It’s true, picking a smartphone is incredibly difficult these days. Gone is the time when your options were limited and your choices simply between the lesser-of-evils. The market has exploded, and the decision-making process of finding the best device for your cash can be one of the most daunting tasks you’ll ever undertake. Android , iOS , webOS , and Windows Phone are all better than they’ve ever been before, carrier lineups are bigger, and even choosing a plan can be a daunting process if you don’t know what you’re looking for. But hey, don’t let the stress of deciding between a Droid X and a Droid Incredible put a damper on the excitement of getting a truly awesome gadget — we’ve got your back! We’ve broken the choices down into two groups for each major carrier in the US after the break — the top pick when money is no object, and the thriftier budget choice. We’ve also included our top selections for some of the smaller carriers throughout the US, and our ultimate pick if cost and carrier don’t stand in your way. In putting together the list, we were shocked to see just how many Android devices made it, but that’s a testament to the openness of the platform (and voracious consumer adoption of smartphones). 2011 is going to be a crazy year, but if you’re in the market right now, the options are amazing — so read on to see our picks. Continue reading Smartphone buyer’s guide: the best phones for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and more! Smartphone buyer’s guide: the best phones for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and more! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink