Nexus 5. What most people failed to mention is this is an unlocked $350 smartphone going head to head with $700 - $900 handsets.

If you want a smartphone that's fast, responsive and powerful, void of all the bloatware and secondary network branding and feels and looks great - go with Nexus 5. The camera isn't as great at the Moto X and HTC One but all else it can hold its own. You own the phone outright, get Android updates first, no monthly fees for the device and you take it wherever you want to only pay for service. How much better can it possibly get :)

The other phones are great as well - but no where can you find a better value than a Nexus device.

Personally went with N5.. I was due an upgrade from my galaxy nexus and I like the raw Android experience. I don't use that many apps in all honesty. Great screen, great battery life. Very happy with my purchase and shall have it for a good while.

HTC One has been an excellent handset; high standard of build quality, "basics" all fine (calls, battery, etc), with its main benefit for us being the fast camera (fast is vital when photographing young kids!). I hear from a fellow parent the Nexus 5 camera isn't quite fast enough for a speedy toddler but no personal experience of it.

Cardiak below said that the 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 updates fixed the camera issues you're referring to. that has not been my experience at all. The focusing is a bit better. Color is a lot better, but the shutter, if it had any improvements, seems negligible to me.

If camera is a big concern, go with the HTC One. Overall, the N5 is better all-around, though. The Moto X has a nice build, a decent camera, and "okay" specs. It seems to do well.

Yes, Update 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 address this :)

Really, so you mean the Nexus 5 has fast camera performance with these updates? I would definitely be interested in one, but fast picture taking really would be a "must have" for me.

The Moto X feels great in your hand, which for some reason isn't talked about too much in Interent forums, but I think is as important as the software version it ships with.

I got a Nexus 5. It was bigger than I expected and I was initially unhappy. After a few days of use, I'm loving it. "Ok Google" is a winner.

Moto X. The hotphrase detector + Google Now makes you feel like you're on the Enterprise.

If you want smaller phone and with more battery life get the Moto X. If you want a phone that always receives the latest version of Android first and a 1080p screen get the Nexus 5.

Moto G