Android alternatives to Apple’s iPhone 4S

With the imminent release of the iPhone 4S, and with Google and Samsung delaying their latest joint product release out of respect for the passing of the visionary Steve Jobs, it appears as though Apple has firm command of the stage for the foreseeable future.  Indeed, there are even die-hard Apple fans who have already been waiting in line for the iPhone 4S’s release … for twelve days.

Android users shouldn’t lose heart.  The folks at Android Community did a preliminary comparison of the iPhone 4S and the leading Android devices produced by the other smartphone manufacturers, and it’s clear that while the iPhone has improved, it’s decidedly not head and shoulders above its Android competitors.  For example, the iPhone 4S still boasts the best screen resolution of the lot, while Android users have access to larger screen sizes.  Processing speeds are roughly the same, but the iPhone’s radio only matches the quality of Android’s devices if the user subscribes to AT&T.  It’s also worth bearing in mind that these comparisons only apply to existing Android platforms and do not include up-and-comers like the Nexus Prime that will hit the shelves sooner rather than later.  Nor are we likely to see Apple integrate glasses-free 3D into any of its iOS devices any time soon, as is the case with the LG Thrill.

Even for those considering a switch from Android devices to the iPhone 4S, there are still a host of concerns, such as the lack of access to Google Talk or turn-by-turn navigation or the necessity of switching to the iPhone’s notoriously fickle keyboard (although without it, we wouldn’t get our daily dose of laughter from sites like Damn You Autocorrect!).  In any event, if you’re still not convinced, CIO compiled a slideshow of eight existing Android platforms and rated the extent to which each stacks up against Apple’s latest product.

Of course, we’re not suggesting that the new iPhone isn’t innovative or that it isn’t worth the sticker price.  But given the fanaticism of most Apple fans, we thought we’d remind Android users that there’s still an awful lot to be just as excited about.

Photo – Engineer Mountain, near our home base of Durango, Colorado.