Android Cheat Sheet: The Top 6 Android Phones
Apple may be selling millions of iPhones but there’s no denying Android is a hot platform with 160,000 phones activated every day. Every U.S. carrier is bringing a high-end Android smartphone to the market, and this comparison of the top six should make that purchase decision a little easier. All six of these Android phones compare favorably with the iPhone 4, and contain top-of-the-line specs. The companies behind the phones shipping with the Android 2.1 version of the operating system have indicated they all will receive an update to the latest version Android OS (aka Froyo) at some point. For everything you need to know about Froyo check out Kevin’s post detailing why it’s so hot.
| Feature | Nexus One | Droid Incredible | EVO 4G | Droid X | Epic 4G | Samsung Captivate |
| Manufacturer | HTC | HTC | HTC | Motorola | Samsung | Samsung |
| Android version | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Rear camera | 5 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Front camera | None | None | Yes- video chat | Yes- video chat | None | |
| Screen (inches) | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Internal memory | 512 MB | 8 GB | 440 MB | 8 GB | 512 MB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 4 GB microSD | 8 GB microSD | 8 GB microSD | 16 GB microSD | 16 GB microSD | microSD is not included |
| Keyboard | Onscreen only | Onscreen only | Onscreen only | Onscreen only | QWERTY | Onscreen only |
| Special note | Gets all OS updates | There’s a shortage of these in the market | WiMAX capable | Offers access to the MotoBlur app | WiMAX capable | Designed as a social network hub |
| Cost (2-year contract) | $179.99 | $199.99 | $199.99 | $199.99 | TBD | TBD |
| Carrier (U.S.) | T-Mobile | Verizon | Sprint | Verizon | Sprint | AT&T |
| Availability | Now | Now | Now | July expected | July expected | TBD |
Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req’d): Google’s Mobile Strategy: Understanding the Nexus One
I don’t think the Droid X has a front facing camera unless I am mistaken.
There was one report somewhere that stated it had one but I can’t verify that so it’s been changed. Thanks.
I would think the T-Mobile version of the Galaxy S would be more highly rated than the AT&T version (the Captivate) since it won’t be crippled as much.
If you’re going for the plain, cold hardware specs, the list above seems about right.
But I recently ditched the Desire and Nexus One in favor of the HTC Legend.
I used to go for the max of raw computing power, too. But recently I noticed that all premium smartphones have more than sufficient computing power nowadays and things like polished UI and optic appeal started to count. And talking about that, there is no Android phone as shiny as the unibody Legend, in my humble opinion and in the opinion of many reviewers, too.
All these phones are great examples of what android is capable of but they are all made of plastic if I’m not mistaken?
I really think the key to iphone success is not ios or the techy things but really it boils down to 2 things quality of materials (which is why i skipped the iphone 3g and 3gs) and itunes! :)
I couldn’t agree more Ashga, I love good build quality, and it’s one of the reasons I must try any product I buy. for example my current computers hinge is sturdy, but I’m starting to hear some creaks when I lay my palms on the palm rest.
While build quality is not the only factor for a successful device, it should be taken seriously by all manufacturers.
Verizon’s Fascinate and T-Mobile’s Vibrant are missing Galaxy S variants. T-Mobile even has pricing up for the Vibrant, although it looks like they are going the no FFC route (sadly)…
I think the Galaxy S’ deserve a note indicating that they can render 90 million triangles per second.
It’s worth noting the storage expansion capabilities and the screen technology. The Nexus One’s AMOLED display is my favorite part about the phone.
I simply ran out of room in the table for additional features. I wanted to put lots of other stuff in there but it got physically too long. I didn’t note the AMOLED screen models due to the shortage that is causing some makers to switch to LCD. Samsung won’t switch as they make the AMOLED screens. :)
I mention the graphics processing because, I think, it may make the Galaxy S one of the (if not The) most powerful portable/handheld gaming platforms out there. There are many many monies to be made here.
With due respect, lists like these are meaningless. They are all high end phones and except for somewhat minor differences (screen size, megapixel count, processor speed), the phones are essentially the same. At the end of the day, personal preference is what will make the decision.
We should be more concerned with issues like the build quality, UI customizations, long term support and if a specific phone will be locked down by its carrier.
HTC’s phones look spectacular on paper but have the weirdest hardware issues. AT&T’s android phones are locked down. Samsung drags their feet when it comes to rolling out new Android versions. These are the things we should worry about.
And this brings up a point that needs to be in the infographic.
Which versions can upgrade to which versions of Android? Including future versions?
Which phones are restricted by the network for upgrading?
just go to xda developers and you can update anything! jeez…all that talk about update possibilities…
BTW I think weight of the device is really also important!
The internal memory row seems like it’s got apples and oranges there. I think these days, manufacturers and carriers play loosely with the term. We really need three categories — RAM/runtime memory, internal solid state storage, and expansion card storage. Thanks for the great articles as always! — Kevin
I really like these kinds of comparisons. A couple items that I am always looking for are:
Is the screen plastic or glass?
What are the dimensions and weight?
Another item of comparison is the cost of the service from the carriers. I believe Sprint’s would be the least expensive ($80 for unlimited texts, internet, mobile-to-any-carrier-mobile, 450 landline daytime/weekday minutes [evenings starting at 7 pm]).
Of all these phones, the N1 has the best ergonomics. I’ve never had a handset feel so right in my hand.
Luckily you don’t need a mind-numbing nanny chart to decide which Apple phone to buy. We call it the 4. It just works. No need to search for missing feature since it does everything you need.
Android is really becoming a big steaming pile of mess. Hardware mess and a bunch of inconsistent UI apps that are difficult to use.
So the choice is between a nanny chart and an actual nanny?
Will nanny also show us how to hold the phone, or do we get to decide that part for ourselves?
Nope… apparently not.
you forgot to Add the lucky number 7: Dell Streak :)
Why does the chart have the Evo with 440MB of internal storage? Does it have 1GB and then with the OS on it you are left with 440MB?
Hey James,
Have you seen our infographic? It’s not as conclusive with the 6 devices you folks feature here, but it does offer an awesome rundown of the EVO 4G, iPhone 4, and Droid X.
http://skattertech.com/2010/06/infographic-evo-4g-vs-iphone-4-vs-droid-x/
We have another in the pipeline for the new Galaxy S phones that just hit AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
Thanks!
AND T-Mobile!
Definitely the EVO is best in my book. Have you tried the new official IMDb app on the EVO yet? It’s awesome.