Posted by GULLIVER in Although Apple has been leading the market in smartphones for some time now, 2011 marks the dawn of their first real competition as Google’s Android operating system steadily gained ground. It was a phone running Android, Samsung’s Galaxy S2, that topped best-selling smartphone lists for the majority of the year, and even though Apple’s iPhone 4S eventually sold more units over the Christmas period, it is the S2 that tops most
“best phone” lists on the web. So here are the three best Android phones of 2011, challenging Apple for the top spot.
Number 3: Sony Xperia Arc
A great-looking and slim phone, Sony’s Xperia Arc weights just 117g yet still manages to support a generous 4.2 inch display. The capacitive touch screen responds to the lightest touch and its 1.4 GHz processor, although only a single core, still manages to keep things running smoothly. The phone also utilises some of Sony’s latest crossover technology, sporting a mobile version of the Exmor R backside-illuminated sensor that is used in Sony cyber-shot cameras as well as the same Bravia Engine technology installed in the latest Sony HDTVs.
Number 2: HTC Sensation
Running Android’s latest software update, Gingerbread, the HTC Sensation runs like a dream on its 1.2 GHz processor, delivering fast web browsing and video playback without any lag. Beautiful 3D homescreens and menus give it a polished look, looking extra impressive thanks to the 4.3 inch touch screen on the standard version and 4.7 on the XL. HTC’s smartphones have been popular for some time and with added features like HD video recording it’s easy to see why.
Number 1: Samsung Galaxy S2
Of course it had to be number one: the S2 has been one of 2011’s major success stories for Samsung and has topped numerous lists of 2011’s best phones due to its slim size and powerful processing. Utilising the latest and greatest in smartphone technology, the Galaxy S2 maintained popularity months after its release and will probably remain a favourite throughout 2012.
