If your only experience of the smartphone market has been challenged through products from Apple, you might be under the misconception that to get the very best devices you need to pay a king’s ransom.
In reality this is simply untrue, because there are plenty of alternatives to the iPhone out there which can match or even outstrip its performance while also being more affordable.
This is thanks to the rival Android operating system, which was developed by search giant Google in order to get in on the emerging smartphone market and give customers more choice and manufacturers more freedom.
Because Android is open source it can be used by virtually any company, which means there are plenty of different devices to pick and lots of cheap mobile phone deals to be had, even on high-specification handsets.
Here are just a few of the most impressive Android phones that will also avoid leaving you with a completely empty wallet.
Motorola Razr Maxx
Are you tired of your phone battery running out of juice before the end of the day? If so, the Motorola Razr Maxx might be just the mobile for you.
It has a much bigger cell than any of its rivals and will give you several days of charge-free operation even if you are a moderate to heavy user. It also has a slim chassis, fast processor and plenty of on-board RAM to keep everything running smoothly.
Samsung Galaxy S2
Although the Galaxy S2 is nearly two years old, it remains an impressive phone that is only getting more appealing as its price gets cheaper.
It has a dual core processor, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display and an eight megapixel camera. The design of the handset is also attractive thanks to its slenderness, so it is easy to slip into a pocket or bag without leaving a bulge.
Google Nexus 4
Google is deliberately selling this LG-manufactured phone at a cut price in order to encourage people to invest in it, so it makes sense for savvy consumers to give it their attention.
A quad core processor, HD display and stylish design are all present and correct, but perhaps the best reason to buy this phone is that it will get the latest Android updates before any other device due to its Google affiliation.
Sony Xperia S
A 12 megapixel camera helps to distinguish this Android phone from many of its contemporaries, since eight-megapixel snappers are more common, allowing this to set a new standard of quality.
It is also an aesthetically pleasing device, with a well-built body and a high-definition display giving it a business-like look that is also fashionable in all the right areas.
Plenty of outputs and connectivity options allow it to compete with the best of them and you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Xperia S.
