Best Android Phones for business 2013

With so many Android devices on the market today, business users face a difficult choice when it comes to picking out their next smartphone.

We reveal our pick of the best Android phones, from Samsung's S4 to the almost anything-proof Xperia Z.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration about what Android phone to get next, check out our top ten list of business-focused Android phones for a few pointers.

Sony Xperia Z

Much has been made of Sony’s declarations about the Xperia Z being water and dust resistant, but - given how fragile most smartphones seem to be - the robustness of this device makes it a standout device for us.

It’s Near-Field Communications (NFC) capabilities are worth taking note of as well, as they will allow business users to send photos, videos, contact information and other content to compatible devices.

The Xperia Z’s Link software also uses the NFC setting to provide tethered web access to other Xperia tablets and smartphones, while its Bluetooth connectivity offers similar functionality with a wider range of branded devices.

Samsung Galaxy S4

The latest addition to the all-conquering Samsung Galaxy family has been lauded by tech reviewers, with the refreshed design, improved battery life and new features - including Smart Stay and Scroll - leading many to crown it a worthy successor to the S3.

On top of this, business users will soon be able to take advantage of Samsung’s Knox software, which will provide them with separate, secure workspaces on the device for work and personal apps and data.

The software is reportedly compatible with widely used MDM, VPN and directory services, and is being hailed as an answer to the prayers of IT departments that are trying to embrace the BYOD trend in a secure way.

HTC One 

The HTC One’s BlinkFeed feature has nearly as many detractors as it does fans, with some complaining its constant updates are a distraction and a zap on the device’s battery life.

However, for time-poor business users that prefer an at-a-glance update on what’s happening in the news, in their social networks and when their next appointment is, we think it’s a neat little feature.

Google Nexus 4

With a SIM-free starting price of £239, the Google Nexus 4 was hailed as one of the cheapest quad core phones on the market when it made its debut in November 2012.

That, coupled with its impressive 4.7in, 720p display, will undoubtedly have made it a popular choice with cash-conscious business users, as the screen makes for a pleasing web browsing experience. It also makes responding to emails and checking through documents light work too.

The device also supports most major cloud storage brands, including Google Drive, SkyDrive, Box and DropBox, which also makes sharing and editing documents on the move easier.

Nexus branded devices usually receive Google’s operating system updates ahead of other Android phones, which gives it another tick in the box, as far as we’re concerned.