1. Samsung Galaxy S2
Come on, it's hardly surprising that the first phone to get five stars in over a year from TechRadar is now at the top of our best mobile phone chart.
What we love about the Samsung Galaxy S II is the sheer amount of stuff that's packed in under the chassis - but more important is the way Samsung has used all that tech to create a phone that just works near-flawlessly.
The dual-core 1.2GHz processor, the Super AMOLED plus screen and the excellent sonic performance of the media player all combine to make a real doozy of a mobile phone.
Recording in 1080p is a nice touch (given that it actually works most of the time) and the camera is more than enough to take great shots in a short space of time.
In short, be it internet browsing, navigation, photography, media, social networking or gaming - the Samsung Galaxy S2 is our pick of the bunch for all those functions in one phone.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a phone we're excited to whip out in a pub and show off to our friends – it's the ultimate media mobile, the next generation in web browsing thanks to slick Flash integration, a very good replacement for a pocket camcorder and, goshdarnit, it makes calls pretty well too.
The Samsung Galaxy S II has not only set a new bar for smartphones in 2011; it's smashed the bar, recreated it in its own image and put it out of reach of the competition - although perhaps that will change when our HTC Sensation review comes around...
2. HTC Sensation
We know it's terribly geeky, but the battle between the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2 was one we were salivating over the thought of.
Both are dual core powerhouses, both have cutting-edge software and both the brands behind them have been enjoying success with Android in recent times.
Check out T3's 10 things you need to know about the HTC Sensation:
The HTC Sensation is a cracking piece of kit despite being behind the S2, with Sense 3.0 being a real joy to use.
The camera is decent enough, browsing and UI speeds are lightning fast and the overall build quality is sure to entice a number of users to pick up the Sensation and play with it in their local phone outlet.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire was the phone that showed the world what HTC could do, and the Sensation is a big step change once more. The dual-core power really shows, and the HTC Watch service is one to, well, watch as bringing movie downloads to a phone on the go could be the next big thing.
It's not cheap at £35 a month, but if we woke up and found this on our bedside table we certainly wouldn't be disappointed.
3. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
When we talk about a Phoenix Phone, it will forever be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. A company that was making phones like the Xperia X10 on outdated software less than a year ago has brought out one of the world's thinnest and most attractive handsets, and it deserves its place in the top three.
And it's earned that rank through sheer quality - the things we're impressed with on the Xperia Arc are almost too many to list.
From the beautiful Reality Display with Bravia Engine to the powerful-yet-simple 8.1MP camera with Exmor technology, this is one of the phones that people actually want to hold and play with when you show it off.
The new Sony Ericsson overlay has cool features like an 'exploded widgets' view, and the integration of YouTube searching for videos of songs currently playing is super cool too.
OK, it's not dual-core powered, but until we start seeing some applications that really start to challenge these smartphones, we're happy to recommend a phone that is slick under the finger, slim in the pocket, satisfying in the hand and kinder than many on the wallet to boot.
Quick verdict
The hardware is extremely impressive, both in terms of looks and performance. Forget the fashionable dual-core phones – when done right, a single-core 1GHz processor can do it all.
As it is, we're prepared to overlook the Xperia Arc's minor flaws thanks to its stunning good looks, superb screen and very decent photo performance. You can't help but love it once you've held its magically thin body and gazed adoringly into its dazzling Reality Display.
4. HTC Desire S
The Desire S has surprised us all with its popularity - decent price drops already have seen it become a valuable proposition and place it as a good HTC alternative to the dual-core power of the HTC Sensation.
Excellent call quality, a decent camera, strong build and clever-as-ever social networking integration make this a class-leader once more, despite it no longer being the HTC top dog since the Sensation has landed.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire S is a slick, compact and attractive handset that is a decent improvement on its predecessor with more compact lines and an improved Sense experience.
It may only have a 5MP camera, but it's got a budget-busting £20 price tag, so that means it's still going to have a decent customer uptake even though the HTC Sensation has arrived - and we rate it ahead of the Incredible S thanks to a smoother design, greater pocketability and more advanced software upgrades.
