Best android phones

In the weeks ahead, the Android smartphone market will see the launches of several new and exciting devices including the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Motorola RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD and the HTC One X+. However, those phones have yet to receive official release dates leaving those looking for an Android smartphone now with a few less options. Fortunately, there are enough good options out there that buying a smartphone in October should still be fairly easy.

The Galaxy Note 2 and the Droid RAZR HD won’t be out until later this year, but those who can’t wait for those high-end options will find a fantastic selection of Android smartphones on the market right now.

At this point though, consumers who are able to wait for devices like the Galaxy Note 2 and Droid RAZR HD should but not because they’ll want to buy them. Instead, we advise those that can wait to wait because these will be great options to have in the search for right smartphone.

Of course, we realize that some people need to buy a phone right now and for those that can’t wait until the end of October, here are the five Android devices that we consider to be the absolute best on the market right now for the month of October, 2012.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100

The Galaxy Note 2 steps up its game, offering a super sized Android experience and a larger display without adding bulk. Add to that an improved S Pen experience and a few tricks learned from the Galaxy S3 and you have a tempting, if huge, package.

When Samsung first debuted the Galaxy Note smartphone, there were plenty of detractors who said that the device was too big to be a phone and no one wanted a stylus, anyway. Throughout the past year, the Note has proven the exact opposite to the tune of millions sold. Now the Note is back for a second act, sporting an even bigger display and some new tricks.

If big phones aren’t your thing, then the Note 2 isn’t going to convince you otherwise. However, for those who want a phone at this size, the new Note is out to make you forget the old one and all those pretenders that sprang up in its wake. Even better, it’s launching on all four major mobile carriers and U.S. Cellular, so you don’t have to switch to get your hands on one.

Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III, with its high-definition 4.8-inch display, speedy dual-core processor, 4G LTE data speeds and upcoming upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean makes it a force to be reckoned with. Read: Samsung Galaxy S III Review: Editors’ Choice. It's a device that will last the full two years of a contract and it's also available on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular giving customers a choice. The device is currently available from prices ranging from $100 to $150 at Amazon. Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX While the Droid RAZR MAXX for Verizon is set to be replaced in a month by the Droid RAZR MAXX HD, it doesn't change the fact that as of right now, the Droid RAZR MAXX remains one of the best Android smartphones on the market. Read: Droid RAZR MAXX Review: Insane Battery Life. It features a spacious 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display that while not HD, should do the trick for the average consumer. It also has a speedy processor that can handle Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, serviceable cameras and a sturdy design. It also features a massive battery, its biggest selling point, which allows for up to 21 hours of continuous talk time. The Droid RAZR MAXX is a mere $100 at Amazon. HTC One X AT&T's HTC One X is still the carrier's flagship Android device and for good reason. It combines a fantastic camera, speedy processor, and a high definition display that ranks up there with the best available on the market. It also features 4G LTE data speeds which means that it can pull down data speeds that are 10 times faster than typical 3G. The HTC One X is also set to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean sometime this month which will only stand to make it a much better smartphone. Read: HTC One X Review | $199 AT&T 4G LTE. Those that don't need the horsepower of the One X+ will be find with the One X. It also helps that it's a mere $20 right now on Amazon. Samsung Galaxy Nexus A new Nexus smartphone might be on the way sometime this month but that doesn't mean the current Nexus, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, is not one of the best Android smartphones available. It is. With a large HD display, minimalistic design, 4G LTE data speeds on either Sprint or Verizon and a vanilla version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Galaxy Nexus is still an Android force to be reckoned with. Read: Galaxy Nexus Review. It's also extremely cheap. Both the Sprint and Verizon models are available for a mere $50 at Amazon. Samsung Galaxy Note The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 might be on the way but not everyone will need all the new features. In fact, the original Samsung Galaxy Note which is available for AT&T, is perfectly suitable and remains one of the best Android smartphones on the market. It sports a 5.3-inch display, smaller than the 5.5-inch display of the Note 2, a dual-core processor, 4G LTE data speeds and an upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean sometime in the future. Read: Samsung Galaxy Note Review. While it doesn't pack the same punch as the Galaxy Note 2, it's still an extremely attractive device. It's available for $150 at Amazon.