There's never been a better time to buy an Android phone.
Sure, I've said that before -- but you know what? Each time, it's been true. With every passing year, the quality, choice and value available on Android just keep getting more impressive.
This year's lineup pushes things forward on each of those fronts. The current crop of devices showcases a level of design, build quality and camera performance many Android manufacturers have never before achieved -- and a newfound focus on unlocked sales that's making a top-notch experience more affordable than ever.
Think I'm exaggerating? Take a minute to reflect on some of the standout devices we've seen arrive over the past few months. We've got the Galaxy Note 5, Samsung's most sophisticated and mature effort to date; the Moto X Pure Edition, which shook up expectations for flagship phone pricing from a major manufacturer; and the Nexus 5X and 6P, Google's recently released flagships that set a new standard for just how good Android can be.
Those well-known devices are joined by several contenders: HTC's One A9, which combines an Apple-reminiscent design with a newly scaled-back approach to software; Motorola's Droid Turbo 2, a Verizon exclusive that provides a shatterproof screen along with exceptional stamina; and Motorola's Droid Maxx 2, a lower-end offering that delivers the same sky-high stamina as the Turbo 2 in a pared-down package.
The true test of any smartphone, of course, is what it's actually like to use in day-to-day life -- and that's something no spec sheet or series of numbers can tell you. I'd strongly suggest taking a peek at our real-world reviews to get that perspective -- you'll find links to them (as available) with the phones' names, below.
In the meantime, here's a handy listing -- with features and prices -- of this season's most noteworthy new Android arrivals.
The latest Android smartphones compared
| Price (off-contract) | Size / Weight | Storage | Screen | Cameras (front / rear) | Battery | Carrier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nexus 5X |
$379 (16GB), $429 (32GB) | 5.8 x 2.9 x 0.31 in. / 4.8 oz. | 16GB / 32GB (no SD card slot) | 5.2-in. 1080p LCD | 5MP / 12.3MP | 2,700mAh | All major U.S. carriers + Google Fi |
| Google Nexus 6P |
$499 (32GB), $549 (64GB), $649 (128GB) | 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.29 in. / 6.3 oz. | 32GB / 64GB / 128GB (no SD card slot) | 5.7-in. WQHD AMOLED | 8MP / 12.3MP | 3,450mAh | All major U.S. carriers + Google Fi |
| HTC One A9 |
$500 (32GB) | 5.7 x 2.8 x 0.28 in. / 5.0 oz. | 32GB (w/SD card slot) | 5.0-in. Full HD LCD | UltraPixel / 13MP | 2,150mAh | Most major carriers (Verizon support coming) |
| Motorola Droid Maxx 2 |
$384 (16GB) | 5.8 x 2.9 x 0.43 in. / 6.0 oz. | 16GB (w/SD card slot) | 5.5-in. 1080p LCD | 5MP / 21MP | 3,630mAh | Verizon |
| Motorola Droid Turbo 2 |
$624 (32GB), $720 (64GB); higher depending on material | 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.36 in. / 6.0 oz. | 32GB / 64GB (w/SD card slot) | 5.4-in. QHD AMOLED | 5MP / 21MP | 3,760mAh | Verizon |
| Motorola Moto X Pure Edition |
$400 (16GB), $450 (32GB), $500 (64GB); higher depending on material | 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.44 in./6.3 oz. | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB (w/SD card slot) | 5.7-in. QHD LCD | 5MP / 21MP | 3,000mAh | All major carriers |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 5 |
Starts at $700 (32GB) depending on carrier. | 6.0 x 3.0 x 0.30/6.0 oz. | 32GB / 64GB (no SD card slot) | 5.7-in. QHD AMOLED | 5MP / 16MP | 3,000mAh | All major carriers (network-specific models) |