5. Apple iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 is certainly the most impressive iPhone ever, and a big step up from the iPhone 3GS. The flat body is only 9.3mm thick - 24 per cent thinner than the iPhone 3GS at its thickest. It feels great in the hand, and at the keynote Steve Jobs remarked, "Its closest kin is a beautiful old Leica camera."
By far the most in-your-face feature of the iPhone 4 is 960x640 Retina Display. It's got 326 pixels per inch, and we're talking tiny pixels, only 78 micrometers wide.
The Retina Display, especially, is hands-down one of the clearest, most enjoyable screens we've seen on a handheld, and the sheer amount of technology packed into the device is surprising.
The 3G reception disappearing problem is gone now with newer builds (although Apple would never admit to it being a problem) and while we know that many will never condone the phone not being at the top of the list, we still have a problem with the price.
The iPhone 4 has finally started to slide in price - possibly in preparation for a new model - which makes it more of a decent proposition for new buyers. The screen technology is still among the best out there, and Apple is still bringing the latest updates to the iOS platform on the iPhone 4, helping it maintain its place in our top five by the skin of its teeth.
Quick verdict
If it wasn't for the reception issue, the iPhone 4 would have probably topped our charts long ago - and now dual-core phones have emerged with superior specs and design.
It's still a class-leading bit of kit, and with the iPhone 5 supposedly delayed until September, it's still worth taking a look at - but Apple die-hards will want to wait to see if the new model is a better proposition or not.
Come on, it's hardly surprising that the first phone to get five stars in over a year from TechRadar is now at the top of our best mobile phone chart.
What we love about the Samsung Galaxy S II is the sheer amount of stuff that's packed in under the chassis - but more important is the way Samsung has used all that tech to create a phone that just works near-flawlessly.
The dual-core 1.2GHz processor, the Super AMOLED plus screen and the excellent sonic performance of the media player all combine to make a real doozy of a mobile phone.
Recording in 1080p is a nice touch (given that it actually works most of the time) and the camera is more than enough to take great shots in a short space of time.
In short, be it internet browsing, navigation, photography, media, social networking or gaming - the Samsung Galaxy S2 is our pick of the bunch for all those functions in one phone.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a phone we're excited to whip out in a pub and show off to our friends – it's the ultimate media mobile, the next generation in web browsing thanks to slick Flash integration, a very good replacement for a pocket camcorder and, goshdarnit, it makes calls pretty well too.
The Samsung Galaxy S II has not only set a new bar for smartphones in 2011; it's smashed the bar, recreated it in its own image and put it out of reach of the competition - although perhaps that will change when our HTC Sensation review comes around...
2. HTC Sensation
We know it's terribly geeky, but the battle between the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2 was one we were salivating over the thought of.
Both are dual core powerhouses, both have cutting-edge software and both the brands behind them have been enjoying success with Android in recent times.
Check out T3's 10 things you need to know about the HTC Sensation:
The HTC Sensation is a cracking piece of kit despite being behind the S2, with Sense 3.0 being a real joy to use.
The camera is decent enough, browsing and UI speeds are lightning fast and the overall build quality is sure to entice a number of users to pick up the Sensation and play with it in their local phone outlet.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire was the phone that showed the world what HTC could do, and the Sensation is a big step change once more. The dual-core power really shows, and the HTC Watch service is one to, well, watch as bringing movie downloads to a phone on the go could be the next big thing.
It's not cheap at £35 a month, but if we woke up and found this on our bedside table we certainly wouldn't be disappointed.
3. Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc
When we talk about a Phoenix Phone, it will forever be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. A company that was making phones like the Xperia X10 on outdated software less than a year ago has brought out one of the world's thinnest and most attractive handsets, and it deserves its place in the top three.
And it's earned that rank through sheer quality - the things we're impressed with on the Xperia Arc are almost too many to list.
From the beautiful Reality Display with Bravia Engine to the powerful-yet-simple 8.1MP camera with Exmor technology, this is one of the phones that people actually want to hold and play with when you show it off.
