Android Phones are much more diverse than iOS (Apple), BlackBerry (RIM) and Windows Phones (Microsoft). They come in all different sizes, shapes, features, specifications, and looks. The latest version of the Android Operating System is Android 4.0 (a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich).

Here is a look at the top Android phones available in the market now. The list is in no particular order.

1. Samsung Galaxy S3

This is the most powerful Android phone with Ice Cream Sandwich to hit the market to date. It works with 4G (in the USA), comes with a quad-core (Europe/Asia) or dual-core (USA) processor, 8MP camera, S Beam and an excellent software enhancement making it one of the top Android phones currently available.

2. HTC One X

The One X is HTC’s flagship Ice Cream Sandwich phone. It’s got almost identical specs to the S3. It’s got quad-core and dual-core processor options (depending on where you buy it from), a massively bright 4.7-inch screen and the latest Sense 4 update.

Also read: Detailed comparison of Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X.

3. Samsung Galaxy Nexus

The one Android phone that will always get the latest software updates is the current official, “Google Phone”. So if you’re worried about not getting Jelly Bean, then you should look no further. It has a 720p HD Super AMOLED display with a 4.65-inch screen, a dual-core (ARM Cortex A9) processor, and a 5MP camera with zero shutter lag. It’s got a vanilla skin OS on it. It is available in 16 GB and 32 GB versions.

4. HTC One S

The One S is the mid-range phone in the new ‘One’ series launched by HTC a few months ago. The One S has the same camera as the One X but ships with a smaller 4.3 inch display. Other specifications include a dual-core processor, an 8MP camera, and a 1650 mAH battery which HTC claims gives you 10.5 hours of talk time and 13.2 days of stand-by time. It also includes the Beats Audio which HTC recently acquired.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note

Is it a smartphone? Is it a tablet? Well, it’s a hybrid of both to be precise. Some people refer to it as the “phablet” which is a combination of a phone and a tablet. It’s got a massive 5.3-inch Super AMOLED 1280x800p display and a 1.4GHz dual core processor. It’s got a 8MP and 2MP rear and front side camera. It is 9.65mm thick and only weighs 178 grams. It’s got a 2,500 mAH battery and can easily last one full day on a single charge.

Another advantage is the price has stooped quite a bit since its launch.

6. Motorola Droid Razr Maxx

Is the only thing you look for in a smartphone how much battery life it will give you? Do you want your phone to easily last more than one full day on a single charge? Then look no further than Motorola’s Droid Razr Maxx.

7. Motorola Atrix 3 [TBD]

This phone hasn’t launched yet but it has gone passed the FCC, which is required when launching a mobile phone in the USA. Indications are for a last week of July release and this phone is coming to At&t in the USA. It is said to come with a 720p display, LTE compatibility and a Snapdragon S4 processor. It will definitely launch with Ice Cream Sandwich and going by any indications of the almost similar model on Verizon (Motorola Droid Razr HD), I’m pretty sure this phone will be very powerful and will compete with other top of the line phones.

Which phone should you buy?

Which out of these phones should you buy? It depends where you are buying, what’s your price range and what features are you most looking forward to. If you want the longest battery life, look no further than the Droid Razr Maxx. If you just want the latest, no matter if it is good or not, go for the Galaxy S3. If you want good looks combined with killer performance, go for the One X. And if size is what you need, the Galaxy Note is waiting to be picked up. Lastly, if the latest software updates is what makes you tick, then the Galaxy Nexus is the one for you.

Image by Stephane <3 via Flickr (cc)
7 most amazing Android phones to buy right now

About Sahil Bhalla

Sahil is a freelance technology writer currently studying at Sarah Lawrence College in NYC. He loves journalism, technology, sports, travel, and food. He also regularly attends technology events in the city and reports them for us. Always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in every which way; rumors kill his day.