T-Mobile was the first carrier to sell Android with the HTC G1. It was panned for being too much like a beta device. Many versions later, Android phones are quite a contender. Worldwide, Android has a bigger share then the much vaulted Apple iPhone. Currently, T-Mobile still relies on Android smartphones and lacks the Apple iPhone in their lineup.
It might not be the most feature packed smartphone out there, but the Google Nexus 4 is the best overall smartphone out there. Armed with the latest version of Android, version 4.2 Jellybean, the Nexus 4 is elegant and powerful. The biggest plus is that the Nexus 4 is unlocked, and we're big fans of unlocked smartphones. Another plus is that the Nexus 4 is sure to get upgraded promptly to the next version of Android since it's a pure stock install of Android. T-Mobile is the only carrier to be selling the Nexus 4, but expect a premium over getting it from Google Play unless you're buying it subsidized on contract.
If you don't mind contracts, then another good choice on T-Mobile is the Samsung Galaxy Note II. It's got a powerful 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, and it's not burdened by Steve Jobs' dislike of the stylus. The Galaxy Note II is an innovative crossbreed between a large smartphone and a small tablet. Unfortunately, this is also a detriment. It features a large 5.5" display, which some people feel is too large. It's better suited to be a work device then it is as a primary smartphone. We hope Android's trend towards larger smartphones stops at some point. In our opinion, 4.3" is the best size for a smartphone. The Google Nexus 4 by LG in comparison is a big 4.7 inches. It's a bit large, but still manageable. We hope they'll shrink back to 4.3 inches, but that doesn't seem likely. We'll cross our fingers that 4.7 inches is where Android manufacturers stop growing. Another issue is the Galaxy Note II's price. It's $369.99 after a two year contract on T-Mobile's website. It's even more expensive than the unlocked Nexus 4 16 GB on the Google Play website. Lastly, while the Galaxy Note II offers features you won't find on any other smartphone, including the Apple iPhone 5, we feel most consumers won't need the additional features that the device provides and so it won't give them the biggest bang for their buck. People who need the most powerful and fully featured smartphone and don't mind the price, this device is made for you.
In the next segment of our Best Smartphone series, we'll be discussing the best overall smartphone for Verizon Wireless. Will the Apple iPhone 5 finally win one? Stay tuned to find out.
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