Group test: what's the best Android phone?

5. Samsung Galaxy S3

• Reviewed on: 6 June 12
• RRP: From £29 per month; Around £500 SIM-free
• Rating:

The Galaxy S3 has turned out to be an excellent smartphone. It offers a good design and build quality, despite our small niggles. Samsung has put together an impressive set of hardware resulting in silky smooth performance and extensive software features. We can't give the number one spot to two smartphones, so the iPhone nudges it on a show of hands, but it really is a matter of personal taste. The S3 really is as good a smartphone as you can buy right now. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 4S comparison review.

4. Samsung Galaxy S4

• Reviewed on: 16 May 13
• RRP: Around £500 inc VAT
• Rating:

The Galaxy S4 is a great phone with outstanding hardware and performance, but it's not flawless. We're disappointed with the build quality considering the handset costs a fair bit more than its rivals and while the S4 is packed with features we find a lot of them to be gimmicky.

3. Google Nexus 4

• Reviewed on: 14 November 12
• RRP: £239 for 8GB; £279 for 16GB
• Rating:

As long as the storage capacities suffice, the Nexus 4 is the definition of a bargain. You quite simply get the performance and features of a high-end smartphone for half the price you would expect to pay. Unless you're set on an iPhone, the Nexus 4 is an unbeatable deal.

2. New HTC One

• Reviewed on: 28 March 13
• RRP: £529 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The HTC One is up there with the very best smartphones on the market today. It has superb performance, and excellent build quality spoiled only slightly by running hot in use. You can't fault the feature set, and it matches the other high-end products in terms of price. In terms of audio and visual output it is unsurpassed. The interface might be an acquired taste for some, and we weren't overly impressed with the camera. It's not perfect, but alongside the Xperia Z and iPhone 5 this is about as good a phone as you can buy.

1. Sony Xperia Z

• Reviewed on: 18 February 13
• RRP: £520 inc VAT
• Rating:

The Xperia Z is the first smartphone which Sony has really nailed. We love the stylish, desirable and rugged design. The combination of excellent performance, a stunning screen and great cameras make the Xperia Z a force to be reckoned with. There is very little to say about this phone that is negative.