Welcome...

We thought we’d already seen the best of what Android has to offer the smartphone world in 2014. The Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 and Sony Xperia Z2 are outstanding devices, but there’s little to separate them.

Three important things happened this month in the smartphone world: first, LG announced the first Quad HD smartphone in its G3; second, previously unknown startup OnePlus entered the arena with its high-performance, low-cost One device; and third, someone finally stole the best budget crown from the Moto G — you’ll never guess who.

The OnePlus One has specs to match 2014’s flagship Androids, but costs around half the price. We grab a hands-on with the OnePlus One on page 78, and check out that gorgeous true-to-life display from LG on page 40. As to who stole the budget crown — well, it was Motorola, of course. We compare the Moto G and £89 Moto E on page 58.

Of course, we’re only at the end of May, and it’s just possible that things will get even better still. Read on for news of upcoming devices such as the Google Nexus 8 (page 3), Samsung Galaxy S5 mini (7), S5 Active (9), S5 Prime (14) and Galaxy K Zoom (16), the Sony Xperia Z3 (19), and the HTC One M8 Prime (22) and Ace (24).

As always, we hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of Android Advisor. Please send us your feedback via Facebook ( facebook.com/AndroidAdvisorUK) or email us at marie_brewis@idg.co.uk.