By Staff Writer (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Dec 18, 2015 06:19 AM EST

At this point of the year, no new smartphones are expected to be released, thus giving pundits the all clear to put together a list of the best Android-powered handsets for 2015.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Everyone would probably agree Samsung's flagship is one of the best ones among the Android devices released this year. Some would agree that the S6, priced at nearly $600, is the Android version of the iPhone, given that its appearance and feel is very similar to that of Apple's flagship smartphone.

"The Galaxy S6 lost the removable battery or expandable storage, but makes up for it with a great metal design that's better than anything else available, a top-tier camera, and a model with a curved display for those who want something unique," GottaBeMobile noted. "The fingerprint scanner is fast and works amazingly well, similar to Apple's TouchID, it features the same wireless charging technology."

Here are the specifications, as listed by Android Authority:

5.1-inch Super AMOLED with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577 ppi

Exynos 7420

3GB of RAM

32/64/128GB storage options (non-expandable)

16 MP rear camera with OIS

5 MP front-facing camera with 90 degree wide angle lens

Non-removable 2,550 mAh battery (S6), 2,600mAh battery (S6 Edge)

143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm, 138 grams

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with TouchWiz

Huawei Nexus 6P

Although one of the last smartphones to be released this year, this model is in no way the last of 2015's batch considering its whip-smart features. Google and Huawei must be patting each other on the back for a job well done.

"Tucked under that metal back is a Snapdragon 810 processor paired with 3GB RAM and it makes for a lag free and smooth experience whether you're knocking out an email or getting stuck into Asphalt 8," Trusted Reviews said. "A beefy battery will easily make it through the day, though USB-C fast charging will quickly take you out of the red in a matter of minutes.

The site also listed the $679 device's key features as the following:

5.7-inch, quad-HD display

12-megapixel camera

32GB/64GB.128GB storage

USB-C rapid charging

Moto X Style Pure Edition

"With the Moto X Style, Motorola reaches the perfect balance between performance, simplicity, price and... well, style," Android Authority observed, adding that its hardware is no weakling either, which is impressive for a $399 phone.

"The larger screen puts the phone up with contenders like the OnePlus 2, Nexus 6, LG G4 and the Galaxy Note series," the site added. "It may not sport the 'best' processor in the market, but the Snapdragon 808 is pretty close to the 810."

Check out the specs:

5.7-inch display with QHD 2560x1440p resolution

1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 CPU

3GB of RAM

16/32/64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB

21MP rear cam, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 3000mAh battery

153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06 mm, 179g

Customizable via Moto Maker

Water resistant

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Two Samsung handsets on this list make the South Korean tech juggernaut seem like the king of Android phone makers. And with each new release, it appears there are more reasons to believe so, as is the case with the Note 5.

"With its crystal clear 5.7-inch display, powerful Exynos 7420 CPU and killer 16MP rear-facing camera, the Galaxy Note 5 is one of the best Android phones available on the market right now," Android Authority reviewed, also saying that it's a overall a "solid device" that performs well despite its hiccups, and the premium $800+ pricing.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

"The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact's small size makes it very comfortable to use, but without sacrificing the power and performance of a flagship phone," CNET noted. "Its camera takes great shots and it won't die when you get it wet."

As such, this is probably the best "mini" handset out in the market this year. Although the $699 device is not as powerful as the standard-sized Z5, its performance is pretty close to its bigger model.

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