LG Optimus V for Virgin Mobile USA
Getting a decent android device is not hard these days. in fact, Android phones are everywhere, but most of them require unpleasant 2 year contracts. Like many people, I hate contract phones. In the USA, that means you have to look at prepaid phone carriers and the like.
That all changes with the LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile USA.
This phone is a game changer. The price, size, performance, everything is pretty much exactly what you would want from a smartphone. It is about as close to perfect as I can find right now in a phone.
First, let's talk price. The phone was originally $150, but Virgin Mobile couldn't keep them in stock, so they raised the price to $199. That means you need to go to ebay to find the best deals. Still, that's a cheap no-contract phone.
Second, service. $25 a month for 300 minutes and unlimited texting and data. That is such a great deal I don't know where to start. You can also use Fring for really cheap minutes if you need them.
Third, FREEDOM. No contracts. Cheap price. Not evil.
Seriously, the LG Optimus V is a bombshell. If you want a smartphone, I don't know why you would buy anything else.