The new Sony Ericsson overlay has cool features like an 'exploded widgets' view, and the integration of YouTube searching for videos of songs currently playing is super cool too.
OK, it's not dual-core powered, but until we start seeing some applications that really start to challenge these smartphones, we're happy to recommend a phone that is slick under the finger, slim in the pocket, satisfying in the hand and kinder than many on the wallet to boot.
Quick verdict
The hardware is extremely impressive, both in terms of looks and performance. Forget the fashionable dual-core phones – when done right, a single-core 1GHz processor can do it all.
As it is, we're prepared to overlook the Xperia Arc's minor flaws thanks to its stunning good looks, superb screen and very decent photo performance. You can't help but love it once you've held its magically thin body and gazed adoringly into its dazzling Reality Display.
4. HTC Desire S
The Desire S has surprised us all with its popularity - decent price drops already have seen it become a valuable proposition and place it as a good HTC alternative to the dual-core power of the HTC Sensation.
Excellent call quality, a decent camera, strong build and clever-as-ever social networking integration make this a class-leader once more, despite it no longer being the HTC top dog since the Sensation has landed.
Quick verdict
The HTC Desire S is a slick, compact and attractive handset that is a decent improvement on its predecessor with more compact lines and an improved Sense experience.
It may only have a 5MP camera, but it's got a budget-busting £20 price tag, so that means it's still going to have a decent customer uptake even though the HTC Sensation has arrived - and we rate it ahead of the Incredible S thanks to a smoother design, greater pocketability and more advanced software upgrades.
5. Apple iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 is certainly the most impressive iPhone ever, and a big step up from the iPhone 3GS. The flat body is only 9.3mm thick - 24 per cent thinner than the iPhone 3GS at its thickest. It feels great in the hand, and at the keynote Steve Jobs remarked, "Its closest kin is a beautiful old Leica camera."
By far the most in-your-face feature of the iPhone 4 is 960x640 Retina Display. It's got 326 pixels per inch, and we're talking tiny pixels, only 78 micrometers wide.
The Retina Display, especially, is hands-down one of the clearest, most enjoyable screens we've seen on a handheld, and the sheer amount of technology packed into the device is surprising.
The 3G reception disappearing problem is gone now with newer builds (although Apple would never admit to it being a problem) and while we know that many will never condone the phone not being at the top of the list, we still have a problem with the price.
The iPhone 4 has finally started to slide in price - possibly in preparation for a new model - which makes it more of a decent proposition for new buyers. The screen technology is still among the best out there, and Apple is still bringing the latest updates to the iOS platform on the iPhone 4, helping it maintain its place in our top five by the skin of its teeth.
Quick verdict
If it wasn't for the reception issue, the iPhone 4 would have probably topped our charts long ago - and now dual-core phones have emerged with superior specs and design.
It's still a class-leading bit of kit, and with the iPhone 5 supposedly delayed until September, it's still worth taking a look at - but Apple die-hards will want to wait to see if the new model is a better proposition or not.
6. HTC Incredible S
HTC's ability to make large-screened phones on Android is seemingly never ending, with more emerging from the woodwork every week.
With the HTC Sensation now out, and the HTC Desire S already available, there was some worry about this Android 2.2-toting handset becoming lost in the ether. But with a vacuum-packed design and large and bright 4-inch screen, it's quickly become a quirky, if not to everyone's liking, alternative to the Desire HD.
The 8MP camera with dual LED flash is a decent option, the interface snaps along nicely and the price is palatable - another top example of HTC Sense that will only improve when the Android 2.3 update lands.
Quick verdict
If you want a phone that stands out slightly from the rest, the Incredible S at its mid-range price point could be a goer for you. If you're someone that wants the latest and greatest HTC, though, we suggest checking out the HTC Sensation.
HTC's ability to make large-screened phones on Android is seemingly never ending, with more emerging from the woodwork every week.
