[June 2011 Edition] Best of Android in India – phones, tablets

We have seen several new device launches in India in last one and half months and our last compilation of Best Android phones came in April. So, it was about time that we wrote about several new additions as well add tablets to our Best of Android list.

There aren’t many tablets in the Indian market right now and Honeycomb has just landed. So, don’t expect much in that department. On the other hand, being one of the most important markets for smartphone manufacturers, India has been getting phones within a month or more of their International launch. Motorola has been the only manufacturer leaving out India – No Atrix or Xoom still in India, or other recent devices.

Best High-end Android Phones:

Samsung Galaxy S II: There is no second-thought about the fact that there is no other smartphone of this caliber currently in Indian market or will be launched in couple of weeks. So, if you have money and you want a seriously powerful Android smartphone – Galaxy S II is your baby. It will be on sale from June 9/10 in all major stores.

MRP:  INR 32,890 | Street Price: INR 30,500 (expected)

LG Optimus 2x: You want power of dual core processor, but don’t want to spend more than 30K for SGS2, or you simple find Galaxy S II too big – then don’t go too far LG Optimus 2x is your option. Sporting a powerful Tegra 2 processor, Optimus 2x is one of best Android devices available in market around the world.

MRP: INR 30,000 | Street Price: Around INR 26K

Nexus S: Don’t like software customizations, Nexus S is the best option for anyone looking for pure Android. You will always be the first ones to get Android updates and what else do you want.

MRP: INR 30,000 | Street Price: INR 25K

Other options for you: HTC Incredible S [INR 26K], Desire S[INR 23K], SE Xperia Arc[INR 27.5K], Samsung Galaxy S  [INR22K], HTC Desire HD, Dell Streak [INR 23K]

Best Mid-Level Android Phones:

Samsung Galaxy SLCD: A toned down Galaxy S variant, but still has the 1GHz processor in it and other specs are equally good. If you have a budget below 20K, look no further – this is your best bet.

Street Price: INR 19K

• Acer Liquid Metal: Yes, Acer is also very much in Android arena, Liquid Metal packs style and power – both in one device. Android 2.2 is on-board, and we are expecting that company will update it to Gingerbread also.

MRP: INR 20,999 | Street Price: INR 20K

• Samsung Galaxy Ace: For those of you looking for Android phone under 15K, Samsung Galaxy Ace is a good candidate.

Street Price: INR 14.5K

• HTC Wildfire S: Recently launched in India, Wildfire S is the cheapest Android smartphone with Gingerbread on-board. Others specs are no less.

MRP: INR 14,700| Street Price: INR 13.5K

Other options in the segment: Motorola Defy

Best Entry Level Android Phones:

• Dell XCD35
• Samsung Galaxy Fit
• LG Optimus One

Other options for you: Samsung Galaxy Pop, LG Optimus Me, Acer Liquid Mini, Huawei Ideos

Best Android Tablets in India:

Acer Iconia Tab A500: India’s first Honeycomb tablet, and the only option with it. Until other manufacturers launch their tablets in India, Iconia Tab A500 is your best bet. It has got everything that you will get in other tablets – dual core processor, 10 inch display, Honeycomb and more.

MRP: INR 27,990 | Street Price: INR 27K

Other options: Samsung Galaxy Tab [INR 24.5K], Adam, OlivePad, HCL ME Tablet AM7-A1, ViewPad 7