With the dust settling from the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) it’s hard to decide which new flashy gadget to focus on first. The number of new Android phones alone will have any self-respecting geek dying to get their hands on any one of the latest and greatest models.

HTC, LG, Motorola, Sony and Samsung are all vying for the Android market’s attention, with what seems to be the new fad of much bigger phones. With screens ranging from 4 to 4.5 inches, the latest Android version, Gingerbread, and some even sporting the fastest processor technology yet, we thought we’d give you an idea of what to expect with each of these handsets that are due to launch, at the latest, during the first and second quarters of 2011.

HTC Thunderbolt 4G

Officially announced by Verizon, the HTC Thunderbolt 4G is almost identical to the currently available HTC Desire HD. From the 8 megapixel camera to the 4.3 inch WVGA screen, to the 1GHz processor, the phones are pretty much identical. The significant differences are that the Thunderbolt features a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video calls, an internal phone storage of 8GB, integrated Skype, and its biggest selling point – the HTC Thunderbolt will let you browse up to 10 times faster on the 4G network. Another feature HTC Thunderbolt owners can enjoy is a small kickstand on the back of the phone that makes it easy to prop it up on flat surfaces. Running Android 2.2 (Froyo), with HTC’s Sense UI on top, users can turn their phones into a WiFi hotspot, subject to Verizon’s control of course.

See the Thunderbolt in action at CES 2011 here.

LG Optimus 2X

One of the first dual-core smartphones, the LG Optimus 2X, also dubbed the LG Star, is twice as fast as any other smartphone on the market thanks to its Tegra 2 processor. Running Froyo (with a promised upgrade to Gingerbread), the phone sports a 4 inch WVGA screen, with 480 x 800 resolution, an 8 megapixel camera, as well as a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera, 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 32GB with a microSD) and 1080p playback and recording. Available in Korea first, and Europe and Asia next, there are rumours that the phone could be available in the US by March, 2011.

As is to be expected, the fastest processor in a smartphone comes at a hefty price, and from what we hear, the phone will set you back over $700.

Check out LG’s promo video for the phone below.

Samsung Infuse 4G

Since 4G is the next big thing in the mobile world, it’s no surprise that 3 of the newest Android phones are made for 4G networks. Thanks to its 4.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480×800, using the Infuse when your outside on a sunny day is no big deal. Like the LG and HTC, the Samsung model features an 8 megapixel camera and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera for video calls. The processor on the Samsung is a 1.2GHz single-core Hummingbird processor – and if it weren’t for the latest dual-core processor phones – this would have been one of the fastest phones on the market. The Infuse is also running Froyo, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top. The phone will be available in the US through AT&T, and they’re marketing it as the mobile network’s thinnest phone yet. So far, AT&T have kept quiet on the price and launch date.

Check out the Samsung Infuse 4G in action at CES.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Launching with the latest Android version, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc features an 8.3 megapixel camera, with 720p recording, and a 4.2 inch screen with a resolution of 854×480, and a 1GHz snapdragon processor. The phone comes with an internal memory of 512MB, expandable up to 32GB with a MicroSD. The Xperia Arc may be a step in the right direction, allowing Sony Ericsson to redeem themselves and finally get up to speed with their competitors, after a misfire with Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. An interesting feature that Sony Ericsson brings to their latest phone is their Reality Display, which of course is already being pitted against the iPhone 4′s retina display. According to Sony, Reality Display is meant to bring the same experience to your phone that you would have watching a Bravia TV.

To get a better feel for just how slim this phone is, check out Sony’s promo video.

Motorola Droid Bionic

Another Verizon offering, the Motorola Droid Bionic might just be the fastest phone to hit the market yet. Not only does it run on Verizon’s 4G network, it features a dual-core processor and 512MB RAM. Besides blazing speeds, Droid Bionic users will also be able to enjoy an 8 megapixel camera, a 4.3 inch screen, with a resolution of 960×540, full 1080p support, and HDMI connectivity.

Check out the Motorola Droid Bionic in action at CES 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-8QEKRBZ4A

Are you planning on getting a new Android phone? Let us know which one in the comments.

Image credit: Svet