Android phones are available on all US carriers and worldwide. In the US, Android phones can be purchased through any of the four major wireless carriers. The current available Android phones in the US by wireless company are:
Verizon Android Phones
The Motorola Droid was the first Android Phone released on the Verizon Wireless network. It became the largest selling Android phone and is still available for sale. Motorola and Verizon released the Droid X in July of 2010. The Droid X was similar to the Droid with it’s industrial styling. The Droid X had a larger screen, an HDMI output. The Droid 2 is scheduled for an August, 2010 release. The follow up will offer a host of improvements. HTC has also produced Android phones for Verizon. Their HTC Droid Eris, released around the time of the original Droid, was the first HTC Android phone created for Verizon. It had a soft keyboard, an iPhone form-factor and was moderately popular. The Droid Eris was discontinued in favor of the HTC Droid Incredible. The Droid Incredible by HTC opened to rave reviews in April, 2010. Verizon has had difficulties keeping the Droid Incredible in stock, due to LCD sourcing issues experienced by HTC. Verizon and Samsung have announced the release of the Samsung Fascinate for the fall of 2010.
AT&T Android Phones
AT&T has been late to the Android game. In early 2010, they released the Motorola Cliq. It was panned by critics due to the older version of Google’s Android OS and the inability to sideload Android apps. Things took a step in the right direction with the release of the HTC Aria, although it’s diminutive size paled in comparison to the Nexus One and other Android phones. To help compete with the iPhone 4, AT&T introduced the Samsung Captivate, part of the Galaxy S line of phones. With it’s Super AMOLED screen, super thin design and long battery life, the Samsung Captivate is on of the better Android phones available on the market.
Sprint Android Phones
Oddly enough, Sprint’s CEO seem disinterested in the Android platform in 2009. Sprint’s HTC Hero was essentially the same as the HTC Droid Eris. A popular phone, but not a homerun. Sprint’s second Android phone was the Samsung Moment. Sprint showed their committment to the Android platform when they announced the HTC EVO 4G, the company’s flagship 4G phone. The HTC EVO 4G is also the first 4G WiMax capable phone available for sale in the US. HTC EVO 4G is now available in white, but this is exclusive to Best Buy. The second 4G Android phone will be the Samsung Epic 4G. It will support Sprint’s 4G network and feature a horizontal slider QWERTY keyboard.
T-Mobile Android Phones
Last but not least, T-Mobile was the first carrier to commit to the Android platform. The T-Mobile G1 was the first Android phone and only recently was it discontinued. The follow-up was called the T-Mobile myTouch. T-Mobile’s Android lineup now features the Samsung Vibrant, which is yet another in Samsung’s Galaxy S line of smartphones.
There are plenty of commononalities within Android phones, but not even the lastest phones run the current Android 2.2 operating system. Before purchasing your phone, check with the wireless carrier or manufacturer to find out the version of the OS. Most Android phones can be upgraded, but this is often specific to the manufacturer and capabilities of your phone. After you select your phone, find out more information on Android cases to protect your new device or tips for maximizing your Android battery.
