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- Whether it's a Google Play Edition device or an official Nexus handset, these smartphones flaunt the full power modern Android has to offer. by Brian Bennett January 2, 2014 1:15 PM PST An increasing number of Google Play Edition phones are cropping up including the Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPE. (Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) It's no secret that Android smartphones are on the rise, having eclipsed Apple's mighty iPhone in terms of total market share. But there are many more reasons for droid fans to cheer. First, Google's buyout of Motorola is finally beginning to bear tasty fruit, in the form of sweet devices such as the Moto X and insanely affordable Moto G. Second is the greater number of Google Play Edition devices now available for sale, all of which run pristine versions of Google's mobile software. And I'm not merely talking about Wi-Fi tablets here either, but honest-to-goodness unlocked cell phones sold directly through the Google Play online storefront with no strings attached. So if its the sleek metallic lines of the HTC One GPE, the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE's vivid OLED screen, or perhaps the tablet-like (and waterproof) Sony Z Ultra GPE that get your Android heart racing, chances are there's a Google Play Edition phone with your name on it. Here's a current list of phones which rock the pure power of Android. Google Nexus 5 souped up with Android KitKat, LTE, and low price. The most advanced smartphone in Google's Nexus line, the Nexus 5 runs Android KitKat driven by a muscular Snapdragon 800 processor, plus a great-looking 4.95-inch IPS LCD screen. All that's packed into a compact and handsome chassis for a very affordable, and unlocked, price starting at $349. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 5. Google's Samsung Galaxy S4 in all its minimalistic goodness Get the extremely popular Samsung Galaxy S4, along with its stunningly bright and colorful OLED display, but with squeaky-clean Android 4.4 KitKat software. Also part of the deal is the GS4 GPE's sharp 13 megapixel camera, removable battery, and SD Card expansion slot. Read the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition. Gorgeous phone design meets pristine Android Google's special edition of the HTC One merges this phone's arresting, lovely all-metal design with pristine Android 4.4 KitKat. And while some may miss HTC's intuitive Sense interface which the company typically layers over Android, you'll be glad to find the same set of powerful stereo speakers here plus quality 4.7-inch LCD screen. Read the full review of the HTC One Google Play Edition. The LG Nexus 4 arrives, but with no LTE Sure, the Nexus 4 isn't the freshest pure-Android device Google has in its arsenal. That said, if you can forgive its lack of 4G LTE support and slower Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, this venerable smartphone still has a few tricks up its sleeve. It now enjoys a recent upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat, has always been carrier unlocked (GSM, HSPA), and if you can scoop up one used for under $250, remains a solid buy. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 4. Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition: Stunningly vast display meets pure Android KitKat Sony has officially entered the Google Play Edition program with the GPE version of its Xperia Z Ultra. Tagged the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition, this gadget's massive size shamelessly stretches what it means to be a phone or tablet. With sharp 1080p LCD screen that boasts a vast 6.4 inches of viewing real estate, the Z Ultra GPE is a mobile media-consuming monster. It also sports the same highly dust and water resistant design Sony's latest crop of Xperia phones use. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra GPE. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition. Motorola's Moto X targets the masses Motorola's latest flagship phone might not technically run an absolutely stock image of Android software. Its software comes close though, and born from the union of Motorola and its fresh Google corporate masters, the Moto X enjoys timely Android upgrades not to mention a bevy of unique enhancements including Active Display notifications, quick launch camera, and premium design. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto X. Motorola Moto G: An unlocked budget Android deal If you want Android for a ridiculously affordable yet unlocked and unsubsidized price, the Motorola Moto G is your ticket. Compact and well-crafted, the Moto G comes packing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box with a promise of a fresh update to KitKat around the corner. Best of all the Moto G starts at the rock-bottom asking price of $179. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto G.
Whether it's a Google Play Edition device or an official Nexus handset, these smartphones flaunt the full power modern Android has to offer. by Brian Bennett January 2, 2014 1:15 PM PST An increasing number of Google Play Edition phones are cropping up including the Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPE. (Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) It's no secret that Android smartphones are on the rise, having eclipsed Apple's mighty iPhone in terms of total market share. But there are many more reasons for droid fans to cheer. First, Google's buyout of Motorola is finally beginning to bear tasty fruit, in the form of sweet devices such as the Moto X and insanely affordable Moto G. Second is the greater number of Google Play Edition devices now available for sale, all of which run pristine versions of Google's mobile software. And I'm not merely talking about Wi-Fi tablets here either, but honest-to-goodness unlocked cell phones sold directly through the Google Play online storefront with no strings attached. So if its the sleek metallic lines of the HTC One GPE, the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE's vivid OLED screen, or perhaps the tablet-like (and waterproof) Sony Z Ultra GPE that get your Android heart racing, chances are there's a Google Play Edition phone with your name on it. Here's a current list of phones which rock the pure power of Android. Google Nexus 5 souped up with Android KitKat, LTE, and low price. The most advanced smartphone in Google's Nexus line, the Nexus 5 runs Android KitKat driven by a muscular Snapdragon 800 processor, plus a great-looking 4.95-inch IPS LCD screen. All that's packed into a compact and handsome chassis for a very affordable, and unlocked, price starting at $349. