A Techie's Top Phones: A Personal Retrospective

As a tech enthusiast, I've owned countless phones, each a time capsule of a specific life stage. This list showcases my personal favorites, encompassing devices used extensively, often with accompanying accessories. Note that not all were personally purchased, but all saw considerable daily use.

13. Motorola DROID 2

The DROID 2 faced an uphill battle; it followed my beloved first smartphone, and my budget was tight. Despite initial hesitation, a Swappa bargain and strong community support (XDA) made it a worthwhile device.

12. HTC 7 Trophy

My 2012 Windows Phone writing gig necessitated a Verizon-compatible device – the HTC Trophy was my limited choice. Small, slow, and with a subpar camera, it nonetheless offered a positive introduction to the Windows Phone ecosystem. Verizon's Windows Phone offerings were quite sparse back then...

11. HTC 8X

...leading to a switch to AT&T! Frustrated by Verizon's lackluster Windows Phone selection, I received an HTC 8X for review and loved it enough to make it my daily driver. This prompted a significant change – abandoning Google Voice for an AT&T number.

10. Nokia Lumia 925

An upgrade from the HTC 8X, the Lumia 925 fulfilled my long-held interest in Nokia Lumia devices. While the 8X boasted a cooler aesthetic, the 925 proved superior overall. My dedication included integrating the wireless charging coil from the optional cover into the phone itself.

9. LG V30

I've always had a fondness for LG phones, and the V30 stands out. Its extended use as my daily driver highlights its exceptional qualities. The absence of unnecessary gimmicks made it a remarkably solid smartphone.

8. Nexus 6

The Nexus 6 represented a peak Android experience. Android 5.0 Lollipop and Material Design were game-changers. Its large size didn't deter me; the feel and software were exceptional. Paired with my first Moto 360, it remains one of my best phone/watch combinations.

7. Pixel 3

Rejecting the Pixel 3 XL's controversial notch, I opted for the standard model. This marked a shift away from constant phone reviews; I sought longevity, and the Pixel 3 delivered, serving as my daily driver for a remarkable two years.

6. Pixel 7

My preference for smaller, one-handed phones continued with the Pixel 7. Objectively, it's arguably the most impressive Pixel, showcasing Google's maturation beyond enthusiast-focused devices. I purchased one after reviewing it.

5. Pixel 9 Pro XL

My current daily driver. While the size is admittedly large, the zoom lens's utility outweighs the one-handed challenges. Similar to the Pixel 7, the Pixel 9 series signifies Google's evolution.

4. Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 marked my Android return after my Windows Phone phase. Extensively used and heavily customized (custom ROMs, Xposed modules), it was a true workhorse, ultimately retired due to battery degradation.

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