Android phones come in a variety of forms and flavors. Here are the best smartphones running Google’s innovative mobile platform.

1. HTC EVO 4G

The speedy HTC EVO 4G packs in some powerful specs and a variety of multimedia features into a stylish, minimalist design, but not everybody will get to enjoy one of its best features–4G connectivity.

The HTC EVO 4G represents a huge step forward for both the Android platform and Sprint’s 4G network. Unfortunately, it might be a little too ahead of its time, as 4G is fairly limited here in the United States. Aside from that issue, the EVO 4G is a winner with its solid hardware, multimedia capabilities, and speediness. Even if you don’t have 4G connectivity in your city, you’ll be pleased with this smartphone. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about that additional $10-per-month fee.

2. HTC Droid Incredible

The HTC Incredible is one of the most impressive Android phones available with a gorgeous display, slick user interface, and lightning-fast processor. The HTC Droid Incredible might be the best Android phone available–it certainly is the best on Verizon. But how will it compare with the incoming iPhone 4G with its alleged front-facing camera and higher resolution display? Smartphone shoppers will have some enticing choices this summer, that’s for sure.

3. Google Nexus One

The Google Nexus One impresses with a stunning AMOLED display, speedy performance, and cool tweaks to the Android OS; but some network issues prevent it from being a superphone. The Nexus One isn’t quite the game-changer people hoped it would be, though it certainly trumps other phones in performance, display quality, and speed. The native Android soft keyboard is in desperate need of a redesign. And throwing in multitouch–to enhance the navigation and typing experience–wouldn’t hurt. Is the Nexus One the best Android phone on the market? It’s close, but I think the Motorola Droid has a slight edge because of its hardware keyboard–imperfect though it may be. No wonder Android watchers have pricked up their ears at the rumor that the next version of the Nexus One will have a keyboard and will target enterprise users.

4. Motorola Droid

The first Android 2.0 phone impresses with a strong suite of Web features and a stunning 3.7-inch display, but some users might have trouble with the shallow keyboard. The Motorola Droid certainly stands out among the growing Android army due to its superior hardware and enhanced 2.0 software. But will the Android Marketplace catch up to the iPhone’s App Store? Therein lies the key to success for the Droid. The Droid certainly lives up to its promises and does a lot of things the iPhone doesn’t. The iPhone will probably keep its smartphone throne for now, but it will have to deal with a powerful new competitor.

5. Motorola Cliq

The beautifully designed Motorola Cliq is a social butterfly’s dream phone, but others may find the MotoBlur user interface overwhelming. For hardcore social networkers, the Motorola Cliq is a dream phone. You get fast access to all of your accounts and a well-designed QWERTY keyboard for typing long messages. If you aren’t into social networking or if you want to keep that information limited to your computer, you may be turned off by the Cliq. The T-Mobile MyTouch 3G might be a better Android option, or you could choose one of the many BlackBerry models on T-Mobile.