Over the years Android handset manufactures have pulled off some fantastic tricks, while some of the following are old and new, they deserve a mention and fondly remembered. Did you have any of these handsets ?! What should have we included !?
So without much of ado, lets crack on, in no order whatsoever...
5. Sony Ericsson Xperia Play - Gaming
While it was big and bulky there was no mistake this handset really made gaming much more fun on an Android. Unfortunately it took Sony an age to update the software on it and the battery left you with only a couple of hours of gaming. The buttons of the bottom of the main screen also wore very easily.
All the issues to one side, the screen was crisp and when you played a game optimised for the handset it really was a joy to use. Sony had some half decent backing for the unit and today there are still devs making games that work for the handset. Gone too soon.
4. Motorola Atrix - Linux Desktop
Oh the phone that promised so much and very very nearly made it. The Atrix had some brilliant ideas and while the Linux desktop kinda did a good job the leap from phone to desktop wasn't quite seamless. Mostly used for cloud apps which was no bad thing but you needed an always on connection to make it worth while, so if you wanted to work on a flight etc, it was kinda tricky to do so, it wouldn't always remember where you left off on the desktop between plug in either.The additional extras like the desktop port and the laptop were great, just over priced. Motorola throw in a fingerprint scanner to unlock the phone which worked just ok. It was a good trick to show off, its a shame Motorola got bored and went and did something else.
3. Motorola Defy - Waterproof / Lifeproof
This little handset wasn't the most powerful but it did have a half decent battery life AND the awesome ability to be thrown into water and work fine. I had this handset for 2 years, and its the only time I've had a handset for the life of a 24 month mobile contract. Not to mention is was a perfect size.
Sony might be taking some credit for having a waterproof handset in the Sony Z/Z1 but its not new, Motorola have already been there. Plus the Defy was much more life proof, I must have dropped mine on a weekly basis and it still kept going. Shame they don't make em like this any more, although we wont cry over the death of Moto Blur which was nasty.
2. LG G2 - High Def Audio 24bit/192kHz
Yes, this is the first smartphone to support audio up to 24bit/192kHz, while we understand the Sony Walkman has just matched this superb quality - we have to tip our hat to LG for forcing the competition. We are amazed Sony didn't put this into its flag ships over the years as they have their business in audio too.
Apple audio doesn't even come close to this quality. FLAC support is great for the audiophiles too. So full marks to LG on the audio of this new handset.
1. Nexus 4 - Photosphere / Tiny Planets
The Nexus 4 was the first to have the Photosphere feature which we liked allot You could be very creative with it and make all sorts of wacky and fun photospheres.
We spent hours round NY making all sorts of crazy pics, never made it to London as the N4 was stolen :(
You can replace your camera app with the Nexus 4 apk here however you need to be on ICS or JB to make it work, however this is at your own risk as some handsets it doesn't work. If you want to know more then read more here.