Nexus 5 is no doubt the best budget android smartphone right now. It offers great hardware for its price along with pure android experience. Buying a Nexus device also means that you will get the latest android version and after that, updates.

Moto X is an other popular device right now. It also offer some great specs with a unique function i.e. "OK GOOGLE."

Moto G is third on my list. It's an insanely low priced device with great specs offered at that price range. People on budget can buy this smartphone also because it will be receiving Android 4.4 update in January 2014.

Sony Xperia L is a great device from Sony boosting a dual-core processor 8 MP camera and NFC. Android 4.2 update has arrived on Xperia l and hopefully it will receive 4.3 update also.

Sony Xperia M offers buttery smooth performance with good hardware. It's a direct competitor of Xperia l 

except a smaller display and a low resolution camera.

Note: Huawei Honor C and Honor X are not available yet so they are not mentioned in this list.