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 5. Google's Samsung Galaxy S4 in all its minimalistic goodness Get the extremely popular Samsung Galaxy S4, along with its stunningly bright and colorful OLED display, but with squeaky-clean Android 4.4 KitKat software. Also part of the deal is the GS4 GPE's sharp 13 megapixel camera, removable battery, and SD Card expansion slot. Read the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition. Gorgeous phone design meets pristine Android Google's special edition of the HTC One merges this phone's arresting, lovely all-metal design with pristine Android 4.4 KitKat. And while some may miss HTC's intuitive Sense interface which the company typically layers over Android, you'll be glad to find the same set of powerful stereo speakers here plus quality 4.7-inch LCD screen. Read the full review of the HTC One Google Play Edition. The LG Nexus 4 arrives, but with no LTE Sure, the Nexus 4 isn't the freshest pure-Android device Google has in its arsenal. That said, if you can forgive its lack of 4G LTE support and slower Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, this venerable smartphone still has a few tricks up its sleeve. It now enjoys a recent upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat, has always been carrier unlocked (GSM, HSPA), and if you can scoop up one used for under $250, remains a solid buy. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 4. Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition: Stunningly vast display meets pure Android KitKat Sony has officially entered the Google Play Edition program with the GPE version of its Xperia Z Ultra. Tagged the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition, this gadget's massive size shamelessly stretches what it means to be a phone or tablet. With sharp 1080p LCD screen that boasts a vast 6.4 inches of viewing real estate, the Z Ultra GPE is a mobile media-consuming monster. It also sports the same highly dust and water resistant design Sony's latest crop of Xperia phones use. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra GPE. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition. Motorola's Moto X targets the masses Motorola's latest flagship phone might not technically run an absolutely stock image of Android software. Its software comes close though, and born from the union of Motorola and its fresh Google corporate masters, the Moto X enjoys timely Android upgrades not to mention a bevy of unique enhancements including Active Display notifications, quick launch camera, and premium design. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto X. Motorola Moto G: An unlocked budget Android deal If you want Android for a ridiculously affordable yet unlocked and unsubsidized price, the Motorola Moto G is your ticket. Compact and well-crafted, the Moto G comes packing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box with a promise of a fresh update to KitKat around the corner. Best of all the Moto G starts at the rock-bottom asking price of $179. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto G.
Whether it's a Google Play Edition device or an official Nexus handset, these smartphones flaunt the full power modern Android has to offer.
An increasing number of Google Play Edition phones are cropping up including the Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPE.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
It's no secret that Android smartphones are on the rise, having eclipsed Apple's mighty iPhone in terms of total market share. But there are many more reasons for droid fans to cheer. First, Google's buyout of Motorola is finally beginning to bear tasty fruit, in the form of sweet devices such as the Moto X and insanely affordable Moto G.
Second is the greater number of Google Play Edition devices now available for sale, all of which run pristine versions of Google's mobile software. And I'm not merely talking about Wi-Fi tablets here either, but honest-to-goodness unlocked cell phones sold directly through the Google Play online storefront with no strings attached.
So if its the sleek metallic lines of the HTC One GPE, the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE's vivid OLED screen, or perhaps the tablet-like (and waterproof) Sony Z Ultra GPE that get your Android heart racing, chances are there's a Google Play Edition phone with your name on it. Here's a current list of phones which rock the pure power of Android.
Google Nexus 5 souped up with Android KitKat, LTE, and low price.
The most advanced smartphone in Google's Nexus line, the Nexus 5 runs Android KitKat driven by a muscular Snapdragon 800 processor, plus a great-looking 4.95-inch IPS LCD screen. All that's packed into a compact and handsome chassis for a very affordable, and unlocked, price starting at $349. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 5.
Google's Samsung Galaxy S4 in all its minimalistic goodness
Get the extremely popular Samsung Galaxy S4, along with its stunningly bright and colorful OLED display, but with squeaky-clean Android 4.4 KitKat software. Also part of the deal is the GS4 GPE's sharp 13 megapixel camera, removable battery, and SD Card expansion slot. Read the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition.
Gorgeous phone design meets pristine Android
Google's special edition of the HTC One merges this phone's arresting, lovely all-metal design with pristine Android 4.4 KitKat. And while some may miss HTC's intuitive Sense interface which the company typically layers over Android, you'll be glad to find the same set of powerful stereo speakers here plus quality 4.7-inch LCD screen. Read the full review of the HTC One Google Play Edition.
The LG Nexus 4 arrives, but with no LTE
Sure, the Nexus 4 isn't the freshest pure-Android device Google has in its arsenal. That said, if you can forgive its lack of 4G LTE support and slower Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, this venerable smartphone still has a few tricks up its sleeve. It now enjoys a recent upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat, has always been carrier unlocked (GSM, HSPA), and if you can scoop up one used for under $250, remains a solid buy. Read the full review of the Google Nexus 4.
Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition: Stunningly vast display meets pure Android KitKat
Sony has officially entered the Google Play Edition program with the GPE version of its Xperia Z Ultra. Tagged the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition, this gadget's massive size shamelessly stretches what it means to be a phone or tablet. With sharp 1080p LCD screen that boasts a vast 6.4 inches of viewing real estate, the Z Ultra GPE is a mobile media-consuming monster. It also sports the same highly dust and water resistant design Sony's latest crop of Xperia phones use. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra GPE. Read the full review of the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition.
Motorola's Moto X targets the masses
Motorola's latest flagship phone might not technically run an absolutely stock image of Android software. Its software comes close though, and born from the union of Motorola and its fresh Google corporate masters, the Moto X enjoys timely Android upgrades not to mention a bevy of unique enhancements including Active Display notifications, quick launch camera, and premium design. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto X.
Motorola Moto G: An unlocked budget Android deal
If you want Android for a ridiculously affordable yet unlocked and unsubsidized price, the Motorola Moto G is your ticket. Compact and well-crafted, the Moto G comes packing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box with a promise of a fresh update to KitKat around the corner. Best of all the Moto G starts at the rock-bottom asking price of $179. Read the full review of the Motorola Moto G.