With the HTC Sensation now out, and the HTC Desire S already available, there was some worry about this Android 2.2-toting handset becoming lost in the ether. But with a vacuum-packed design and large and bright 4-inch screen, it's quickly become a quirky, if not to everyone's liking, alternative to the Desire HD.
The 8MP camera with dual LED flash is a decent option, the interface snaps along nicely and the price is palatable - another top example of HTC Sense that will only improve when the Android 2.3 update lands.
Quick verdict
If you want a phone that stands out slightly from the rest, the Incredible S at its mid-range price point could be a goer for you. If you're someone that wants the latest and greatest HTC, though, we suggest checking out the HTC Sensation.
7. Google Nexus S
The first Android 2.3 phone to land on the market is also one of the first with NFC capabilities and a curved Super AMOLED screen from Samsung.
It's a 'Pure Google' experience, which means no messing about waiting for networks to bring you the update; if Google likes it, you'll have it.
The price dropped just before launch to a palatable £430, and competes very well indeed with the iPhone 4 and others in the top phone game. However, with more Android 2.3 handsets landing seemingly every week, unless you're after a Google-only experience, its appeal becomes more limited.
The build quality might feel a little suspect at first, but it's robust enough and sits in the hand well, and that screen is just superb for the internet and media.
Quick verdict
A 'no frills' handset that delivers on the specs - affordable and practical for the developer and early adopter alike, plus offering a more unique design than others on the market. If and when NFC becomes more widespread in the UK, this will probably see a real surge in interest again too.
The first Android 2.3 phone to land on the market is also one of the first with NFC capabilities and a curved Super AMOLED screen from Samsung.
It's a 'Pure Google' experience, which means no messing about waiting for networks to bring you the update; if Google likes it, you'll have it.
The price dropped just before launch to a palatable £430, and competes very well indeed with the iPhone 4 and others in the top phone game. However, with more Android 2.3 handsets landing seemingly every week, unless you're after a Google-only experience, its appeal becomes more limited.
The build quality might feel a little suspect at first, but it's robust enough and sits in the hand well, and that screen is just superb for the internet and media.
Quick verdict
A 'no frills' handset that delivers on the specs - affordable and practical for the developer and early adopter alike, plus offering a more unique design than others on the market. If and when NFC becomes more widespread in the UK, this will probably see a real surge in interest again too.
8. HTC Desire
The HTC used to be the top dog, but with the new dual-core brigade marching in, despite a really cheap price tag attached to it these days, its time in the top five is now over.
The hardware is still as solid as ever - the only niggles we have are a lack of internal storage (meaning apps that can't live on an SD card are at a premium) and suspect HD video recording.
Users have had some battery life problems with the phone, but that doesn't detract from a phone that simply WORKS - very few crashes, swift internet browsing, a quality on-screen keyboard and a decent design ethic to boot.
However, while the likes of the iPhone have stayed in the top five we feel its time to demote the HTC Desire as it isn't being updated with the latest version of the Sense UI and HTC has caused outrage among some users after announcing it won't be able to bring Android 2.3 to the phone - plus the demotion to Super LCD technology takes away the big plus of the AMOLED screen.
It feels strange that the iPhone is outranking the Desire now, but while that phone has the latest software and UI the Desire is starting to fall behind the likes of the Sensation and Incredible S in terms of HTC desirability (sorry) - we wouldn't recommend buying this handset over those if it means you're going to be screwed over for future updates.
Quick verdict
We will always have a soft spot for the HTC Desire - it's still a class apart from many other phones out there. Its combination of intuitive overlay and flawless operation showed the world that there was life beyond the iPhone - and it's still a decent piece of hardware to boot if you're comfortable with a slightly cheaper-but-ageing device.
The HTC used to be the top dog, but with the new dual-core brigade marching in, despite a really cheap price tag attached to it these days, its time in the top five is now over.
The hardware is still as solid as ever - the only niggles we have are a lack of internal storage (meaning apps that can't live on an SD card are at a premium) and suspect HD video recording.
Users have had some battery life problems with the phone, but that doesn't detract from a phone that simply WORKS - very few crashes, swift internet browsing, a quality on-screen keyboard and a decent design ethic to boot.
However, while the likes of the iPhone have stayed in the top five we feel its time to demote the HTC Desire as it isn't being updated with the latest version of the Sense UI and HTC has caused outrage among some users after announcing it won't be able to bring Android 2.3 to the phone - plus the demotion to Super LCD technology takes away the big plus of the AMOLED screen.
It feels strange that the iPhone is outranking the Desire now, but while that phone has the latest software and UI the Desire is starting to fall behind the likes of the Sensation and Incredible S in terms of HTC desirability (sorry) - we wouldn't recommend buying this handset over those if it means you're going to be screwed over for future updates.
Quick verdict
We will always have a soft spot for the HTC Desire - it's still a class apart from many other phones out there. Its combination of intuitive overlay and flawless operation showed the world that there was life beyond the iPhone - and it's still a decent piece of hardware to boot if you're comfortable with a slightly cheaper-but-ageing device.
9. LG Optimus 2X
The dual-core race is set to hot up, and LG has stolen a march on its Atrix-shaped rival in the UK by releasing the Optimus 2X.
The new phone is certainly a slick player - we found the screen to be bright, the operation lightning fast at times and the HDMI mirroring a really neat feature.
If it wasn't for some odd 1080p recording issues and slightly juddery internet experience there's no doubt that the Optimus 2X would have been troubling the top of this chart - but you can forgive even those issues when you realise that it costs just £25 a month.
That's right. A mid-range price for a top end handset - we're really hoping this is a trend that continues.
Quick verdict
The idea of dual-core handsets is still better than the reality at the moment, as there still aren't many apps that can take advantage. That said, 1080p video recording and improved graphics performance are still winning features, and the LG Optimus 2X is all over these like a rabbit in a radish field.
The dual-core race is set to hot up, and LG has stolen a march on its Atrix-shaped rival in the UK by releasing the Optimus 2X.
The new phone is certainly a slick player - we found the screen to be bright, the operation lightning fast at times and the HDMI mirroring a really neat feature.
If it wasn't for some odd 1080p recording issues and slightly juddery internet experience there's no doubt that the Optimus 2X would have been troubling the top of this chart - but you can forgive even those issues when you realise that it costs just £25 a month.
That's right. A mid-range price for a top end handset - we're really hoping this is a trend that continues.
Quick verdict
The idea of dual-core handsets is still better than the reality at the moment, as there still aren't many apps that can take advantage. That said, 1080p video recording and improved graphics performance are still winning features, and the LG Optimus 2X is all over these like a rabbit in a radish field.
10. Orange San Francisco
Android is one of the big winners in our top 20 list, and the Orange San Francisco has emerged as the winner of the 'budget league', with a great build, slick operation and clear screen - all for under £80.
It's 'only' got Android 2.1, but an upgrade is in the works, and despite that you still get a fast response from the capacitive screen and all the widgets and home screens you've come to expect from Android.
There are some trade-offs: don't buy this if you want to take quality pics or are an avid radio listener, for instance, but overall it's a super phone for the price.
Quick verdict
There was a time when the Orange San Francisco was the only decent budget phone on the market - but now that title is being challenged hard. Despite all that, it's testament to the clever price drops and ahead of the curve tech on board that it still remains our top budget smartphone buy.
Android is one of the big winners in our top 20 list, and the Orange San Francisco has emerged as the winner of the 'budget league', with a great build, slick operation and clear screen - all for under £80.
It's 'only' got Android 2.1, but an upgrade is in the works, and despite that you still get a fast response from the capacitive screen and all the widgets and home screens you've come to expect from Android.
There are some trade-offs: don't buy this if you want to take quality pics or are an avid radio listener, for instance, but overall it's a super phone for the price.
Quick verdict
There was a time when the Orange San Francisco was the only decent budget phone on the market - but now that title is being challenged hard. Despite all that, it's testament to the clever price drops and ahead of the curve tech on board that it still remains our top budget smartphone buy.
