Christmas Shopping Guide: Top Android Smartphones To Buy

Smartphones are definitely some of the most sought-after gifts this holiday season, and if you're rushing to buy a smartphone for yourself or a loved one at the last minute, here's a short guide that should be helpful. Out of all of the Android smartphones of 2012, here are the top four that stood out to us and would make any tech junkie smile on Christmas day.

Samsung Galaxy S3

The Android darling of the year. With a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and 1.9-megapixel front facing camera, the Galaxy S3 Android smartphone to really bite into the iPhone's market share. The Galaxy S3 is available through major carriers AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular and is LTE capable. All five of the carriers have also released Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for their respective Galaxy S3s.

Costs around $100-$200 with a two-year contract from carriers.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Another Samsung handset, the Galaxy Note 2 lies somewhere between a large smartphone and a small tablet. This phablet boasts a 5.55-inch HD Super AMOLED screen, a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, and LTE. Like the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note 2 comes with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. The Note 2 comes equipped with the S Pen electronic stylus that makes the handset feel more like a digital notebook at times. The Galaxy Note 2 is also available through AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular and comes with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean.

Costs around $300 with a two-year contract from carriers.

Google Nexus 4

The Google Nexus 4 is a great Android smartphone, but there's one catch. It's out of stock through Google or T-Mobile, so you'll have to turn to third-party retailers, which can jack up the price by as much as $300. The Nexus 4 comes with a 4.7-inch display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Sadly, the Nexus 4 does not enjoy LTE support (except in specific instances). The Nexus 4 makes up for that, however, by currently running Android 4.2, the latest version of Android.

Normally costs $300 for an unlocked Nexus 4 through Google Play, but since Google is sold out, you'll have to go elsewhere.

HTC Droid DNA

For videophiles, the Droid DNA is one attractive handset. A Verizon exclusive, the Droid DNA has an incredibly crisp 5-inch 1080p HD display. The Droid DNA comes with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera. The Droid DNA runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Keep in mind though, this handset has been known to experience battery issues.

Costs $200 with a two-year contract through Verizon.

Be sure to shop around for deals on the handsets above at spots like Amazon Wireless, which has been known to be cheaper than carriers. Happy shopping! 

Also, We're sure all of you have your favorite Android smartphones, so let us know which ones they are in the comments below and why you like them.