim bezels and thin profiles help make up for the size.
Whether you want a tablet-sized screen or a razor-thin slab of aluminum, there’s an Android phone for nearly every taste. Google’s own Nexus lineup has ballooned up to the 6-inch mark, while Samsung shows some restraint with its latest Galaxy flagship. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find a phone with the exact screen size you want.
Software Versions
Not all Android is created equal. Device manufacturers like HTC and Samsung have been applying their own visions to Android for some time now. If the words Sense or TouchWiz make you shudder, then Nexus or Google Play Edition devices are what you’re after.
Android 5.0 “Lollipop” is Google’s latest flavor of mobile OS, featuring modern new aesthetics, improved performance, and a whole host of new features. The biggest, most noticeable change is the “Material Design” facelift, which touches every part of Android, including default apps. Android has never looked better, but be mindful of the aforementioned third-party skins that can drastically change the look and feel of the OS. Notifications, likewise, get a new look and added functionality. If you’re choosing a new Android phone, you’ll want one with the latest OS.
Carrier Approved or Unlocked
The U.S. market is still dominated by carrier-approved, subsidized phones, but a new breed of high-quality, low-price unlocked options is starting to flood the market. We’ve seen phones drop below the $100 mark, but you’ll typically want to spend more for a higher quality device. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality Android experience. Some of our favorite Android phones are available completely unlocked for around $250, no strings attached.
Still, if you want the most consistent and reliable experience, you might want to stick to buying directly from your carrier of choice. But be prepared to spend upwards of $600 if you’re buying up front, or sign on for a lengthy contract in exchange for a subsidized price.
Settling on Android as your mobile OS of choice is only half the battle. We’ve rounded up what we believe are the top picks on every carrier to help you decide where to go next. Be sure to check back for updates, because there’s always a new latest-and-greatest device lurking just around the corner. Those shopping for specific carrier options should check out our AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizonphone roundups. And to see our most recent reviews, take a look at our Cell Phones Product Guide.
FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP
Droid Turbo by Motorola (Verizon Wireless)
$199.99
The Droid Turbo by Motorola trades elegance for brute force, elevating the Droid brand back into the upper echelon of Android smartphones. Read the full review ››
Google Nexus 6 (Unlocked)
$649.00
The supersized, Android-powered Google Nexus 6 is one of the best mobile devices around; tablet, smartphone, or otherwise. Read the full review ››
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T)
$299.99
Free at AmazonWith a premium facelift and an eye-popping 5.7-inch Quad HD display, the Galaxy Note 4 continues Samsung’s reign of phablet dominance. Read the full review ››
Samsung Galaxy S6 (T-Mobile)
$679.92
The Galaxy S6 puts Samsung back on top with the best screen, processor, and body design of any Android-powered phone. Read the full review ››
Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 (Unlocked)
$279.99
$279.99 at AmazonThe unlocked Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 is an exceptional Android smartphone value that more than lives up to its lofty spec sheet. Read the full review ››
Sonim XP7 (Unlocked)
$579.00
The Sonim XP7 is the toughest ruggedized smartphone we’ve seen yet. Read the full review ››
ZTE Grand X Max+ (Cricket Wireless)
$199.99
The ZTE Grand X Max+ is a fantastic, budget-friendly Android phablet on Cricket Wireless. Read the full review ››
HTC One M9 (T-Mobile)
$649.92
The iterative HTC One M9 remains a physical jewel and a strong Android smartphone, but fails to take the next step. Read the full review ››
Huawei P8 Lite (Unlocked)
$249.99
$249.99 at AmazonThe Huawei P8 Lite is a classy, well-equipped Android smartphone and an outstanding value, but competition on the unlocked market is fierce. Read the full review ››
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (T-Mobile)
$780.00
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is a gorgeous, powerful smartphone, but you’re paying a pretty steep premium for curved glass. Read the full review ››
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