Technically, smartphones are being run by operating systems, which are similar to the platforms used by computers, but they are maximized for mobile use. One of the leading smartphone operating systems today is Google’s Android. To date, there are already many Android smartphones released in the market, but here is a list of the five best Android smartphones for the year 2011.

1. LG Optimus 2x

Top on the list of the best Android smartphones is the LG Optimus 2x, also known as the G2x. What makes this phone extra special is that it is one of the few dual-core smartphones released in the market. This power gadget comes with a 1 GHz NVidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, a fantastic 4-inch LCD screen with WVGA resolution, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1080p video and a 3D video, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Other key features include HDMI, 8 GB on-board storage, Bluetooth support, and 1500 mAh battery. The Optimus 2x is supported by Android OS 2.2 version. The only downside of this phone is that it does not support 4G as what others originally thought. But given its other features, this phone is worth searching for.

2. HTC EVO 3D

Although the HTC EVO 3D is not out in the market yet, many are already waiting for this WiMax-enabled phone. Proclaimed as the successor of the HTC EVO 4G, this smartphone will soon come with a more powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor. It will still have EVO 4G’s 4.3-inch display but it will now come with a higher resolution. As its name suggests, it will be capable of displaying 3D content, glasses-free. What more can you ask for? This phone is sure to be released within the year, but the exact date is not just known yet.

3. HTC Droid Incredible 2

Android-wise, this year is surely HTC’s year. After the very famous HTC Droid Incredible is the more powerful and more impressive HTC Droid Incredible 2. This smartphone comes with a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 4-inch LCD display, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p video capture. Moreover, it has 16 GB on-board storage, Bluetooth support, and 1450 mAh battery. This phone is supported by Android OS 2.2 Version. Definitely, this is a fantastic 3G phone worth buying for.

4. Motorola Atrix 4G

Almost equally powerful with that of the Optimus 2x is the Motorola Atrix 4G. This super phone comes with a 1 GHz dual-core NVidia Tegra 2 processor, a 4-inch display, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p video capture, and a VGA front-facing camera. It also has Bluetooth support, HDMI, 15 GB on-board storage, and 1 GB RAM. This phone is powered by Android OS 2.2 version. The most defining feature of this smartphone, however, is the Atrix running on its WebTop software, allowing it to connect to a laptop or desktop dock and acting like a real PC. Compared to the G2x, the upside of this phone is that it supports 4G.

5. HTC Thunderbolt

It seems like thunder is about to strike the sky with the HTC Thunderbolt. This phone is a major upgrade from its predecessor, the HTC EVO. The Thunderbolt comes with a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, a 4.3-inch TFT display, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p HD video recording and dual LED flash. Other key features include Bluetooth, 8 GB on-board storage, 768 MB RAM, and 1400 mAh battery. This is supported by Android OS 2.2 version. Compared to the HTC EVO, this smartphone supports 4G LTE, which more than doubles its network speed and capacity. By the way, the phone’s aluminum unibody hardware design is reminiscent of the HTC Desire. You should include the HTC Thunderbolt in your list if you’re still confused on which smartphone to buy.

Author Bio: Danny loves writing about the best Android tablets at his blog. You can find plenty of other Android tablet information at Android Tablet Fanatic.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: android, smartphone, dual core, technology, best gadgets