Best Android Phones in September 2014

New smartphones are released every month which makes it pretty hard to keep track with the latest launches. It’s even harder to make a decision when it comes to purchasing a new smartphone. Fortunately, our monthly Best Android Smartphones post is here to show you the most noteworthy smartphones currently on the market.

Before starting you should know that the phones are listed randomly, so this isn’t a top. Because different customers have different budgets the Best Android Phones in September 2014 post features both high-end and affordable devices.

Let’s hope that our article will help you fit the smartphone that fits your needs. If you think that we’ve missed any noteworthy smartphone, please let us know in the comments section below.

Amazon Fire Phone

The rumor mill has speculated that Amazon will release an Android-powered smartphone even before the launch of the first Kindle Fire tablet. Well, after years of rumors the Amazon Fire Phone is finally here, capable of bringing some cool features.

Even though the Fire Phone doesn’t have the most powerful hardware platform, it brings an awesome experience. Running Amazon’s Android-based Fire OS v3.5, the Fire Phone will allow you to scroll, access different menus, or control various functions without even touching its screen. How is that possible? With the help of the 4 front-facing cameras that also provide a 3D dynamic perspective interface.

Hardware-wise, the Fire Phone arrives with a Snapdragon 800 CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with HD resolution, 2 GB RAM, and 32/64 GB internal storage. It also features a 13 MP primary shooter with optical image stabilization, 2.1 MP user-facing camera, and a 2,400 mAh battery. The device measures 139.2 x 66.5 x 8.9 mm while weighing in at 160 grams.

Amazon’s first phone brings connectivity options such as LTE, HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, and microUSB 2.0. Amazon is selling the 32 GB variant of the Fire Phone for $0 down with a two-year AT&T contract. You can also purchase it off-contract at a price of $649.

LG G3

The LG G3 is the latest and greatest flagship smartphone released by the South Korean phone maker, a device that was made available for purchase in June. The Android smartphone enthusiasts and tech publications alike are considering the LG G3 one of the most powerful smartphones currently on the market.

The LG G3 is the first mainstream smartphone to sport a Quad HD screen. The device features a 5.5-inch True HD IPS + LCD screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a pixel density of 534 ppi. The G3 measures 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm and has a weight of 149 grams.

The processing tasks are handled by a Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU, paired with either 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM or 32 GB storage and 3 GB RAM. The smartphone arrives with microSD card expansion support, while boasting about a 13 MP primary camera with OIS, laser autofocus, and 4K video recording, and a 2.1 MP user-facing camera.

The LG G3 comes pre-loaded with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and features connectivity features such as HSPA+, LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR blaster, and microUSB 2.0. A 3,000 mAh battery is keeping the lights up.

On Amazon, you will find the LG G3 listed at $49.99 with Verizon, or Sprint contracts. If you want the AT&T varian, you will be able to get it for free after you sing a two-year contract with the carrier.

LG G2

As you may know, the LG G2 is the predecessor of the LG G3. The handset was released about a year ago and, despite its age, is still a powerful smartphone.

LG G2 has a 5.2-inch True HD IPS + LCD display with 1080 x 1920 resolution and a pixel density of 424 ppi, while being underpinned by a Snapdragon 800 SoC based on four Krait 400 cores clocked at 2.26 GHz and Adreno 330 GPU. The smartphone also features 2 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage, and it can be upgraded to Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

The smartphone brings a 13 MP rear-mounted camera with Optical Image Stabilization and 1080p@60fps video recording capabilities, has a 2.1 MP user-facing camera, and a 3,000 mAh battery. The connectivity features include HSPA+, LTE, WiFi, NFC, IR blaster, and microUSB 2.0.

The AT&T LG G2 is available on Amazon for free, while the Verizon and Sprint variants are up for grabs at $0.01 with a two-year contract. If signing agreements with carriers is not your thing you can buy it off-contract between $478.99 and $499.99

You can grab the 32 GB LG G2 from Amazon for free after you sign a two-year deal with AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. The device it’s also available off-contract with prices ranging between $478 and $499.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung’s flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, is no doubt one of the most popular devices of the year. The handset made its marked debut in April, so its now available at a discounted price. On Amazon, you will be able to grab the the AT&T variant for free on-contract, while the Verizon variant costs $79.99 and Sprint model has a price tag of $99.99, also on-contract.

The terminal integrates a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, has a quad-core 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 16/32 GB storage, and microSD support. It also arrives with a fingerprint sensor and a rear-mounted heart rate monitor.

You will be able to snatch high-quality photos and record 4K videos with Galaxy S5′s 16 MP primary camera that arrives with phase detection autofocus, LED flash, 1/2.6” sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, Dual Shot, Simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, and HDR. On the front panel you will be find a 2 MP camera.

The connectivity features of the Galaxy S5 include HSDPA, 42.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE, Cat4, 50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, infrared port, and microUSB 3.0. It’s 142 mm tall, 72.5 mm wide, 8.1 mm thin, and weighs 145 grams. It runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat out of the box, while being kept alive by a 2,800 mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S4 to the public in March 2013, then made it available for purchase on month later. The Galaxy S4 is the best selling Android phone of 2013 and still a device with life in it.

