Galaxy Note 4, Moto 360 Among Top Android Devices Available Today

By Don Reisinger

There’s something awfully appealing about the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Perhaps it’s the smartphone’s impeccable design or its massive screen. Perhaps it has something to do with the device’s solid Samsung TouchWiz interface or the power under the hood. Whatever the case, the Galaxy Note 4 has taken many U.S.-based customers by storm and earned high marks from reviewers. It seems like a solid product all around.

The Galaxy S5 is another product from Samsung that comes with the kind of features that consumers love. The smartphone has a great design, and its 5.1-inch display is a solid alternative to the smaller iPhone 6 model that comes with a 4.7-inch screen. A recent report suggested that the Galaxy S5 is not as popular worldwide as the Galaxy S4, but in the U.S., it’s outselling its predecessor.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HDX is a fine option for customers who want either a 7- or 8.9-inch screen. The tablet runs Amazon’s forked operating system, Fire OS, and comes with a bevy of software platforms—including Amazon Prime Instant Video, Kindle and more—that make it a nice option for most consumers. It might also be a worthwhile buy for kids, thanks to a feature called FreeTime Unlimited, which allows parents to decide how much their children can actually use the device.

If the Kindle Fire HDX isn’t right for some folks, the Galaxy Tab S provides another option. The tablet has an outstanding design and works with the tap of fingers, rather than relying upon a stylus, like the Galaxy Note. In addition, it comes in a variety of sizes, topping out at 10.5 inches, to appeal to customers on different budgets.

Although Android historically has been a tool for smartphone and tablet customers, the operating system is also a solid option for smartwatch buyers, thanks to Google’s Android Wear wearable OS. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the Moto 360, which comes with a rounded screen, can interact with Android devices and runs Google’s wearable operating system. More devices running Android Wear are expected next year, but so far, it has done a fine job of appealing to wearable device fans.

The recently announced Google Nexus 6 phablet was built in partnership with Motorola. The device has a 6-inch screen and a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that should provide enough power for gaming and productivity apps. The Nexus 6 comes with the standard build of Android 5.0 Lollipop, so those seeking the purest Android experience will want to check it out.

The LG G3 smartphone came on the scene relatively early this year, but it made an immediate impression, thanks to its outstanding design, 3GB of onboard memory and 5.5-inch display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It’s a solid device all around, and critics and photographers have celebrated its 13-megapixel camera.

Although it doesn’t get the kind of attention one would expect from being a high-end device from Sony, it’s arguably one of the top smartphones on the market. The handset comes with an extremely thin design and a great look and feel that customers who own the smartphone love. In addition, it’s bundled with some high-end specifications, including a 5.2-inch screen, up to 16 hours of talk time and a whopping 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera.

The LG G Watch doesn’t come with the same fancy design as the Moto 360, but it’s still a nice option for customers seeking a solid smartwatch. The device comes with a squared-off display instead of the round one that the Moto 360 boasts, but still, it offers full support for Android-based devices, the ability to view notifications and much more. It’s a solid product for those who want a new Android Wear smartwatch.

The Google Nexus 9 tablet has an 8.9-inch screen and runs on the latest Android installation, Lollipop. The device comes in 16GB and 32GB versions, and customers can choose between a black, white or gold option. Perhaps the nicest thing about the Nexus 9 is that it’s both powerful and comes with an affordable starting price of $399.