Best Android phones

Choosing an iPhone is easy: do you want black or white? Buying an Android phone is more challenging, but potentially more rewarding. Google's operating system can now be found on dozens of mobile phones, not to mention tablet computers, ebook readers and even TVs.

Whether you're looking for a palm-spanning multimedia powerhouse or just a compact, competent smart phone, there's an Android handset for you. But not every Android phone is created equal. A good place to start is to look at the version of Android a phone is running. Anything running version 1.6, 1.5 or -- we shudder to think of it -- older won't be able to run many of the latest, shiniest apps, such as Google Maps Navigation. 

Versions 2.0 and 2.1 add smoother menus and better keyboards, while version 2.2 enables phones to share their 3G connection as a Wi-Fi hotspot (depending on your network) and browse Flash websites.

Android 2.3 is the latest version, and one you should go for if you can as it adds some minor interface tweaks and some speed improvements.

Some makers put their own software skin on top of Android, such as HTC Sense. When this works, it can give Android a welcome dash of style. When it doesn't, it can be a hi-tech car crash, so try before you buy.

Spare a thought for the processor at the heart of the phone. The speedier the chip, the faster everything will work, from flicking through contacts to surfing the Web. The latest phones have dual-core processors that run at 1.2GHz, which you should buy if you can afford them. A chip that fast will give the smoothest Android experience and enable proper multi-tasking.

Slower processors can also work well, however, depending on what you're after. A 500MHz processor should be able to handle the basics of calling and texting, but not much in the way of apps. An 800MHz or 1GHz chip would be a safer bet if you don't enjoy hanging around waiting for apps to open, although you may still experience a little lag.

The next step is to take a tape measure to your pocket to see how much space you've got for today's super-sized screens. Rampant display inflation means that 89mm (3.5 inches) is now nothing special, 94mm (3.7 inches) is the norm, and there's even a fabric-bulging 109mm (4.3-inch) screen. Bigger screens are easier to navigate, great for viewing websites and superb for perusing videos, but they'll also munch through battery power more quickly.

As important as size is, a screen's resolution and touch technology are also key. Think twice before buying any phone with less than a 320x480-pixel resolution -- squinting at the screen eliminates virtually all of Android's cool factor. The sharpest phones max out at around 480x800 pixels, which is less than the iPhone 4's resolution but more than crisp enough for viewing photos and videos.

Cheaper Android phones can have resistive touchscreens, although these are less prevalent now. Manufacturers may gush about how you can use the screen with gloves on, but don't be fooled. Capacitive screens are faster, more responsive and offer true multi-touch capabilities.

Finally, think about extra features. Do you want high-definition video recording or are you happy with a VGA resolution? Do you really need 8-megapixel photos, or will 5 or 3 megapixels do? Also, accelerometers and a digital compass are used by a surprising number of cutting-edge augmented-reality apps and games.

Now check out the best Android phones reviewed here at CNET UK. You'll never look enviously at a boring old iPhone again.