Samsung Nexus S beats out T-Mobile G2 in PhoneDog's "Top Smartphones" list

Teen Lifestyle Editor

| January 24, 2011

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Well, well, well. What have we here? The Nexus S has made its way onto PhoneDog's Top Smartphones list for T-Mobile, and what's that? It replaced the G2 at the number two spot? Wow, who thought the day would come when the G2 was not on our Top Smartphones list? However, the Nexus S does have the latest version of Android, an awesome Super AMOLED display, and a super-fast 1 GHz Hummingbird processor. Yeah, I'd say that beats the G2.

The G2 may have one of the best physical keyboards around, but the Nexus S has the same great stock Android experience, just with a more updated version. Google and Samsung have also prepared for the future, with a front-facing camera and NFC support. Google may not have learned from their last marketing venture (the Nexus S still has limited marketing visibility, being sold only at Best Buy Mobile), but the Nexus S is a top-notch device, bested only by the HSPA+ goodness that is the myTouch 4G.

What do you think? Have we nailed on this one or do you feel the G2 still deserves its spot? Let us know in the comments.

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1. T-Mobile myTouch 4G

Pros

1 GHz next-generation Snapdragon processor makes the myTouch 4G fast (in unofficial testing, it blew past competing Android devices)
The phone feels like a high-end product - the battery door is metal, and the device doesn't creak when squeezed
The 5.0-megapixel camera works well, and you get a front-facing camera for video calling
The battery life is surprisingly good for an Android phone
myTouch 4G is HSPA+ capable, so it can take advantage of T-Mobile's super fast 4G speeds
Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi calling capabilities
Available in several colors (black, plum, white, and red)

Cons

The myTouch-tweaked version of HTC's Sense UI may not appeal to everyone

Summary

Originally a consumer-centric brand, the myTouch 4G's feature set appeals to several demographics. With a next-generation 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, Android 2.2 (with HTC Sense) out of the box, a 3.8-inch display, Mobile Hotspot, Wi-Fi calling, HSPA+ (4G) connectivity, and several color choices, the myTouch 4G is the most well-rounded smartphone available on T-Mobile.

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2. Samsung Nexus S

Pros

Vanilla Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) out of the box
1 GHz Hummingbird processor is fast
4-inch Super AMOLED display is beautiful, and plays to Gingerbread's color scheme
5-megapixel camera works well, and front-facing camera is a bonus

Cons

Plastic design may sway buyers to something else, like the myTouch 4G or G2.
Sales model still isn't the best - you can only purchase it at Best Buy

Summary

The Nexus S, Google's newest "Experience Device," is a nice little upgrade from the Nexus One. Though the plastic body may be perceived as a downgrade, the addition of a front-facing camera, NFC support, and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) makes it worth considering. That said, while the sales model is better, it still needs work. The Nexus S can only be purchased at Best Buy, so it misses out on T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Program and isn't getting the full visibility and marketing support that the carrier could provide.

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3. HTC HD7

Pros

1 GHz processor makes it speedy in everyday tasks
Windows Phone 7 offers an aesthetically pleasing user interface
Overall experience is fast, with no lag whatsoever
Web browsing experience is great

Cons

Battery life on the HD7 (and Windows Phone 7 in particular) is poor
5-megapixel camera take surprisingly bad pictures
The HD7 is missing HSPA+ (4G) connectivity

Summary

Throw out your preconceived notions of Windows Phone 7, because the whole experience is a departure from Windows Mobile. Simple and easy to use, the mobile OS is a drastically improved, and T-Mobile's HTC HD7 is just the device to pair with it. The 1 GHz processor, 4.3-inch screen, and sleek design make this device one of the best in the carrier's current lineup.