Samsung Galaxy S5 measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and has a weight of 130 grams. Sammy’s flagship for 2013 features a 5.0-inch Full HD AMOLED display, a 13 MP main camera, 2 MP user-facing camera, and it integrates either 16 or 32 GB storage. The storage can be expanded with up to 64 GB using microSD cards. The phone also packs a Snapdragon 600 processor and 2 GB of RAM.

In terms of connectivity, it brings HSPA+, LTE, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, microUSB 2.0, and IR blaster. It’s being kept alive by a 2,600 mAh battery and it can be upgraded to Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

Amazon is selling the Sprint and Verizon variants of the Galaxy S5 at $0.01 with two-year contract. The AT&T mode is available for free, also with a two-year contract.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Even though the Galaxy Note 4 release date is right around the corner, Samsung’s last year high-end phablet is still doing great. You will now find it at special prices on Amazon. If you go for the AT&T variant you will be able to grab it for free on contract. The Verizon model costs $99, while the Sprint variant has a price of $149.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm and weighs 168 grams, but you shouldn’t forget that it has to accomodate a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display. You can get it updated to Android 4.4.2 KitKat and if you take a look under the hood you will be able to find a quad-core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and a microSD slot.

The device has a faux-leather removable back lid that gives access to its 3,200 mAh battery. It sports a 13 MP primary shooter with autofocus LED flash, Dual Shot, Simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization, panorama, HDR, and 4K video recording support and a front-facing 2 MP camera.

The connectivity features list includes LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy, NFC, IR blaster, and microUSB 3.0. Because it’s a member of the Note tribe, the Galaxy Note 3 arrives with an S Pen stylus.

HTC One M8

If you want a smartphone that it’s both good looking and powerful then you should consider the HTC One M8. The latest flagship smartphone of the Taiwanese phone maker was introduced in March and released on the market later the same month.

The new HTC One M8 has a 5.0-inch SuperLCD3 display with 1080 x 1920 resolution and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It measures 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm, weighs 160 grams, and features a 2,600 mAh battery.

The processing tasks are handled by Snapdragon 801 SoC with quad-core 2.3 Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU, mated with 2 GB RAM. It also arrives with 16/32 GB storage, microSD, HSPA+, LTE, WiFi, NFC, IR blaster, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and microUSB 2.0.

On the back of the One M8 you will be able to find Dual 4 MP UltraPixel camera with autofocus, dual LED flash, 1/3” sensor size, 2µm pixel size, automatic simultaneous video and image recording, geo-tagging, face and smile detection, HDR, panorama, and 1080p@30fps video recording capabilities. The user-facing selfie camera has a 5 MP sensor.

The One M8 was released running Android 4.4.2 , but you will now be able to updated it to Android 4.4.3. The on-contract prices for HTC One M8 on Amazon are as follows: the AT&T model is available for free, the Sprint variant costs $49.99, and the Verizon One M8 is also $49.99

HTC One M7

The HTC One M7 was officially announced early last year, but you will still have great power if you purchase it now. Furthermore, you’ll get your hands on a beautifully crafted smartphone.

The predecessor of the One M8 measures 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.3 mm and weighs in at 143 grams. It sports a 4.7-inch Super LCD3 display protected against scratches by a Gorilla Glass 2 layer, has 2 GB RAM, 32/64 GB storage, and a quad-core Snapdragon 600 CPU at 1.7 GHz. You will be able to upgrade it to Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6.0 UI.

HTC One M7′s primary shooter has a 4 MP UltraPixel sensor that brings autofocus, LED flash, 1/3” sensor size, 2µm pixel size, simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, face and smile detection, and support for Full HD video recording. The user-facing 2.1 MP camera is ideal for video calling. The connectivity features include all standards of WiFi, LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, infra red port, and microUSB 2.0. The device is powered by a 2,300 mAh battery.

Besides looking great, the HTC One M7 is cheap, too. On Amazon, both the Sprint One M7 and Verizon One M7 are available at $0.01. Of course, with two-year contracts.

HTC One Max

In an attempt to compete against Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3, the folks at HTC released the One Max. The phablet was introduced in October 2013 and it featured a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

HTC One Max is equipped with a 5.9-inch Super LCD3 display with Full HD resolution, while measuring 164.5 x 82.5 x 10.3 mm. It runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with Sense UI on top of it, is powered b a quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor at 1.7 GHz, has 2 GB RAM, 16/32 GB storage, microSD slot, and a 3,000 mAh battery.

The device has a 4 MP UltraPixel camera mounted on the back which brings autofocus, LED flash, and support for Full HD video recording. It also arrives with a 2.1 MP user-facing camera. In terms of connectivity, the smartphone brings HSPA+, LTE, NFC, IR blaster, Bluetooth 4.0, and microUSB 2.0.

You can find the Sprint HTC One Max 32 GB on Amazon at a price of $99.99. If you don’t want to sing a deal with Sprint you can also buy it off-contract for $599.99.

Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 is the fruit of the collaboration between Google and LG. Like the last couple of Nexus smartphones, it was released in October and it was the first smartphone in the world to come pre-loaded with the latest Android version.

Nexus 5 ran Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box and it’s upgradable to 4.4.4. It will also be one of the first smartphones to get the Android L update. It measures 137.9 x 69.2 x 8.6 mm and weighs in at 130 grams. The technical specifications list includes a 5.0-inch True JD IPS+ display with Full HD resolution and 445 ppi, a quad-core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 16/32 GB native storage, and a 2,300 mAh battery.

The stock Android-powered smartphone also comes with an 8 MP primary shooter with OIS, HDR+, and Full HD video recording capabilities, plus a 1.3 MP user-facing cam. Connectivity-wise you will get LTE, WiFi, NFC, microUSB 2.0, and BT 4.0 Low Energy.

The Nexus 5 is quite cheap if you decide to buy one now. You find it on Amazon at only $19.99 with a two-year Sprint contract.

Motorola Moto X

Motorola’s “Made in the USA” 2013 Moto X flagship may not be the most powerful device in the list, but it’s capable of bringing an amazing experience. Furthermore, its design is highly customizable, and the Moto Maker customization tool surely comes to help.

Specs-wise, the Moto X comes with a 4.7-inch HD AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 3, 16/32/64 GB storage, 2 GB of RAM, and a 2,200 mAh battery. It also sports a 10 MP ClearPixel primary cam with autofocus, LED flash, 1.4 µm pixel size and support for full HD video recording and 2 MP secondary cam. The connectivity features include HSPA+, LTe, NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and microUSB 2.0.

Underneath its case you will be able to find Motorola’s proprietary X8 mobile computing system, which is actually based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset. It has 4 graphic cores from an Adreno 320 GPU, a dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait CPU, and two other low-power cores for natural language and contextual computing.

Moto X is 129.3 mm tall, 65.3 mm wide, and 10.4 mm thin, while weighing in at 130 grams. Let’s see the Moto X pricing on Amazon: The AT&T variant is available for free with a two-year contract, theVerizon model costs only $0.01 on-contract, while the Sprint Moto X is currently unavailable.

Motorola Moto G

The Moto G is no doubt the best selling smartphone of the Chicago-based phone maker. The combination between decent technical specifications and low price proved to be successful.

On Amazon you will find the Global GSM Moto G 8 GB at $173.39 and for 16 GB model you will have to pay $196.90. You can also choose the US GSM 8 GB model which has a price of $179.99, or the US GSM 16 GB model at $199.99. The Universal 4G LTE variant with 8 GB of internal storage costs $219.99 either you want it in black or white. You can order any of the above mentioned models from here. Oh, if you are a Verizon prepaid user, you can get the Moto G for only $75.98.

The Moto G can be upgraded to Android 4.4.4 KitKat, has a 2,070 mAh battery, measures 129.9 x 65.9 x 11.6 mm, and weighs 143 grams. The display is a 4.5-inch IPS LCD unit with 720 x 1280 resolution, it has either 8 or 16 GB storage, and 1 GB RAM.

The phone packs a quad-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 CPU, a 5 MP rear-facing camera, and 1.3 MP user-facing shooter. You can connect it to HSPA, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and microUSB.

Sony Xperia Z1

The Xperia Z1 was introduced by the Japanese company in September 2013. Despite the fact that the smartphone will soon celebrate its first birthday, you will still get a powerful device with a classic design.

The handset is 14 mm tall, 74 mm wide, and only 8.5 mm thin, weighing in at 170 grams. Xperia Z1 has a Full HD 5.0-inch TFT display enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality Engine technology. Underneath it’s glass body you will find 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage (microSD-expandable up to 64 GB), a 3,000 mAh battery, and a quad-core 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU. The LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and microUSB 2.0 are also hidden in there.

Sony Xperia Z1 brings an amazing primary camera that has a 20.7 MP sensor with autofocus, LED flash, 1/2.3” sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, image stabilization, HDR, panorama, and 1080p@30fsp video recording. It also has a 2 MP secondary camera unit.

The terminal was released pre-loaded with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but you will be able to upgrade it to Android 4.4.4. You can get yours from Amazon, factory unlocked, at a price of $393.98.

Sony Xperia Z2

Sony’s Xperia Z2 saw the light of day earlier this year at Mobile World Congress tech fair in Barcelona. The Z2 continues the design philosophy introduced by its predecessors, arriving with an all-glass body with sharp edges and rounded corners.

On the hardware side, the Xperia Z2 comes with a 1080p 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with 424 ppi, has 16 GB of expandable storage, 3 GB of RAM, 20.7 MP main camera with 4K video recording capabilities, 2.2 MP secondary camera, and a 3,200 mAh battery.

The smartphone is based on a Snapdragon 801 chipset with quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU. It leaves the factory gates pre-loaded with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and it integrates connectivity features such as LTE, WiFi, BT 4.0, NFC, and microUSB 2.0. You can grab it from Amazon, factory unlocked, at a price of $538.98.